From Brian Block, Apprentice, M2T Team Manna
When I first got started in real estate almost 6.5 years ago, I worked with a small, but successful brokerage (owned by a friend of mine) for a year and a half before moving to RE/MAX where I've been for almost five years.
On my first day in the office, the principal broker showed me his database management system:
THE YELLOW NOTEPAD!
At the top of page 1 were his current clients, listing and buyers. Page 2 had some notes on recent prospects from an open house and sign calls. Each contact was separated by a line on the page. Each entry had a name, phone number, a price range or address, and possibly an e-mail address.
Having entered real estate after 3 years of law school and 3 years working as an attorney in D.C., I was quite familiar with the ubiquitous Yellow Legal-Sized Notepad, having gone through more than a few from the supply closet in my day.
THIS WAS NOT GOING TO WORK!
Ever since first grade, my cursive and handwriting skills have left something to be desired. Granted it does have the benefit of being sort of a secret code can be read by nobody else but me (a la Leonardo Da Vinci!) My skills were on the computer. After all, with a year of high school typing class under my belt, I could type faster than I can write. And it's all legible and intelligible!
I tried a few software programs but never made a serious commitment to one.
Our first challenge in the Makeover2Takeover Contest is to develop a database.
Being the astute Mentor that she is, Desiree Daniels discussed this with me before the challenge was even announced. She knows that a database management system is the bedrock of a successful real estate business.
Team Manna had a huddle today and discussed the challenge in more detail. I'll be busy this week getting started with a new database system and taking my first steps towards a makeover and more success in my business.
Here's hoping that this first challenge helps bring the prospects and clients raining down from heaven like Manna!
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I know what you mean, I find my Point 2 site is fantastic for database management, but I still have scribbled notes all over the place and try as I may to be organized with my day timer, I keep a lot of it in my head, I have tried the old memo style recording devices, but what I really need is an organized assistant. Fortunatly I have a partner with a mind like a steel trap and great organizational skills. Thanks Vicky!!