Some real estate agents enter the business with a vast sphere of influence to tap for their first deals. Many of these agents are members of civic organizations, churches or charitable groups. Parents who are active in the local PTA also come into the business with a list of potential customers.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!A bit mercenary?
Conversely, it makes sense to use your community, social and family contacts to help you develop potential customers.
“Partnership” Is the Operative Word
One might assume that the busier a real estate agent is – the more successful his or her practice – the less likely he or she is to volunteer within the community. That assumption is wrong.
Successful agents who understand the power of delegation and hire an employee, even if it is an assistant, typically have little time to devote to a community cause or personal passion.
When asked how they give back, those who claim they don’t have time to be involved in the community say they donate money.
While giving to nonprofits, charities, churches, and other organizations is admirable, it is not really “community involvement.”
So, don’t let us stop you from writing those checks. We hope you will consider donating some of your time as well.
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Online dating doesn’t even matter
The Internet has changed a lot about the way agents run their businesses, including how they keep in touch with past clients and their territories. Much of this revolves around the use of social media.
But can social networking compare to meeting face-to-face within a community?
Don’t get me wrong, being social through technology is valuable to your business. So, mix whatever you want online, but it should be in addition to personal participation.
meet and greet
This is where the meat of your community involvement campaign is – organizations where you can contribute your time and talents and meet lots of people from the community you serve.
Activities are more relaxed than typical real estate transactions, so people get to know you as a person, not just a real estate agent.
Let’s face it – there isn’t much that separates one agent from another, but on a personal level, it’s easy to differentiate yourself.
network with passion
It’s important to choose a cause for which you feel some affinity—preferably a passion. That way, you can focus your efforts on the cause, not the lead. The leads will come – just give it some time.
Of course, if you have a passion — say helping veterans or teaching kids — then half the battle is won there. If you have a lot of interests, do some online research to help narrow down the options. Here are several places to start:
- AmericanCorps (ideal for baby boomers or those specializing in that niche)
There are also many civic clubs to consider, such as
Finally, ask your local church or school what kind of help they might need, and if you’re athletic, volunteer to coach football, baseball, soccer or tennis.
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