Has anybody taken a training course or seminar with either Tom Ferry or Brian Buffini or both? Any recommendations on one over the other?

BR, Have you been in the real estate business a long time? I have NOT taken coaching from either of the two mentioned, but I have taken a number of coaching programs over the years.

Most coaches teach systems that DO work, but if your personality doesn't fit their method of doing business, you won't be successful. Several companies do a personality profile on you before beginning the training, which is a GOOD thing, but my experience has been that most still train you on using their system, as if it is the only thing that could possibly work.

If you need coaching, find a system that really works with your personality. You will get some tips from ANY system that can help, but for the normal costs of coaching, you need a LOT of production increase to pay for the training.

Do a LOT of research before committing to anyone, and make sure you have the option to "opt out" if the system isn't for you. If their method of real estate sales would turn you off as a consumer, don't use them. Put yourself in the consumers shoes, and ask yourself how would those methods work for you.

Search google for "complaints" for the various trainers as well. Not all complaints are valid, but if you find a LOT on a coach, it may be wise to re-think!

They are like apples and oranges. I think it's Mike Ferry, not Tom.

Buffini is OK in some respects, very motivational - I don't care for begging everyone you know for referrals all the time. I like some of what he teaches but for the most part, I'm too low key to go with either one of these guys all the way, though each of them may very well have something of value to you that you can add to your business.

Another one I like, but don't always agree with is David Knox.

My favorite coach however is Jennifer Allan - I prefer her approach to real estate above anyone else, her low key, SOI approach fits my personality much better than any other I've come across.

I don't like cold calling, I don't like door knocking, I don't like begging for referrals...yet I've learned something from each of these coaches over the years. They tend to get cult like followings - lol - but hey, I guess I'm in the Sell With Soul cult...lol.

Perky, Tom Ferry is a coach as well as Mike. Tom is Mike's son, so I assume teaches a similar style. The Ferry style is a little too "in your face" for me.

I think both are great. I am Mentor trained in Brian Buffini's program and still feel it's the best "referral" program out there. But that's all it is and don't expect to learn about internet leads or social networking. But a good referral system should be the back bone of anyone's business.

I heard Tom speak about 1 month ago and I thought he was excellent. Some other great referal techniques and a very good way to ask for business.

David Knox' videos should be in everyone's pre-list package. He does a wonderful job of handling price objections for you. I think it's called "how to price a home to sell".

Steve Woodruff has an excellent training program as well as Richard Robbins too.

I would likely recommend them all. Just pick one and I'm sure you'll see results. I don't think there is a be all and end all program out there just yet. At least I haven't seen it.

All the best.

Speaking of David Knox, a friend of mine attended a seminar of his recently and said that it sounded as if he's "stealing my stuff" - that he's softened up his message quite a bit and NOT advising so much sales-pitching and hard selling. She wasn't serious about his literally stealing my stuff, obviously, just pointing out that even the Big Guys can change their tune as times change.

Mike Ferry (Father) is the best. I have worked with them all.

I got that same impression the last time I heard him speak at a Weichert event - he was more "customer oriented" than "sales pitchy" oriented...

I agree that between the Ferry's Mike is #1 and then Matt. He has an amazing NLP program.

took the Buffini 100 days to greatness. It was pretty good. He spends alot of time though pitching his products and mentoring service though.