I'm getting ready to head into a slower time for my business, so I'm taking more time to look at my marketing plan, think about my future goals for next year etc. It's a good time to reflect, and re-touch on some basics, that we can all share, as business owners, and think about how to achieve those goals for next year~ There are 3 "L's" that I keep in mind:

Leads, Listings and Leverage

LEADS..REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE: Even as a Real Estate Virtual Assistant I use the Keller Williams 33 Touch (that John Novak blogged about) system of keeping in touch, and communicating to my database, and try to make use of really good communications skills. Using a contact database management system, you can automate alot of E-Marketing, which can be much more cost effecient, and far-reaching than direct mail marketing. Reaching a higher standard of production increases your chances of acheiving your goals and effectively managing your opportunities! Almost anything can be included in e-marketing. My suggestions: Newsletters, Personal Online Brochures, E-Postcards (birthday, anniversary, thank you)Farming Postcards, Letter of Introduction, Real Estate Reports to name a few~

LISTINGS: I'm not in the business of getting Listings, but I am in the business of Coordinating them, so its in my interest to keep informed as some of the best ways to get those listings:)

 The basic premise is to get your web-presence in Top-notch form, knowing what Internet savvy consumers want, and HOW to give it to them. 70% of home buyers who found a home on the web, also found their agent on the web. If buyers can search for properties from your website, obviously they are more likely to use you for their real estate needs. What's the best way to offer this? IDX Solutions on your website. IDX (Broker Reciprocity, Internet Data Exchange, is the NAR policy of allowing participating REALTORS to display listings of other MLS contributers on their individual websites, in exchange for contributing their own listings in the MLS>) The word is getting out, but only about 30% of agents offer an IDX Solution on their websites.

LEVERAGE..USING A LEVER TO MOVE BIG ROCKS:

Did you know that by using an assistant you can increase your productivity by 30%-40%? Having a second assistant increases it 20% yet again. Yet, only 30% of agents actually have an assistant. Assistants can relieve administrative burdens across the board, allowing agent to get and close their deals, and more importantly focus on the BIG picture of their business. However, utilizing asssitants that specialize in the core aspects of your business (Marketing, Listing Coordination, Transcation Management) will increase your percentage of productivity even more. Finding specialists can do more than just assist, they can be pro-active in discovering and executing those core aspects. Don't let average people, average marketing, and average administration be the status quo of your business, or that is what you will get...average results. There is no substitute for a great assistant, and to take your business to the next level, you will have to hire great people. But if you're not ready to hire an assistant, hire the right technology:

TECHNOLGY'S JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Listing Presentations (Power Point, Web Commercials, Property CD's)
• Database Management (Contact Management Software, ex: Top Producer, ACT)
• Marketing (Personal Marketing, Listing Marketing, E-Marketing, etc)
• Lead generation (Web sites etc.)
• Customer Relations: Client Gifts, Newsletters
• Transaction Management (Virtual programs like Settlement Room, Relay TC)
• Budgeting ( accounting software, mortage calculators etc.)

Re-shaping your business can take many forms. Take the time to look at your CORE COMPETENTCIES, and find the right tools and the right people for your business. Here's to a NEW YOU!

For more resources: Creative Agent Solutions.com