Being A Resource

I work as a Senior Move Manager and we have worked hard to develop a list of professional providers for our clients ... and are still working to see that we have good people to refer people, too.

I think you need to move on when you have been let down and realize that most people do their best.

Ann Hutchens, Creating Divine Order

Senior Move Manager and Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist

Serving Greater Orlando, Florida www.creatingdivineorder.com

Working in the communities of Sun City Grand, Sun City West and others hear in Arizona, my company has a list of just such resources.  I often stay in touch with my clients in this manner and I enjoy it.  I get to know these people well and I would hate to lose touch with most of them.

Definitely a good approach. Be helpful, resourceful and there.

Carol,

You are right.  As said earlier, you need to be sure of who you recommend as far as tradespeople, but a list works well for that (which is what I do).  I think the thing is you become a friend to them...one that they can trust to give them an honest opinion.

The biggest mistake we make as realtors is not staying "in front" of our clients. Your idea is the perfect way to do that. Maybe they won't call you *every* time, but if they think of you at least, then it's working! Thanks!

I only have a select few that will treat me as the "go to" girl and it's great.

I try to be all things to all people as well. It can sometimes be very time-consuming, but my Buyers and Sellers know that they can rely on me for all kinds of information- before during and after the sale - and for years to come.

I feel good they depend and trust me to do things for them- and respect my opinion.

I have a list of vendors, so thet I don't get in the middle of "recommending" any person.

I also created a website- which is continually under construction- but can be very handy.

It's called www.HarrietsList.com and it's a guide for products, services, accomodations and attractions in the Nortgh Georgia Mountains. Kind of like a private Yarellow Pages.

It's a handy little tool where folks can find the information they need.

I have also created a blog for my dog, Gracie- because I am a "pet-frindly" Realtor.

Gracie "writes" stories about pet friendly places, she "upload" pet pix and generally give good seasonal advice about pet care, health, grooming, trav eling etc.

Find your niche- it helps if these types of projects dovetail with your hobbies or things that you enjoy.

And of course- one of the BEST resources is networking via Activerain.

Lots of valuable information and great friends to be made here.

Fabulous stories and hundreds of thousand of years of real estate experiences to be discovered.

Good luck!!!

Harriet Carter
P.S. I also like to do litltle "random acts of kindness" each day.  Just go the extra mile, but thoughtful, take a moment. It doesn't cost a thing- and it does your heart good!

North Georgia Mountain Real Estate
Sautee-Nacoochee, GAwww.GetGeorgiaMtns.com 

Taking care of your clients by searving your clients needs. A tried and true process. Well done.

Cool blog! I love the idea although I'm not sure if we can get our clients  to call us on everything. I tell them I'll try to find all that I can on whatever they need, just remind them that I can't and won't guarantee anyone's job. The referral is made simply as a courtesy to the client, so they know if things don't go smooth, they can't blame me for that.

Great post~  I run a networking group, and try to be the 'connector' in my group.  We have set up a directory showing people and services those in the group can find.  I have put it on my website so all of my clients can look at it, download it, and use it.  It is a great resource!

 Carol I believe information is the key. Too many people are focused on the dollar figure and forget what people are really looking for. You being the One-Stop-Shop is even better. A personal 411. LOL Keep up the good work. Sounds like you are a true entrepreneur. Thanks for sharing.

I agree.  Networking with your local professionals such as landscapers, contractors, financial advisors, etc. is a great way to be a resource for your clients.  I am a member of BNI (Business Network International).  They have groups worldwide, including every major city throughout the US.  It has been a great resource for referrals of all kinds.

Hello, thanks for the post.  Its good to see you have a strong stance on your view.

Oh I had just dialed your number lol...good post.  I too feel that they should call me first.  I love to get those calls and catch up while we are chatting.  It's great to be THE resource, really it is.  And that referral business is the frosting on the cake of real estate.  Thanks for reminding us.

I provide all of my current clients & past clients with an excel spread sheet of multiple vendors for anything under the sun related to owning/servicing their home.  And if there's a vendor area I haven't covered & they ask I thank them for the opportunity to expand the vendor list and research more people to add to my sphere of influence.  In giving we receive & the more people who turn to us to be their "problem-solvers" or "connectors", the more likely we'll be at the top of their mind when they here anyone speaking about real estate and ready to hand over another great lead.

It pays to be the go to girl...  you go girl!

You are sooo money.  I mean people dont just come to you because of your ads.  Your reputation precedes the ads really.   Good post.   Be a person who gives!

Utah homes for sale

Utah Dave

It's a great idea that i would love to use. I do suppose, however, that it takes time to develop the contacts that would make a realtor the "call me" person that you're saying we should be, right?