To Expand Your Sphere of Influence - Be in the Right Place at the Right Time ... More Frequently!

I'm another one that finds it hard to get myself "out there".  So I found a group to join that is working to improve our local park - I support the cause, so I don't mind getting out of the house to take pics, go to the meetings, etc.  And I've already met some nice people!  It may not always be easy, but it is almost always worth it (says the girl on the computer - LOL!)

Out of Site, out of mind... In the mortgage side of things you are quickly forgotten if you dont show your face OFTEN, I am sure that holds true for the Realtor side as well. Out and about is a great idea.. but I agree with Laura... If you are in a foul personal mood... may not be the best time to be out with your name tag on... Stay home in your fuzzy slippers instead!

Having kids can be tough when you really want to get out there.  But I find that you just need to work the "mommyhood" to your advantage.  There are tons of things to do with other mommies.  Groups, playdates, meetups and tons of places to take baby!

I was out and about yeterday and decided to stop by Starbucks (it was so cold outside) and I was there for nearly an hour!  I ran into 3 people I knew and was able to catch up on things...1 of them knows a buyer coming into town that she will be passing along my information to.  Being in the right place at the right time...that's what this business is about.

There are people out there EVERYWHERE...all we need are smiles on our faces and 30 second soundbites so as not to drive anyone way....  Walking the dog works for me and if there is no one about, well, she gets a lot of extra walks that day.  LOL

There are just so many small opportunities...i.e., the UPS guy delivered a box yesterday - I said, "great, I have been waiting for this!"  He laughed and said, "you mean it's not cigars this time?" I said, "nope, just some real estate stuff."  "OH," he says, "You sell real estate?  Hey, give me some of your cards. Some of the guys at work are talking about wanting to look at some foreclosures."

Now, will this turn out to be the world's greatest lead generator for me?  Prob'ly not, he was most likely being nice because he is a wonderfully funny and friendly guy, but you never know where the next lead is coming from.  Even just answering the doorbell to accept a package rather than hunkering down in the chair to avoid coming face to face with another human being can lead to something! 

You can definitely find business in the strangest places these days.  I like the "keep my antenna up" idea.

When somebody asks me 'how is your real estate business?' I am going to start saying 'Great, especially for buyers. Do you know anybody who is looking to buy?'  Before, I have been droning on about statistics and our business, but I think try to get a lead from that questioner.  Don't know why I didn't think of that before.

Sarah R. In Nashville

Hi Jennifer ~ One thing I decided to do recently is walk down to the school and pick my kids up at the end of their day.  Seems like I would have thought of this before but instead considered it an inconvenience to my "working" day...guess I missed that one!  Anyway, there I am with the opportunity to talk to lots of people and it's been good. 

Excellent advice!     If you're not sitting at the table, how can you be served?    Physical presence, in the community, is an essential.

Jennifer, I always discover something I can use from your posts. All to often we shift into the wo-is-me attitude than can kill your professional standing in the industry. I have to work harder becoming the agent I wanna be...

Gee, I really gotta get out more!  It's cold and windy out today and I'm avoiding going out.  Bad idea, huh?

This is something I do on a regular basis, I have gotten lots of business. Just sitting in a coffe

shop or hot spot with my computer and working will generate conversation. The hard part

is getting out to it.

Girl, when you mention Being at the Right Time at the Right Place MORE FREQUENTLY. The first thing that comes up for me is needing to show up mentally FIRST. I think life can be bla if we just let it go by.

Jennifer, I'm so there with you this week. With my son sick and being 6000 miles away, I didn't feel like going "out there" at all- just wanted to stay close to the computer so I  could Skype him all day.

Made myself go out  into the world today- went to the Gym, then out to Target and Borders with my husband. No propsects, but I certainly had a better chance of meeting someone then sitting at home.!

Have a great weekend.

Linda

Great post Jennifer.  I just had a conversation with our admin about how I have spent so much time helping the new agents in our office with getting going on the technology stuff that I have lost my business and I need to get back out there and work for my business.  Now these agents are writing contracts and I am watching and broke.  I am ready to get back out in the game though and the agents are simply going to have to figure that stuff out on their own.

Thanks for the reminder to get out and meet people and be "there" wherever "there" is. Its easy to get stuck behind the computer answering emails and talking on the phone when all we're really trying to do is "get with people" anyway.

Jennifer... I think being proactive leads to being in the right place at the right time.  Take the time to make that one extra appointment, or go to lunch with a friend... or a drink after work.  You never know when the conversation veers off, or have an opportunity to meet a contact.  I think the more we are out there the more positve things that can happen... and at the same time, have some fun : )  I am all for staying home too so it is easier said than done... but I think the buzzword is momentum... and the buzz phrase is "make it happen" .  Im all ears to your secrects too.  By the way, is a great photo in the blog !  Is that you ?  ~  Chris

Jennifer, another great post.  Laura's comment made me laugh.  Yes, there are times I have taken my badge off before going into a store - it just wasn't happenin' that day.  I agree, too, about dressing the part.  And I think I can commit just one hour per day.  I'm going to try to do better.

I talk to people...strangers...in the grocery line, running errands, waiting rooms.  If I like someone's sweater, I tell them and smile.  If a parent's children are well behaved and the opportunity arises, I compliment them, remembering how much I appreciated such unsolicited comments when I was a harried mother of 2 young, active boys.  If I'm waiting in a line with others, I might make a lighthearted joke.  Some people probably think I'm nuts, but usually the response if warm and friendly.