I just referred someone to an Activerain Agent I don't know!

I just blogged about this 30 minutes ago. I just got a referral on Zolve. Without a doubt social networking is the referral system. Is just isn't CRS only anymore.

Active Rain shows that an agent is on the "cutting edge" ....

(need an agent in the Houston / The Woodlands area?)

Points to me does mean something. Someone with 400,000 points dont just appear one day. And I'm sure, I would have read this person's blog. I think to me, prominence is key. Then the profile and points go hand in hand.

We learn more about each other on this blog than we ever used to from a CRS book.  Good going!

Most of the folks you find here on Active rain sound pretty stable. A little research about the agent and a long conversation about the clients needs would be a prudent move. After, if you felt the agent could deliver on your clients needs and his/her duties, your gut will tell the tale.

Matthew: I have placed 2 referrals so far using Active Rain.. I have 2 more I'm making final reviews to place this week. I love the idea of Agents who see the referral actually kinda compete to get the referral. Great way to get to know them a little better than just a cold referral call.

I don't think it's crazy...I gave out a referral myself using someone's profile on AR...that became a Twitter follower and Facebook friend.  After reviewing her profile and website, I talked to her in person to confirm my gut feeling that she was the right referral...which she was.  I didn't really look at the points...just the quality behind the profile.

If you've been following an agent's blog and feel they are sincere, knowledgeable, personable and would be a good fit for your client -- that's good enough reason to refer to that agent after you also spoke with them live.

During the 12 years I was actively working with buyers/sellers and had the need to refer a client I would use RealTalk/Internet Crusade to find an agent and than call them to make a final judgement as to if I felt they would be a good match for my clients personality and tech wise.

From my own personal experience I think the meshing of personalities becomes important in creating a great working together force to achieve the clients goal -- either purchase or sell!!  Maybe I'm controversial because my common sense told me on 2 occassions to refer my own clients to another agent in order to best assist them because our individual personalities were at loggerheads!

Re who you referred to in Texas: I wouldn't care WHO you referred to, but, WHY you choose that person over all others -- Texas is a huge state!

Sue of Robin and Sue

I'm another grinch.

Point total means something, but not everything in my view. I know of AR bloggers who have enormous point totals and haven't closed a deal in a year.

Click through and email them...ask them how many total sales they've closed and a little bit about them. Due diligence is required. Point totals might be a good start, but a bad ending place.

I just successfully placed a referral with an agent whose point total was relatively low but had a good profile, great web page, and was sharp on contact. I went past their blog. I think you owe that to the client.

Matthew - Seems reasonable to me !  I think you can get a lot of info and feel comfortable with the referral process.  The only intangible is that someone may be an Active Rain all-star but their production might be very low which could hurt the client in terms of experience but I think you would be able to pick that up either in reading the profile or having a discussion.  Also, would depend on the complexity of the deal.  I have also referred buyers and sellers to people on Active Rain as well.  It is a great way to network and a great referral source !

I think it is a great idea.  Its why we put our resume out there for the world to see.

Nope, not crazy at all.

That is why a lot of us are here.

For what it is worth, if they have been here for an extended period of time, it is probable that they are going to care how well they handle that lead from you.  They are obviously here for the long run and will care about their reputation.

Matthew,

     I would have done the same.  I actually referred someone to the Dallas area a while back.  I found them on AR.  I didn't know them at all.  Sold!  Thanks for the referral fee!!!

I would do the same.  I was new on here and received a referral.  It did not work out but it was not his fault.  I have also received 3 sellers by them finding me on here, contacting me.  I am getting to know others by reading their blogs and even more people by reading their comments.  Most if not all are here because they really do care about others and their career they are in.  I really like to learn and there is NO Other place I can go and get answers & experience this quick and its all FREE!

Sure, why not? Their profile, at least if they have done it well, says a lot, as does their blogging. As a CRS I am a bit biased so I look for that as well.

Jeff

Anyone else think I might be slightly crazy for making a referral to an Agent solely based on a review of their Active Rain profile?

Hi Matthew,

You might want to dig a little deeper, if you have the time.  However, ActiveRain is definitely a good place to start doing your research for referrals.

Not crazy at all! In today's market, sellers need someone that understands and feels comfortable with internet marketing.

Honestly, partially yes.  Relationships are huge not only with your sphere of buyers and sellers, but with agents.  i.e. Know pretty well who you are referring to as your reputation is on the line.  You can gain a pretty good feel of an agent on AR.....but not by just reading their profile.  My profile looks great, but it could be total lies.   Just be careful as protecting your name is huge......