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What's your marketing type? Cold Calling or Social Networking?

By
Real Estate Agent with ERA Herman Group Real Estate-NoCo

I must admit I have seen and sat by those faithful cold call talented agents in the past.. Truth be told, I sort of envy them. They could call a priest in the middle of Sunday mass without hesitation. Nothing sways them to hesitate. It is truly a gift! Just not mine.

  Exec 2 Exec As outspoken as I am I just can not bring myself to cold call people to promote my real estate business. I know this is NOT a good thing in real estate. But instead of feeling discouraged, I decided to promote the gifts I do have. Social Networking. That I can do, with my eyes closed, half sleep and with my hands tied behind my back.

 Disco Boogie I love people and no one is a stranger after the initial hello. I could talk to them about special financing, renting verses buying within 10 minutes of our initial contact. I personally have to run with what I am comfortable in doing and that comes natural to me. I once had an employing broker tell me that when you market in the area you are good at, success will follow you. I believe that to be true.

I write this little encouragement to those agents that struggle with cold calls and feel as if your business will never grow. While cold calling is vital - which I truly believe - it is not for everyone. Instead of being discouraged, go out and promote yourself in the areas you are good at and be confident that what comes naturally will reflect to the people you will draw in.

 Harley Woman I love to ride my 2003 Anniversary Edition Harley. Most all my clients have come into my business sphere when I was out enjoying my day.  Its amazing how your social environment can become your greatest business tool. Dont force yourself to be something your not, but allow yourself to be all you can be in the area in which YOU thrive!

Posted by

  

Sergio Rebollo Jr.
Real Estate TeamMates - Miami, FL

Good post Sherilyn.  I don't mind cold calling but ever since joining ActiveRain, I have been very fortunate to get all my leads from the internet.  I learned about google page rank, SEO, backlinks to your website all on ActiveRain.  It drives traffic to my website which generates sellers and buyers and then on ActiveRain I've networked a consistant flow of referrals.

Apr 17, 2009 04:52 PM
Sherilyn M. Whistler
ERA Herman Group Real Estate-NoCo - Loveland, CO
Need a Referral, Call Me !

Sergio - thank you for the helpful tips. I am going to explore the very suggestions you gave to me. I am not as computer savvy as I would like but I fumble my way through. Its sounds like your business isdoing great! Have a fabulous day! Its raining here in beautiful Loveland, Colorado.

Apr 18, 2009 06:10 AM
Scott Leaf Personal Real Estate Corporation
Keller Williams Elite Realty, Port Coquitlam, BC - Port Coquitlam, BC
Scott Leaf & Associates Real Estate Team

Defintely a Social kinda guy!  People like to work with people like themselves so what better method then to 'be yourself' online. So many think they get it but really dont.  Im 50% social media leads 25% referrals & 25% doorknocking around listings. (They cant hang up on me at the front door)

Nov 04, 2010 08:18 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Sherilyn,

When we are doing things we enjoy, like a ride on the Hog, we are in a good mood and happy people draw others to them. I am one who can/has cold called comfortably but it is nice when people are drawn to you instead.

Bob

Nov 04, 2010 08:19 AM
Sherilyn M. Whistler
ERA Herman Group Real Estate-NoCo - Loveland, CO
Need a Referral, Call Me !

Scott: Door knocking.. I admire you!

Bob:  Sure does help when they come to you but I still use lead generation as well.

Nov 04, 2010 08:25 AM
Donne Knudsen
Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA - Simi Valley, CA
CalState Realty Services

Sherilyn - I too don't do cold calling.  If I'm going to get on the phone and start doing some marketing, I'm going to be calling my SOI, that way it's not a "cold call" but rather a periodic call from a friend and I usually start it out by not talking business but catching up on what's been going on in their lives.

Nov 04, 2010 09:36 AM
Charita Cadenhead
eXp Realty - Birmingham, AL
Serving Jefferson and Shelby Counties (Alabama)

Sherilyn when I am in the mood for cold calling, I am a whiz. But otherwise am just amprehensive and everyone else.

Nov 04, 2010 12:57 PM
Peggy Hughes/pha logistix, inc.
pha logistix inc - San Francisco, CA
SF NYC LA

I'm with you Sherily.... cold calling is just NOT my thing.  Now, walking into a networking event not knowing anyone... no problem, I just walk over to someone who is standing by themselves and strike up a conversation!  Wonder why that is?

Nov 04, 2010 01:52 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Sherilyn, I've never made a cold call in my life!  I've made a bunch of hot calls, however.  That seems to work a lot better.

Nov 05, 2010 04:23 AM
Sherilyn M. Whistler
ERA Herman Group Real Estate-NoCo - Loveland, CO
Need a Referral, Call Me !

Donne: I agree - How are the kids is a lot better approach?

Charita:  You will have to give me some pointers for when desperate times take desperate measures..

Peggy: Its because we are party animals !! WooHoo

Patricia:  Now that is a great attitude

Nov 05, 2010 04:30 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I am a warm call person.   Would rather talk with someone in person first, or at least email.

Nov 05, 2010 05:42 AM