Pretty much everyone agrees that one's sphere of influence can be a great source of business. But lots of agents hesitate when it comes time to actually implement a sphere of influence campaign - they don't know how to take the first step without coming across as phony or even mercenary.
I mean, really, you have this list of people - some friends, some acquaintances - to whom you've never, ever written, and most haven't heard boo from you in years... and suddenly you're just supposed to start communicating with them out of the blue?
Seriously?
I hear ya. Even I struggle every time I send something out to my sphere - worried they'll "see thru" my attempts to communicate with them and <gasp> realize I'm doing it to subtly promote my business. And I've BEEN in touch with my sphere on a fairly consistent basis!
But here are a few thoughts to, perhaps, get you past this emotional hurdle and back in touch with your SOI.
First, ask yourself how you'll feel if you find out that five old friends hired someone else to be their real estate agent because they hadn't heard from you lately? Or, shoot, just one old friend?
Or how you'd feel if you heard that someone you "used" to be really good friends with referred a sweeeet listing in your favorite neighborhood to someone else because she wasn't sure you were even selling real estate anymore?
Or if, as scrolling thru your MLS Hot Sheet one day, you see a new listing come on the market - one you sold to your buyers a few years back, but-never-got-around-to-following-up-with-and-now-it-feels-weird-to-do?
Does that motivate you a little bit?
If so, consider this... the holidays are a GREAT time to reconnect! And you can do it without much fear of being held in suspicion by your audience (as long as your reconnection attempt has nothing to do with begging for referrals!)
Just do one of those tried-n-true annual family newsletters - make it interesting, authentic and include pictures (and this can be done after the holiday season if you're overloaded with holiday stuff before). Or, personally signed and short & sweet-noted holiday cards, if that's more your style. Or a customized photo-postcard with a cute & clever message will do the trick. Or, of course, your annual doo-dad (calendar, magnet or whatever) delivered with a card with a nice note.
Then... the trick is... once you've reconnected, keep up the good work throughout the year so you aren't in this position again next holiday season.
Hey, I know it's a busy time, but since we're all making plans to ensure a sweeter 2011, this seems like a great place and time to start making that happen!
Join us tonight for the "Secrets of Successful SWS'ers?"
Details and Registration Here!
Comments(36)