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Get More Referrals Through Expanding Your Professional Network

By
Real Estate Technology with IXACT Contact Real Estate CRM

As a busy REALTOR®, you work so hard to attract new potential clients into your Referral & Repeat Marketing database but you shouldn't neglect another great source of referrals: Your professional network.

As you may already know, your professional network is that group of professionals in the greater home industry to whom you regularly refer clients - and who, hopefully, also refer clients to you.

Why is having a large professional network so important?

There are two reasons.

The first one is obvious. These professionals can send a lot of business your way! So, keep them in your IXACT Contact real estate database so they are reminded that you are a knowledgeable and professional real estate agent who appreciates referrals.

But the second reason to maintain your professional network is just as important. You provide a valuable service to your clients when you recommend the right professional for their needs. They see you as a well-connected and helpful realtor - which makes them more likely to become loyal to you.

So always look for ways to expand and leverage your professional network. Don't just keep a list on paper of typical service suppliers - such as lawyers, lenders, home inspectors, contractors, and movers. Think outside the box. Make your list comprehensive, and make it a competitive weapon by turning it into an online Business Directory in your IXACT Contact real estate software.

Beyond the obvious, here are some potential service providers you should consider for your professional network.

  • Home theatre installers
  • Resturant Owners
  • Banquet halls and caterers
  • Florists
  • Interior Designers
  • Fence companies
  • Insurance agents 
  • Health clubs
  • Dentists
  • Landscapers

Always be on the lookout for professionals you can add to your IXACT Contact real estate CRM. When you create a robust Business Directory and promote yourself to your database as the expert in all things home related, you give clients a reason to call you, rather than you always having to call them to stay in touch, and your efforts will pay off in more referrals and repeat business.

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Mike Warfel
Mike & Rita Warfel Real Estate LLC - Avoca, MI
Associate Broker

Hi Rich,  I recently joined a chapter of BNI. This is a group of 25 business owners who refer business to each other. It is a worth while concept based on the fact that "givers gain", by trying to help the other guy succed we will gain referrals ourselves. BNI is an international group,  look around your area to find a chapter to join.

good luck

Jun 14, 2011 02:50 AM
Rich Gaasenbeek
IXACT Contact Real Estate CRM - Toronto, ON
Real Estate CRM & Marketing Made Easy!

Great, thanks Mike

Jun 15, 2011 04:25 AM
Kelli Wall
Coldwell Banker Taylor Real Estate - Idabel, OK
Realtor - Idabel,Oklahoma 74745

Rich, making the right match for a client is very important.  It can mean so much to each of them.  I know when I referred a good friend to an agent years ago when they were moving to a new city - they ended up becoming excellent friends.  It made me feel good to know that they got a pal in town from day one.

Jun 15, 2011 02:34 PM
Rich Gaasenbeek
IXACT Contact Real Estate CRM - Toronto, ON
Real Estate CRM & Marketing Made Easy!

Very true Kelli!

Jun 16, 2011 03:35 AM
Scotti Jowers
CENTURY 21 Shackelford French, Search West Monroe Homes - West Monroe, LA
Realtor - West Monroe, Louisiana Homes for Sale

Good post, Rich! I'm the worst at just not asking these types of folks for referrals. I simply don't think about it, I guess. Thanks again for the reminder!

Jul 17, 2011 02:48 PM
Rich Gaasenbeek
IXACT Contact Real Estate CRM - Toronto, ON
Real Estate CRM & Marketing Made Easy!

Thanks Scotti, no problem!

Jul 18, 2011 03:14 AM