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Buffini vs. By Referal Only, Which is better?

I am trying to decide between the Brian Buffini program with and without coaching vs. By Referral Only.

Some of you may have seen the dialog during a post where someone wanted to know if By Referral Only was a scam where I told him about me going to the ½ day course with By Referral Only and as a result of that half day event I went to the 3 day the Main Event.

I have a very close friend who swears by the Buffini system. I believe I see the benefit of both but I need help from those of you that have greater experience.

It seems that with the By Referral Only program that you get a lot of "stuff" included such as the IVR system, the tracking system, all the downloadable flyers and postcards in addition to the dialogs.

With Buffini,I like the style of the item of value with the letter and matching note cards too!

Help me out please; leave your constructive criticism or positive experiences either way.

Posted by Bob Nowack, e-PRO Realtor on 11/15/2007 11:13 AM

Comments (63)

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63 Comments on Buffini vs. By Referal Only, Which is better?

NOV

2007

I am coached by Buffini and Company. I will tell you that I have not been to a Referral Only seminar so I can't compare the two. I can only give you my experience.

When you are coached with Buffini and Company, you speak with your coach every other week and more if necessary. You receive the Items of Value as well as the notecards and a CD of the previous months coaching call. You can also join a small group in your area. This is a group of people that are being coached who meet and discuss the CD from the previous month. There are also regional meetings that are held quarterly (I don't know if they have this in your area). You can attend as many Turning Point Retreats as you'd like and there are also Rallys. These are held 2x a year. All of this is included in your monthly fee.

You can be involved with Buffini and Company at least 4 times a month.

I also like that the Turning Point Retreats are not just about business but about the whole person. The underlying concept is that if part of you is out of balance, all of you is out of balance (I liken it to a car with a flat tire-it just doesn't run right).

Any more questions, let me know.

Bob, I am Coached by Buffini and Company. I do not have any knowledge of the other company. I have belonged to Buffini for six years and can say that I wouldn't go without them. I am now a Broker/Owner, so that, I have a 2nd Coach, concentrating on growing my agent base.

If I ever need help, any of the Coach's are a phone call away. The support that they offer is constant and caring. It never is about anything but concern and help. So good to have in this changed market. Have to add this ps; we who are in Clubnet have access to the Referral Directory. The referrals that I have received from that one tool, have consistently, more than paid for my Coaching.

Good luck to you on whichever one you choose.

Fran Rokicki, Clubnet~Mentor

Ditto to both what Nancy and Fran said.

With Buffini, you get this whole team of support behind you, which is great. And, having this team--from the Buffini company to your coach to your small group meetings to posting boards like this--makes you accountable for your success. You make your goals, and then you have this incredible network to help you get there. It is kind of like those cell phone commercials for Verizon where the "Can you hear me now?" guy is backed up hundred of technicians. (This comment is not an endorsement of Verizon, btw!)

Working with the Buffini team for over 6 years now has made my business--and my life--better than ever.

I would suggest talking with this folks directly about their commitment and results. There's no sense in recreating the wheel - just find someone else who has the lifestyle and income you have, and if you're willing to do the same work - presto.

Actually, my income has increased and my lifestyle (life in the real world) is improved, as well. Never thought about it in those terms, but, there you are! Thanks Nancy!

It's a Good Life!

Nancy, Nancy, Frances & Mary - Thanks for your input, I really thought there might be more testimonials. We haven't had anyone from the other party comment yet.

NOV

2007

Bob - I don't know about the other program. But I am joined the Buffini coaching program after attending the 100 days to Greatness that was offered by my REMAX broker. I don't have the # of years that Fran does, but I am very glad I chose to be coached. I am still in what they call a "survival mode" but this program is helping me manage my time, control my expenses, and cultivate my database and my business HAS grown. I hope that this time next year, I will be in a much better frame of mind and be able to tell my survival stories with good endings.

I have seen Brian several times but never bought his program. HOWEVER I took his advice and my business comes mainly from referals!

Bob, I have been with Buffini off and on for about 8 years and have done both the coaching and the Referral Only. I personally prefer the Referral Only at this stage of my career but that was after going through many years of coaching. It's a great organization and they put me on sound ground from the beginning and I have a great life and work 4 days a week and still make all the income I want. Referrals are great! Try the coaching first and get a head start. I don't think you'll regret it. I listen to my CD's every day from Buffini. They're great. Good luck.

Gayle in Cypress, TX

Bob- I'm not familiar with the other program, but I am a client of Buffini and LOVE the coaching program. I have hired other professionals coaches for the last 15-17 years and I can tell you the difference in commitment is tremendous. It starts with a Heritage Profile which in itself is worth it's weight in gold. From the Heritage Profile (which you will hopefully refer back to personally!) they are able to select a coach for you - there isn't a whole lot of 'guessing' going on over there, it seems to be more of a pragmatic approach - as a pragmatist myself, I looked for that. It's certainly not all pragmatic though and you do have final say, it is your business after all. But, for any coaching program to work, you will need to be committed to meeting your goals - business and personal.

My recommendation? Call the company and ask as many questions as you can to determine if they meet your values and your qualifiers. If you want the name of someone to speak with, let me know - I spent hours on the phone doing the same before I signed up with them.

Good luck in your decision.

Jackie

Bob, How about going to a Turning Point event? Have you been to an event yet? Referral Workshops are free and offered year round in many states. Go to the website and click on events, if you can attend one near you soon, that would be of great help to you in making your decision. Seeing is believing!

www.BuffiniandCompany.com

It's a Good Life!

I did By Referral only and it was great. I think both are great programs as long as you work them. I still use the techniques. It definately paid for itself many times over.

http://getprequalified.com

NOV

2007

I agree with Dave. Both...any system or company is good as long as you use it consistently. I'm with By Referral Only, but I have many colleagues who are with Buffini. We always share ideas and are mainly referral based. Both companies have coaching, events, and networking/sharing opportunities. If you're looking for a road map for your business, then choose one, and let the coaches be your guides. They both offer value. You just need the FOCUS and DISCIPLINE to implement the strategies consistently.

NOV

2007

Hello Bob - I am a broker in Roseville. I have been a member of BRO for almost 3 years. I LOVE it. An associate that worked with me does Buffini and he said we had way more information available to us than he did. We have a tremendous system with BRO. You are welcome to call me and you can come by my office if you'd like I'd be happy to show you the website and all that is has to offer. I also have a contact there at BRO that will let you log in on your own for a few days and try it for yourself. I can give you his info if you'd like.

Debbie Baldes
(916) 960-0612

www.ExecutivePropertiesOnline.com

Bob, Do you have relatives in Carlsbad? Jaime' Sans Souce, who is one of Buffini's Instructors for Brokers and Managers, just married a young man - Nowack - this past July:) Small world! Nice to know that California has many, nice Polish folks!

It's a Good Life!

Debbie - Finally some positive feedback from the other side, I was beginning to think no one was out there. Thanks for the info, I will call you and see when I can stop by. It is really great of you to offer.

Frances, As far as I know I do not have any kin in Carlsbad. I am sorry to inform you that in my case the family is from Germany. Supposedly, as I have found out from professors of language and history, my family actually lived on the border of Poland, so I guess they snuck over in the middle of the night:-). I don't have any surviving family to prove one way or another.

My former buyers agent was Polish and he crowned me with being an honorary Polish person when he found it fitting.

Thanks for your comments.

NOV

2007

Bob, well, welcome! Honorary or the real thing, it has been nice commenting on your blog. I still do respond to Polish folks more, must be something handed down from my Grandparents. We have a huge family all over the country. My Brother lives in Fountain Valley, Ca. The folks with the same name as you, in Carlsbad, are the nicest, most caring people you could meet. I wish you luck on your choice of coaching companies. As most of the folks who commmented on it have stated, any of the systems are good, as long as, you stay focused on them.

It's a Good Life!

NOV

2007

Bob, I was a member of BRO at one time and am now coached by Buffini - Dave McGhee. I prefer Buffini but as with any thing, or organization, you get out what you put in. One thing however that soured me on BRO is that I "referred" 2 agents in my office into their system and NEVER heard a word from them. You'd think they would practice what they preach. Oh well...

Andy

NOV

2007

That Buffini focuses on the whole person not just the business is an aspect that appeals to me... because if one aspect of my life is out of kilter it is sure to effect my business. As to "things" fliers, etc., not a big item in my book... first my company does an excellent job in that area. With Buffini there are dialogues, lots of ideas, evaluations, coaches (I am in coaching), tracking budgets, goals, journals, etc... but with either they are what you make of them.

NOV

2007

Well I just signed up for Buffini. Can you imagine anyone trying to teach me something?

Good for you, Mike! You'll be learning and you won't even know it, you are in the best hands for this market. Welcome to our family!

I have been in both programs and without a doubt what By Referral Only provides is 10 times the value. Call and ask for a free tour of what they offer and compare it to Buffini and it will be easy to see.

Hi....in this market place you must have a Before Unit a During Unit and an After Unit....Only BRO offers exacat tools for all three.

I have done more business then anyone in my office using the BRO stuff and I'm in an office full of Buffini people who are all nice people but not one of them is doing well in this market...I like what Andrson said....GO BRO!

NOV

2007

Remember, the systems work for those who follow them.

DEC

2007

Hello!

I have never been experienced the Buffinni system and have been a BRO member for the last three years. In my experience, it is the best thing out there- hands down. It is very comprehensive & truly gives you the guidance in the "new" market we are experiencing. By Referral Only is always changing, improving and inovating depending on what the market is calling for. I truly believe I would not be experiencing the success I am today without their guidance!

Cherie Tiscareno

DEC

2007

The REAL solution is to find a system that YOU'RE comfortable with and put it to use. Take care of your past clients, stay in touch with them, and ASK for referrals - BRO or Buffini - whatever floats your boat. We have Howard Britton, Craig Proctor, Mike Ferry & Floyd Wickman devotees in our office that are all doing well.

As Nike says - "JUST DO IT!" :-)

Jusy my 2 cents again.

DEC

2007

Bob,

Buffini is a great program! Keeps you on your toes to get the referral but makes sure you add new people to your database. Both are important. You can go through your database and throw out any people that are going to waste your time to make room for people that want to work with you. Go With Buffini!

DEC

2007

Okay... here is a question that I hope someone can answer. I am not a new agent but I am new to being an independent agent (was an assistant to my broker for almost 2 years). I have been marketing myself and trying to pick up listings on my own since September. I have closed 3 deals (all buyers) and have 2 listings (currently active).

Which system is better for the newer agents who have not built up a huge client list or network base?

Thanks!

Nick

www.nickgood.com

www.yourdallasmls.com

Probably equal in value with the choice being the one you see your self deriving the most benefit. I'm a member of BRO and like the features and add-ons it offers. There's also a national referral system for members as part of the members website. BRO predates Buffini for what that's worth.

Pick one, internalize it, use it and implement it and you'll do well.

DEC

2007

I've been a member with Buffini and now I'm with BRO. I truly think BRO is worth the money. I've only been with BRO for two months but the strategies available to a member are fantastic. If you need a strategy for an initial consultation there are several to choose from; several to choose from while involved in the transaction; and plenty to choose from after the close of the transaction. And the folks at BRO are always striving to be better and to add more choices. Call them and take a tour...you'll be glad you did. Ask for Jayne Wright. She's a wealth of information and she isn't pushy! Tell her karen sent you - she'll have a funny story to tell you about me. I drove her NUTS while I contemplated joining(lol).

DEC

2007

I participated in the Buffini program for a year, it was a decent program but The By Referral Only program has much more to offer...On the flip side it cost more but after your first deal or two you will be way ahead of the game.

Hi Bob,

I am currently receiving coaching from the Buffini program & am involved in a small group (Club Net Group) that meets once a month. I was attracted to the Buffini system because it acknowledges your whole life and how to reach your goals in every area of your life. It makes sense that if your life is in balance your business will do better too.

I was in the By Referral Only program previous to Buffini and I would NOT recommend it. With Brian Buffini you are getting advise from someone who was in the real estate business & excelled at it...we get to learn from the best. With BRO, Joe is a great guy but was never a realtor. Also, BRO gave me a coach which was not a match and would not switch me to another coach for 2 months. No refund either. My coach with Buffini was selected by getting to know me first through "The Heritage Profile" & my coach has been great. Just a whole different attitude with Buffini. I would certainly suggest you give Buffini a try!

Good luck,

Cheryl :-)

DEC

2007

Bob -

As for Joe never being a Realtor, well actually he was - in Chicago. After selling for a while he moved into training with the Broker he worked for at the time because they recognized his talents as a trainer. The rest is history. With BRO you get Joe, Dean Jackson and Terry Hunefeld.

Brian Buffini actually was a member of BRO and used to be up on the stage with Joe at one point helping to recruit new members. Then, he left BRO and later started his own coaching business.

It comes down to what works best for you.

DEC

2007

Hi Bob!

I just finished Buffini's 100 Days to Greatness program AND also went to a half day seminar, "By Referral Only." My opinion is "By Referral Only" was more to get you to pay to attend a 3 day seminar. My colleague and I weren't all that impressed with "By Referral Only", but I can't tell you how great Buffini's 100 Days to Greatness is! I would recommend it to every agent! Not only does he teach you how to be accountable, but he helps you by networking without spending alot of money on things that don't work. I really would recommend the course. It's worth every penny...but you have to be accountable and do the things he recommends.

Good luck!
evie hampton -Remax Equity Group, Inc. / Vancouver, WA.

MAR

2008

Hello Bob -

I am a big fan of Buffini. They have a complete coaching staff and provide great marketnig collateral (Items of Value). I have been with them for years.

I also recently found a great tool that helps track the activities of my referral business and my Buffinni coach loves it. Check out www.myzhone.com. They provide a free trial.

Best of luck.

Jeff

Bob-

I am in By Referral Only. I joined in 1998 and can definitely say that it has been a huge part of my success in real estate. It keeps you on track, gives you a ton of new ideas to implement and tools to help. I took a leave of absence for a few years when I had my son and just recently came back to BRO. I am AMAZED at the online tools and website that BRO includes with their membership! The coaches are there for you either via email or phone. You can have a weekly check-in call, if you like. You tailor it to what you need. And what I love about Joe Stumpf is his mindset. It is about your whole LIFE, not just business. If you are doing great in business but are out of shape, miserable, unhappy in your personal life, no time with kids or family, etc. then how successful are you really? BRO helps you with evey aspect of your life.

Brian Buffini is just a speck of what Joe Stumpf is. He is a knock-off. I like what he says, I have seen him speak Remax seminars. But I really think that his is a "beginner course" and there isn't a lot of depth.

You will get monthly CD's to listen to, daily blogs and You Tube videos to watch. Notecards too! Check it out...

D'arcy Usher Martin

Eugene, Oregon

D'arcy, Are you saying BRO has the Cd's, blogs and cards or was that for Buffini.

I really appreciate your comments.

A good friend of mine just finished the 3 day event with BRO and is convinced their program is better for the before and during program but Buffini's after program is better. Perhaps we need to do both.

Jeff, I have been using the items of value as well and I really think it is an excellent program. Very easy to use and well designed. All we have to do is get it out. :-) sometimes a challange!

Thanks for your input.

MAR

2008

Bob-

By Referral only has the blogs, on-line coaching, monthly cd's, notecards, etc. My office partner was in Buffini so I saw what they got. Not a lot. Remember, Buffini is a spin-off of Joe Stumpf's BRO program. Joe is the original. I believe if you go to ByReferralOnly.com you can do a trial on their member site to access all the tools. I don't know what contact management system you use, but BRO's is amazing! It all ties in together with the referrals, before, during & after programs, etc. I used to use Top Producer for years but when they went web-based dropped out and was challenged to find anything worthwhile to replace it.

Also, the networking is so amazing. They have a real time referral network now that you can input the area you are looking to refer to and it matches you to 3 of the thousands of lenders and realtors that are BRO members. Very easy and you know your referrals will be taken care of in a great way!

Feel free to ask me anymore questions. I don't think you need to join both. If you have a chance to attend a 3 day Main Event, you should. They have them once a month around the U.S.

D'arcy Usher Martin, Realtor

Eugene, Oregon

MAR

2008

If anyone would like to spend some time online and on the phone to discuss and see the types of tools, systems and support available from By Referral Only, I will be happy to set aside time for you.

I look forward to your call.

Steve Abramson Business Development Consultant 800-950-7325 ext 1349

I would still suggest, talking with other Realtors and ask them what works for them. We have nothing to gain by offering our advice, just wanting to help others in our profession. You can find us here on the rain, and in your offices:) I have four clients this year, so far, directly from the Buffini Clubnet Referral Directory. Some of the comments posted are not accurate, so, again, look into both or others, to see what fits your needs the best. Either way, you will be improving your business.

It's a Good Life!

Fran, Broker

MAY

2008

What is up with " its a good life"

Robert, It is a Buffini thing:)

I did attend the 1/2 day BRO, and then I attended the 3 day for $798, and it was the most powerful training I've been to. Period. They have a system that is unbelievable. If you want depth and breadth, and you are willing to work hard to plug into a system that can help you become a top producer, BRO is, in my humble opinion, the best comprehensive system out there. Joe Stumpf is an incredible person and trainer. And I've been to dozens and dozens of seminars over the past 30 years in real estate.

MAY

2008

I too am a ClubNet Buffini fan. Brian is always introducing something just as I think I need it. Example: I was in the process of creating a Business Referral Book for my Clients. Most of my buyers are from out of province and out of country and have a real need for referrals for different types of business in the area. Just as I am in the process of asking existing clients for their business referrals, Brian Buffini creates this online Business Directory that links directly to my personal website!

The monthly CDs and Items of Value are exactly what I need each month and my Coach has such an impact not just on my business, but as others have mentioned, on my entire life. My health is better, my personal finances are better, my time management is hugely better . . . and I have doubled my ends from last year already and it is not yet June!

It is a good life!

JUN

2008

I see $398 & $798 would you believe $998 for BRO?

BRO thinks a lot of their system - at that price I probably would not admit it did not work even if it was really bad. I've noticed the more people pay for something the less they criticize it afterwards.

That said I think it probably works but from what I read here and the BRO site I don't really see what they really offer, specifically.

Buffini really doesn't appear that much different so maybe those of you that have participated in both could list an item by item list of what you get for the money. (A Ben Franklin T list)

Also - taking BRO as an example - after paying the $998 ~ what other fees if any occur? Are their packages or modules you pay for as needed or monthly fees?

The actual descriptions here of both seems like most of the benefit derived would have been gained from the '7 Habits of Highly Effective People'.

Anyone ever get a discount?

btw, we are in one of those economies that put peripheral businesses like these into Bankruptcy - anyone know if they provide an audited statement of their financial position before you buy in? If you represented a Buyer would you let your buyer purchase a condo without first seeing the association's financials?

Don Price
Advanced Real Estate Services & Staging
Pinehurst, NC 28374
Pinehurst Real Estate

Don, maybe you should visit both opportunities and see if any one of them is a fit for you.
We all need help and those who seek it will be better for it)

JUN

2008

Bob - Interesting question and blog responses. I agree with many of these -- that Buffin's programs are great, BRO is too, but it's all in how well you apply them.

There is an option that I did not see mentioned. How about joining a local BNI (Business Networking International) chapter. I started a chapter about 1.5 years ago and we've grown to around 18 members. I also started a Real Estate Investors Association (REIA) about the same time and both are starting to pay off because I've paid my dues.

These types of marketing effort are long-term oriented. Unfortunately, one has to eat while building these long term growth programs of generating referrals, but once they start to pay off, they pay off in spades. With the REIA, it's not about sales yet because I invest my time in education and pulling people together, the members trust me to represent them, or their friends, relatives, and neighbors.

One thing is missing from any program -- knowing what is in your heart and your head. Only you know that and actually, the answers you seek are probably already inside you, if you really like people, are likeable, and pay attention to developing processes for your business. Developing your own system that works for you, coupled with a By Referral Only type of networking group could be just as effective.

I have taken and applied much of the "100 Days to Greatness" program. It is excellent, but I would say that the Dynamics of Personal Leadership program I took in 1978 really changed my life (From SMI - Success Motivation Institute). Today, the equivalent is available from a book called "Achieving the Balance" from Leo Wiedner. Following his program is better than anything I have seen in over 30 years of taking programs!!! while being in sales, owning my own businesses for 14 years, etc.

Unfortunately, "Achieving the Balance" is out of print but if you can find a copy, you will never regret the $20 investment. Then you can quit spending $400 here, a $1,000 there and really start to deliver the service that will help enough other people reach their goals so you can reach yours.

FWIW... If you can afford them all, just do it! yet I'd start with the $20 investment first.

JUN

2008

I am a Buffini guy and was in a group with someone who had been in both programs. My impression is that they are both good, but BRO has so much stuff that it is almost too complicated trying to keep up. The Buffini system is very focussed and simple to understand.

I'm having my best year ever and that includes referrals sent and received to/from other Buffini members through Buffini & Company's member directory. Pick one and go, but I highly recommend the Buffini way.

JUN

2008

Here is my two cents....I have been in both programs and if you compared BRO to Buffini right now, today, you will find the BRO is 10 times the value that Buffini offers and while Buffini seems to spend his money on planes and office building, BRO invests millions of dollars into the best training programs I have ever seen and I have been in this business for 32 years and you will love it so do your home work and don't spend your hard earned money on Joe Stumpf and BRO until your ready to grow your business and have the life you dream.

Ron

Hi Bob,

Earlier this week I attended Buffini's two day event called Turning Point. I was impressed. I would like to send my two sons to it. You have received strong recommendations for both systems. You probably can't go wrong with either choice.

JUL

2008

Thanks Ron,

I have a tendency to agree that there is more bang with BRO, but as I said earlier I am using the monthly mailers from Buffini which I really like, they are designed well and very classy. I actually received a call yesterday from a past client that said she had not received my letter lately. On the other hand, I really haven't done so well with the personal cards.

I have been getting the success emails about folks who are using various mail pieces from BRO. Perhaps the solution is to use both. The investment for Buffini is very small because it is shared with another person.

SEP

2008

Hi Bob,

I am probably the oldest member of BRO - joined in 1992. I was there when Brian was in it and on the stage. I have kept up with Brian as well, just to see what he was doing. Like everyone has said, if you are not using anything, then which ever program you will really work will be the best. If you are interested in really putting systems together to enable you to actually have a life outside of real estate, then you should look at BRO. Brian has some good things to it and is better than not doing any kind of system but his ideas and training are where BRO was years ago.

Joe has sold real estate and so has Dean. Both have incredible marketing minds that will blow you away. They seem to be ahead of the curve and teaching us to do things a year or two ahead of it catching on with everyone else. You have the 800 #, the database, scripts, dialogues, monthly touch points, teleclasses, finding buyers, finding sellers, and so much more it is unreal.

As far as cost, you can get into the 3 day event for $798...or if you are good friends and are seriously considering BRO current members can get you a ticket for less. Even at the $798 you walk away with valuable information that can make you a lot of money...and way more than pay for it. In fact, if you go to the half day workshop and stay to the end, you will walk away with an idea or instructions on what you can do before you get there to pay for the 3 day event.

If you chose to join the BRO community, the first year's monthly fee can seem large until you see what they do for you. The items above plus a coach plus step by step instructions on what to do first. I wish they had that when I first joined.

I do not know if any of you have ever read Gary Keller's Millionaire Real Estate Agent where he talks about how to run your R/E as a business. He gives you the models to follow depending on where you want to go. One of the biggest things he tells you is that your first "hire" should be talent. My first hire and continuous "hire" has been BRO. They make an amazing assistant because of all they give me that works and I do not have to pay someone else to create all I get. I come out way ahead.

Can you imagine the amount of money you would have to pay to have someone like Joe and Dean as your assistant? I think my $200 a month investment is well worth the money. (Yes, after the first year of coaching, you can chose to go to the $200 a month plan) That is like having an assistant work 20 hours a MONTH at $10 an hour...I'm thinking I'm doing pretty good!

Good luck to all ... Keep your head up and look for the rainbow after the rain.

Barbara

SEP

2008

This post is almost one year old") Nice to see that people are looking to improve themselves. I am still a Buffini Clubnet Member. His systems are changing with the market times and if you have seen him before, he is not the same today. Whoever you chose to help you through the next four to six years, I hope that you fully engage in what they are suggesting that you do. Focus on your success!

It's a Good Life!

Fran, Broker~Mentor,CRS,ABR,SRES,GRI

OCT

2008

Buffini sounds like a knock off of the original..... By Referral Only.

OCT

2008

I would love to hear from some realtors who are actually generating business and closed sales from the "before" unit of BRO. Yes, I mean the UYS, Public notice signs, 1,000 cards on windshields, etc. I have been doing these things like crazy for a few months with 0 results. I hope someone can share some real successes with me!

Carol,

Are you with BRO? If so, please contact me at NickGood@kw.com. I would like to know what you have learned from them and see if I can help you out to actually capture these leads.

OCT

2008

Carol, I have been coached by Buffini and Company for almost seven years. My success is that I have a secure business. I have referral leads! I have a client list of people who support my business. My expenses are cut in half, even with the coaching investment. I have a funded retirement plan. I have reserves and thank Brian Buffini for stressing his belief in having these monies put away, from years ago, when the dollars were flowing easily. He changes our systems often and adjusts them to the market. After being in this profession for over 22 years, he is the best that I have found for my business, for my life. Buffini and Company has proven results, I am one of them!

Carol- I have been a B.R.O. member since 2005. The Before Unit is only meant to jump start your business or "turn up the volume" if you are extra-slow with your other During or After-Unit business. Before Unit stuff is only meant for the first 3 or so years. Then, your business will be mostly After (and a little bit of During). They really do encourage going By REFERRAL ONLY after a few years. Then, when your business is strictly REFERRAL business, you can choose to do some Before Unit strategies if you have the other systems in place.

Having said that-- I was terrified of doing Craigslist marketing as suggested in the 30-day Lead Blitz a few months ago. But, I just read that B.R.O. had tested and suggested and just DID it, along with the Buyer hyperlink. I have generated a lot of leads from it. Leads, Appts., Contracts. I have so far one closed transaction/celebration. Am working on referrals from those extremely happy Buyers. From when they clicked my Buyer hyperlink, here's what happened: I sent them my Buyer Welcome Packet (and the system sent the e-mail drips until I disabled it after the guy called me on the phone), waited for the phone call--he called within the same week, I met with them for the initial consultation in my office (they WERE Wowed!) and I found out EXACTLY what they were looking for and why they wanted to move, I sent them 10 properties via e-mail, they chose 5 to look at, we looked at 2 because 1 went pending, 1 wasn't listed correctly and had only a 1-car garage instead of two, and 1 the agent never called back with showing instructions. Of the two, they liked them both, wrote an offer on one, and were owning it within 3-4 weeks. In terms of my time, I spent a few hours preparing to meet with them and meeting with them for the IC, then a few hours showing them a few homes. From start to finish, they were in their new house within 7 weeks.

Currently focusing on Leads --> Appts. --> Contracts --> Closings --> Referrals.

Yes, I did say ONE closing celebration within the past 3 months from Craigslist but in terms of my time spent, I am WAY better now with sorting through prospective Buyers and with my time/boundaries. That system has definitely helped me to look for 5-Star prospects (both Buyer and Seller). When they contact me (and they DO!), I treat them like 5-Star prospects until THEY prove themselves to NOT be 5-Star. This couple was 5-Star from the beginning. They wanted my help and needed to move within a 3-month period. While they didn't have any money, that was no problem b/c they had great credit scores and were willing to do whatever it took to become homeowners. Not all will be 5-Star, of course.

I started the UYSs on the outside of my listings and am getting some calls-through with that. But, I am really just focusing on Getting Listings/Sellers. Am busy enough that I will only work with a handful of (5-Star) Buyers at a time and am looking at just referring/giving the rest to a Buyer's Agent in my office. Also, looking to transition from an I-business to a We-Business, as suggested by B.R.O. (stepping back from being the main go-to guy and will eventually be a THEY-business).

I have adapted the Getting Listings strategy to FSBOs and EXPIRED listings and am bulking up on the Seller/Listings-side of my business ATM. Also, am doing the B.R.O. thing with the Seller-Buyer-House Triangles in specific neighborhoods. LOTS of interest in certain communities and I have PLENTY of approved Buyers for certain places but just not the perfect house that is listed, so I have plenty of Silent Market Homes and Actively-Looking Buyers--just looking for the right house, so am doing The Matching Game and getting some interesting feedback from that.

Three initial consults last week for Sellers. Took one listing. Finishing up the paperwork for another. Awaiting to hear with the last one, which would be cool (but they interviewed 3 B.R.O. agents, so I am positive they will choose a great listing agent for that home). :)

The Referral Network has been amazing for me for the past year or so--I have had many referrals from that alone and met a lot of cool people. Sold one home two weeks ago that was a BRO member/listing/Seller TO a client that was working with a BRO agent locally. Sold within TWO months from listing to closing celebration! Talk about a Buyer/Seller/Home Triangle! Priceless.

I will be at the next Half-Day seminar in Altamonte Springs on Monday the 13th. I go there to network, to encourage other agents/LOs to go (and join!), and to just support B.R.O. Hope to see you there. (I am also going to the next Main Event in November (3,4, and 5th) 2008 in Kissimmee.)

DEC

Lisa,

Well said - you summed it up very well.

Carol,

As mentioned several times in this thread, "it all works...if you do the work."

You get out of it exactly what you put into it.

That said, if you don't like it you won't do it.

If you don't like cold calling - a cold calling system that works - still WON'T WORK FOR YOU because you won't do it.

If you don't like door knocking or dropping in people unannounced - even if it works - WON'T WORK FOR YOU because you won't do it.

Find something you like. Something that already matches your style and the way you are doing business today.

Bottom line ask to see exactly what they offer and if it fits and you can see yourself doing it - it WILL WORK BECAUSE YOU'LL DO IT.

Click Here and get some free training from our site and sign-up for a behind the log-in tour of our web based systems. This is audio training explains the Before, During and After business model that By Referral Only uses to systemize your business.

Compare yourself - no one can tell you what will work for you.

If anyone wants more information, email or call me direct. I'd be happy to show you around.

Great thread and it's so important in todays market to have a competitive advantage.

DEC

My mom said...if you can't say anything nice...then don't say By Referral says one thing to recruit you as a member...and does nothing after that to resemble what they said....

Bob,

I'm going to throw a third company in the mix for you to consider...Corcoran Consulting & Coaching. They are not cookie cutter and will help you focus on whatever goals that you have for your business. I would definitely talk with them before you make a final decision. I believe that they also are members of AR and have blogs here.

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