Ok, I’m getting kind of sick of the critics of ActiveRain that complain that it doesn’t provide enough buyer/seller leads for the amount of time invested in blogging on the site. I know I just wrote about this, but I still have some frustration to get out.
First of all, according to the results of my questions to ActiveRain members in the last post, nearly all of them had received a direct buyer/seller lead from ActiveRain… but I want to point out something else. I personally feel that the members of AR that aren’t getting any leads are either extremely new, don’t participate enough, or just flat out don’t know how to use it properly.
I realize that it’s a community website, and that many members aren’t there to generate business, but to build relationships, and add to the water cooler conversation. And that’s great! More power to you… But to those of us that have chosen AR as a means to generate business, I think it’s important that we all know how to us AR to it’s full potential.
How can the average agent on ActiveRain generate consistent business for themselves besides the obvious (Localism)? *** REFERRALS ***
ActiveRain has got to be the single best place to make and receive agent to agent referrals anywhere on the web. I look at it like a year round 24/7 real estate convention where you can meet new people, network, build friendships, and build a referral network!
Have agents forgotten about referrals? There was a debate recently between the benefits of using Activerain and RealTown. The argument was based around which could produce a better customer response (leads). One of the factors left out of the mix was agent to agent referrals. In my opinion, there is no better place on the internet where real estate agents can meet and create networking opportunities than activerain. There is so much life and activity happening.
Who cares if there aren’t alot of consumers actually viewing the site! Can you even imagine how many customers are represented by the 45,000 members of ActiveRain??? Those are the customers I want!
There are plenty of opportunities for the person that can get creative. The way I look at AR is as the largest networking opportunity for real estate agents of all time. It’s a goldmine for agents, loan officers, & vendors, and if you play your cards right, it can be a fantastic place for referrals. The skeptic might say: “well I have 100,000 points, and haven’t received any referrals from other AR members. Well… are you actively looking for referrals? Or are you just part of the banter? It’s networking 101. Is there someone that comments on your blog often? Pick up the phone!!! Relationships are the heart of any referral business.
Keep a look out. Your next new customer may be sitting right under your nose…
Justin Smith
Coach, Real Estate Tomato
President, Christian Real Estate Network
Real Estate Marketing Secrets Blog
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