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Would YOU Text Message to Recruit?

For the most part, I have a cell phone number for the agents on my prospect lists. The question is, should I try to text message them a recruiting message? Would you, as a broker/ owner or branch manager use this as a method of communication with your prospects?

In the world of recruiting in the real estate industry, for some people there are very few good times to call them on their cell phone, it is just the nature of the industry. I know which of my prospects prefer to communicate via e-mail, as well as the prospects that prefer I call them to touch base, but what about the use of text messaging? Since most of my friends and family are starting to send more texts than make actual calls, is this a viable recruiting tool, or would receiving text messages "turn off" a prospect to the company?

Active Rainers, would you text a prospect, or as an agent, would you want to receive a recruiting text message? Please share your opinions, I have been thinking about this for a while!

Posted by Allison Werner on 07/02/2007 04:46 PM

Comments (32)

agent, branch manager, brokers, real estate, recruit, recruiting

32 Comments on Would YOU Text Message to Recruit?

JUL

2007

TXT me later. I think txting is a very good way to get in contact with people you need quickly. i don't think it would be a respectful way to recruit. i would be bummed out if i was only worth a txt to talk about your company or a company i should join.

Ditto what Marcus said and would like to add that the person receiving it still may incure a charge. It may only be 5 or 10 cents. I know if I start receiving unexpected txt messages, I might get upset. Second, many agents probably do not know how to get to the txt messages.

It would probably have some merits among the younger crowd, but would annoy older agents. I think you might lose the personal connection that I think it paramount when recruiting. I want to feel 'valued' and simply texting makes it seem impersonal.

I don't like either text or email recruiting. I have received recruiting letters, I considered them respectful and proper. Personally, if I wanted to change I would do the homework and approach the broker myself.

I would welcome an unsolicited text message about as much as an unsolicited phone call, the difference is you escape my wrath.

I guess I'm an "older agent". I wouldn't like it. I don't do text. For me it would seem weird.

Allison.. I wouldn't text unless I already had a relationship with the agent I was trying to recruit. If they don't want to talk to me on the phone . I either email them or wait until they are ready. I find people pretty willing to talk on the phone though.

Allison,

The largest company on the planet recently bought the family-owned 400-agent firm I'd worked for for years. That made all of us bait for competitor's recruiters. I did move, and chose a smaller company whose manager I hadn't known well. Before initiating a contact, she took time to learn about me, read my book and checked out my blog. When she called, she left an amazing, gracious, and funny message. I called her back and moved into my new desk a few days later.

It had more to do with the content of her message and the presentation she made when we met. None of the other people I spoke with initiated a contact with a text message, and if they had, I probably would have found it pretty impersonal.

JUL

2007

I like text between my family and close friends but not for any other reason. I agree with above about it being as welcome as an unsolicited phone call.

I would not like it. I really don't use text messages for business purposes and it seems so inpersonal (or is it impersonal? I cant think after midnight) But anyway I would not do it. Also, some people have to pay for text messages so they might not like receiving something they have to pay for that they did not ask for.

Thank you all for your comments. The general consensus seems to be that it is not a recruiting communication tool, as indicated by every comment, it should be left for communication with friends and family members.

Marcus has a very valid point, that it would not be respectful, as does Judi that charges may be incurred. Rich's point of a text being impersonal as well as Jim's indication that correspondence should reflect the value of the prospect are both concerns of mine. At least I would not incur Darrell's wrath if I keep away from texting, as Sarah puts it, "it would seem weird". Randi's right, most people will talk on the phone. Patricia really makes a case for leaving more than just contact information on a recruiting voicemail, that is what prompted her to return the call to the company she chose. Ashley & Kimberly both agree that it would be an unwelcomed message.

Although Rich does bring up a great point, that it may have merits for the younger crowd, everyone else seems to feel it would be an annoyance or would "turn off" prospects more so than generating an interest in the company. Thank you again everyone for your input, I really appreciate it!

JUL

2007

Alison- no nee its all been said already. I think for the most part text is not what we should be doing but great question

Alison, count me in as a No. For many of the reason already stated. Your moving forward in this new world at least considering doing more digital. Great question and post.

JUL

2007

Alison, we are quite technologically advanced and advertise to computer and technology savy agents. However, I would never initiate the contact using a text message. During the initial contact I would make sure what is the acceptable and prefrrable form of communications. If text is one of them, then I would use it.

Thank you all for stopping by, and for your help in my decision. I didn't think it would hurt to at least ask the question, but I am glad I did, since so many people think it's too impersonal. Thanks again for your comments!

JUL

2007

Allison,

I agree with Judy receiveing txt msg costs 10c and may not be considered " the proper way of communication", but it can be a great way to follow up with a realtor that you already established some sort of a relationship.

No...not tactful

Dick Beals

SEP

2007

Would I? I do it everyday as a follow up method! It works!!!

Back when AOL was cool, I had been contacted through my "friends" list for a job. Turns out it was a great career move.

TXTing seems like the next logical step - especially dealing with Gen Y

OCT

2007

I would not do it to recruit. To follow up, if I know that my prospect is a gen y'er I wouldl. The problem that I think I would have is that I am an email fanatic and the "language" of texting is difficult for me! I laugh everytime I see the commercial that the grandma says: I dk, my bff, Rose!

I dk, try it with a gen y'er and see what happens!

I don't think it would be a great tool to initiate conversation with an agent, I think however, it would be a good tool for RECRUITING an agent, by giving your agents the option of recieving TEXT messages as a replacement to phone calls, this might appeal to some agents, expecially those who don't have PDA phones and don't have constant email communication, by txting and saying, hey there is a check at the office, or the office meeting has been moved to 11am, stuff like that it would be great for. but remember to have agents OPT in to it since it does cost.

Since I run a TECH and MARKETING company, I have many clients who request me to do something via TEXT messaging versus sending an email or phone call. I get txt's all the time like "can you update my website with this listing for me, I am going to be too busy today: mls aa10233345" My clients don't ask to send me texts, they just assume I don't mind because I own a tech company, therefore I should be very techy (which is very true, I don't mind the txt's at all)

so basically, there is a time and place for it, and should be implemented in your business, just not necessarily with the initiation of contact with someone.

Allison, would you break up with a boyfriend by sending a text message? I think that changing brokers is just as big of a decision if not more. I think it deserves a personal visit if you really want them. People have hard time saying "No" when you look them in the eye. I can click delete on my cell phone in 2 seconds.

Regarding clients, I sometime text existing clients if they are tech savvy and text me first.

I'd have no problem with that but probably depends on the agent. To put it in perspective, college football coaches have started texting HS recruits and the NCAA has had to consider regulations on that. Previously they only regulated email/phone calls. TXTing has become the in thing.

OCT

2007

Thanks again everyone for your input! There seem to be some "for" and some "against" but I am leaving it up to the individuals I am speaking with. On a side note, our Business Development team is considering distributing leads through texts, any "yay" or "nay" votes there?

NOV

2007

Text messaging is for kids. Calling is much more productive

I tend to agree with the consensus. I would like a more personal touch while being recruited.

I would only text in a follow-up situation to another initial source of contact. Say you've corresponded via email or had a phone (or in-person) discussion and the agent mentioned his/her love of technology...then you're a go. To start the prospecting by text wouldn't work for many...I'd love it, because it'd fit my busy schedule and I wouldn't have to give up my time to hear (read) what you need to ask. Something like, "Having lunch at the office noon Thursday- interseted in joining us?" That way, if they don't text- no big loss...if they do, you'll probably get a response. I'm in, sry cant, etc.

Ditto. I wouldn't text. And if I was in the receiving end I wouldn't like it either.

NOV

2007

Thank you all for your input, there certainly are more saying not to text, as opposed to "go ahead and do it!"

I'm a text savvy person. I would be pissed beyond belief. It would be worse than spamming.

HOWEVER if their business card had their cell on it and it went as far as saying "text me" (like mine), then that MIGHT be ok.

And some phones charge 10 cents per text.

I was running for the board and we considered downloading ALL the agents cell numbers and sending them all a notice to vote. I decided not to take that route. I'd rather lose. I did lose.

Frank

NOV

2007

Hi Frank- I agree, most would be upset unless they specifically note to "text them". I have read a lot of your posts, and feel you would have made an excellent board member, you should run again.

NOV

2007

Great ideas and thoughts, thanks for sharing!

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