Well, it’s just about that time in the two-year cycle again – license renewal time with the Missouri Real Estate Commission. And, most of us are faced with satisfying the continuing education (“CE”) requirements that go along with the renewal process. So I ask you, is CE a nuisance or an opportunity?
Frankly, I hear quite a bit of grumbling about this time in the process about having to sit through twelve hours of either classroom or online education courses. Now, really, does it have to be considered a painful ‘have to’, or can we simply do a little attitude tweak and approach CE as a ‘growth opportunity’? There are so many complicated aspects to our profession and within our industry. Regulations and technology are constantly changing, and we need to make every effort to keep up, or we get left behind. CE requirements can motivate us to add to our toolkit of familiarity or expertise, or to simply brush up on some skills that have gotten a bit rusty over time. The opportunities are out there – we just have to pay attention to them and decide which courses, and which format(s), suit us best.
For example, as a broker, I think I know a lot about risk management. But, as I was considering my CE opportunities a few months ago, I was intrigued by a newly updated risk management course. I was overwhelmed by recent issues that can easily threaten our livelihood if ignored. So now when I have to discuss risk management with my licensees, I guarantee that I talk about it with more authority after having treated part of my CE requirement as a ‘growth opportunity’.
So, I’ll ask the question one more time: CE, a nuisance or an opportunity? I DARE YOU to make it an opportunity!
Miles F. Noennig
2016 President
Missouri REALTORS®