The Secret To Having Today's Homebuyers and Sellers Find YOU

Gary, I've not taken this perspective before and I think it's one we should always remember.

Leadership and confidence are powerful tools if directed properly. That is why referrals are one of the best strams of business out there.

Ty

So many agents want to get rich quick.  It takes time and reputation to build a solid business.  And you most definitely build a reputation with Leadership!  Great post. 

I find that doing alot of little things well helps me find the right buyers and sellers and deemphasizes any ideas that I might not be the perfect agent....................chris

I agree we should lead, however, some people do not know they need leading, so just like my children I need to let them fall a few times before they begin to listen.

Gary,

So long as prospects get the feeling that you can guide them successfully through a home buying process, they'll let you take the lead. And offer referrals on top of that.

Congrats on the feature for your well composed post.  As always, short and straight to the point, like a good leader!

I've never thought about this, but it is so true.  I've had buyers that came to me after using other agents and they go out of their way to tell me how much more professional and knowlegeable I am.  I am a natural leader and I don't think they put it in those words, but I know it is my "leadership" that creates our rapport (I am an honest leader, I know my market and real estate in general plus I'm friendly and empathetic about it all). 

I believe being a leader instills a sense of trust with clients and they allow you to "take them by the hand" and are willing to follow you because of that trust.  Being a leader doesn't mean being a pushy salesperson - it means knowing your business enough that you can naturally take charge and work for your client's best interests.

Gary, this is great advice for online marketing.  Oftentimes we get caught up in marketing ourselves and our listings and forget to market what the buyers want.

Exactly- WIIFM - that's how we need to market ourselves. So much information is available to buyers and sellers online now. We really need to show our value for them to choose us to work with.

Excellent point. I like the attitude.  I need to figure out how to incorpate that into my presentation and my blogging voice.

Hi, Gary. Congratulations on the Feature!

I think that savvy buyers know that any tenth-rate agent can spend some money for a website or have an account on Twitter. With the erosion of boundaries, standards and manners, finding an agent who has sound values has become increasingly valuable.

"THE POWER OF KNOWLEDGE"

With e-consumers increasingly tech savvy, they demand instantaneous up-to-date information. As a Realtor, who has specialized in marketing in my former "life" I must admit to seeing this industry struggle to keep up with this e-trend. In a recently attended designation course here in Little Rock, AR students were informed that 96% of consumers today on average spend 4.8 weeks researching the Internet for homes, area information before even contacting a Realtor. In my opinion, and granted it is a new one; but no less valid - having a web presence is vital to being a successful Realtor. I've read mixed reviews about the effectiveness of using social media, but let us not forget that MARKETS ARE DIFFERENT. However, social media is here to STAY and when looked at from a scientific viewpoint, when done properly has a far reaching or "viral" effect. Forst correctly identify your audience then develop a marketing plan. Have an agent specific website with content of value to a consumer to capture and KEEP their interest. These days, conventional marketing doesn't always produce anticipated results and don't get me started on cold-calling. That's so OLD SCHOOL. I don't have time to spend hours and hours on the phone every week chasing down leads. I want to be viewed as an expert of my area and in my field. I am also a firm believer in setting myself apart from other agents by providing added value or services others don't or won't. Providing value to prospective clients to capture their interest, trust and eventually I hope - their business is my goal. It's very satisfying to help clients and I look to the day when these clients have become long-time personal relationships.

"A rough economy calls for tough agent."

Gary:  Great post!  It reminds me of a line out of The American President.  "People want leadership. And in the absence of genuine leadership, they will listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone."

Great point. So many ways to do this, but you are right, it's what they want.

I agree with Jenny says Whats in it for Me. All that buyers want is someone to teach them good value with comparative pricing and to have patience and not appear that they are just trying to get the deal done.

Gary - I think I would consider myself more of a navigator when I am assisting buyers and sellers through the processes of real estate  ...although, often I must rely on my GPS for assistance.

Good post. Leadership and client confidence go hand in hand.

Great post, I love short info things like this! I just posted a blog myself about helping others, congrats on the Feature!