The Sociable Agent is a new resource for digital, paperless and social media training for real estate sales reps. The company says it is the first web-based training program of its kind in Canada.

The company co-founders are Melanie Piché and Brendan Powell, real estate agents in Toronto operating as The BREL Team (www.getwhatyouwant.ca).

Piché says: “We started using the web and mobile technology early in our careers. Social media, blogging, online advertising and a paperless office philosophy have all helped us become successful in our real estate business. But we realized there is a huge training gap. Realtors who really want to increase the value they bring to clients have nowhere to turn to get basic skills and implementation strategies specific to our industry.”

Powell says: “At first, we were a bit nervous about giving up all our trade secrets, but in the end, when real estate agents and brokerages get better, our whole industry gets better. And that’s a win for us, and for buyers and sellers across the country.”

Using video tutorials, blog posts, webinars and e-books, The Sociable Agent allows agents to learn at their own pace, when and how they want, the company says. Training is offered in going paperless, using Facebook to get results and building an online real estate brand. A daily blog for subscribers helps agents know what proven tactics to focus on and how to implement them. Support is provided through virtual training, coaching, tools and a private Facebook group.