Your First 30 Days at Side
A step-by-step guide to getting fully set up, running your first transaction, and getting the most out of your Side tools — in your first month.
Before Day 1 Emails to Expect
When Side provisions your account, a series of automated emails arrives. Knowing what to expect means nothing gets missed in your inbox. Here's what to look for and what to do with each one:
| Email Subject / Sender | What It Is | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Okta account invitation | Invitation to create your Okta password for your new Side branded email address. | ✅ Click the link and create your password. Do this first — every other tool depends on Okta access. |
| Bank account setup — from no-reply@side.com | Prompt to securely save your bank account details for commission payments. | ✅ Follow the link to the Side App Account section and add your bank account. Payment cannot be issued without this. |
| W-9 completion request | Request to digitally complete your W-9 tax form so Side can report your payments correctly. | ✅ Complete promptly — required before any commission payment can be processed. |
| Follow Up Boss account invitation | Invitation to your CRM account. | ✅ Accept the invitation using your Side branded email address as your login. |
| ActivePipe / Canva welcome emails | Access to your email marketing and design tools. | ✅ Accept and log in with your Side branded email. |
| Workvivo invitation | Access to Side's community platform (replaces Workplace by Meta). | ✅ Accept via the Okta dashboard — click the Workvivo Social Network tile. |
Week 1 · Step 1 Activate Okta — Your Master Key
Okta is the single sign-on portal that gives you access to every Side tool. You must activate your Okta account before you can log into anything else.
- Find the Okta activation email in your personal inbox and click the activation link.
- Create a strong password (14+ characters, mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols). You'll use this every day.
- After setting your password, Okta will prompt you to set up MFA (multi-factor authentication) security methods. We recommend setting up at least two options (e.g. SMS text and the Okta Verify app) — this prevents you from getting locked out if one method isn't available, like an SMS that doesn't arrive.
- Open Google Chrome on your computer (Side tools work best in Chrome).
- Navigate to sideagent.okta.com and sign in with your Side branded email and new password.
- Bookmark this URL — it's your daily starting point for all Side tools.
Your Okta Dashboard — Tool Tiles to Know
| Tile Name | What It Opens |
|---|---|
| Side App | Your transaction management platform — listings, offers, compliance, commissions. |
| Follow Up Boss | Your CRM for managing leads and client relationships. |
| ActivePipe | Email marketing and market newsletter platform. |
| Canva | Branded design and marketing materials tool. |
| Digital Campaign Builder (DCB) | Paid ad campaigns on Meta and Google. Access via the DCB tile or your team's DCB URL. |
| Workvivo Social Network | Side's agent community platform. |
| 360Learning | Side's training and education library. |
| Luxury Presence | Your team website (Partners). Associates: request login from your Partner. |
| MoxiPresent | Listing presentation builder. Login at presentbyside.com with your Side email. |
| Google Workspace | Your Side branded Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, and Meet. Note: most teams manage their own Google Workspace — your Google account login follows Google's own policies and is separate from Okta. Okta does not enforce or control your Google password. |
Full orientation to the Side App dashboard, navigation sidebar, home page, and account settings.
Step-by-step instructions for adding your Side Google Workspace email to Outlook, Gmail, or Apple Mail on your iPhone or Android device.
Week 1 · Step 2 Add Your Bank Account & Complete Your W-9
These two steps are required before Side can issue any commission payment. Complete them during your first week — before your first transaction gets anywhere near closing.
- Log into the Side App via Okta.
- Click the arrow (▾) in the upper right corner → Account.
- Click "Manage Bank Accounts" and follow the prompts to securely add your bank details. You'll be asked to re-authenticate as a security step.
- Complete your W-9 if prompted (or via the link in the onboarding email). This determines how your commissions are tax-reported. Your tax status affects whether you receive a 1099 — see the Commissions & Payouts Master Guide for details.
Everything about the commission form, Payments Center, Instant Pay, RTP vs ACH, 1099s, and getting paid on time.
Week 1 · Step 3 Complete Your Profile
Several pieces of information auto-populate into your documents and commission forms from your profile. Setting these up correctly now saves you from manually correcting information on every transaction.
- Cell phone number — Account → Profile → Account Information. This auto-fills into your offers. After updating, open a Cover Sheet and click the sync icon on your contact card to pull in the new number.
- Profile photo — Contact chat support or email help@side.com with your headshot. This appears in your Partner Map listing and co-marketing ads.
- DocuSign CC email — Account → Profile → DocuSign Options. Add any personal email address you want to receive copies of completed DocuSign envelopes.
- Partner Map details (Partners only) — Account → Team Information. Update your team's address, bio, logo, and contact details. Agents searching for Side partners will find you here.
- Notification preferences — Account → Notification Preferences. Opt in to SMS or push alerts for payment received, Instant Pay certification, and team payment notifications.
Review Side's Policies & Procedures
All agents are required to operate within Side's Policies and Procedures. You can access them anytime from Account → Agent P&P. P&P are updated as needed to reflect regulatory and market changes — it's worth reviewing them periodically, not just at onboarding.
The Safe Side: Security Awareness
Side requires all agents to complete The Safe Side security awareness training. This short program covers your role in protecting client data and preventing security incidents. Watch the training videos and report anything suspicious to agentsecurity@side.com. Access the training through 360Learning.
Week 1 · Step 4 Know Your Full Tool Stack
Side provides a curated set of tools to run every part of your business. Here's what you have access to, what each one does, and how urgently you need to set it up:
Your transaction hub. Create listings, offers, and leases. Send documents for signature. Submit for compliance. Access commission forms. Everything starts here.
Your Side branded email, cloud storage, and calendar. Side systems communicate with you via this email — check it daily.
Your CRM. Manage leads, track client communication, set up follow-up sequences, and connect to ActivePipe. Contacts sync from FUB into the Side App for auto-fill on Cover Sheets.
Email marketing platform. Send branded market newsletters to your database, run drip campaigns, and display live MLS data in your emails. Syncs contacts from FUB automatically.
Design tool for creating branded marketing materials. Your team's brand kit is pre-loaded. Pulls transaction data from the Side App for listing flyers and social posts.
Launch paid Meta and Google ad campaigns for retargeting, lead generation, and listing promotion. No ad experience required — Side manages the technical setup.
Build polished listing and buyer presentations. Separate login from Okta — use your Side email as username and set a separate Moxi-specific password.
Your team's branded website. Partners manage the account — Associates need to request login credentials from their Partner.
Week 1–2 · Step 5 Set Up Follow Up Boss
Follow Up Boss is your CRM — the system of record for all your leads and clients. Getting it set up correctly early ensures that contacts auto-fill into your Side App transactions and that your lead flow works from day one.
- Accept the FUB invitation email using your Side branded email as your login — not a personal email. This is required for Okta integration to work correctly.
- In the Side App, go to Account → Connected Accounts and click "Connect Follow Up Boss Contacts." This links FUB so your contacts auto-fill on transaction Cover Sheets.
- Import your existing contacts into FUB. Ask your Partner for export access if you need to transfer a database from another CRM.
- Set up your lead sources — connect Zillow, your website, or other lead platforms. Check FUB's integrations directory for the full list of supported connections.
- Tag your contacts. ActivePipe uses FUB tags to sync contacts — any contact with at least one tag will sync to ActivePipe automatically (first sync can take up to 2 hours).
Getting Help with FUB
| Issue Type | Who to Contact |
|---|---|
| Technical issues, how-to questions, integrations | support@followupboss.com |
| Account provisioning, access setup | Side Support — help@side.com or chat |
| Changing your role / permissions | Reach out to your brand's Partner |
| Need Admin access to export contacts | Ask your Partner — Admin role is required for contact exports |
Week 2 · Step 6 Set Up ActivePipe
ActivePipe is your email marketing engine. Once your FUB contacts are tagged, they'll sync into ActivePipe automatically — then you can send market newsletters, property updates, and campaign emails to your database.
- Access ActivePipe from your Okta dashboard.
- Confirm your FUB contacts are syncing — go to your contacts list in ActivePipe and verify they've appeared. If they haven't, check that each contact in FUB has at least one tag (any tag). The first sync can take up to 2 hours.
- Set up your market newsletter: go to Emails → Create Email → Templates → Modern Newsletter. Customize the content blocks to match your voice and local market.
- Choose your market area for live MLS data. ActivePipe supports markets where Side agents have reached $10M and 10 units in production — email help@side.com to request a city or county if yours isn't listed.
- Duplicate your first newsletter each month rather than rebuilding from scratch — it saves significant time once your template is how you want it.
Where to access Side-specific ActivePipe training in 360Learning, how to set up your first newsletter, contact sync from FUB, and how to get help with the platform.
For how-to guides, training videos, and email template tutorials, visit the ActivePipe support site or the 360Learning library for Side-specific ActivePipe training.
Week 2–3 · Step 7 Your First Transaction
When you're ready to create your first transaction in the Side App, here's the fast version of what to know before you start. For the full walkthrough, see the From Listing to Close Master Guide.
The 5 Things That Trip Up New Agents
| Common Mistake | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Typing the property address manually instead of selecting from the dropdown | Always pick the address from the dropdown that appears as you type. This links the property to state-approved forms and MLS data — typing it manually breaks that connection. |
| Skipping the Cover Sheet fields and trying to proceed to Documents | All fields marked with an asterisk (*) must be completed before the Documents tab activates. Click the lavender bubble on the Cover Sheet to see exactly what's missing. |
| Uploading documents to the Side App and assuming they'll appear in Compliance Review | Only documents sent and signed via the Side App auto-transfer to compliance. Everything else — uploaded documents, externally signed files — must be manually added to the compliance checklist. |
| Trying to edit a sent envelope instead of duplicating it | You cannot edit a sent envelope. Duplicate it (three dots → Duplicate), make your corrections, and resend. The original envelope cannot be updated in place. |
| Waiting until close to submit the commission form | The form becomes available 10 days before COE — submit it as soon as it opens. A reminder goes out 3 days before COE if it's still not submitted, but by then you may be rushing. |
Compliance: What New Agents Need to Know
Before you can be paid on any transaction, the file must pass compliance review. This is not optional. Here's the bare minimum to understand before your first submission:
- Start compliance from the Cover Sheet → "Ready for Compliance Review"
- Complete all action items on the left panel first (e.g. Prepare Listing, Add Accepted Offer)
- Upload required documents to the checklist — required items have an asterisk (*)
- Side reviews within 48 hours of submission. Rejections include a note explaining what's needed.
- Your file is prioritized by closing date — always keep the COE date accurate in your transaction details
Complete walkthrough of the transaction lifecycle — Cover Sheet, documents, signing, offers, compliance, and getting paid.
Deep dive into compliance stages, checklist logic, rejection reasons, CA requirements, and how to close out a file correctly.
Week 2–3 · Step 8 Join the Side Community
One of Side's most underused benefits for new agents is the community. Within Workvivo and the Side App, you have access to thousands of Side agents, an exclusive listing feed, and a referral network.
Three Things to Do in Your First Two Weeks
- Join Workvivo — Log into your Okta dashboard and click the Workvivo Social Network tile. Browse your State space and find your local metro area under Subspaces. Introduce yourself.
- Check Side Listings — In the Side App, go to Community → Side Listings. This is the exclusive off-market and coming soon feed for the Side network. Filter by proximity to your market to see what's available.
- Explore the Referral Exchange — The Referral Exchange in Workvivo is where agents post and pick up referrals across the Side network. You're subscribed by default. Manage notification frequency in your Workvivo notification settings.
The Partner Map
The Partner Map in the Side App (Community → Partner Map) is a directory of all Side teams. Your team's listing goes live once your Partner updates your profile. Clients and other agents use this to find and contact Side teams — make sure your team's information is current.
Week 1–4 · Step 9 Training & Learning
Side offers structured training through 360Learning — and the fastest path to being productive is using it early, before you have an urgent question in the middle of a transaction.
Where to Start
- Join "Your Questions, Answered!" — Side's weekly live session for new agents. The team will point you to the right training for your specific situation. Sign up via 360Learning.
- Browse the 360Learning library — Find it in your Okta dashboard. Search "live training" for recordings of past sessions, or browse by tool (Side App, Follow Up Boss, ActivePipe, DCB).
- Complete The Safe Side — Side's required security awareness training. Search for it directly in 360Learning.
PartnerUp Coaching
Side's exclusive coaching program connects you with top-producing real estate coaches for courses on growing your business. This goes beyond platform training — it's business strategy, lead generation, team building, and more.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | PartnerUpCoaching.Side.com |
| Cost | Varies by course — see each course listing for curriculum and pricing |
| New coaches | Sign up for update notifications as new coaches and topics are added |
| Become a coach | Email partnerup-coaching@side.com |
Business Planning
The Associate Business Planning Worksheet is available in 360Learning — search for it directly. Make a copy (File → Make a copy) and fill it out. Share it with your team so your Partner and colleagues can support your goals. The worksheet is especially valuable in your first 30–60 days when you're setting production targets for the year.
Submit the Growth Tools request form to activate ActivePipe, DCB, Canva, and other marketing tools. Access is by request and is not automatic — submit this during Week 1 so your tools are ready when you need them.
Weeks 3–4 · Step 10 Explore the Side Marketplace
The Side Marketplace is a curated directory of vendor partners with pre-negotiated rates and exclusive perks for the Side community. You don't need to set these up in your first week — but knowing what's available will help you choose vendors intelligently as your business scales.
| Need | Side Partner |
|---|---|
| Commission advance (access funds before closing) | Tongo, RLTYco — both available in the Marketplace, no broker approval needed |
| Pre-sale renovations for listings | Side Marketplace renovation partners — maximize sale price, reduce days on market |
| Virtual assistant | Side-Certified VAs — trained on Side's platform and tools from day one |
| Listing photography and media | Side preferred photography vendor — negotiated rates and dedicated support |
| Open house sign-in tool | Curb Hero (free) or Happy Open House (paid) |
| Home warranty ordering | Directly through Compliance Review in the Side App — automatic document uploads, no separate vendor login needed |
| Client nurture / buyer search platform | RealScout — exclusive Side community rates and priority support |
| Agent recruitment & retention analytics | Courted or MarketView Broker — available to Side agents without needing a broker license |
| Transaction management / team analytics | Sisu — negotiated rates and priority support for Side community |
Visit the Side Marketplace page in the Side App to browse all vendors, or email Marketplace@side.com with suggestions or feedback.
Your 30-Day Completion Checklist
Use this as your reference to confirm you've covered everything in your first month. Print it, bookmark it, or share it with your TC or admin.
🔐 Access & Security
- Okta account activated and password set
- Side App accessible via sideagent.okta.com
- Google Workspace email confirmed and working
- The Safe Side security training completed in 360Learning
- Strong password set (14+ characters, unique to Okta)
💳 Financial Setup
- Bank account added to Side App (Account → Manage Bank Accounts)
- W-9 completed with correct tax entity type
- Payout notification preferences configured (SMS/push opt-in)
👤 Profile & Settings
- Cell phone number updated in Account → Profile
- Profile photo submitted to support
- DocuSign CC email added (if desired)
- Side's Policies & Procedures reviewed (Account → Agent P&P)
- Partner Map details updated (Partners only)
🛠 Tools Connected
- Follow Up Boss accepted with Side branded email as login
- FUB connected to Side App (Account → Connected Accounts)
- Contacts tagged in FUB (triggers sync to ActivePipe)
- ActivePipe contacts confirmed syncing from FUB
- First market newsletter drafted in ActivePipe
- Canva account accepted and brand kit confirmed
- MoxiPresent password set (separate from Okta) at presentbyside.com
📋 Transactions
- Watched or read the From Listing to Close Master Guide
- Reviewed the Compliance Review Master Guide
- First transaction created (or Cover Sheet practice completed)
- Payments Center explored — know where your commission forms live
👥 Community & Growth
- Workvivo joined and local metro space found
- Side Listings browsed for your market
- Referral Exchange notification preferences set
- "Your Questions, Answered!" session attended or scheduled
- Business Planning Worksheet started in 360Learning
- Side Marketplace reviewed — noted vendors relevant to your business