Every week I receive phone calls from a variety of companies wanting me to participate in their lead generating programs.  The phone calls are so frequent now, that I actually become frustrated and show my "not so professional" side.  Some of them don't take "NO" for an answer!!

One of the first tasks that I learned how to do when I first started in this business was how to generate my own business.  There are so many ways to prospect that I can't believe anyone would have reason to use and pay one of these companies for leads.  Whatever your preference might be for prospecting, do it consistently and faithfully every day or week or month, depending on what it might be.

My preference has always been direct mail marketing, and I use it for buyer and seller leads.  Direct mail marketing makes my phone ring, directs traffic to our new construction communities and it accomplishes all the self promotion that my team could ever need.  Everyone reads their mail, and even if they don't keep the card because they are not in the market right now, they've read the message and the name.  That's recognition, and for those who need an agent, that card makes my phone ring.

Now, I also have blogging available to me, and I use it every day.  It gives me great ranking on a Google search, and the best part of all is that it's almost FREE.  I paid $349 for the year.  For less than $1.00/day, my phone rings, and I get leads.  So, why does anyone need a lead generating company for business?   Decide what your most successful method is for obtaining leads and work your system.  Working your system consistently will make your phone ring.  Why pay a company when you can do this task proficiently yourself and for almost no cost.  Prospecting is the task that will enable you to survive in any market.  Don't rely on others for your survival.  That's risky business.

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56 Comments on What Is Your System For Lead Generation? Got One??

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

AUG
02
2010
1,515,462 Points 112 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I've got the same pet peeve.  Hate these companies.  Last one that called I had a pleasant conversation with and got him to agree that we weren't a match since I got all the leads I needed from my own online presence.
5:01pm • #37
1,515,267 Points 275 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Chris....some of them don't take "NO" for an answer.....makes me crazy.....actually nasty.
5:04pm • #38
Called Shot Master

Barbara - I'm not one for hanging up on people but lately these lead generation calls are getting outta hand so I understand your frustration and I cut them off at the pass.  I don't believe in buying leads through a generation system because I really have a problem with companies using the listings that we work to get and then selling the leads back to us.  No Thanks!
6:56pm • #39
1,206,544 Points 193 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

It took me about 3 years and you did it in less than 12 months. You're my BLOGGING QUEEN. Sing it to the ABBA Dancing Queen tune....
7:07pm • #40
1,515,267 Points 275 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Janet.....I agree.....and I always cut them short and nip it before they get on a roll....but I detest it.
7:28pm • #41
1,515,267 Points 275 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Loreena....I love that song....love ABBA....now I'm going to sing that all night.....
7:29pm • #42
530,466 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Wow--another fantastic post, Barabara

I will flag this for feature & bookmark for later.
7:45pm • #43
243,626 Points 26 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Yup, blogging and direct mail seem to do the trick.  I just LOVE those lead gen companies (not!)  When I was politely trying to get off the phone, I had one guy actually say "you must not like making money."  They are a hoot.  I know they are just doing their job, but it gets a little silly.  I always tell them that I only pay for referrals from other agents.  I have no interest in encouraging a third party business.
7:55pm • #44
627,000 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

So many of these companies can't do any more than what we're doing by blogging.  With all the google power of Active Rain, where else would you go?
8:46pm • #45
1,515,267 Points 275 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Mary....thank you....
8:54pm • #46
1,515,267 Points 275 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kristen.....they are irritating and so persistent....you handle them politely....I try, but it never works out that way!!!
8:56pm • #47
1,515,267 Points 275 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kay.....that's right....where else would you go.....ActiveRain does the trick....
8:57pm • #48
AUG
03
2010
761,233 Points 61 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I don't use those services either.  I find that being really connected into my community brings me a ton of business.
12:30am • #49
342,246 Points 2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Barbara. I still receive calls from lead generation companies after I told them to stop calling me :) I still use Expired Letters and blog for business coupled with JL/JS cards. Since you wrote about Free Market Analysis cards I have been including that lately on the JL cards. I only rely on myself for leads.
11:03am • #50
1,515,267 Points 275 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Paula....business by referral....great way to go....
11:04am • #51
1,515,267 Points 275 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Lana.....and if you continue to work at it, all you'll ever need is YOU....
11:05am • #52
252,947 Points 23 Featured Posts

the "lead sellers" are often selling false hope.

get rich quick, with little effort.

i've never found that to work.
11:21am • #53
1,515,267 Points 275 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jay...I've never tried them....have no reason to.....enjoy the day...
11:26am • #54
604,009 Points 46 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good one Barbara,

I stopped one lead generation service I had subscribed to when I saw how cheaply I could get Google ranking within neighborhoods with AR. We are trying to follow your disciplined post card campaign as well. It is easier and cheaper for the individual agent now to achieve INTERNATIONAL exposure. Awesome tools we have!
2:31pm • #55
1,515,267 Points 275 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Steve......there are so many different ways to make the phone ring, the lead generating services are now becoming hounds because many agents realize they can do this themselves....
4:17pm • #56

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Barbara Todaro "New Franklin MA Homes"

Franklin, MA

More about me…

RE/MAX Executive Realty

Address: 445 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, Ma, 02038

Office Phone: (508) 520-9881

Cell Phone: (508) 918-9148

Email Me

The Kuney-Todaro Team is the "#1 team in Franklin's #1 office." Our expertise is in marketing new construction and resale properties. New construction is our niche and we have sold 40 subdivisions in the area of Franklin MA.


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