Become a Top Producer in 2009 - Jumpstart Your Production today !
I have been hearing in our market and other blog entries on Active Rain that things are starting to slow down a little. I see it in our listings that showings are slow and I see it in our internet marketing that there are not as many buyers and sellers on our web sites. Sometimes I get worried when things slow down. But not any more - I look at it as opportunity. I remember when I first started in the business and speaking with a very wise Wells Fargo mortgage officer who advised me to take advantage of the down time by focusing on marketing, strategizing and planning your business.
So, if things are a little slow in your market do not wait for the phone to ring, but begin to take action ! Be proactive and plan for tomorrow's business today ! Below is a brief checklist of what we all can do.
1. Internet Marketing - how is your exposure on the internet ? Plan for starting and growing your own site - see The Somers Team .
2. Your Listings - are your listings getting enough exposure ? if not, get more acclaimated, with Craigslist, Backpage and Kijiji .
3. Blog, Blog, Blog - By blogging you will increase your exposure on the net and learn a lot about internet marketing and social media.
4. Social Media - take the time to look at Facebook, LinkedIn, Plaxo, and so forth. This is a good time to establish your presence and network at the same time.
5. Analyze Your Numbers - where did your settlements come from ? Floor ? SOI ? Referrals ? This is important to know so you know what to focus on.
6. Get Organized - clean out your desk and throw all the crap away. While you do it you may find some good leads to call ! (I need to follow my own advice on this one ! )
7. Client Database / SOI - update your database and set up a mailing system or a contact system to stay in touch with your clients !
8. Prospecting - Try the blocks of time strategy where at certain points of the day you will contact and call new leads, old leads or target a group (such as FSBOS, expireds and withdrawn listings). Yes, even the top producers prospect weekly !
9. Advertise - Do not be cheap, but be smart ! Get your name out there and promote yourself and your listings. There are countless ways (internet, print <yes a little print, the sellers still like it ! > , billboard, farming)
10. Target an Area - become an expert in specific neighborhoods. Blog about it. Utiliize localism. Mail out Just Listed, Just Sold cards for that area, mail letters. With this strategy, over the years Stephanie and I have dominated some neighborhoods.
11. Continuing Education - in slower times this is the best time to get classes out of the way so they do not interfere with production during busy times. Also, a nice way to expand one's knowledge or be able to market a certain designation for your area.
12. Rexamine and Readjust - Every quarter study what is working and what is not working and make adjustments.
With taking the time to implement even some of the above will be the first step to HAVING A BANNER YEAR no matter what the market does. We forget sometimes that no matter what is going on with the economy, people always have to sell homes for a variety of reasons and always want to purchase homes for a variety of reaons. This is the time to position yourself to be the industry leader. The agents that do this now will be the mega agents in the years to come !
What are you doing now to jumpstart your business tomorrow ?
Chris Somers is an award winning agent with RE/MAX Affiliates in Philadelphia. Every month in 2008, Chris has been recognized as a top producer in his region (all of Pennsylvania and Delaware).
The Somers Team - Philadelphia Real Estate
The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog
Christopher and Stephanie Somers - Realtors - Philadelphia Real Estate — Search all Philadelphia properties !
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All good stuff! I find most of these activities rather fun anyway...! Thanks for the "boost!"