Liz,

You could start with an introduction about you and your business, how long you've been staging, some stats on your staged properties, etc. as background info.  Then I'd show lots of Before & Afters of your own work, giving a brief comment on how you highlighted the features of the home in each photo.  I'd show both Vacant and Occupied homes that you staged.  Realtors usually want to see the transformation and they'll also ask how much did it cost, so have some ballpark figures available, but add that all properties are unique and pricing is tailored depending on the client's budget and what look is needed to appeal to the target buyer. 

I would give them handouts about my business ... along with some very general tips about staging (obvious things like de-cluttering, deep cleaning, curb appeal, fresh paint, cosmetic repairs, update the light fixtures, etc.). You could even show some photos of these subjects. One way to take up more time is to go to your area's current MLS listings, and use some of these online photos of WHAT NOT to show potential clients.  Don't give away your tricks of the trade! 

You could allow 10-15 minutes for Q & A.  You might want to have a drawing with all of their cards at the end of the presentation -- perhaps something like $100 off a Consultation Written Report -- but remember to add an expiration date and mileage limit to it.  Good luck and be sure to let us know how it goes!

Maureen, Thanks for that good advice. I appreciate it!

Wow, Maureen has some great ideas for you!  I'm having my own issue trying to fill up time for a 1 1/2 - 2 hour class on outdoor decorating!  Argh!

One of the key things to successful training of agents is to explain to them why they NEED a stager in their marketing tool-box!!  So many agents believe that they can stage themselves, so you need to spend alot of time on showing how they can get more listings, get them sold faster, look more professional, take the burden of "icky" subjects off their plate and let the staging professional be the bad guy, get more referrals because of quick sales because we all know that the staged homes sell quicker.  I have an 1 1/2 training program and I talk A LOT about cost vs benefit on staging to both the homeowner and agent.  Also teach on how the agent should bring up to the homeowner that home staging is the way to go and to have you prepped properly.  Hope that helps!! Good Luck, it's easier once you've done it the first time too!!

Lisa Conover Rearranged For Change Omaha, NE

Lisa, thanks so much for those great tips. You are right-benefit to the agent is definitely the key point.

Kathy, Maybe some of the answers I get to this blog can help you too. Outdoor decorating...hmmmm.

I love to teach staging to agents, homeowners, and anyone who is willing to listen.  I use lots of before and after photos and explain what was done in each and what the results are.  I also go into vague details (if that makes sense) about how to stage certain rooms.   I try to engage the audience by asking them questions during the presentation/lesson.

Have fun with it! 

Maureen's comments are great, and I completely agree with Kristina - have a ball. It will be infectious and they will love you! You get business without a doubt. Kym

Maureen and Kristina are right and Kym herself gives an awesome presentation to Realtors and Stagers.  Be inspirational and don't worry, the things you tell them will be beyond their imagination about doing it themselves. They don't know scale and focal points, etc....tweeking a couple of inches can make a big difference in the "feel" of a room.  They need to know that it's not easy and not anyone is good at it.  Show them photos from mls, perfect illustration and some of those will be "staged"  but not really.  You'll do fine, go get them girl.

Great advice Maureen! I may be doing a presentation soon and its nice to have my memory jogged, including the $100 off prize WITH expiration date. 

Liz, you will want to teach them how to talk to their clients about home staging services and how it increases the marketability of homes.  Linda get a lot of requests these days to do just that.  Many Realtors in our area understand Home Staging but they are finding it painful to try and discuss it with their clients.  They need to be taught how.

I agree with Gary teach them how to teach it to the sellers!!!  This is the uphill battle we all fight!!

Becky

Kristina-thanks for the great advice.  I will use lots of before and afters. I think explaining what details are in each pic will help. Agents don't always see those things that stagers see.

Kym-Thanks for the encouragement. I know it will be fun!

Terrylynn-Good advice. I can do this!

Janis-Let us know how your presentation goes.

Gary-Excellent point. I will make it a key point to teach them how to talk to their clients about the importance of staging. Using some stats on ROI will get that across. Thanks!

Becky-Thanks for the comments. I will do my best.

Hi Liz!

Some Realtors feel their photography skills are lacking, and you could remind them that after photos are part of your staging package.

Kathy

Liz    With all this support and advice behind you I'm sure you will do a wonderful job.  Smile and be genuine, they will love you!

Kathy-some very good advice.  I will add a photography tip slide. Thanks!

Sharon-thanks so much for your kind words!

Liz- One of my best presentations included a segment telling agents how to sell our services to their clients. Here's an example Help ME help YOU help ME help YOU.....??? It got a really good response! Good luck! That seems like a lot of time, but when you are talking about something that you are passionate about, I bet the time flies!!!

Elaine-I read your blog and the content is excellent. I will add that as well. Thanks for all the great pointers!

I would be somewhat cautious about using MLS photos from their are - it is quite likely that you will have someones there and they get very embarressed.

I got an  Incredibly Bad MLS  photos video from an AR Realtor in Canada. My groups breathes a sigh of relief when they know it will not be any of their listings. 

Kathleen-I will heed that advice. That would be awful to embarrass a local realtor! I'll get my pictures from Minnesota;)