Are designations worth it?

[David Nacco]

Are real estate designations worth the time and money? I am currently in the military in the Norfolk, VA area and I'm getting my real estate license. I was thinking about getting the military relocation specialist designation and starting off by targeting my marketing and networking towards veterans and active duty/reservists while building up my business because I think I have an advantage in that area already. I eventually plan to branch out but I think that would be a good way for me to jump start the business. Is getting the actual designation worth it and have you guys found clients find you to be more of an expert or more likely to choose one who has a designation that relates to them over an agent who does not?