"Polyester Pete" was my nickname when I was a new agent.  That should tell you something about how professional I was!  I had come from a career teaching at boarding schools, and my wardrobe reflected my financial situation.

My initial lack of success was due not only to my limited wardrobe but also to my lack of knowledge of prospecting, financing, contracts and followup techniques as well.  Fortunately, I found a mentor who showed me how to be a businessperson.  I still remember our visit to J.C. Penny's where I bought my first white shirt and non-Paisley tie!  Not only did my wardrobe gradually improve but she also taught me many things, including the importance of having a system for on-going followup. 

I was reminded of this when, on a social networking discussion group, a new agent asked for help in determining the best way to stay in touch with folks whose homes he sold.  Several agents offered information: post card marketing, gifts, etc.  One thing that the respondents did not propose was taking advantage of today's automatic followup systems.  To me, they are the way to go: much more successful than traditional methods and they offer a far greater Return on Investment! 

Here are four systems that I recommend: 

Your Real Estate Specific Database

I do not understand why so many agents still use Outlook, a fine database but one that is not specifically tailored to our business!  One of the main advantages of using Top Producer or Respond, the two top real estate databases, is that they allow you to automatically prospect for new business and to stay in touch with past buyers and sellers.  It's a no brainer, and you can turn the whole task of setting up your database and its followup system (action plans) to a good VA.  He or she has done it for other agents and can quickly set up systems that you don't have to spend time implementing.  Once set up, your followup is automatic...and free. 

Recommended For: Every agent! 

Rainmaker e-Central

My friend Dan Gooder Richard is, in my opinion, the best real estate marketing mind around today.  To say that he knows his stuff is an understatement!  Dan's system is a complete online marketing system with 1,800+ pages of lead capture forms, easy-to-create unlimited micro sites, 127+ lead capturing response forms...and so much more.  As for followup, anyone responding to one of the forms automatically goes into your automatic followup system...you don't have to do anything, and the materials that get emailed are truly fantastic.  You can also add prospects from other sources into the automatic system as well.

 Investigate this system for sure!  If you decide to order, use this link for a special order form that will get you a discount.

Recommended For: Agents without any Web site or whose current site could use a lot of great content and response forms to generate a ton of leads. 

MyHomConnection

Formerly My Home Management Club, this is another no brainer that will bring you repeat business and referrals.  It works on auto pilot: you sponsor prospects, open house visitors, former buyers and sellers and it does the rest.  Twice a month e-alerts covering many issues and featuring great content that most members will value go out to your members, and you can send a personal message to any or all of them at any time. 

Recommended For: Agents who have a lot of prospects, either from their Web sites or other sources, who just don't have time to do adequate followup. 

Real Pro Systems

Developed years ago by two of my CyberStars®, this is a complete lead generating and followup system, one that is used by a majority of my CyberStars®.  Users of this system have an outstanding Web presence and the "back end" system automatically enters prospects who respond to your Web site, your stealth sites that feature a service rather than an agent or through other Real Pro features.  You can customize and add your own messages, but the automatically generated emails and newsletters are fantastic as is.  They offer an agent blog, a home showing feedback system, a new short sale stealth site and their new VillageMaker, an agent sponsored social network. 

Recommended For: Agents who have no Web site or followup system or whose current Web site is just plumb pitiful! 

Whichever system you choose, you must have a system for on-going followup if you want to build a profitable business.  You can do it the "old way" which takes more time and, over the long run, more money than do these systems, or you can take advantage of today's technology with much better results!  In addition to offering you a better ROI, you have very valuable assets to add value when you sell your business when you decide to retire. 

Think about it....but not for long.  "Analysis Paralysis" has killed many a business.  It's time to act!

BTW: Visit my free blog for articles on these and many other tech tools that will make you money, save you money and save you time! Go to http://Blog.CyberStars.net. 

It's a great day here on the lake in Reston...hope it's a great day wherever you are, too!