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February 23, 2004
Questions and Answers
I would be pleased to try and assist you with building your business as a licensed real estate professional. In addition, my staff of marketing, advertising, real estate and technology professionals are available to help you with any questions you may have. Please submit your questions by clicking on the 'Comments' link below this post.
Coach
February 23, 2004 in Ask Coach | Permalink
Comments or Questions
Please add your comments or questions here. You may remain anonymous if you really must ;-) Just add a 'handle' in the name box and your comments in the box provided.
You are having a clinic Mar29. How do I listen in?
Posted by: Bruce | Mar 27, 2004 4:50:11 PM
Hello Stan,
This site looks great. I read your thoughts on building your client base. I do have a question. Our business cards and mailouts etc... are basically the same as everyone elses in this office and/or town. I am thinking of hiring a creative team to build us a unique yet professional business card and letter head. Would this be good to use in our mailouts to our 370 client base?
Posted by: Tanya Smith | Apr 28, 2004 12:29:52 PM
Hi Tanya,
Thanks for your comments.
It's interesting that you enquire about the use of business cards. You see, I'm old fashioned enough to believe that business cards are the least expensive and yet most effective personal advertising that you can use.
It seems that every salesperson is trying to out-do the next person with the appearance and impact of their business card. As a result, most cards are far too busy, and almost impossible to read. It seems the one that really gets attention now, is the one that has some white space and has easy to read information.
I concur with Glenn's comments (see his input on this subject to follow this post) that the identification of the organization that you are affiliated with, should always be clearly shown, especially if it is a substantial and well recognised company. It is always a comfort to the consumer that there is a strong support structure behind a salesperson. The only logic for not clearly identifying your company is if you are planning to leave that company!!
I was always surprised at salespeople who created beautiful cards on quality paper that cost a lot, and then restricted their use because of the cost involved. Cards should be left everywhere. Give one to the waitress or retail clerk who serves you. Place one in every envelope when paying bills. Remember that if you cast your cards upon the water, after many days they return to you.
Ever heard of the "2 Card Close"? Always ask for a business card where you receive good service. Compliment them and offer to recommend them to your friends or newcomers to the community. Then offer them 2 of your cards and ask if they would do the same for you. Guarantee good service to their personal referrals. It works.
Hope this is one case where being a "card sharp" will put you ahead.
Coach
Posted by: Stann Penny | May 19, 2004 3:39:37 PM
Hi Tanya,
In general terms I would say yes to your idea, with the following proviso. The main error that some REALTORS make when it comes to designing something unique for their personal cards or letterhead, is to virtually eliminate their franchise brand from their marketing material designs. This is a mistake, because your 'brand' (the company you as a REALTOR hang your shingle with), has power in the marketplace and you need to benefit from that brand awareness and power as much as possible. I mean, after all, why did you align with that brand in the first place.
The old adage in marketing is this, "when you speak highly of your brand or company, you are, by extension, speaking highly about yourself" (in a slightly more humble way). Too many real estate marketing gurus and coaches have put an undue emphasis on the agent's need to 'differentiate' themselves from their fellow realtors, by suggesting design elements that make 'you' the brand and eliminate or down play the franchise or office. This, I believe is a mistake, especially in today's marketing world where Lee Iaccoca is no longer the President of Chrysler ;-)
Joan's brand is HomeLife (I believe) and, to her customers I am sure, she is the best REALTOR HomeLife has. I would recommend your designer build the cards and letterhead design elements around the HomeLife brand (colours, graphical elements, Most Referred logo, etc. ;-) and add in unique statements (mission, vision, selling proposition etc.). On the letterhead, a stand-up picture of Joan (head to feet) might be a very strong statement as well.
I hope this helps and if you have any questions, please feel free to call.
Take care,
Glenn Davies
Posted by: Glenn Davies | May 19, 2004 3:43:45 PM
Thanks for you answers Glenn and Stan. I look forward to part 6 of running your own business. Any idea when this would be coming out?
Posted by: Tanya Smith | Jun 1, 2004 3:05:53 PM
hi, how are you doing? i was just wondering would it be possible if you direct me to a site that would help me to find the statistic of real estate agent like how many people are in that profession, age, gender and etc... if you can i'm very greatful for your help if not i hank you for your time. Have a nice day
Posted by: ricky bui | Dec 2, 2004 8:58:55 AM
I have just listed a high priced property, 4M. Previously, I've been working with 400k to 500k properties. I need advice on finding the right marketing tools and resources.
Posted by: cris city | Aug 19, 2005 10:14:47 PM
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Posted by: dildo | Oct 20, 2005 7:44:48 PM
http://webmarket.orig.com/CGI/wwwboard/messages/2376.html archinghigherlose
Posted by: seventh | Oct 31, 2005 4:06:06 PM
I have been approached by an investor group who wants to establish a full service real estate brokerage firm.
I have an active Georgia firm and need to know what dollar value I should place upon
changing the name of my firm and letting the investor group incorporate it into a LLC. I would be the qualifying broker. They have mentioned "buy out" and I informed them that they can't buy my license, however, they could buy (lump sum) "good will" since my firm was established in 1994, and has an excellent reputation with the regulatory agency. In addition, I have 27 years' experience and would be running their LLC. Bottom line: what lump sum amount would be approriate for the "buy out" and what annual salary should I ask for managing the new company?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Sandra | Mar 1, 2006 1:48:31 PM
Hello - I am an associate of a virtual staffing agency specializing in real estate - We have trained and certified VAs who can handle basic administrative tasks, marketing, phones, transaction coordination, templated websites and more - for independent agents or investors. Please call me at 888.861.8228 if you would like to learn more about how to use a virtual assistant in your business. I look forward to speaking with you and helping your get the help you need to grow and prosper!
Posted by: LInda Lupowitz | Mar 16, 2006 10:49:16 AM
