AAR Winter Conference and NASCAR

I can hear you now: “Huh? What? Has Risser lost his mind?” Maybe, but let me explain.

While hanging around the pits at the NASCAR race this weekend, I was amazed at the level of sophistication and teamwork.  Non-fans of racing easily dismiss the sport as nothing but one giant left turn, a bunch of good ol’ boys building, racing  and wrecking cars.  That may have been the case 40 years ago, but not today.  Today there are in-car computers transmitting real-time data to the crew chief, pit crews video-taping each pit stop for later review, and the absolute latest in technology involved in the design of these 800 HP machines.

So what does that have to do with real estate? Or AAR Winter Conference?

Even though agents are independent contractors, the level of teamwork, education and networking made available by AAR at Winter Conference is amazing.  Like a well-rehearsed pit stop, AAR has put together a program designed to fill your tank, increase your traction and get you headed in the right direction.  It will take a bit longer than 14 seconds, however.  Ok, enough of the silly racing analogies…

Whether you come up to Prescott for all three days or simply make it up for Wednesday or Thursday, you will be surrounded by like minded people, engaged and working on being better in their business.

Wednesday’s line-up of C/E classes is impressive.  Property Management, Claims and Remedies, and Major Home Systems are on the schedule.  Thursday starts with legislative and legal updates, and in the afternoon, you can get your technology fix at the REFocus Power Sessions.  There will be 30 sessions, each 25 minutes long, on topics ranging from Evernote to BPOs to photography.

Personally, I am looking forward to participating in the AARBar.  We will be located in the Eagle’s Nest throughout the conference.  If you have any questions on the latest in technology or online tools, someone in the AARBar will be able to help you.

I need to reiterate Nick Bastian’s point from a post last week:

“The AAR Winter Conference is LOADED with people that practice at a very high level: from attorneys to brokers to busy agents in the trenches and everything in between.”

Take advantage of the opportunity that AAR Winter Conference presents.  Walk up to someone you do not know, say hi, introduce yourself and find out a little bit about them.  The person you meet may have an answer or an idea or simply make you laugh.  I have personally developed long-lasting relationships that started at a conference with a simple hello.  Don’t miss out on this wonderful networking strategy.

If you are already signed up, I’m looking forward to seeing you in Prescott.  If you haven’t signed up yet, take another look at your schedule this week and see if you can “start your engine,” make your way up the hill and join the fun, learning and networking at AAR Winter Conference 2012.