Throw in some cold calling into your farming area if you are looking for listings.  Call around and tell them about new listings that your brokerage has in the neighborhood, just solds etc. Mixing active and passive marketing is a great thing. (Mike Ferry scripts are a gtreat place to start with cold calling) By the way, there shouldn't be anything that good agents won't share with you.  The more you give, the more you get. 

Thanks for the hints Chris.  I greatly appreciate it.

Lately, I've been striving to establish an on-line presence, as well as some of the old-school tactics, like farming areas with flyers & postcards, etc...

That is what I have been focused on doing Eugene, is getting the web presence built up.

Matthew,

I've been selling for 15 years & still love it and am always willing to share anything I personally know..With that being said, right now it's difficult to tell you how to start off in this business. Most of my business comes from past clients and referrals. But, I have come with something new this year!!! I'm bartering my services. What I mean by that is find a friend, relative, etc that can help you in advertising yourself at their initial cost..  Incorporate yourself so that you can pay them a percentage of your commission after the close of escrow for their efforts & cost on your behalf.. We need to continue to look for who can we help and who can help us!!  I hope this helps!

I am new to the business as well. I come from the mortgage and financial world. I appreciate any additional tips!

I'm currently doing a campaign on the FSBOs and Expireds in my target market area along with working my sphere AND networking.

Hi Matt!  I only sold 11 homes last year - ALL were new homes, so I am kinda targeting new home buyers, and becoming an expert on all new home subdivisions here.  My sister is a realtor in Merced - she swears by Buffini, says that coaching has made her successful.  She is also a joiner/leader, is prez of her board.  I made a chart comparing new homes, doing the chart made me learn alot about details.  I need to update it, but it was effective when I whipped it out to buyers.

Thank you all for your help.  I greatly appreciate it a lot.

Prospect, go to apartment complexes, cold call FSBOs, create a farming area, and identify a niche.

Thanks Matthew.  I appreciate your input.

To Big trouble,

That's a really big paragraph, and the amazing thing is there is not one constructive suggestion in all that.  So is your contention "the sky is falling".  What are you suggesting to fix it.  If nothing why mention it at all, and who cares who is to blame...if you see trash on the ground pick it up.  Don't just point at it and complain about it.  When I was in the Army my LTC used to say don't use my bathroom and forget to flush.  How about spending half the effort you spent creating that magnus opus to selling a listing.  Then you would be fixing the problem.