The Bandwagon Picks up Speed!

Over a year ago, I wrote a Playbook titled “Me and My Buddy Warren!” that responded to the fact that some of our competitors were showing their first signs of fear about our Prudential brand being purchased by the smartest investor in the world, Warren Buffett, and Berkshire Hathaway.  Well, it looks like that fear has grown to trepidation as the wave of success for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices spreads across the country!  Sadly, but not unexpectedly, I continue to hear in coaching sessions with agents around the state that the wild tales from our competitors are growing even more foolish and desperate!

So, as the BHHS bandwagon picks up speed and we get ready to jump on board ourselves, let’s make use of this exciting opportunity to enhance and grow our business in all our markets by proactively trumpeting what Uncle Warren brings to us and our clients!

First, Berkshire Hathaway was named by Barron’s last year as “the most respected business in the world.”  Above Apple.  Above Disney.  Most respected IN THE WORLD.  Confidence.  Success.  Savvy.  Quality.  Resources.  Best.  Who wouldn’t want to be associated with that level of recognition, support, and good will? 

Oh, and for those who perhaps don’t read Barron’s, can anyone name the guy who provided the backing for the billion-dollar prize for a perfect NCAA bracket this year?  'Nuff said.

Then, just a couple of weeks ago, Harris Polls Equitrend named Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices as the top ranked Real Estate Agency Brand in the USA!!  Wow, what home seller wouldn’t want THAT name, and all that goes with it, on the sign in their yard!!  And what buyer wouldn’t feel comfortable relying on a trusted pro with that name on their business card!

Finally, for those of you who didn’t attend the BHHS/Pru Convention in Nashville, it was amazing to hear the stories of agents and companies growing their businesses almost overnight as potential clients CALLED THEM simply because of that solid platinum name, Berkshire Hathaway.

No wonder our competitors are quaking in their boots!

Bottom line, if Warren Buffett buys our brand, that’s a heck of a compliment and a long-term commitment—backed up with plenty of financial wherewithal—to ongoing improvement, growth, and excellence.  Sign me up!

So yes, our brand (not our company, and shame on any of our competitors who imply that!) has been bought, and it clearly strengthens our position in the world of real estate.  It means we’ll be getting even stronger when maybe some of those smaller or older or more locally focused companies can no longer keep up!

Get ready to jump aboard that bandwagon!

David M. Hassler

Director of Coaching