The business of selling to the real estate business.

Dave @ #26: Awe...that's kinda mean...but funny.  

I just tell them I am not interested and to take my name/number off their list. Some of them continue and then I just hang up.

Years ago at my first ever real estate seminar ( I think I went to five the first month) I realized that either agents are the most gullible people in the world or they have plenty of money to burn, I could not believe the pitches and the rcae to sign up for the latest gimmick to take them to the top.

I thought if I ever decided that I could not make a go of this career, I would just find something to sell to these suckers. Fortunately I am still active and fending off the leeches.

With the Internet, a creative spirit and SEO clever blogging, video and site linkage through out the social media ranks, well, a person does have unlimited marketing resources with an army of one now adays!

Very interesting post Richard.  Previously as a residential developer as well as licensed sales agent, I was the one receiving the calls.  I encountered the hard sells on occassion and did experience some callers who couldn't accept no for an answer.  They got hung up on.  The others I tried to be polite with 'I'm really not interested but appreciate your reaching out to me".  If they offered to send information I typically agreed but let them know that I would contact them if I had any interest.

 I am now on the other side of the phone doing business development for my title insurance agency and that involves the unpleasant 'cold-call.'  I tend to focus on mortgage brokers with these calls but I do call real estate agents as well.  And while my product/service does not cost the agent financially I am still 'selling'.  I do not hard sell, rather I ask two simple questions "who are you currently using for your title insurance and what, if any, challenges are you experiencing?"  If I'm told that they are happy with their current provider I don't push but if the call 'feels' right I will ask if I can send an email with my contact information and some additional information on my company in the event they do experience a challenge down the road. 

So my questions:

Do you think this approach works for title insurance?

Do you have anysuggestions/recommendations on how to acquire new title business from agents be it through cold calling, networking or any other way?

I get so many calls for placement ono the internet and I am already about as good as i can get without spending the money they want.

Richard, I am left wondering the same thing. It is amazing the number of calls I get as well. I agree with you one hundred percent. If these companies would spend the time and effort of getting in front of us, they may have a better shot. Bring us facts, hard #, and evidence of success and then we'll talk.

Richard, these guys make their living by selling. As a Realtor, you should be able to relate to that. So give them a break!

NAR says it has 995,000 members and that's half of all licensed real estate agents, putting the number closer to 2 million.

In terms of cost and education required, real estate is an easy profession to get into -- but a hard one to stay in.  I have heard that only 6% of new agents will succeed over the long haul.  If that's true, or even close to true, think of the thousands of new agents who get a license -- try to launch their careers with sure-fire offers -- and then fizzle out in a few months or years.

That's where the telemarketing money is, selling hope to the newbies.  

I am so with you on this one!  We have to be the most "sold to" industry that exists.  It is amazing how many people have products, tricks, seo, websites, coaching, the magic bullet etc.  Selling to Realtors® is a way to make huge money I am sure lol :)!

This has been a very challenging business.  It is not for everyone .. I think things may be getting back to a balanced market.  Time will tell.

Richard - I agree with you.  There are so many people who call so often.

I agree, Richard - if these services were so great we really would be calling them...

Amen Richard!It dosen't take long for a good product to get noticed while all the other are fighting it out for market share. Excellent.

Richard, i love the phrase if your product was that good I would already know about it ...kudos to you...your blogging and web site makes the difference obviously for you!

Thanks for sharing this Richard, I generally feel sorry for them trying to work hard to sell something that few people want, as long as they don't try to strong arm me I am always polite and wish them luck in finding someone who can use their services.

Maybe there are some services that are great that you have not heard about yet.

I dont think realty industry specialists (that includes all of them) can afford to sit back and wave off something that they are afraid to try, dont have the time and so on.

FOr instance, who knows how to get unlimited virtual tours that stay at the top of youtube for a flat fee per month?

Who knows how to create mobile optimized websites with panaramic pictures for $60 per year.

I love it when a realtor complains that he or she does NOT have enough business, yet wont put the time, energy and effort in trying something new and changing his or her marketing budget from one place that is not working to another place that is working

I also get many calls offering products that are sure to grow my business. I often ask vendors to guarantee their service and I will try it but few take me up on the offer.