Try all kinds of things.  Cold calls, direct mail, open houses, print ads, internet marketing, etc.  Find what works best for you, and what you will commit to do on a regular basis, and stick with it.  Adjust your plans as you learn what works and what doesn't work. Being open to change.

Ask lots of questions of your colleagues.  Learn from them and adapt their successes to fit your style.  Stick with it.  There is no get-rich-quick scheme in real estate, no matter what anyone may tell you.  Devote the time and effort to learn and strive to succeed and you will.

Good luck!  It's worth the effort!

Thank you so much for your advice. I take everything I read as a learning experience. I look forward to learning from everyone I will be fortunate to work for in the future :)

Monica,

I'm in my sixth year of selling real estate.  I'm still learning, and plan to continue learning to continue being the best agent I can be.  One of my favorite things to do is to discuss things with colleagues in my office.  What works for them.  What doesn't work.  It's like an ongoing networking and brainstorming group.  And, I've made many friends along with way.

Monica start off with family then expand outwards. I am on the financing side of things and i pick up deals month in and month out by just keeping in contact with past clients and family friends.

Don,

Thanks so much for all your advice. WOW 6 years. I bet you have made alot of friends along the way. What do you think about getting the added credentials of things like E-PRO?

Eddy,

I have noticed I am getting a lot of leads through my Family here. It is really nice to be close to family again too :) Thanks for your Advice!

Hi Monica,

I think earning designations is a smart thing to do.  But, practical experience is also needed - and that means closing some deals.  Nothing beats learning hands-on.  e-Pro, GRI and ABR designations all appear to be great classes and designations to earn.  Check them out.  The next GRI classes in my area unfortunately do not fit into my schedule, otherwise I would be taking them.

Sphere of influence is key. This just doesn't mean family, include: hairdresser, grocery checkout clerk, attendants at your local gas station, etc. People that you meet need to know you sell real estate, and they will not remember until you have told them at least 3 times (this includes relatives).

Don,

I definitely will be earning designations. I was curious about what other Realtors felt about it too. Do you have any designations? :) Thanks for all the info!

David,

It is funny you mentioned that, I went into a local IHOP to see my Sister, she is a waitress there, she said she saw a Customer looking through a house hunting book and she said she was tempted to give him my card, I told her, don't be tempted, DO IT!! :) I am very glad I checked out this site, Thanks to another Realtor ;o) You guys are a wealth of information!!

OK, Monica, here is a blatant attempt at plugging myself. Read my blog! But seriously my blog is designed to help Realtors in their business. You have already made one very important move ion the right direction and that is asking the pros on AR for advice. There are many excellent and very successful Realtors here that are willing to help. Another good blog for you is this one. Shari has been in business only 1 year but has done very very well and is writing a series of posts to help new Realtors get started. So there you go. I hope it helps.

Monica- Right now I have Prudential's e-certified designation.  I'm looking to add more in 2007.

Bryant,

I will definitely check out your Blog and feel free to plug your blog with me anytime :) I am always asking questions and sometimes I worry about asking too many questions. I am like a sponge, always learning. Thanks for your suggestions. I value them.

Hi Monica,

I was extremely fortunate as a new agent.  I began my career in an office that was full of major heavy hitters that were producing upwards of $150 mil in sales a year, the energy in the office was electrifying.  In my first few months I was invited to ride with the #1 agent on our weekly caravans when I was not with the broker.  He really was the nicest guy. The conversations in the cars were incredible.

One day he told me the story about his start in the business.  He was 18, looked 16 and nobody would do business with him.  He went to the office every day and sat there quietly and listened to every conversation going on, every phone call being made.  He hung around the computers and he learned.  The broker he is now with, refused to hire him then. 

He told me, "Laurie, the most important thing you can do, is to go to the office every day, do not work from home as a new agent", he was right.  I sold over $6 million in my first year, no friends, no family, no sphere, no referrals.  I had moved into a new area and was far away from everyone I knew. 

That does not mean you should go to the office and just sit there, get in there and work your butt off.

It does work.

Best of Luck to you,

Laurie

Laurie,

Thanks for sharing that with me. CONGRATS on your First year, that is AWESOME!!! I am fortunate to be working for one of the Best Teams in Florida. I get to hear alot about the business. I worked in Administration in this same office for about a year before I got my license, I am very fortunate because of it, I got to learn alot of behind the scenes stuff that i never would have learned if I did not. :)

Two words.

Don't Quit.

Rich,

Thanks for that. I needed it. I have heard about so many who got their licenses and were on to different things within the first year. How long have you been in the business and have you ever been tempted to quit? How did you get past that? :)

I think about it.  Get past it?  Other than blowing things up, this is about the most interesting thing I can think of to do for a living.

Rich,

LOL...Ummm...ever think of joining the Military? You could blow things up :)

Been there.  Seen the Boom.

LOL....Really? Me too. For a very short period of time. Was a Military Wife for the rest of the time.  

The best words of advice I could ever give to a newbie: Never forget this is a people business and any business that can be generated for free is huge (i.e. open houses, referrals, volunteering, etc). Best of luck!
Northern Colorado

Thanks Doug,

I am a People Person, sometimes to my own detriment. Thanks for your advice, I am here to make lots of friends and learn as much as I can :) Every little bit of advice helps.