Curt-

I would do what you are doing right now. I would tell agents that you are looking to build relationships and ask to meet with them and ask them how to build the relationship. Ask them how you can help them build their business. Ask how you can make their life easier.

Lenders in our area are always looking to make money, but none are interested in doing the work to build relationships. Instead of volunteering for REALTOR community projects or building a reputation as an expert, they spend their time sending junk mail.

Curt, I too struggle with this necessity. It seems as the internet grows -- there has become to much information, too many sources; websites, blogs, RSS feeds, U-tube, VT's, email, ezines and 250 billion pages. Yikes.

Providing value is essential. I kind of with it was like the simpler days of a 2 martine lunch and a handshake.

Have a great weekend.

 Happy Sailing ... _/) Paul -- http://www.enewslettersolutions.com/

Geordie, Thanks for the feedback.  I really want to get more good info like you just provided so that I can provide the feedback to sales people just getting into the business that only send junk mail.

I think getting back to face-to-face meetings over lunch is making a comeback--thanks--mike

I agree with Michael carew...face to face is best, you can't buy over email. 

Paul, Thanks.  It has become quite confusing to find out what works the best.  I like the lunch idea too!   A nice one on one conversation or something.  Seems I see sales people today that just want the quick little to no effort type marketing, then complain when it their junk mail flyer does not work. 

Michael, Thanks for the feedback.  I will pass that along.

Mike, Thanks.  I like your last line, "You can't buy over email."  That is a great.

Curt - In my opinion, make information available. Get rid of the new home attitude towards agents. If one of my clients happens to stop by because of your balloons, don't shut me out. The builder may refuse to pay me my co-op, but my buyers will be on the hook and that may reduce their desire to buy from you. It will also remove your company from my radar.

I love to work with builders. I just ask that they drop the "above it all" pretenses and pay me.

John, I agree with everything you just said.  Most agents that walk in my door or call to send their clients over (if I don't know them), seem very "cold" at first.  The reason is at least in part due to the builder attitude that comes out towards agents that they are expecting. 

I'm not one of those people that shuts out the agent if they are not present exactly for the reasons you specified.  Unfortunately, the home builders try and get sales people to do just that. Perhaps their is a happy medium somewhere.