Let's not kid ourselves, the Real Estate market has been in the dumps for several years now. Many Realtors have jumped ship, headed to higher land and went on to other careers, or may be flipping burgers at McD's (which is fine and dandy). But for those of us who have hung in there like limp laundry on a loose line, we've had to re-invent ourselves, to say the least.
The point of my post is to help those who "wait" for business to come to them. Because, frankly, you're depending on a whole lotta luck. Yeah, I know, luck does play a small part in Real Estate to some degree. But the truth of the matter is, you get what you give, and that goes for your business as well as in your personal life. IF you want to be successful in Real Estate, you really will have to get off your BEHIND and go get it.
"What can I do?" you ask... I'll tell you:
Since approx. 80% or more of consumers (buyers and sellers) start their search Online, my tips will be geared toward the 'net. And what will these tips do for you? GET YOU, YOUR NAME & BUSINESS "OUT THERE!" if you use them. ( You've heard about Google Juice????)
- Get a BLOG. I have several. There are many FREE sites where you can design your own. If that isn't your forte, hire someone. (Call or email me and I'll give you a name or two of "experts" in this field). Your blog should give visitors a feel for who YOU are. Your sense of humor, etc. And of course about your area of expertise. Write insightful posts. Fun pictures. Entertaining videos. I use a little Flip Video and digital camera. Both inexpensive! The most IMPORTANT advice I can give you about blogging is to BLOG. Try to get something out there at least 2 - 3 times a week. Consistency pays off. Let me just add this; I've learned everything about blogging right here on ActiveRain, which is a wealth of information. And I have oh so much more to learn.
- Get a WEBSITE. Again, design your own OR hire an expert. Prices range from in-expensive to outrageous, to be quite honest. I believe in "keeping it simple" and making it an easy-to-search site where folks can find local info or to search for homes for sale. IF you can only afford one or the other, I say get a BLOG first.
- Take FREE WEBINARS ONLINE from the comfort of your chair (recliner in my case). I bet you have a few hours a week to dedicate to this, right?
- Join the Social Networking World; because if you don't, or haven't, you'll soon be left in a thick fog of dust. The two most popular (in my opinion) are FACEBOOK and TWITTER. Interact with other Realtors. You'll be surprised at what you'll learn. And, it's fun!
Okay, I think these few suggestions will keep you busy for a while, and I HOPE help you in some way. So, now, go have some fun.
Hey, I was wrong! You actually can sit on your BEHIND and get business.
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Agree on all points. I too have learned everything I know about blogging right here on AR. It was overwhelming at first, but I just try and learn something new every day!
Kat - BRAVO! You said it girlfriend! I'm so sick of hearing people in the industry whine and complain that the industry isn't as "fun" anymore. Welcome to the real world folks. Granted, I am guilty of a little whining myself but for the most part, there isn't anything else I want to do than what I'm doing right now.
Personally, I'm really busy right now (THANK GOD!) but yes, I am working harder than ever for that business. I don't know about anyone else, but I've always worked hard for every client I've had and every loan I've closed. For pretty much my entire mortgage career (all eight years of it), I have focused on low-medium income buyers and assisting those folks has never been "easy".
P.S. Really like the new pix, very classy, even if the old one in your capris, sandals and beach chair is the real you. LOL :)
Thanks, Gary. I truly beleive every word! Blogging and social networking are here to stay.
Hi Kat, I agree with everything you said - especially about actually writing in your blog. I have convinced a few Realtors to join Active Rain and to start a blog, but when they complained that they weren't getting anything from it, I checked and they hadn't posted for 7-10 months! That's like buying the latest vacuum cleaner, parking it in the closet, and complaining that your carpets are still a mess. You actually have to use it!
Susan: EXACTLY! They want instant results and that isn't going to happen.