Knowing What You do NOW, What Would You Have Done Differently...

I think your friends idea of sphere was a wonderful idea; she is right your sphere is your greatest asset they already know you. I know this is where I get a lot of my customers. As you close deals your list should grow. I wish you success.

standing in front of the call list of expired listings each morning for 2 hours

I would have put every single penny I poured into print and direct mail into the web.  I should have gone with my gut instinct and played to my strengths. 

Your sphere and refferral business takes time to build for most people.  I also don't like the Amway approach to selling real estate.  It always felt very fake.

Josh,

I agree your sphere of friends and family are a great resource.  Also if you have a hobby that you love to do then go join clubs and have fun.  Having a common interest is a good way to meet new people just be genuine and the business will follow.

Best wishes

Sharon

Your sphere may also know a side of you that you'd rather they didnt'  :0) 

That I have the right to pick the customer I want to work with when we are first in the business.

If I could go back to 2000 when I was licensed, I never would have picked up a Criss Cross or wasted money on print marketing.  I would have gotten in on the internet leads right then and there and not waited until 2004 to realize that's where the people were.

Josh,

Sphere, networking and education. First licensed at age 25 I knew absolutely nothing except how to pass the test. Becoming a sponge learning as much as I could about the biz helped with my confidence.

Constant contact (always offering to be a resource, to assist, etc. etc. for them) with sphere and networking will most likely get you face to face with more prospects.

sphere, sphere, sphere, why not utilize the spider web effect and the people  you already know!... I started with my sphere and floor. I picked up the slack on floor for the moaning agents who thought it was prison time -  while I constantly worked my way through my sphere chatting with them on the phone (while on floor) and making sure they knew what I do...getting your face out in front of people is extremely important... people you already know!  think of the network linkedin.com..... theory.  You want your name to come to their mind first. Sphere is cool as well because when someone asks someone else who they should contact for various questions on various area subjects (not necessariyl real estate) YOU want to be their point of contact.... earn their trust....

Everyone dances to their own music Josh... There are those who work the lead generators and expired and those who don't.  I am a firm believer in coming out from behind the desk - start with people you know rather than total strangers seems easier to me!  Especially if they like you!

Oh and P.S.....  I wouldn't have done anything differently because it has made me successful and has worked for me. Internet is huge too, but you can't put all your eggs in one basket. start with the strongest part of your life - your sphere...

An easy to use database and everyone goes in it.  You can always delete them later.

I admit that I have done a poor job with it myself but have in the last several months trying to correct it. 

So true. And you need to keep doing it! year after year. A good time to make a list again is after a party you are bound to have met new people-Dinah Lee