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The best sales people are rarely in the office.

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Services for Real Estate Pros with Promo-Plates car nameplates by Ameri-Plates

If they're not in the office.....then where are they?    If you don't know the answer for that question you may wish to consider a career in the food service industry, or as a greeter at Wal-Mart.

These days with all the high tech gadgetry your office can be where-ever you are....including your car or a park bench.  There's no need to be in the office to access information, or set appointments. 

Fulfilled sales people are out getting known.   They're upgrading their circle of friends by associating with top business and professional people.   They're making new personal contacts daily.   They're seeing and being seen.....and they're plugged into everything that's going on in their sales coverage area.

Maintaining a high profile for fun and profit is easy, but it requires a game plan and initiative.  

For as long as I can remember I've associated with people who are much smarter and more influential than me.   I carry a brief case with a laptop, a camera and cell phone where-ever I go......and promote constantly in a casual way.  Often I'll snap a photo of potential clients having fun (asking permission first) and send it to them via email.   It's a great non-invasive way to follow up.

Sitting behind a desk waiting for the phone to ring won't take you where you want to go, however building relationships in a fun relaxed atmosphere will pay dividends for years to come.   That's because clients are more at ease in this kind of setting.  Millions of dollars in sales routinely happen while playing golf and at the 19th hole after the game is over.

It's important to create a good first and last impression....that's because people tell people....who in turn tell more people about you.   It's called "viral marketing" and it's the most sincere, honest kind of marketing you can have.

Comments(31)

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stan albert
Remax Premier Inc. Vaughan Ontario - Vaughan, ON

David. as a long time Realtor, I tend to agree in part with what you say. However, there's much to be said about Realtors who do frequent the office for a few hours every day and do their paper work, spend a few minutes or so with a fellow colleague, or their Broker or Manager, just to share some of the synergy that most Brokerages offer, whether in USA or Canada. 

Just by happenstance, you may be conversing with a colleague and mention a lusting coming up or a need you may have.  You may miss out on 2-3 transactions a year. But recognizing the advances of technology in all parts of the world, yes you can operate successfully from your car, our home office or your local coffee haven.  Yes the I-Phones and Laptops do make life easier. The human touch is still, in my opinion anyway, the utmost in creating more business opportunities.  Even for Realtor such as yourself.

Good posting!  Look forward to hearing from you.

Your Canadian Connection in Toronto Canada

 

Jul 10, 2010 04:57 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

Really good post.  I think answering your phone is key.  The only number I use is my cell number.

Jul 10, 2010 05:40 AM
Michael Emerson
Keller Williams Realty - San Juan Capistrano, CA

David, you are so right. Everywhere you go, your office goes with you.

Jul 10, 2010 05:57 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Agreed, the 19th hole sounds good right now.

Jul 10, 2010 08:34 AM
Pete Deininger
Breckenridge Associates - Breckenridge, CO
Breckenridge Colorado Real Estate (970-389-0372)

David,

In the winter months I'll make a point of riding the ski lifts that visitors frequent at our ski area. Nothing like a 7-12 minute ride on a lift chair to strike up a casual conversation with visitors who may be buyers.

Jul 10, 2010 09:03 AM
Jan Stevens
Coldwell Banker Pittsburgh - Cranberry Township, PA

Excellent point. Community activities, volunteering and networking help people get to know me. I get referrals because, hopefully, they gradually learn to think of me as a "good person to do business with" and a hard worker.

Jul 10, 2010 09:37 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

I think the key success in what you're doing lies in this sentence:

"Maintaining a high profile for fun and profit is easy, but it requires a game plan and initiative."

Just being "out" somewhere isn't enough. You have to have a plan for how you will connect with people when you're out.

Jul 10, 2010 09:43 AM
Monica Atherton
eXp Realty - Georgetown, TX
Your Georgetown Real Estate Gal

note to self- "self, remember to have your rolling tote stocked and ready to go every time you go out the door!"

 

Thanks for the reminder!

Jul 10, 2010 11:25 AM
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

What a great post, brought back memories. Long ago, in the early days of my business career, I was a sales manager at a large blue chip company. Before the days of cell phones, computers, and electronic gadgets, sales calling was the key to success. We had an office area for all the sales representatives. Every time I used to come in the office and I saw the salespeople at the office or at their desk (often goofing off), I used to say loud and clear "Who the heck is calling on your clients while you are in here?" And then I would add, "Your competitors, perhaps?". Then would follow up with "get out of here, go meet with a client and make a sale, ok?"

There are days where we have the blues and we stick around the office pretending to be busy. I found that getting out there and meeting people, networking, doing open houses, and previewing has been a successful way to make new clients. You would be surprised how many times I have previewed homes where people (perfect strangers)  would stop while I'm in the driveway and ask me if..... I was a "Realtor"... . I made clients from each one of them.

I love receptions and business networking events. You see, I like the smooth approach. I don't advertise myself. I meet people and I always wait til someone asks me my favorite question - ... "and what do you do for a living".... "oh, I help people buy and sell houses, I'm a Realtor. " You can bet any amount of money that I will be asked a lot of questions about the market. I always give short positive answers. I never talk about me, I try to answer their question as briefly as possible and I don't stick to them, I continue working the room. I never offer my business card, I wait til they ask for it - that's your clue right there. When they do, usually the next day or so, I know my phone is going to ring with a new client. Works every time.

That's why being out there works.

Jul 10, 2010 11:43 AM
Rob Arnold
Sand Dollar Realty Group, Inc. - Altamonte Springs, FL
Metro Orlando Full Service - Investor Friendly & F

So true.  It is important to be visible.  Networking is a vital marketing tool that should not be overlooked.  As the saying goes, you can't make any sales sitting in the office.

Jul 10, 2010 12:11 PM
Wade Kawahara
Dominion Real Estate Partners, LLC - Phoenix, AZ

I agree totally that you always have to be ready for business.

Jul 10, 2010 05:22 PM
Mari Armstrong
DiSalle Real Estate Co. - Toledo, OH

I don't go into my office but once a week. I can do EVERYTHING from home/car, etc. with my netbook and cell phone. We even have all of our forms on an intranet so the only thing I go into the office for is to check my "mailbox" and renew my sentricard.

I agree that you just don't make money by being in the office. Get out there and hit the streets. Talk to people. Leave your business card everywhere you go. Make sure people know your name and you'll be a huge success at this great business!

Jul 11, 2010 12:48 AM
Ben Yost - 303-587-4297
First Time Home Buyer, Mortgage Rates, Pre-Approval - Denver, CO
FHA, VA, Conventional - Mortgage Loans in De

David,

My comment wasn't about how professional Realtors are. I completely agree with you when you say they are highly professional.

My pont was- I don't think you should put down other industries in comparison to ours, especially when a multitude of polls don't support your view.

My bigger point was that the greeters at our Walmarts are special needs people, that are mentally challenged. So your comment about how they should become greeters at Wall mart, did not sit well.

You made a great point in your post and I applaud you for that, however, your reference was a little off color to me.

I like Jared - he is the greeter at our Walmart and he is a great guy and very professional. I hold the job he does as a greeter in the same regards as any profession.

Just my opinion of your post.

Jul 11, 2010 03:39 AM
Mike Henderson
Your complete source for buying HUD homes - Littleton, CO
HUD Home Hub - 303-949-5848

I was at a meeting with about 10 agents.  3 were with our company and the others were with others.  One was thinking about joining and she was asking me about an office location.  We have between 5-7, who knows.  I told her that was the office that I said I went to the most.  I'm like, not very likely.  I work out of my home and my car.  I'll I need is a laptop, cellphone, and Internet connection.

Jul 11, 2010 07:45 AM
Margaret C. Taylor
Century 21 New Millennium MD - Mechanicsville, MD
St Marys/Calvert/Charles MD Real Estate Agent

Thank your for the blog.  Contact with people is were the business is.  Margaret C.

Jul 11, 2010 02:18 PM
Ty Lacroix
Envelope Real Estate Brokerage Inc - London, ON

David, you can't catch fish if your line is not in the water!

Ty

Jul 12, 2010 05:27 AM
Andrea Curtis United Country Premier Properties Certified Military Relocation Professional
United CountryPremier Properties - Harker Heights, TX
U C INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR OF MILITARY PROPERTIES

I really enjoyed this blog.  I do go into the office every day, but only for a few hours.  I start my day at 7:30 working on my laptop at home answering emails etc.  Then go from there.

Jul 12, 2010 07:44 AM
Gary Steuernagel ASSOC. BROKER, ABR, CRB
Keller Williams Southwest - Sugar Land, TX

My best agents are rarely seen in my office, they come in only to pick up a check and pick up some mail.  The rest of the time they're out doing real estate and making money.  The agents I see daily are almost always those who aren't making money.   Easy to understand why that occurs.  David hit it on the nail.

Jul 12, 2010 08:56 AM
Steven L. Smith
King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham WA Home Inspector

David,

No question about that, pressing the flesh returns the best results.

Jul 13, 2010 03:02 PM
Gisele Caron-Zoratto
RE/Max Premier Inc. - Vaughan, ON

That is all very nice...being out and about.  Yes, there is no need for an office (or even a need to show up there once a yr) to do well in this business.  However, as many mentioned you need to do something..meeting and networking is a must.  Too many love to say they work from home and don't believe in an office...and many have little to show for at year's end.  For many there is no work schedule. Being an entrepreneur with no set schedule can mean many different things for different personalities.  Many agent I have seen over the years don't do a whole lot of anything but are proud to say they don't need an office.  As much as many feel it is a waste of time and money to have an office there are those who really believe in the power and influence of having an office they have to pay for at month's end. With  this type of financial commitment and responsibility many feel motivated and compelled to do something..it's like having an extra mortgage..you feel motivated to get out of the house and get cracking. Because we have no schedules I have seen too many just waste their days not doing a whole lot of anything...that's why 90% of the business is done by less than 10%...There is a need for some kind of structure and goal setting..one can't just rely on talking to people and going about their daily routines to meet lucrative goals. when I first started in the mid 70's most of us reported in an office to check our daily listings and do our calls....but now with the wonderful world of technology and social media...the work ethic for many has faded as they rely on all of our modern comforts to make their lives simpler and less confined. There is the positive in all of these modern comforts and improvements however hard work is still a must...

Gisele Remax Vaughan, ON

Jul 25, 2010 01:39 PM