The entrepreneurship journey is in itself very lonely, so when you need advice on how to remedy a situation or drive your business forward, you might not know where to turn for it. Unfortunately there are no single Association in South Africa dedicated to any independent small to medium real estate agencies to provide you with the answers, advice, and tools you need to grow your business and become the best small real estate business owner you can be.

Today, technology has reshaped the real estate landscape not just in South Africa but across the globe and although it is still a local or regional business in a lot of ways in many of the markets, brokers, realtors, and agents everywhere now lean on technology as a way to boost collaboration, facilitate workflow automation, and close more deals. The days of relying solely on the laurels of the so called big brand names and n real estate industry are over!

The real estate marketing landscape is now wide open and is continually changing, making it harder to penetrate bu all and sundry in the industry, big or small alike. For most real estate agencies and realtors, generating qualified leads that will eventually convert can prove to be a challenging task, especially in the non-competitive market landscape in South Africa where only one listing portal pre-dominate.

By connecting to other like-minded entrepreneurs at IEANSA, you will have access to a wealth of small business knowledge, mentorship programs and experienced leaders to tap into when you need advice or inspiration for your own company. If you are ready to learn new business skills and grow your small business, one of the smartest moves you can make is to join IEANSA association.

So Why become an independent real estate agency?

It is true and trite that most of us entrepreneurs do not just start our own business so we could operate under the same restrictions of choice that we did while working for someone else. Entrepreneurs by nature love their freedom and deee will. We want to be able to make our own choices and tread our own path in life and business.

As an independent agency, this is exactly what you get. You have full reign over your business name, branding and how it is applied, and your positioning in the local market.

Moreover, from an operational perspective, you have the freedom to define your own mission and vision, values and business practices.

Whereas buying into a Franchise models vary, but one thing for sure, as an absolute basic, your business brand is controlled by a head office big brother somewhere else. Do not be lured by a tired lie that buying into a franchise business is like “being in your own business for yourself but not by yourself “, it’s a lie.! Pls n reality you are as good as an employee who paid (a franchise fee) to be an employee.

All franchise business be it in real estate or any industry, everything You buy into from the look of your office/shopfront to how you layout your business cards and mailbox drops is dictated by brand guidelines from head office.

Of course, this can on face value appear to be a big positive, since it is one less thing you would have to think about, and it ensures brand consistency, but it comes at a huge price because it does mean your freedoms as an entrepreneur is greatly curtailed when it comes to your business acumen, reducing you to an expensive employee.

As a real estate agency owner, if you are looking for control, and creativity, independent agency routes is your best move! Join IEANSA, connect with like minded entrepreneurs, learn a new thing every day, network across the country and grow your business exponentially.