Daily recap of 2024 Fall Business Meetings: Thurs., Sept. 19

The Illinois REALTORS® Fall Business Meetings continued in Oak Brook Thursday, with members focusing on sharpening their sales presentations and honing their negotiation skills.

During "Presentation Ready: Exploring the Art of Presenting Persuasively," Terri Sjodin provided participants with strategies to overcome objections, improve their body language and add appropriate visual aids. Sjodin also led the breakout session, "Build Your Persuasive Case," explaining how to replace information with logical persuasive strategies. She also shared data from her national research and provided a list of pitfalls to avoid.

During the Business Issues Forum, Mike Walker explained the psychology of influence, conflict theory and the art of framing negotiations during, "Mastering the Art of Commission Negotiation."

The Public Policy Forum "Zoning Reform," was a discussion about the history, impact and future of zoning featuring Illinois REALTORS® CEO Jeff Baker and Angela Brooks, FAICP, Director of the Illinois office of the Corporation for Supportive Housing. Brooks serves on the Chicago Board of Zoning Appeals, the Illinois Affordable Housing Advisory Commission, and is co-chair of the national Housing Supply Accelerator, helping communities meet the housing needs of residents.

Other important sessions included:

• a continuing education course, "Seller Strategies Reframed," by Chris Read,
• the MLS Forum, "How is the MLS Moving Forward" and
• an end-of-the-day reception for all members.

The meetings will conclude Friday after the Board of Director's Meeting.