I'm getting ready to head into a slower time for my business, so I'm taking more time to look at my marketing plan, think about my future goals for next year etc. It's a good time to reflect, and re-touch on some basics, that we can all share, as business owners, and think about how to achieve those goals for next year~ There are 3 "L's" that I keep in mind:
Leads, Listings and Leverage
LEADS..REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE: Even as a Real Estate Virtual Assistant I use the Keller Williams 33 Touch (that John Novak blogged about) system of keeping in touch, and communicating to my database, and try to make use of really good communications skills. Using a contact database management system, you can automate alot of E-Marketing, which can be much more cost effecient, and far-reaching than direct mail marketing. Reaching a higher standard of production increases your chances of acheiving your goals and effectively managing your opportunities! Almost anything can be included in e-marketing. My suggestions: Newsletters, Personal Online Brochures, E-Postcards (birthday, anniversary, thank you)Farming Postcards, Letter of Introduction, Real Estate Reports to name a few~
LISTINGS: I'm not in the business of getting Listings, but I am in the business of Coordinating them, so its in my interest to keep informed as some of the best ways to get those listings:)
The basic premise is to get your web-presence in Top-notch form, knowing what Internet savvy consumers want, and HOW to give it to them. 70% of home buyers who found a home on the web, also found their agent on the web. If buyers can search for properties from your website, obviously they are more likely to use you for their real estate needs. What's the best way to offer this? IDX Solutions on your website. IDX (Broker Reciprocity, Internet Data Exchange, is the NAR policy of allowing participating REALTORS to display listings of other MLS contributers on their individual websites, in exchange for contributing their own listings in the MLS>) The word is getting out, but only about 30% of agents offer an IDX Solution on their websites.
LEVERAGE..USING A LEVER TO MOVE BIG ROCKS:
Did you know that by using an assistant you can increase your productivity by 30%-40%? Having a second assistant increases it 20% yet again. Yet, only 30% of agents actually have an assistant. Assistants can relieve administrative burdens across the board, allowing agent to get and close their deals, and more importantly focus on the BIG picture of their business. However, utilizing asssitants that specialize in the core aspects of your business (Marketing, Listing Coordination, Transcation Management) will increase your percentage of productivity even more. Finding specialists can do more than just assist, they can be pro-active in discovering and executing those core aspects. Don't let average people, average marketing, and average administration be the status quo of your business, or that is what you will get...average results. There is no substitute for a great assistant, and to take your business to the next level, you will have to hire great people. But if you're not ready to hire an assistant, hire the right technology:
TECHNOLGY'S JOB DESCRIPTION:
- Listing Presentations (Power Point, Web Commercials, Property CD's)
- Database Management (Contact Management Software, ex: Top Producer, ACT)
- Marketing (Personal Marketing, Listing Marketing, E-Marketing, etc)
- Lead generation (Web sites etc.)
- Customer Relations: Client Gifts, Newsletters
- Transaction Management (Virtual programs like Settlement Room, Relay TC)
- Budgeting ( accounting software, mortage calculators etc.)
Re-shaping your business can take many forms. Take the time to look at your CORE COMPETENTCIES, and find the right tools and the right people for your business. Here's to a NEW YOU!
For more resources: Creative Agent Solutions.com
I am the CEO of Creative Agent Solutions.com. My team and I assist real estate professionals in implementing online marketing strategies, Wordpress, social media, and business systems to catapult exposure and dominance in their marketplace, while focusing on productivity and the bottom line.
Copyright 2010 Laura Monroe | Real Estate Virtual Assistant
Creative Agent Solutions.com 916.343.3823
Thanks Laura, we are trruy on third base getting ready to round the field to home base... (analogy for 4th qUARTER!)
Your game plan seems like a well planned business model and I want to print and take to heart the technology tips and evaluate my own model.
Interesting---we're going to check into the 33Touch. Is that for Keller William's agents only?
Jay and Linnea Hanley
this is great! thanks so much for posting this!
cheers,
cindy
I glanced at your blog and I could tell you are with Keller Williams. I am re-reading MREA right now and making my business plan and goals for 07. i think it's going to be a great year!
Great Blog, I agree with you, the business is so competive, and technology is one of the best things to give you an edge.
Alpharetta Real Estate
Marguerite..YES we do have to get together!
Dena~ thanks for the compliment, I learn so much from all of you!
Teresa~ Great book, great plan. I agree w/you about next year!
Tommie~ I hear you about a VA...I think I might need one too :)
John~ what can I say, you're an inspiration:)
Jay & Linnea~ Derek & Mariana said it best, 33 Touch is part of KW's Pro-Manage Marketing plan available to agents, its a good plan~
This was a good post about VALLLE
VA - to increase our efficiency
LLL - see your post
E - excellent suggestion, excellent results.
I need a few assistants, so I can focus on blogging here....just kidding.
Great topic.
Hey Laura:
Great information... I'd like to know more about how you charge for your service, and what services are included in your listing coordination. You can email to me at cahill@kw.com or call me on my cell 216-509-6990.
My KW offices (3) in Cleveland are growing, and I find agents are most challenged by getting caught up in the details of their business, which then leads to the cyclical nature of getting real busy, and then closing those deals, then not having any new business because they lost the time they should have blocked for lead generation. We've just recently brought on a Contract-to-Close specialist in September, and we've identified and DISC tested a prospective Listings Coordinator. How might your services fit in, as these two specialists can only service so many (so few) agents.
Best,
Kevin
This is good stuff. I love technology and anything that makes my use of it better is great. Thanks
Orville McCallister
Lori,
YOU are such a professional!!!! =-D
I am currently in the process of changing my office to another Keller Williams location and I am not sure if this new office has a transaction co-ordinator...so I will be in touch.....
God bless ya, sis!!
=-D
It is amazing what virtual assistants can do these days. I was talking to a broker on Thursday who was lamenting the lack of effort and enthusiasm of her in person staff. I told her I was looking into working with some virtual assistants over the next few months as my business picks up and she stared at me blankly as if I was from another planet.
Thanks!
Great post...I do know of some agents who need virtual assistants so will pass your name along...thanks!
I picked up this post from one of your later ones. I've also subscribed to your blog. My team is a firm believer in the 33 Touch and 12 Direct systems as well as internet lead generation. Looks like you have alot of great tips. Will be following our blog.