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Should you really join a health club to meet clients?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with The Agent Guide LLC

Only if you are committed to exercising and improving your health!  How many times does a new or struggling real estate agent hear those words of advice - you need to just start joining organizations so that you meet people - try a health club. 

The advice is well intended and good if further direction is provided - unfortunately it typically isn't.  Yes you need to get out there and meet people who might be potential clients - but if you want to be successful you need to be selective. 

You should join organizations that:

  1. Focus on something that is a passion for you (eg; yachting, dog agility training, classic cars, scrap booking, horseback riding, skiing, motorcycles, school alumni association); or
  2. Support a cause that you believe in (eg: PTA, breast cancer awareness, make-a-wish foundation, environmental protection, arts foundation, habitat for humanity); or
  3. Will benefit your target market (eg: neighborhood park association, city council, chamber of commerce, community center, YMCA, house boat association); or
  4. Is intended to educate you and/or facilitate networking (eg: mastermind group, toastmasters, rotary, chamber of commerce).

By joining such groups you meet people that you have a connection with so small talk is not a problem.  When you spend time with such people they will want to learn about you - including what you do for a living.  You will also have a chance to demonstrate your integrity and build trust - something that isn't easy to do with just marketing literature.  According to the 2006 NAR® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers selecting an agent that is  honest and trustworthy/high integrity was the most important factor for buyers and the second most important factor for sellers.

Best of all while you are meeting new people and growing your client list- you will also enjoy yourself and might even make a difference to others.  Get involved!

by Michelle Blue

Comments(4)

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Roger Stensland
Keller Williams Realty Puget Sound - Maple Valley, WA
Let's Move!
When I was a member of a health club, I didn't take a lot of time to socialize.  My main focus was physical conditioning.  We didn't have very high opinions of those who joined the club with obvious intentions that had nothing to do with health and conditioning.  However, you still make acquaintances and friends after a while with the regulars.  Just consider the friends you meet a bonus, they can't be the reason that you join in the first place.
May 24, 2007 06:22 PM
Doreen McPherson
Homesmart ~ Scottsdale ~ Tempe - Tempe, AZ
Phoenix Arizona Real Estate ~

Hi Michelle,

I agree, being involved just to meet potential clients, will backfire.  It's hard to be sincere when your there 'for the money' so to speak. 

By being involved in something you are truly interested in and enjoy, everyone is relaxed and natural.  That's when things happen.  "I'm going to sell my house and buy a bigger one."  "Hey, did you know <insert your name> is a Realtor?" 

Thanks for this post. 

May 24, 2007 07:00 PM
Debi Braulik
www.roundrealestate.com - Maple Valley, WA
Selling Maple Valley to Fife WA Homes For Sale
I agree. i didn't join my gym to get clients. I roll in right out of bed and don't look to professional. My goal is to workout. But I have gotten to know my personal trainer and my workout buddy and they know I am an agent.  In fact just today my workout buddy (who I didn't know 2 months ago!) said to me, "Now every-time I see House Hunters on TV, I think of you!" I said great. And with a big smile I said, "And now when you hear of someone needing to buy or sell a home I hope you think of me too!"
May 31, 2007 02:36 PM
Tools for Real Estate
The Agent Guide LLC - Kirkland, WA

It is really great when you get clients while doing things that you want to do.  I am active in the PTA for my kids school and I was at an auction meeting when we were trying to schedule the next meeting.  I commented that I couldn't make the date because I was meeting with a client and the woman who had proposed the date stopped and said - that's right - you are a real estate agent.  I just want you to know that whever I need to sell my home or buy something else I am definitely going to work with you!  And then spontaneously the 5 other women in the room all agreed!  My response was similar to yours I said, "that is great and since I hope none of you are moving soon, please recommend me to all of your neighbors and friends!".

May 31, 2007 03:20 PM