With your competitors emailing prospects long video listing presentations and peoples' attention spans shrinking by the second, you might consider differentiating yourself using a short work-around. Prospects view a listing presentation for two reasons: to learn/gauge the effectiveness of your service and to see if they like you.  The first goal can be achieved via video, a powerpoint presentation or even a tight HTML page on your web site.  But the second goal must be done in person or next best, video.

Step 1. If you don't have a video presentation, post a blog or have your web master place your existing presentation on your web site.  If it is in powerpoint format, most windows users have MS Office and can view it.  But it always helps to have it on your site in HTML as well for those who don't.

Step 2. Copy (CTRL-C) the exact web page URL that takes you to the presentation and paste (CTRL-V) it into the body of the email you send to the prospect.  This achieves the first goal.

Step 3. Assuming you have a video camera or a good web cam, create a short (1-2 minutes), professional video that highlights the core of your service and directs prospects to your web site, where they can learn the guts of your service capabilities. This video should also be submittedd to Tubemogul and posted on your blog or submitted to your web master for inclusion on your web site.  Repeat Step 2 since people are more likely to open emails without attachments. If you must, attach the video to your email but remember, we all hate baggage. If you have more time, follow my earlier advice as well.  This achieves the second goal without burdening a prospect's valuable time.

Step 4. Compose a short email incorporating what you know about the prospect and instructing them on how to gauge your worthiness. Example:

Dear <prospect>, Thank you for the opportunity to help you achieve your real estate goals. From our previous correspondance, I understand that you are looking for (what you know about the prospect's needs).  If this is inaccurate or your needs have changed, please let me know.

I know you are busy so I have assembled a short, informative presentation of my services at <paste powerpoint location URL>.  If you cannot open powerpoint files, you can also find my presentation here <paste HTML location URL>. I look forward to the opportunity of meeting you in person.  Until then, here is a short video clip of me (advising buyers on my blog or outlining my services) <paste video location URL>.  Next time you are in town, let's get together for coffee so I can share the unique, local perspective on my market you can't get over the Internet.  Thank you.

Eric Robbins

MIMiC Group