The property industry is a fast-paced one. Legislature changes. Processes evolve. New platforms emerge on the scene. Agents have to continually train to ensure they remain on the cutting edge. As a brand known for being SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.™, Century 21 South Africa takes pride in investing in our property professionals. Our trailblazing platform, C21 4U, ensures they have the latest knowledge and competencies to help clients succeed in real estate.
What is C21 4U?
The C21 4U platform is Century 21 South Africa's in-house gamification tool. Property professionals are given tasks to complete that are designed to make them better agents. There's a competitive element at play too. Franchises are able to view each other's progress to see how they compare to each other.
"C21 4U has been specifically designed for our estate agents and franchise owners," says Dylan Prentis, Century 21 South Africa's National Marketing Manager. "It is a promise we, as a company, give to our clients that we are working hard to be the best agents in the country. C21 4U will 'level up' our skills, allowing us to be better versions of ourselves."
According to Prentis, the platform name speaks to its target. It is for all agents, franchise owners, and admin staff that work tirelessly every day for Century 21 South Africa. And, of course, it is for the clients that place their trust and confidence in the company.
How C21 4U works
The C21 4U platform upgrades the expertise of its property professionals in every field needed to assist clients. These range from marketing, branding, and social media all the way to securing a sale and customer satisfaction. While Century 21 South Africa does ensure property professionals have this backing through its National Training Academy, C21 4U will ensure these skills are present and consistent throughout the Century 21 South Africa family.
Prentis says C21 4U has a gamification tool attached to it. This competitively pits each Century 21 South Africa franchise against each other, with upskilling being the focus. The winners will be the franchises that complete all the awards and challenges thrown at them - the ultimate C21 4U champions. However, everyone who participates will, in essence, be a winner by brushing up on the skills needed to excel in their professions.
Gamification is at the heart of C21 4U
With innovation as one of its core values, Century 21 South Africa uses technology to maintain its position as a worldwide leader in real estate. Whether it's using the latest property portals, social media sites, or PayProp, Century 21 South Africa brings its A-game to the real estate table. By using gamification, the brand is truly living up to its reputation.
Gamification in agent education motivates and engages those involved using game elements like point systems, leaderboards, badges, or other elements. When used studies confirm that gamification provides positive effects in the workplace, many of which Prentis is seeing his team benefiting from.
"Gamification works because it triggers real, powerful human emotions. C21 4U turns these emotions into positive user experiences. And positive user experience leads to better engagement, loyalty, and higher sales.
"Besides the enjoyment of completing goals, C21 4U's gamification also helps property professionals feel more connected. COVID-19, for example, can have an impact on company culture - those feelings of closeness and camaraderie. By competing as part of a franchise, our property professionals get a sense of teamwork. And seeing the progress of other franchises instils a sense of pride in the company as a whole."
The future of C21 4U
At present, the plan is to increase tasks by 70% for all franchises and then look at ways in which C21 4U can continue helping real estate professionals reach their goals. There's been a wave of excitement in response to the C21 4U. The company's property professionals and franchises are seeing it as a breath of fresh air for everyone to align together.
"C21 4U isn't designed to pressurise our people or make them feel like they aren't performing," points out Prentis. "It is FOR YOU - a way to improve everyone as a team and align all our skills so we can uphold our proud legacy as the best in the business."
- On the property hunt? Contact a tech-savvy Century 21 South Africa branch today.
- Looking to build your real estate career? Join the pack and get the support you need to thrive.
- Want to be your own boss? Become a franchise with a brand that invests in your success.