Well after a long 6 months my individual website is finally working and I hope looking pretty good. Now the task is filling with info and trying to build the ranking within google. Since it is a site provided by my company built by another company on the opposite coast I am limited to some of the admistrative abilities. However, I can add all the subpages, links, etc that I want.

What I was hoping is that I might be able encourage some of you guru's would take a look at my site and give me a "private" critique. Are you all up to the task? I feel like I am slim so far on additional info but just do not want to junk it up with too much unnecessary stuff. You can either send me email form my site or come back through AR. All the avenues are open.

I thank you ALL in advance for taking the time to pass by and give your opinion!

All opinions are welcome. My first leg of spreading the word I emailed ALL of my contacts and asked them to visit my website and give me feedback. Some did! I guess since most of them are not "in the biz" I am now wanting to get some PRO feedback.

So tear it up folks and I look forward to hearing from you!

BTW I am noticing an increased pace of buyers swwimin around in my East Coast pool in Myrtle Beach, How is the rest of the States doing?

It seems like all I do is read blogs in my spare time. Frankly I am picking them all apart for the purpose of self education through others experiences. I have found it to be overwhelming, some hot air, but mostimpotantly informative.

 I find it to be a great tool to improve ones skills. I was always taught by my parents that "The day you stop learning is the day you may as well have died". I always took that statement to heart and well it sometimes places me in that mode where I appear to be the kid in Kindergarten that does not stop asking questions. Some people love it and others hate it. It is me though. If I do know the answer, rest assured I will find it most expeditiously!

That has been my motto for as long as I can remember. Yeah, even working at McD's or as a Telemarketer (embarrassing jobs but I liked money growing up). Sure as a teenager I might have made it up if I did not know the answer just to save face or appear smart. That was then. As adulthood aproaches all of us we hopefully learn the BS is not only inappropriate, but it can get you into serious trouble. Applying yourself means education in EVERY form. Through this process you either get it or you don't. If you don't, you just have to deal and move on to the next carreer.

So, where am I going with this? I am just a regular guy with big dreams. I was born and raised in New Orleans. I was told form an early age that I needed to work for myself. Much like my parents a part of me always held me back from doing so because of potential failure.

After mother nature spawned Hurricane Katrina, that part of me changed. At that time I had followed Real Estate as a hobby but always feared taking the next step because I did not know how and I was afraid of failing! Mother Nature inspired me to throw away my fears by taking away everything I have ever owned. I had a childhood friend in Myrtle Beach and was encouraged to have a "cool off" visit to get away from the traumatic scene I was wallowing in. I did it, and on day 2 I said to him "I am going back to New Orleans to get my dog and would like to return if I can stay with you temporarily and get started in Real Estate". He obliged and I was back within 2 weeks.

Did the school thing. Then did continuing ed immediately. Took the test and passed it with ease. For the next 6 months I was faced with the handicap of not knowing didly about the area. I resolved that issue by getting lost riding around. Then I got lost in my MLS database. Went back in time as far as I could to gain an understanding of how the RE economy had evolved to its current status. Basically I did not reach out to any buyers/sellers for that entire time because I felt I would do them a disservice.

After my time was put in I began to market myself. Dealing with all I came in contact with. Talking to other Realtors and the like. I got my first full year, 2007, under my belt and achieved a top 20% rank in sales. I felt pretty good ab out it! Then the market slowed. I had to learn more about diversifying my client base. I needed to learn about marketing. Some trial and error is necessary. Not reinventing the wheel is also part of the equation. The only thing that is constant is my effort. Buyers disappear, sellers clam up, and I still work just as hard! I sit back and imagine how great it will be when buyer faith is reinstilled here. My business will surely be above par.

When I found AR, I thought I hit the jackpot. I have received a slow going referral already. We all know that going is going whether or not the buyer is immediate does not matter! I like the slower ones sometimes because I get to really cultivate a relationship with them. This site is filled with ideas that quite honestly could be sold! I love it and will continue to use it to further my business. A promise to all is that I will return the favor in the future as I sort through all I do whether it is advice from here, there, or anything I sort of create or tweak on my own. Lets face it, we Realtors need each other!

 One thing I can not seem to figure out about this whole blogging thing is how it all works. Where to put them, where to link them, and what makes a potential buyer/seller want to read it. I guess I will keep reading and learning. If any of you want to give some tips go ahead...

Keep it up AR members!

Well I find myself wanting to rant. I somehow think that a rant is going to be unproductive. Work is keeping me busy and I am responsible for keeping myself focused.

I have grown weary of the "negative" press the media is placing on our economy, especially as it pertains to my industry of Real Estate. I am over 2 years into this career and see great potential for years to come.

The reality of the scewed numbers the media presents is that they  ARE NATIONWIDE numbers. The majority of the nation's RE markets are sustaining growth or close to breaking even. Why in the world would everyone buy into this news?

Lets break it down. I will keep it simple because it really is simple. One sentence is all it will take. Are you ready?... here it comes...

THE AREA IN WHICH YOU LIVE IN HAS STATISTICS AVAILABLE TO YOU ON EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY... USE THEM SOLELY TO MAKE DECISIONS BASED ON PURCHASES, CAREERS, AND INVESTMENTS.

Pretty simple huh. Here is an example. I live and work in one part of South Carolina. I was speaking to a Realtor from another part of the state and he was complaining about how poor the market was. We looked up some HARD numbers specific to Real Estate in his certain area. Guess what! Their area was up 17.2% in 2007 numbers and anticipating double digit growth for 2008.

It became obvious to me that this Realtor was a slacker. They would rather complain instead of getting creative and working. Grab hold of your market share Realtor's! No one is going to give it to you, just like any other job.

Working in Real Estate is only truly disappointing to those who can not do the following:

Multi task

Be creative

Market themselves within their community

Market themselves Nationally

Market themselves Internationally

Stay on top of FACTS in your market.

Hi Activerainers,

I sent out a question post a couple weeks back inquiring what your thoughts were on utilizing the services of a "Referral Network" to increase your business. Unfortunately I got hardly anr reads and less than a handful of comments.

Here is the thing, these referral networks seem to let you "buy-in" annually to a city and charge more for additional cities in your MLS area. It seems like such a ripoff to me to do this. Basically the registrants seem to pay to be on an online phonebook of sorts and how productive is that?? There has got to be a better way to do referral business!

I would like to broaden my questions from the last post: (the questions in bold are the same)

How could you invision a "referral" group actually working? ie: how would it be set up to function.

What would you be willing to pay for an annual membership?

What would you expect out of it?

Is it practical to build or join one that is TRULY productive?

Do any of you sign up for these "referral" networks?

Do you find them to work for you?

What would be the best case scenerio for a group if you could make one?

How much is it worth?

I have always looked for ways to increase my referral business. Heck I just picked on up here the otherday so this is a positive website for that!

What I really want to explore are the various "referral networks" that I have found on the web. It seems most of them are nothing but an online "directory" of sorts. I have a hard time establishing value in payin $25 - 200 to be a member of these online phonebooks. There just does not seem to be a valid one out there.

My questions are:

Do any of you sign up for these "referral" networks?

Do you find them to work for you?

What would be the best case scenerio for a group if you could make one?

How much is it worth?

Just kind of exploring here. I am hoping to get some feedback on my questions as well as maybe a point in the right direction of a successful networ in place.

Thanks in advance!

I find that doing referral busines, whether inbound or outbound, is the best business ever!

 Let's face it, when I get a call from another Realtor asking you to provide services for their contact I just get to feeling like a kid. Really, this other Realtor (stranger most times) chose me! Not only did they choose me but they have prepped their contact to anticipate good things from me because of the already existing confidence between the parties. Who does not like that feeling of being "blessed"?

I am only in Real Estate for a smiggin over 2 years but I have completed 8 referrals, 3 inbound and 5 out, and have one currently in the works. Number nine is a little different. The agent I chose and my seller approved is hit and miss. I did not have any personal information in the area where this referral was sent so I did some interviewing of my own. I have developed a bit of a system for sorting through Realtors in unfamiliar areas. I actually have a "test" of sorts I present without them knowing. The system is not perfect, but I insist on doing some homework myself to get knowledge of the area. Look into the market conditions. Basically, I get enough information to pick some brains.

Once I achieve above basic knowledge I start to view the first 2 pages of google searches, as well as yahoo and msn. Typically I look for the best "visual" and functional" websites. Once I get 10 that impress me I start making the calls. You may have guessed it by now but to my suprise, each outbound referral has had 3 or more Realtors fail right out the gate. Please do not make me wait more than 24 hours for a return call! What are you thinking? I am offering you a free ride and the first impression you give me is you are going to make me wait til you get around to it? I actually had a Realtor return my call 6 days later. The "professional" had the gaul to chastise me because I was blunt in the manner that I told her, "Sorry ma'am, but I called you almost a week ago and I do not think you are the right fit for my client". A little too late to try and sell yourself in my opinion. Definately nt the time to debate either.

I finally got who I and my client felt comfortable with. As best as I can judge 1200 miles away. My client felt good so we moved on. Her house has been listed for 7 weeks now. Fair amount of showings. The Realtor always tends to a little fixin' of something when he comes around.

However, at times my client has made comments to the effect of not being happy. Stating she hears from me more often. Then the next week she shows a bit more confidence in the job the Realtor is doing. I try to let her vent and I am good with it. There came a point when she wanted me to call the other Realtor and share some ideas and see if he can change the course a bit to make her happy. Out of respect for being unfamiliar with his market , I made that call to get an update. No answer so I left a message.

Ladies and gentlemen, that was 3 weeks ago! I have politely defended him as  a Realtor, even still to this day. From what my client has told me, after I made that call it seemed he was around more. She calmed down and seems satisfied at the moment. I have not told her that he STILL has not called me back, I do not think it is would be professional of me to do so. Simply put, I explained to my client that every market is different, some marketing philosophy's are different, maybe he does not need to go by my ideas. Certainly he is successful to this point.

What I have also told her is that if she reaches a point where it is time to make a change, let me know and I have a couple more left over from my original research.

I do not think this Realtor even understands he may get fired due to flightiness of all things. When you list properties for people you have to perform a little bit of TLC to your seller. That is what we do people. I know it seems an even stranger concept, but when a collegue from another states gives you a referral shouldn't you do an even better job to hope that more transactions may eveolve in the future!

I view every buyer and seller as they could be my last. They most certainly can be my last if I do not perform. Just as easily if I do not make them see the effort I am placing by nothing other than simple ole communication.

All I can say is 1 out of 9 is not so bad. Maybe this one will redeem himself consistantly from this moment forward. I enjoy referral business and I look forward to even more of it in the years to come. I have a goofy goal in fact. That goal is that I want to send out a referral or receive a referral to 50% of the NAR Associations (that is 800)!

Ok masters of the BPO/REO world. It is time to let loose on your secret. I have been busting my butt trying to kick the door in for alternative income generation related to Real Estate. Sure I could go back to part tim service industry work, but I know 100% that it will negatively impact my business. I like being available and in the trenches 24/7.

 Some bloggers have posted lists. Free ones, pay for ones, etc. Bottom line is I have been registering and calling for 3 months now and have only "captured" 4 orders. I say captured because the only companies that have recognized me are the ones that send out email blasts. I have about a 20% capture rate. I do not want a blackberry, maybe it is time to reconsider. I here and read about Realtors that make a very steady income doing BPO work and not one will fork over the info in regard to personal contacts or even specific companies.

Is there a way to know what companies service your location? Arethey broken down like that? I am getting the feeling that all the companies I am signing up for rarely send orders to my locale.

 If anyone cares to enlighten me I look forward to it. Really, I would appreciate it!

The Real Estate market is so topsy turvy. I love the ride even though I am just over 2 years into my career. I find that my timing, while bad on some levels, has placed me in a position to understand the importance of hard work instead of "order taking". Apparently my Myrtle Beach market was justthat a few years back. No longer!

 For someone like me you either make it or break it. I work hard daily, and nightly, to ensure my success. I have ben trying to grow my referral network so I am glad to have found this place.

 I look forward to developing a working relationship with as many of you as I can.