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There is only one reason why agents fail...

By
Real Estate Technology with Altos Research 72732

Are you ready?  Here it is...

If an agent fails it's because they didn't contact enough people.

Simple isn't it?

Of course it's never that simple is it...well in this case it is ;-)

If you stop contacting people (marketing, advertising, drop bys, direct mail, phone calls, etc.) you will go out of business.  Even if your business is 100% referrals - eventually you would no longer be top of mind and you know there is always another agent right behind you.

You've got to let people know what you are doing!
You've got to get others to sing your praises!

Did you know...

50% to 80% of agents quit within their first 12 months.

Steps you can take to prevent you from becoming a statistic...

There are two primary stumbling blocks for people who are in sales, they are:

  1. Self discipline
  2. Accountability 

Self Discipline is key.  Some people have it, some don't.  Those that have it don't usually need to worry about stumbling block #2: Accountability.

Those that don't have enough self discipline can get it by working hard, being "aware" of what they are and are not doing, and being held accountable.

Take it One Step at a time...
As a Perseverance Coach I help agents and title reps work through the two key stumbling blocks (self discipline and accountability).  Below is a starting list I use when I begin working with a new client:

  • What do you want your business to be...what's your vision of it?
  • What have you been doing to make your vision a reality?
  • What are your action steps?
  • Time management - this is a very in-depth look at your activities, what you're doing, why you're doing it, what you're not doing, why not...this is huge!
  • Marketing 101 - don't laugh...most agents don't have any marketing background or training.

I have to wrap this up.  If you would like to learn more about perseverance coaching - shoot me an email or go to www.ImpactYourSalesNow.com/coaching.html

Veronica DeCarolis
Weidel Realtors - Flemington, NJ

Great advice for neww agents. We all have to learn to visualize our success!

Veronica

May 29, 2008 12:17 PM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

A system and accountability go a long way to getting a business up and running. Great points Jeff!

May 29, 2008 12:27 PM
John Ford
Security National Properties - Eureka, CA

great advice! many times we have to rememebr how to get back to basics

May 29, 2008 12:30 PM
Michael Cole
CPG Tours - Corona, CA

Great post, Jeff!

Not only is it straightforward, it’s simple in concept. But…self discipline and accountability can also be the two hardest things to keep up. Well, at least for me they can.  : )

And having spent many years in strategic marketing and advertising, I particularly liked your comment about ‘Marketing 101.’ Not only do most people not have any background or training in it, most people don’t know the difference between marketing, advertising, and sales.

Again, great post!

May 29, 2008 12:42 PM
Bob Force (REALTOR®)
Weichert Realtors - Aspen Hill - Mount Airy, MD
The FORCE in Maryland Real Estate

Jeff:

Great advise.  I lost a client today just because they tought I was no longer in the businees.  They too sited the drop out rate and thought me a statistic.

May 29, 2008 12:43 PM
Jeff Graves
Altos Research - Sunnyvale, CA
More than just beautiful market trend reports

Hey...a lot of great comments already.

Self Discipline and Accountability are difficult to sustain...again if you need help seek someone out who has experience not only as an agent but also as a perseverance coach.  An experienced successful agent isn't necessarily a good teacher/mentor.  They teach what worked for them...and based on their background, sphere, and personality...what they did may not work for you.

May 29, 2008 01:27 PM
Cheryl Powell - The Powell Team
Southern Homes of The Carolinas - The Powell Team - Harrisburg, NC
Concord,Harrisburg & Charlotte NC Area Real Estate

Hi Jeff: Your blog seems to be very informative...I'm going to subscribe and see what I can learn. 

BTW, smileys for commenting on my blog post!

May 31, 2008 12:23 PM
Jeff Graves
Altos Research - Sunnyvale, CA
More than just beautiful market trend reports

Cheryl...mahalo for the comment on my post and subscribing...I'll be making a couple more posts this coming week...starting Monday.  I live on Maui...so I am 3 hours earlier then West Coast time.  I mention that only because when I post it...afternoon...it will be evening for you.  Aloha.

Jun 01, 2008 05:23 PM
Robert Machado
HomePointe Property Management, CRMC - Sacramento, CA
CPM MPM - Property Manager and Property Management

You idea is simple and mostly true.  The other item to add is to keep learning so you know what to do once you have the client.  Education is the key to any successful endeavor.

Jun 01, 2008 05:28 PM
Jeff Graves
Altos Research - Sunnyvale, CA
More than just beautiful market trend reports

Robert...well said "Education is key to any successful endeavor."  I can't agree with you more...since educating agents is what I do for a living.  Thank you for your input.  Jeff

Jun 02, 2008 01:59 PM