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I do not buy into them but when I am ready I make the calls to get the information I seek. I don't like high pressure sales. If we bought everything that was pitched we would be bankrupt.

Amanda and Jared,

I disagree with you, unless you can show me all the 99% that are full of baloney and the 1% who are not!  If you cannot prove it, it would be like those who say that 99% of real estate agents are no better than used car salesmen.  We know that is not true!  

I am not that cynical... I try to absorb and listen to as much as I can... you never know when you unearth a hidden little gem of information. Also, I'd need a better definition of "guru." It's a term that can mean many different things to different people.

When I got my license I went to many workshops. Now I get everything online. No, I would not pay them money now. But having a mentor or someone who keeps you accountable is quite useful. 

It depends on what you call Gurus.  There are some genious Real Estate people in Active Rain that are outstanding in teaching us how to market our business.

up to their eyeballs ;)

Richie Alan Naggar already wrote the perfect answer! 

Most gurus are self proclaimed and you can't put much trust in that

My broker did was involved with the Mike Ferry organization back in the day.  He had very good results with it and was often a speaker at conferences and was one of the first people hired by Mike to coach others for him.

Mike's techniques worked in the day.  My broker got a LOT of business because of it and, like I have with AR, made some really good friends.

Guru's can be great if they have good info and you are willing to do what they say.  If you walk in thinking they're full of crap, then you will be prejudged to them and will get nothing from it.

I went to a free Tom Ferry event recently that was selling their big two day seminar.  Went in with an open mind (even though I knew what I was in store for) and got some good tidbits out of it.  Some stuff was crap I wouldn't do, other stuff was crap I would do.  There is usually a nugget of goodness somewhere in these gurus, if you are willing to look.

There is a lot of hucksterism in this business. Real estate conventions and company conventions are loaded with motivational speaking which many agents confuse with education. Much of this is generational. Maybe the next generation of real estate agents will be less susceptible to the pseudo-religious cult of real estate pitchmen (and women).

Zero, no, no, yep

Never liked gurus. They tell you to do it their way. I prefer mentors who inspire you to do it your way.

never tried and never will pay for leads....

My observation is anyone that calls themself a 'guru', is not.  There are some great coaches/training programs out there, but they don't tout themselves as guru's.  

I do not.

Not used them.

Richie Alan Naggar - as usual - has the answer

I've never gone down the guru path. I liken these programs to weight loss programs. Some people just need an extra push to get results. 

It depends on the guru.

    Paid $$$ to one of them in 1985, when I was brand new to the business.  Lesson learned; never spent another dime. 

Can't say I've ever put a penny in any of their pockets unless you would count a NAR or State Convention sponsored CE class with one of them when I needed credits. One "Guru" I actually like has free stuff on line (Knox Free Tuesday) and that is David Knox.

So glad I read this QA... I joined Active Rain a few days ago, and for some reason I thought using the word "guru" in my headline would help explain my interests and expertise.

After reading some of the insightful answers here, it's gone!

No need to pay private "gurus" huge fees!

From what I have seen so far, simply engaging in sites like Active Rain provide a wealth of free information and tips.

Sincerely,

Denise

Have to listen to some of them but do not buy in

I can find so much information from some of these "gurus" free online. I will listen and watch videos.  I heard good ideas. What system works for you may not for me.  Accountability is the key and some agents need that! Never paid for their services.  My friend did sign up for one recently thru her office, Buffini or Burino?  I forget.  All this $$ and not one idea implemented.

I never use the word guru in describing anyone.... if one learns to market online and offline, no one will need a "guru".... they are full of it!!!

Have NEVER bought a 'glass of their Kool-Aid' and do not plan to anytime soon.

Did you just say I could by a house with NO MONEY DOWN and assign it for cash the next day! LOL   We went to free one many many years ago while in college.  Two day event.  First day was pretty informative over general stuff.  Second day was a non stop sales pitch to purchase the "upgraded" information.  First day was pretty good and picked up some good info. 

Amanda and Jared Christiansen I learned this after the first time I went to one of their rah-rah meetings.

Choose wisely! Too many experts out there with little experience! 

"ahem' is what most measure 99% of everything they could not make work for THEM.

Yes, I do make money, however, when I hand them money I do know what I am buying because I do ask probing and revealing questions AND know what my business needs. My business does not need 'magic happens' stuff.

Besides most offer a money back guarantee.

HINT: they all require a 'buy into them' commitment because an 80 percent effort results in only 5% results.

Lastly, I have no idea what a guru is. Are those letters offered by NAR?

Have not paid for "guru's"; was involved in some company sponsored sessions when I worked for a large firm and was horrified at some of the stuff that was being "taught".

One good idea can make a huge difference in your business down the road -- just as changing the airplane's heading by one degree on the compass will eventually take you someplace completely different.  I'm always open to hearing about that one good idea.   As for paying gurus -- good advice is worth paying for.  I built my business on the principles and practices I learned from Brian Buffini and Joe Stumpf -- worth every penny I paid them.

There are some good free webinars by some "gurus" but I think it is only worth paying for real coaching and then only if that's what will serve you best. A good mentor can be someone in your office or someone you pay; the value starts with what they offer but your application is what makes it worth the investment.

Them that can do, them that can't become gurus.

I'll admit that I'm tempted at times but I just can't seem to follow through and commit to one of these programs! First, what sounds too good to be true...blah blah blah.  Second, I just don't want to have to pay for leads. I just can't do it.

I don't use them, but know of many very successful agents that have used them and vastly improved their business because of them. So... I don't agree with your statement and believe that they can be very helpful in providing ideas and motivation to their clients. Most of the ones that I know or have read about are very professional. Too bad you chose to disparage most of them with your last question.

Having been to Dale Carnegie, Zig Ziglar and a couple of other's not anymore.

I do try to do one a year to refresh what I have already learned.

You make your personal choices for what will best work for you.

Who are these Gurus? Never paid - and not likely to pay.

no, no and yes. 

Now have a learned some great stuff from very smart people I'd call a guru ... you bet I have. But do they sell it, nope.

I have learned things from many of them, but have never paid any of them for the experience.