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There is no right or wrong way to lead generate... But I bet there are ways to do it better!

By Chris Alston

Real Estate Agent with Chris Alston (Keller Williams Realty, Silicon Valley, California) 01338415

March 09, 2012 06:42 AM

It seems that ever day someone tries to tell you how to lead generate for business. Someone calls you and tries to sell you something or get you to use this awesome new website.

It seems that someone always has an opinion on what to do, and how to do it.

And without fail, you try it. You stop what it is you are doing to try this new thing that they are saying will give you success. Having been convinced by them that the current lead gen ways you are using suck, and that you have to use theirs to be better or the best in their words.

Now some of these ideas may in fact be good ideas, they may have merit. And trying these new ways may actually bring in tons of leads. But that is not the point of my rambling today.

The success you get from whatever form of business building you are doing comes from a bell curve, not a straight line up. So most of us give up on it before we put in enough time to make it effective. OR we do not put enough effort into that one thing to make it productive.

So look at whatever you are doing. Cold calling, expireds, facebook, twitter, door knocking, etc... Look at it, and see what ways you can make it better. Learn it, know it, master it, become the king/queen of it. See what everyone is doing and do it better! Then, and only then do you try something new.

We all try to do to many things at one time then end up being terrible at them all.

So stop listening to everyone, and see what it is you like to do. Learn it better, do it better, and master it. I am sure it will lead to some promising results!

-Chris

Are you following me on twitter? @chris_alston

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Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner

Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA

Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

This is such important information...you are exactly right. Stick with anything and you will stumble over business.

Mar 11, 2012 12:10 AM

Erica Holstein-Marietta

Keller Williams Realty Signature Partners - Marietta, GA

Cobb County and Surrounding Areas

So true! Can't wait to join you in your web training also!

Thanks,

Erica

Mar 11, 2012 01:32 AM

Joni Bailey

101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX

Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

Chris: You nailed it with find out what you like to do and then MASTER it! Great advice!

Mar 11, 2012 03:10 AM

Lyn Sims

Schaumburg, IL

Real Estate Broker Retired

Great advice. If you'd like to be better at something focus on it's success & how it's working or not working for you. Half hearted attempts never lead to success. Lead generation is tough & it should be a priority.

Mar 11, 2012 03:22 AM

Holly Weatherwax

Associate Broker, Momentum Realty - Reston, VA

A Great Real Estate Experience

Yep, you are so right. There is no magic bullet. Hard work and perseverence, combined with process improvement and constantly reviewing market conditons, will get you where you want to be!

Mar 11, 2012 04:11 AM

Jeff Dowler, CRS

eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA

The Southern California Relocation Dude

Chris

An excellent point. The same is true about the marketing we do, the social media sites we participate in, and even our blogging. Some things fit better with our interests, personalities, and temperaments. And if something is working, why make a big change?

Jeff

Mar 11, 2012 05:20 AM

Bob Miller

Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty - Ocala, FL

The Ocala Dream Team

Hi Chris, I never jump on those who want to give or sell me leads. I turn it around and say I am looking for a buyer's specialist to handle all the leads I have. Are you interested?

Mar 11, 2012 05:51 AM

Wayne Jackson

Lakeshore Realty 208-714-4109 - Hayden, ID

North Idaho Realtor, Serving Coeur dnullAlene and Hayden Lake

Thanks Chris, Great post and I just signed up for your classes. We all need to do what works for us and not necessarily what works for some RE guru.

Mar 11, 2012 07:39 AM

Amanda S. Davidson

Amanda Davidson Real Estate Group Brokered By Real - Alexandria, VA

Alexandria Virginia Homes For Sale

Chris, I could't agree more. Doing what works for you is the best way. If you are trying to do something you hate you'll never stick to it. Nice post!

Mar 11, 2012 08:05 AM

Brenda, Ron, Lee Cunningham & Tara Keator

West USA Realty - Phoenix, AZ

Realtors, Homes for Sale - Phoenix Metro

A very good point. Sometimes when I am taken off focus with an idea that is to hard for me and doesn't come natural, it seems like I don't get much of anything productive done. Focus is the key.

Mar 11, 2012 10:44 AM

Anonymous

peter Michelbach

Chris, would have loved to be in Californis - to attend your inspirational seminars...

I also read with great interest a blog posted some time ago by Kathleen Daniels about a fascinating book:

"The Go -Giver" by Bob Burg and John D. Mann ~ a wonderful narrative about empowering, abundance, service and unlimited success.

thank you for a great post.

Mar 11, 2012 10:03 PM

#40

Liane Thomas, Top Listing Agent

Professional Realty Services® - Corona, CA

Bringing you Home!

Love your posts, Chris. Just do something and stick with it!

Mar 12, 2012 04:20 AM

Chris Alston

Chris Alston (Keller Williams Realty, Silicon Valley, California) - Campbell, CA

Silicon Valley, California

i did have a great time writing this post! Thanks to all the comments, as I am getting back up and running with my blogging. I do weekly webinars with ActiveRain University. So check em out!

Upcoming FREE Webinars Hosted by ActiveRain University with Chris Alston

3/14/12 10-11am Getting Your Buyers off the Fence http://bit.ly/zBKst1
3/21/12 10-11am The Value of Staging http://bit.ly/xokRje
3/28/12 10-11am Dominate Real Estate with Facebook http://bit.ly/zZdtDY
4/4/12 10-11am Helping Buyers Buy Distressed Properties http://bit.ly/zrqbkV

Mar 12, 2012 08:12 AM

Gene Riemenschneider

Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA

Turning Houses into Homes

OK Chris I registered for one of them. We will take a look. btw when you put in a link you should have it open in a new tab so I can stay here and comment easier.

Mar 12, 2012 08:23 AM

Chris Alston

Chris Alston (Keller Williams Realty, Silicon Valley, California) - Campbell, CA

Silicon Valley, California

Gene... Hmmm... Not sure how to do that. Try right click then open in a new tab if windows based? Or both click, open in a new tab on a MAC.

How do you do it automatically? I would love to know, to make it easier!

-Chris

Mar 12, 2012 08:45 AM

John Cannata

214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX

Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

I have people in the office always asking what I do to generate leads and ask how I work, etc. I tell them the same thing... find what works for YOU. I do share some things I focus on and what has worked for me. I also explain how blogging, networking, newsletters, etc. don't work for everyone. Some people work better sitting behind a computer for the phone to ring, others work leads from multiple suppliers, and others will make calls based on other search criteria. What works for one, does not work for all. Find your niche and stick with it if its working.

Mar 12, 2012 09:48 AM

Samantha Smith

214.422.0729 www.SamIAmHouses.com - Rowlett, TX

Sam I Am Houses, Simply Texas Real Estate

I'm learning this :) great reminder ~ thanks!

Mar 12, 2012 07:36 PM

Anonymous

Alan Grizzle

I try to ask everyone how they found me. That way I know what is working and what is not.

Mar 13, 2012 04:11 AM

#47

Jairo Arreola #SOLDBYVETERAN

PRG Real Estate - San Jose, CA

VA Home Loan Specialist - SF Bay Area

Great Post. Being consistent and being able to adapt to technology certainly helps!

Mar 13, 2012 07:18 AM

Wayne B. Pruner

Oregon First - Tigard, OR

Tigard Oregon Homes for Sale, Realtor, GRI

This is good advice. I certainly need to narrow my focus.

Mar 20, 2012 05:27 AM

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There is no right or wrong way to lead generate... But I bet there are ways to do it better!

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