I know times are tough and many brokers are having a difficult time staying afloat. I think the key in any market is to stay VISIBLE. With so many agents to select from, buyers are often overwhelmed with their choices. 9 out of 10 are going to choose someone they recognize. Since so many of us have extra time on our hands, here's some ideas to help you stay in front of your customer and busy wtih real estate.

Here are ten tips and tricks to keep your phone ringing, in no particular order:

1. Blog EVERYDAY ! We've all heard it, fresh content is key. Use your local newspaper, news, MLS stats, ribbon cuttings, chamber reports and local calendars to find subject matter. Always, always make sure your content is your own. My last 4 clients found me through the Web.....don't underestimate what it can do for your business, for free.

2. Utilize every opportunity for free advertising that you can. This would include Active Rain, local papers, Craig's List, your local association of Realtors, etc. Don't be shy. If you complete a certification or educational accomplishment, announce it. If you are offering a new service, announce it. If you change offices, announce it.

3. Attend public events in your local area and.....ALWAYS carry your business cards! Find at least one function to attend EVERY week. Visiting out of the area events can also be a great way to secure new clients. 

4. Real Estate.....chat it up. Seize opportunity, at the dr., the dentist, the grocery store, the Saturday trip to Costco. Use every opportunity to chat up real estate, what the market's doing, where prices are, what's moving and what's not. You'd be surprised at who's listening.

5. Network, Network, Network. Join your area Chambers, Rotary, visitors associations, Realtor groups including PACS and focus groups. Involve yourself with your church, children's schools, sports events, local fairs, workshops and education opportunities.

6. Continue to Advertise. Cut the frills, reduce the size, opt for black and white rather than color but DON'T stop your advertising. Look at the distribution numbers and spend where you are getting the most value for your dollar.

7. Volunteer in your community. United Way, Family Access Network, Food Banks, Humane Society, Ronald McDonald House... I could go on and on. Find something that interests you and GIVE BACK to your community. Outside of the obvious benefit to others, this is a unique and rewarding way to meet new people and open opportunities for business. 

8. Call on your clients, past present and future. Time to review those client files...make a list of folks you haven't talked to in awhile and just check in with them. Make sure they know you're still ACTIVE in real estate and that you are AVAILABLE to help them.

9. Evaluate your marketing strategies. Lots of things work. Don't be afraid to try something new or different. Cold-calling, prospecting, farming, blogging, radio ads, tv ads, for sale signs, new business cards and/or branding. Get creative. You may be able to do an insertion with a local publication advertising your services or co-op with another business that offers services a homeowner/buyer might utilize. Think outside of the box. A local Realtor uses a picture of her and her dog on all of her signs. Guess what? Every time I see it, I think of her and know it's her listing.

10. Utilize the LAWS OF ATTRACTION. Ask, Believe, Receive. Those of you who know what I'm talking about know that this works. For those of you who don't, get the book, The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. 

Are you doing everything you can to stay in front of your customers?

Feel free to contribute more ideas for this list in the comment section below. Good Luck !