Being new to AR, I am doing a lot of reading and studying so that my posts can be both beneficial and enjoyable. I am finding that already this is not an easy task and you must truly be dedicated to helping others.

In my last blog "Real Estate Ripoff" several people both commented and emailed about a comment I made concerning FSBO's paying a Buyers'Agent. I thought expanding on that would make a great blog but-oh, well-I was drawing a blank as to how to expand.

Then I came across a blog by Norm Fisher "So Simple It's Beautiful" dated 1/25/07  Norm's blog made me think back to how I started and what worked.

The market being what it is can make it tough for the new agent to get their feet on the ground. Solid footing comes from dedication, determination, and persistence-as well as following a proven method. My Broker always tells me to not reinvent the wheel and do what works. Follow the path of those before you that are currently where you want to be in the future.

Beyond the tech marketing that you are learning through blogs and websites let's not forget about the low-tech stuff that will put several $1000's in your pocket each year.

• Read or listen to books on tape daily-even if its 15-30 minutes a day. When traveling always have a book on tape or cd in your car. Check your local library, this will keep you well supplied for free. I know you are thinking how will this put $$ in my pocket? Believe me always, always, always work on your mind and attitude and the $$ will follow.
• Always have business cards on you. You never know when the conversation will arise about someone who knows someone that is selling or looking to buy. Give your cards out to grocery clerks, blockbuster clerks, restaurant managers-everyone that you come into contact with. It could be the most profitable nickel you ever invest! I have gotten calls from waitresses that I gave my card to with the tip.
• Be involved in the community-church, local associations, your kids soccer league, service organizations such as Kiwanas.  There are lots of people that you come into contact with that WILL need your services eventually-but if they don't know you or the business you're in-how can they use you? Increase your SOI (Spere of Influence).
• Many service organizations are always looking for speakers for there meetings or lunches. Let them know you are available to speak on the real estate market in your local area. Most of the time you only need to speak for about 15-20 minutes and then answer questions. This is a great way to build your SOI and many times I get a free lunch!
• Don't prejudge! I have a good friend that uses very poor English sprinkled with expletives and a bad attitude! He wears bib overalls with large holes and boots that look as though they should have been retired years ago. He lives in a one room house with a fireplace for heat and no a/c. His net worth is above $2.5M and owns several commercial properties including strip centers and banks!
• Treat everyone as an equal! Don't try to build yourself up and come across as Super-Agent! People truly don't care how great you are, they want to know what you can do for them!
• Go to Open Houses, your local board meetings or training-network with other agents in and out of your office. Building those relationships can bring you referrals-I actually made a few thousand this year referring clients to other agents-I didn't even have to handle the client and made money!
• Don't forgot your past clients!  Contact by phone, letter or email once per month MINIMUM and always ask for referrals.
• This is a whole blog in itself, but if you don't know 8 X 8, 12,  & 33 touch-learn it-there are some really good blogs in the MREA group here at activerain . Also for newbie Realtors please look at the Rookies Turning Pro Group, there is a lot of information posted for the new Realtor!

All of these opportunities for growth are relatively FREE-but last year added about $20,000 to my income! This amount of money may seem insignificant to some, but it was pretty important to me and my family since we had just moved to Maryland from Indiana.  I had NO contacts, friends, or even acquaintances in Baltimore so I had to network like a madman!

It's interesting that when I started this blog my intent was to talk about geo-farming. Huh, I don't think I mentioned it once! OK well I still have the topic for my next blog since geo-farming is what put me on the map quickly in Baltimore.

I truly hope that these words have helped the newbies or jogged the memory of the "not-so-newbies". I will return later with the geo-farm blog to quick start your career.

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ADDED March 16: Many new AR Members have commented on this blog and asked about the farming Blog so I am including the link here:

Growing Your FARM

Also there was an update covering the 8X8, 12 & 33 touch system::

Free, Easy Ways Part 2