The Disrupters: How Will They Change the Face of Real Estate?

Posted on by The Profitable Recruiter
11 Sep

by Real Estate Coach Judy LaDeur

The word we keep hearing in the marketplace is the “disrupters”.  What are they, who are they, and are they here to stay? My prediction is yes. Disrupters by their definition are an event or an organization that disrupts the flow of business as it has always been done.  They shake up the marketplace, and in some cases, change entire industries. A few disrupters that we have all seen in recent years are Uber, Airbnb, and YouTube.  They broke the rules, gained momentum, got sued, won, and almost overnight three major industries were forever changed.
Now we have some major disrupters in the real estate industry. Players who are not playing by the “rules” that we have established.  Mega-startups are presenting our best agents with huge checks which is not playing by the rules.  Companies are mad, and some are fighting back. But we have seen that in the past, so it’s not entirely new. They are offering virtual platforms, but that’s not new. Discount brokerages are popping up, but that’s not new either. So what’s causing all the commotion? I think it’s a lot of things all happening at the same time, but the real disrupters to our industry are technology and dollars — millions in private funding for the new start-ups.

Technology is being funded and fueled by hundreds of millions of dollars this year, and that is something that we have NOT seen in the past. That is the true disruptor. Why? Because we can’t stop technology from changing the face of our industry or changing the way that business will be done as we move forward. This is a change that is causing many Brokers to reinvent themselves and how they will do business in the future, while others will fight, kick, scream and refuse to budge from their position, for now.  What is different about this change is that the consumer is being educated about the new tools, the new technology, the new apps, the new transparency and the new way to buy and sell homes. This is impacting our industry at a grassroots level, which is the consumer.

Yes, there are many disrupters hitting many of you at the same time. For now, the major markets are the targets, and those Brokers are feeling it. It’s not just incentives for agents, but it’s incentives for consumers. New toys that the consumer can use to buy and sell, and that’s why I think Brokers and agents need to pay attention and up their game.

What’s the solution? Whether you are a Broker or an agent, there are three ways to keep those disrupters from disrupting your business.

#1: Build the relationships.  We are an emotion-based industry, filled with emotional agents, emotional buyers, and emotional sellers. Most people want to have that REALTOR that they trust at their side, and most agents want that Broker that they can see and talk to. As a Broker, what are you doing to build and maintain the relationships with your agents, your greatest asset? Most of them just want to know that they are appreciated and cared for. It’s also time to train your agents to build that trust and relationship with their clients and customers.  Remind them to stay positioned with their weekly emails, which are a great tool to keep positioned for referrals and repeat business.

#2: Set yourself, your agents and your company apart with specialization.  Be the expert in your geographic area, or your area of expertise or a niche. Those who set themselves apart have always survived the ups and downs of real estate and typically are the Brokers and agents at the top.

#3: Learn how to compete on value. People will always pay more for a product if you can show and prove value. I see this as the number one area that Brokers and agents should give special attention to. What is the value for each of your tools and services and can you PROVE the value?

If you are battling disruptors in your marketplace, sign up for The Profitable Sales Agent Today! Use Promo Code 50OFF to take 50% off your membership before December 1st! Click here to learn more. 

Business Planning for Real Estate Agents

Posted on by The Profitable Recruiter
26 Oct

A Framework for Success

By Judy LaDeur

Most agents spend more time planning their vacations than they do their business & their business pays for their vacation! That might sound crazy, but it’s so true. When that happens? Agents have no success track to run on which often means they get derailed.

Before we set our sights on the new year ahead – let’s take a look at the components that make for a great real estate business plan.

First, set a goal – and make sure it’s enough out of your comfort zone to be a stretch. That’s where the magic is. Secondly, get an accountability partner. That’s someone you like, respect, and are willing to listen to when they ask if you’re on track or off for that goal.

Next?

Work in reverse:

  • What is your income goal?
  • What is your average sales price/ commission received per closed sale?
  • Divide that to determine how many closed transactions you need.
  • How many listings and or sales? 60/40?
  • If you need 20 listings to sell and close, how many listings will that be?
  • How many listing appointments do you need?
  • How many buyers do you need?
  • How many showing appointments?

Calculate Your Action Plan:

  • If you need 20 listings to close and 5 usually expire unsold, you need 25 listings.
  • If you list 1 out of 2 listing appointments, you need 50 listing appointments this year.
  • Based on 50 weeks of work, 1 listing appointment each week.
  • How does that compare with last year?
  • What activities will you do weekly to generate at least 1 listing appointment?
  • Just listed/just sold postcards, marketing, networking for referrals, expireds, FSBO, etc.

Create Your Action Plan:

  • How will you increase your sales skills this year?
  • Which seminars or educational events will you attend?
  • What new activities will you do?
  • How will you reward yourself or others?
  • Some agents have a “minimum goal” and a “aggressive goal”.
  • The top agents always do what they do best and delegate everything else.
  • Your highest priority should be staying in front of potential clients.

Using this framework, you should begin to build a solid plan to hit your goals and thrive in the next twelve months. Profitable Sales Agent Members, be sure to Log into your accounts and check out the webinar on demand on business planning that we posted last week. It will walk you through this framework, and you’ll also find a downloadable business plan on the home screen for October.

Not a member? Start building your business to be a PROFITABLE one today!  Register for www.theprofitablesalesagent.com today with promo code 50OFF and save 50%. 

 

 

Be a Student of Life and Business

Posted on by The Profitable Recruiter
11 Sep

In Step With Career Agent Leonard Giarrano

by Julie Escobar

One of my dear friends in this business is a fellow by the name of Len Giarrano. We met in New York years ago and he’s just the kind of businessman you want to pull up a chair next to and let his wisdom and sage advice wash over you. He was kind enough to share some of his insights with our readers.

Here’s a little of what we learned:

Q: Thank you, you my friend. Can you start by telling us a little about you?

A: My name is Leonard Giarrano.  I started my career as a Hotel and Restaurant major, part-time community college restaurant management and marketing teacher. I found myself wanting a career and practice that I could help facilitate the interests of others like my Dad in his law practice.  At the same time, I wanted a vehicle to develop my own personal wealth.  Creating Wealth by author Robert Allen inspired me with its promised nuts and bolts of real estate for building wealth. And that led me to real estate, and I’ve never looked back.

Q:  Most agents coming out of real estate school have high aspirations and goals, but lack clear direction on how to even get started. What would your top three pieces of advice be to head them in the right direction?

A:  The master appeared as this student was ready.  I found a real estate office that had a spaced-training program that had recipes that I could apply myself to and get the foundation of listing and selling real estate in a defined area. Emphasis on a planned listing presentation chalk full of quality service techniques far and above the efforts of other agents.  You are going to WOW them with crisp, prepared professional presentation. Get high-quality business cards.

Q:  What common misconception do you think most agents have in terms of making it in today’s market and what myth-buster would you share with them?

A: Bottom line?  Real estate is about relationships and listings are (and always have been) the name of the game. Read Robert Allen’s book Creating Wealth, for some sound fundamentals.  Also, note that buyers will come as you build a practice from listings. Inspect what you expect as product knowledge is the fuel for confidence.

Q:  Building a Book of Business is one of the smartest things an agent can do, yet so many agents instead continuously “chase new business”. What advice do you have for building a strong sphere of influence?

A:  Get a personal core list of people you know and could pop by to say hello to for referral.  You will need an annual calendar and thank you notes.  Start a geographic community to focus on. Find an active market in both price point and volume as an area to focus your efforts.  There is a seller in that enclave that needs the services of a professional agent. A printed listing presentation that you share at the seller’s kitchen table with visual support materials will walk the conversation towards your representation. Raising the seller’s consciousness to the task ahead builds the needs of your service.  I am happy to share my 25-point listing presentation with anyone who asks.

Q:  That’s generous Len! Prospecting is a crucial component for agents (new and experienced) – what tips would you give someone new to the process?

A:  Get a foothold, identify an active real estate community of homes as a farm. Take a six-month snapshot of homes available listed and inspect those.  What is in-contract and 180 days sold?  Find an office agent that has a listing there.  Volunteer to run two weekends of open house.  Send a mailing campaign to invite people to the open house. Hand write an invitation to the immediate neighbors.   Develop a thick flyer to show your effort far and above the other local agents’ handouts. Buy 110-pound paper stock for 1st page of the flyer.  Next, 28 or 32-pound paper for remaining pages. Buy a tri-level clear plastic flier rack. Up front is the thick flier, next fliers on area info, schools, shopping etc. last and not least have pre-printed contracts (full price filled in) and all disclosures high-lighted printed on 28 or 32-pound stock. Snacks and bottled water for the open house and York Peppermint individual wrapped candies add a great finishing touch.  Collect as much information as you can and be sure to add those folks to your new database so that you can continually stay in touch.

Q:  Follow up is where a lot of agents fall short. Do you have any strategies for helping agents get over the fear of the phone and following up?

A:  I’m old school, so my first inclination is to say watch an old episode of Columbo. He was a master at follow up! Or just always look for something that is a fair trade item to get back in touch with all that you meet.  Example, you can offer entry to a drawing, local school information, a free survey, market analysis, home component content such as tips for their HVAC or even their home tech system.  Local restaurants and businesses can even supply you with coupons to send.  The key word is communication Share the item with an “As Promised” message which subliminally lets them know that you keep your promises

Q:  Any business planning tips that you think would be important to share?

A:  Schedule your prospecting and personal time off.  Early to bed and early am with some exercise, all in writing and in an obvious space for your and those that are part of your efforts to see what is on the menu for your shared success. I’ve also had great success with local small builders.

Q:  What are the top 5 tools or sites that you would recommend to new agents just starting to build their business and marketing platforms? 

A: Professional dress appropriate to climate, polished shoes, pressed clothing. Gals dress carefully look up Barnard University, a collegial fashion. Dress for success is a great primer. Equipment: Black or cordovan color, leather or vinyl letter or legal pad with pocket. Silver or chrome ballpoint pen, 25’ tape measure. Three-ring notebook with divides (three-hole punch). Dividers define priorities, year, month, at a glance, one-page worksheet for each day as a day planner. Next section seller leads, next section buyer registrations other sections to organize activities.  This book is your office. Two-hole punch and file folders with two dividers for your listings. Start a file on serious leads gives you an assumption to the listing.

Q:  Any last bits of advice for agents to take to heart?

A: This exciting and rewarding career is a practice so crush the fundamentals, own them. Invest in real estate to build your pension and retirement. You are ten years to a net worth of a million.

Q:  How can our reader’s best connect with you to share their success and referrals?

A:  Direct 941-724-0690, text to see if I can spare a conversation with you and give you the attention you need, e-mail an outline of questions you wish me to discuss with you. Leonard Giarrano, Associate Broker, RE/MAX Alliance Group, or email me at LVGiarrano@hotmail.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t Be an Invisible Agent

Posted on by The Profitable Recruiter
17 Aug

An Interview with the Talented Kathy Casarin

By Julie Escobar

I’m so fortunate in my travels to have met and connected with some creative and talented real estate professionals. One of those, who I met through Facebook actually is Kathy Casarin!  She’s a full-time REALTOR® with Nasser Real Estate who believes that Real Estate is all about networking, getting yourself and your name out there to be known. Her top advice: “Get testimonials, volunteer, use social media, get involved in your community, children’s school, attend fundraisers, and participate. All that is free and comes back to you in spades.  Real Estate is a very social business, people want to feel they know you and can identify with you.  So I would tell you to not be shy, or sit around the office waiting for leads to come to you.  Instead – get out there and meet your next client!”

Q:  Most agents coming out of real estate school have high aspirations and goals, but lack clear direction on how to even get started. What would your top three pieces of advice be to head them in the right direction? 

A:  First: Distinguish yourself.  Find a way to stay apart from what everyone else is doing and ahead of your competition.  How?  Get designations!  You can take the classes online or even travel to do that.  I recommend the Certified Negotiation Expert Designation first. How impressive does that sound – right?  Another designation that requires more course work but you learn a lot is the Certified Residential Specialist.  Once you have your designations, be sure to use them everywhere.  On your business cards, social media, advertisements etc.  Designations and awards if you can get them from a publication, board etc. help you stand out and validate you.  During my first year in the business, I earned RISMedia’s National Top 50 Realtors On the Rise award. During my first listing appointment, I remember getting the listing, because the client said how professional and prepared I was and that having awards and designations meant that I was serious about my business.  The results spoke for themselves.  Confidence won and I then tackled the market with ease.  I was also told I was so much more prepared than the prior agent and they I know were in the business for years.  So it’s all up to you be prepared, read, stay up to date on Inman News, Real Estate blogs, feeds…talk up your local market – and BE the expert. Will it take work?  Absolutely.  But when you take the time to be the source of information, data, and real estate facts in your market, you will blossom.

Next, saturate yourself in social media.  Remember this: It all works — you just have to do it!  Get on Facebook, create a business page…use Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.  Create accounts on Realtor.com, Trulia, Zillow, ActiveRain and start to get your name out there.  Once you’re up and running, Google yourself to see how much you fill the internet.  You want clients to find you!

If you’re new to Real Estate?  Don’t be an Invisible Agent!  Take phone time, go after expired listings, offer to hold other agents’ open houses.  Get involved in community groups and by all means, make sure people know you’re in real estate.  Your business cards and all correspondence should have your professional headshot on them so that people can identify who you are.  Write a press release announcing that you’ve recently joined the XX Real Estate Group and submit it to all local media outlets with your headshot.  This is free press if you don’t write it for yourself who will?  It’s a good start to building your business profile.

Q:  What common misconception do you think most agents have in terms of making it in today’s market and what myth-buster would you share with them? 

A:  Do not speak negatively about the market.  In fact, don’t dwell on the negative at all.  Every day, no matter what market you’re in, people are out there looking to buy. In tough markets, lazy agents give up — and that means those agents aren’t doing the work – so their market share could be yours.  Take the reins! Don’t forget referrals, and past clients either.  Build your book of business database from day one and watch it grow.  You never know when someone’s cousin, co-worker, or friend needs a home.  You want to ensure they remember and then contact you!

Q:  Building a Book of Business is one of the smartest things an agent can do, yet so many agents instead continuously “chase new business”. What advice do you have for building a strong sphere of influence?

A:  Perfect – since I just mentioned building your book of business!  Your book of business is a database that contains past, present and possible future clients.  Think of everyone you know, everyone you do business with – get them all into one big database, and use identifiers so you know who is who. (Friend, family, acquaintance, past client, etc.) Use your social media to gain new clients for this book, engage them, with blogs, e-newsletters, post cards, letters and more.  And here’s an out of the box idea: always consider doing what nobody else doing.  Like attend a bridal expo and host a drawing for a prize to one lucky couple!  These people are getting married and will soon be looking to buy their first home!  Obtain their contact info for the prize and follow up with them.  Congratulate them when they do wed that thoughtfulness costs nothing and will earn you their trust.

Q:  Prospecting is a crucial component for agents (new and experienced) – what tips would you give someone new to the process? 

A:  Get involved, attend local chamber events, network, business to business breakfast meetings where you exchange referrals with professionals in other lines of work.  Read!  Know your market and what is going on.  You are the expert.  You are the one they will come to.  Example:  “I just read this morning on Realtor.com that…”

Q:  Follow up is where a lot of agents fall short. Do you have any strategies for helping agents get over the fear of the phone and following up?

A:  There are services that help you with this, small fee…tap them.  Software that offers to generate newsletters, such as iContact and Constant Contact are great. Think of every Monday as new business Monday!

Q:  Any business planning tips that you think would be important to share? 

A:  Your board most likely offers classes, scholarships, officer and board roles, and awards opportunities. Check into this…it’s an easy way to get involved in your local market and your best bet is to act like a sponge and learn all you can from the well-seasoned agents all around you.  Look for a broker than will be a mentor. You know what they say, “there aren’t any stupid questions.”  Ask and learn as much as possible.  About sales, and about your contract and deadlines.

Q:  What are the top 5 tools or sites that you would recommend to new agents just starting to build their business and marketing platforms?  

A:  Get online! I love Facebook, LinkedIn, Inman News, and REALTOR.com.  I also recommend that you create a comprehensive pre-listing presentation package! I created one years ago when I got my start and would mail it out to expireds several times per week.  It contained testimonials, information about me, my company, articles I thought pertinent to someone thinking about selling, information on what sells a home, staging information, and more.  I put all this together with the intent of addressing and answering any question these potential sellers would ask me during a listing interview.  It worked like a charm. I would not only get an interview — once they read through my packet, I got the listing.  Why?  They weren’t my client and I already delivered way more that all the other agents sending a quick expired letter. This one tool alone helped me to fast-track my start in this business.

Q:  Any last bits of advice for agents to take to heart? 

A:  You build your reputation on how you conduct yourself with each transaction. Always give it your best.  It’s not about you, it’s about your client or potential client.  Always put yourself in their mindset.  Think like they would and this helps you best direct them.  It also helps you when showing houses, as you listen to them, you can help narrow down their searches and keep them focused.

Q:  How can our readers best connect with you to share their success and referrals? 

A:  Please like my business Facebook page Kathy Casarin, Realtor or email me:  KathyCasarin@yahoo.com.

Thank you Kathy for your powerful insights. You’re a rock star!

If you’d like to learn more about being a

The Formula for Success for any Successful Business Begins with a Strong Foundation

Posted on by The Profitable Recruiter

How are YOU Staying in Touch?success graph

by Real Estate Coach Judy LaDeur

The more people that you know and that you add to your base, the more likely you are to succeed. This is a relationship business, and your job is to build and maintain relationships on a daily basis.

Your best source of business in any market are the people you know. However, 87% reported that they definitely would use their agent again, but didn’t because they can’t remember who they are or how to find them!

The same survey also shows that marketing, magnets, and newsletters have proven to be far more effective with existing clients, customers and sphere of influence, verses generating new business.

In a newsletter or mailing, you could also offer staging services to friends and family. In your newsletter, insert verbiage “10 of my friends, family or past clients will get a Free Home Staging Makeover Session valued at $498.00. To qualify, please complete the enclosed survey (email and/or letter) about “What Buyers and Sellers Want from their Realtor in today’s market.” Then announce one winner every month throughout the summer. You can even have a drawing at the home of the person you are staging so they know it is not staged. Give them a coupon to use any time this year. You can also give a free Staging Makeover when they send you a referral that buys or sells a home within the year.

Schedule one lunch per week with one of your past clients, friends, family or centers of influence. It is critical that you get face to face with your people. A spin on this idea is to have them invite one of their most influential friends to come along. This is a fabulous networking opportunity and a perfect way to add new people to your database.

Consider throwing a client appreciation party. This is a perfect way to gather your great friends and clients together to thank them for their support and referrals … this will keep the referrals coming.

There are many ways to have a party. You can do a nice party in your home with food, drinks, and music. Many agents get creative and do theme parties like or costume parties. It is normal that you may spend a lot of money to throw a great party but in most cases the party will pay for itself many times over in terms of the referral business you will get as a direct result from the event.

Send personal notes. In this high technology world of emails and form letters, it is important to still maintain a personal touch. A simple way to do this is to send out one handwritten note each day. Each client should receive 4 notes per year.

Another idea is to do “pop by’s” to your database at their home. Say “Hi, I was in the area and thought about you. I wanted to see if this is a good time to stop by for a few minutes?” Spend a few minutes talking and then move on to the next person. You can “map out” where your people are and see many of them on any given day.

The idea here is to ask your sphere of influence for referrals and chat for a while about personal items, improvements to their home, etc. “

, you are one of my best clients, I appreciate your loyalty and I would like to ask you a favor. Statistics show that most people know 100 people. Over the course of the next year, if you have a friend of family member that has a real estate need, would you feel comfortable referring my services? I have selected 50 of my best or favorite clients to approach. My goal this year is to have each of my 50 best clients refer a client to me who will use me to buy or sell a home. Can I count on you? I will send you regular market updates, etc. to stay in touch.

Just some ideas to consider. Another great way to stay positioned of course is The Profitable Sales Agent eNewsletters. Every week, you’ll be delivering valuable content into their inboxes. Our members tell us it takes a lot of the guesswork out of marketing. Our action steps give you a weekly task as well that will bring you closer to your goals. Learn more today! Ready to get started? You’ll also find the staging tips we mentioned here in your membership platform. Use promo code 30OFF to take 30% off your membership!

Agent Success Tips and Scripts to Share

Posted on by The Profitable Recruiter

From Real Estate Coach and Speaker Judy LaDeurreal estate coach Judy LaDeur

By Julie Escobar

Caught up with my friend and dynamo speaker Judy LaDeur to find out just some of what is making her new talk, How to Successfully Sell or Acquire a Thriving Real Estate Business, is getting so much attention worldwide.  What we came away with are some very valuable tips and scripts for competing in any market AND creating a salable book of business.  Share these with your agents — and even consider a round-table discussion to light a fire under agents who need to get on track and stay there!

Q:  Judy – we’ve both seen way too many agents leave this business after years and years of hard work with not much to show for it.  The bottom line reason? They spent too much time chasing new business and not enough time building their base.  What are your thoughts? 

A:  You’re right Julie.  One of the first things I tell agents is this: “If your business is not currently set up in a contact database management program, then the answer is probably NO.  To leverage your business and take advantage of this particular program (and have the ability to sell your real estate business at some point in the future) – that is the first thing you must do.  The program you select should have the ability to set up several categories and to place your clients into more than one category. The more categories you have, the more valuable your business will be.

The more people that you know and that you add to your base, the more valuable your business is when you decide to retire, relocate or leave the business for any reason. With regard to your database while you are still selling real estate, the more names you have, the more successful you should be if you work the system properly.  This is a relationship business, and your job is to build and maintain relationships on a daily basis. Your best sources of business in any market are the people you know.

A recent survey showed that 87% of people surveyed reported that they definitely would usetheir agent again, but didn’t because they can’t remember who they are or how to find them!”  Now ask yourself – is that YOU?

Q:  Great advice Judy.  And now’s the perfect time to get all of that data into a database.  I know that you always tell your coaching clients to delegate what they can, and inputting data would be a perfect job for one of the many college kids out of school right now-right?    How often do you recommend agents stay in touch with their sphere and farm?

A:  I’m still a firm believer in direct mail and layering your marketing. (Postcards, newsletters, email, handwritten notes.)  I tell agents to stay in touch 12 times per year with something of value in writing! Something tangible in their hands each month as well as actively engaging folks on your social media as well as personal contact is a winning formula!

12 Times per year send: 

  1. Newsletters that tell of your success and results with homeowner tips
  2. Social Media postings (and ways for them to find you on social media)
  3. Just Listed/ Just Sold postcards to your entire database
  4. Send information on the real estate market in general – neighborhood update postcards are great for this

See your past clients and sphere of influence at least twice per year.

  1. Stop by and visit when you are in the area
  2. Client parties 1-2 times per year
  3. Schedule lunch with clients who are great for referrals and encourage them to invite a friend to join you

Send personal notes 4 times per year.

  1. An update on the value of their home
  2. A thank you note for a referral
  3. Thanks for listing or buying your home with me
  4. Just writing to say hi and to see if you have anyone who could use my services

Talk to your clients at least 3 times per year. Here is a sample script to stay in touch with your clients.

Hi…this is (name) with (company name). I hope you and your family are well.  Do you have minute to talk?

Many people are curious about today’s real estate market. I was wondering if I could help you with any real estate questions you might have at this time?

Are you curious about the value of your home or perhaps you might have some questions with regard to what is going on in your neighborhood pertaining to market times, prices, etc.?

Are you looking to sell your home sometime this year?

As you know… I want to be your resource for everything real estate related.  Please call me if you ever have any questions.

Hi (name)…..my business is based on referrals from great clients (friends, people) like you. So before I go, can you think of anyone you know who might want to buy or sell a home now or in the near future?

I appreciate your help and if anyone should come to mind please don’t hesitate to call me! Thank you!

Q:  Great stuff Judy – and agents always love scripts!  We appreciate it!  What else should agents know to solidify their success in this competitive market? 

A:  I would tell them to remember the 10% rule.  10% of the number of people in your base of business will give you business or refer business to you every year if you ask for it. So, for a base of 500 people that would be 50 sales/referrals each year. Treat your past clients and centers of influence with respect because they are an asset that will allow your business to grow, and more importantly, will increase the value of your business when it is time to sell it!

Thank you so much Judy!  We are on the same page!  We always share the 3-7-27 rule of marketing with agents.  It takes 3 contacts for folks to remember your name, 7 to put your name with your business, and 27 to brand yourself in their minds.  Most agents stop making contact after 2 ‘touches’ — most transactions happen after 5!  There’s no time like the present to work ON your business not just in it!  

Want to learn more about Judy’s hot topic, How to Successfully Sell or Acquire a Thriving Real Estate Business?  Visit her site today at www.judyladeur.com!  

How to Create CUSTOMERS for LIFE

Posted on by The Profitable Recruiter

From First Contact to Closecustomer for life

By Real Estate Coach Judy LaDeur

To make it in this business for the long haul – you need to build a referral base. And that process?  Starts with the very first contact. Every person that you meet is a potential client, even if they currently know another agent. I always asked everyone that I met if I can send them my homeowner tips and ideas each month. They rarely say no. A NAR survey showed that 87% of all homeowners surveyed were happy with their agent and would use that agent again IF they could remember their name! That’s sad but true. I would say that 9 out of 10 times that I ask someone that I meet who sold them their home, I get the same response. They were really nice, but just can’t remember who they are. I have found that repetition of marketing materials, combined with personal contact, is the #1 thing that you can do as an agent to not only have those you know do business with you, but it’s also a great source of ongoing referrals.

When I started in the business, many years ago, I was “thrown in” and told to “hit the phones”. No one told me what to say or what to do. That has changed, and today’s agents have more training than ever before. Here’s the million-dollar question: If there is more training today than ever, why are so many agents still struggling to earn a living? Perhaps they are not doing the basics. This is a contact business, and if you are not selling or listing a home, you should be looking for someone who wants to sell or list a home. It’s just that simple

What does your pipeline look like? Your pipeline consists of the total number of active listings, combined with the number of buyers that you are working with, plus any prospects that you are currently talking to about listing their home or buying a home. You should have 25 people in your pipeline at all times. How many do you have right now? If it’s not at least 25, then it’s time to hit the phones!

Once they are your client, stay in touch weekly, providing reports and feedback to insure that they are happy. Most clients want results. Results require honesty. Is the home priced too high? Does it need staging? Our job is to deliver the “tough news” in a way that they appreciate and understand. I picked up many expired listings, through referrals, and each time it was the same scenario. They needed a price adjustment and staging or decorating. They were always willing to do what was asked, when they knew that it was the key to getting their home sold. If they were not willing to do what was needed to sell their home, I was not the right agent for them.

Happy clients are clients for life if you get the job done and stay in touch after the sale. If you stop chasing all the NEW commissions and focus on building a strong book of business.  If you put each and every customer and contact in a database that you can stay connected to week after week, month after month.

If you’re an agent who wants an easy, comfortable, effective way to stay in touch, visit www.TheProfitableSalesAgent.com and sign up for our weekly newsletters, training, social media tips, and agent tools. They weekly newsletters are perfect for staying connected in a way that positions you as a resource people can trust. They are filled with lots of great messages, tips for homeowners, and calls to action. If you’re a broker who wants to help your agents get on the fast track to successfully staying in touch, invite them to do the same. In fact, register in the next 45 days and take advantage of our 4th quarter special! Use promo code 50OFF any agent membership and save 50%!

If you follow these simple steps and you’ll have happy clients from first contact to close, and a source of referrals for life.  You’ll end up with a lot of great new friends too!

COACHING TIP OF THE MONTH: MAKE THE CALL 

There are many agents who take the listing and then don’t communicate with the seller because they have no idea what to say.  Here’s an idea: Contact each of your listings, without fail, every Tuesday.  If there has been absolutely no activity, simply tell them that.  Generally, though, even though nothing has happened with their particular listing, something has happened in the neighborhood.  Whatever it is, tell them and, if appropriate, discuss a price reduction. Studies show that sellers want lots of communication from their agent, so stay in touch and you will see that they are more likely to work with you to get it sold.

Start communicating effectively today!  Register for www.theprofitablesalesagent.com today with promo code 50OFF and save 50%. 

    

Lead Incubation Strategies for Savvy Agents

Posted on by The Profitable Recruiter

Putting Systems in Place for SuccessLeads

Things are hopping out there in today’s market! And that’s great news, but the savvy agent leaves nothing to chance when it comes to their long-range strategies for finding, nurturing, and KEEPING new customers.

However you are generating business leads, whether by referral, website, blog, social media, SMS or pay-per-lead services, unless you USE them, well, unfortunately, you’re fairly likely to LOSE them. Our market is the perfect storm for lead loss. Why? Simple — with reduced patience and the insistence of a higher level of service, consumers are no longer willing to accept “good” or “good enough.”  They know that competition is fierce and they know more (thank you Mr. Internet and Ms. Media) and expect more than they ever have in the past.  So how are you going to project your business in the eyes and minds of your leads and current customers?

Let’s take a look at some ways you can turn “good or good enough” into “the right person for the job” in their minds…

1. It’s about CONSISTENCY. It starts with a desire to consistently stay in contact with a lead, whether self-generated or purchased until it results in a transaction. Sound easy? It’s not; it takes a carefully crafted system, creative marketing and a lot of patience. Consider an internet lead first. It may have potential, but more often than not, it’s not really a “done deal” now is it?  Some are just curious about their market. Others are simply seeing what they might sell their home for today. Still others may not be ready to transact for years. However, by connecting with these possible buyers and sellers month after month you incubate or “warm the lead” until that consumer feels comfortable enough to reach out for your answers and trust you enough to do business with them.

2. Speak their language. Stop talking to consumers as if they are all the same. Sellers want to know what it means to their financial bottom line if they sold their house, what the process is, how long it would take, and the big question for many–what will you do differently than everyone else? Buyers want to know how to get the most house for their money, what their financial options are, and where they can get their down payment.

3. Make it about THEM.  The stats are in your favor if you take the time or put systems in place to make sure you are CONSISTENTLY sharing viable, valuable information, staying in touch and putting service first week after week via social media and month after month via additional means such as enewsletters, direct response postcards, etc. then you will continuously grow your referral base.  Think about it from the perspective of your lead.  How valued would that make you feel?  How many of your competitors are they likely to hear from with the same careful attention? Not many, I venture to say.

Salespeople are historically poor at this necessary component which is probably why the top producers are such a small percentile. Change your thought process (and your presentation) to be not just a real estate expert but a marketing expert as well. It’s a mindset that will serve you well. Capture the series of messages you want to convey each month or tap into a ready-made system such as our enewsletters, to ensure that the process is consistent and efficient. While taking that step may seem daunting to you now, what it will mean to your bottom line and your career longevity are enormous.

4. Patience is a virtue.  Most lead incubation strategies are not overnight successes. That’s why they’re leads and not customers! Put in the time, make the effort and stick with it! The rewards are great, and with a terrific system, the work is little. Make it part of your overall marketing plan. Use it to show sellers how actively and diligently you work to find the right buyer for their home. Use it with buyers to let them know how vigorously you are searching for the right home for them. Use it, to keep your pipeline consistently full as you “turn up the heat” on your “warm” incubated leads as you continue to add new “cold” leads to your powerful system.

Hopefully you picked up a few ideas or at least a better understanding of what lead incubation has to offer. It keeps your pipeline fresh while you stay focused on prospecting, presentation and closing! Good luck to you and please, contact us should you have any questions on this or additional products and services. We’re passionate about your success.

The True Value of Agent-to-Agent Referrals

Posted on by The Profitable Recruiter

An Interview with Top Agent Keith GroganKeith Grogan

By Julie Escobar

Networking in our business is a powerful thing – not only to continuously grow as a professional, but for the ability to connect with some very cool people.  I was fortunate in the last week to touch base with one of my favorite agents to follow online Keith Grogan.  He recently shared some valuable tips for agents about the real importance of nurturing those valuable agent-to-agent referral relationships – and how many agents fall short.  It was timely and on-point, and he was gracious enough to sit down for an interview to share his experience.  Here’s an excerpt from our interview:

Q:  First of all Keith – thanks so much for taking your time to share with our readers!  Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

A:  I spent twenty-four years in sales management with consumer product companies, managing both regional and national sales forces with a constant focus on team building. When I grew weary of spending all of my time on the road, I sought a second career, one that would require little or no airplane travel.  After serious consideration, I found that real estate would provide the most opportunity and I loved the concept of being in control of my income knowing that the harder that I worked, the more that I would make. What a great concept! Sixteen years ago, I partnered with one of Atlanta’s premier agents, Marsha Sell, who is now in her 43rd year of selling Atlanta real estate. We have a team that support our efforts and we cover Atlanta and the northern suburbs.

Q:  Your recent online advice to agents on why it’s SO important to build a strong referral network was on point — and so timely.  Can you share your thoughts on that with us?

A:  My business partner began building her network throughout the country years ago when most agents were only looking for ways to gain more exposure for their listings. Our referral base has enabled us to avoid the peaks and valleys that many agents experience because we have a good flow of referrals coming in throughout the year.

I see many, many agents who are so focused on the short term and get so wrapped up in each transaction and making sure that they get paid that they simply never consider the referral potential nor are they adept at knowing how and when to ask for referrals.

Q:  Too often agents are unresponsive, or unreliable when it comes to managing referrals and leads that come their way — can you share how you feel they are missing a big component of their business by doing this?  

A:  Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to place more outgoing referrals than in any year in the past ten years and I have been absolutely shocked at how difficult it is to place most of these referrals. In a huge percentage of the cases, it was nearly impossible to even reach the agent. More shocking to me was that, once I did reach the agents, most of them sounded as if they weren’t too sure that they wanted to take a referral at the time. I guess that they just had all the business that they wanted!

Of the referrals that were placed last year, I only received updates throughout the process from two or three agents. If you are trusting a client, a friend, or a family member with an agent in another area, you would think that just common courtesy would dictate that they would at least update the referring agent on date of contact, date of first meeting, time frame for purchase/listing, progress reports, purchase notification, and confirmation of closing. To me, that seems very basic but, sadly, that is not being done.

When I find an agent who is enthusiastic about a referral and who communicates effectively, I look for opportunities to give more referrals to that agent.

Q:  You have a LOT of social media fans for your terrific sense of humor and terrific posts.  You shared with me why you made the shift to humor – can you share that with the readers? 

A:  I had volumes of inspirational and motivational quotes and cartoons that I accumulated and used often during my years in sales management. In my early days on social media, I posted only inspirational, motivational, and informational posts. When the market changed a few years ago, I realized that most of my Realtor friends throughout the country were trying to stay afloat in uncharted waters and nobody was having much fun. I decided to shift the focus of my posts and, since that time, my goal is to bring a smile to at least one Realtor’s face every day.

Q:  I’d say you succeed in that goal every day Keith!  Now, if you had to give your best piece of advice to a new or experienced agent in today’s market – what would it be?

A:  Build your database, maintain your database, and work your database. The longer that you are in this business, the more of your business will come from your database. When you work your database and communicate properly with your database and sphere of influence, you can reach a point where you find that you are getting more clients, more listings, and making more money and you will find that you are working less to secure new business.

Q:  How can readers connect with you? 

A:  Keith Grogan, The Sell Team, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage,

www.facebook.com/KeithGrogan.TheSellTeam, www.twitter.com/SELLTEAM, www.sellteam.com.

Awesome stuff Keith – thank you so much for your insights and ideas.  You are a terrific example of professionalism and high standards in our business – and one heck of a funny guy to follow!  If you haven’t connected yet with Keith, follow his Facebook page today.  He’s always on point!  While you’re at it, be sure to connect with us there as well!

Being a PROFITABLE SALES AGENT means doing things sometimes in unexpected ways.  It means staying in touch.  It means developing those powerful relationships with other agents that will earn you a great reputation – and bottom line referrals.  Want to learn more about being a strong agent?  Stay tuned right here and become a Profitable Agent Member Today! Join in the month of February and take 50% off your membership with the coupon code 50OFF! 

Webinar On Demand: Strategies for Today’s Agents

Posted on by The Profitable Recruiter
13 Dec

We had an awesome group last week for our end of the year webinar where we shared the top five things agents should be doing right now to set themselves up for success in the new year. We also took a look at some of the best insights, tools, ideas and strategies that our guest speakers this year shared with us as well.  We hope you enjoy this webinar on demand.

Join us today and take advantage of our special offer of 50% off with the promo code 50OFF any 6-month or annual pro membership.  That’s 50% off everything you need to be in the right place at the right time when buyers are sellers are ready to make a move.