Let's Get It Started!

Alex, first I'll rate your post. Great! You've brought out some of the obvious questions that every new Realtor wants to ask. Some may be too shy to ask and other don't even know what to ask to get started. I'm not a Golden Oldie by any means. I started my career in Real Estate only 4 years ago but it's amazing how much you learn in 4 years! :)  Getting your name out there is definitely the name of the game... you've got the right idea there. Talk to EVERYONE you know and even those you don't! Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to someone you see looking at a real estate circular in a restaurant... that may be your next client. I spend A LOT of time driving around the new developments in my area, meeting builders & contractors and even run across a buyer now & then who happens to be stumbling through a home under construction. Here's my take on it: If you're in Real Estate and you're not out and about, in the car, driving the neighborhoods, etc, you're not making money. Use the opportunities that are in front of you every day...  talk to your dry cleaner, the guy at the gas pump next to you, the lady behind you in line at the grocery store. With a little practice, it becomes VERY easy to steer any conversation to Real Estate!

Alex:  Welcome to the industry.  Tried and true methods involve exposure.  Yes, As Ryan mentioned, talk to everyone.  Carry a fist full of business cards with you and plan to hand out at least 10 a day.  Wear your Realtor pin,  I think one of the new commercials shows a gal in the grocery store wearing her pin and a stranger stopping to talk to her.  If you have company signs for your car, use them.

Volunteer with some civic organization and meet new people that way.  I work a half day each week at our local thrift store.  Attend church.  Again, it's meeting people.  Pick a neighborhood you would like to have listings in,and knock on some doors asking for their help in locating someone they know who might like to sell.  It's amazing what people will do when asked to help. 

I was shocked this past Labor Day.  I had a couple out showing them some lakefront homes, but couldn't find a road I needed to turn at, so we stopped and I got out the map.  While looking up the road, a man came by on his golfcart and asked if we needed help.  Sure enough we had overshot the turn due to the street sign's absence.  When the golfcart man found I was a realtor, he asked me to come list his waterfront home! 

congrats on first post

Gary Urich 

Alex,

When I started I had some very basic things I did to get beyond my circle of influence. I used the local paper as a source for leads. I took company stationary and sent letters of congratulations to newlyweds,  new parents, newly promoted business people and newly engaged couples. Very few people get such best wishes from strangers, so it stands out. I got listings and sales. Make this a part of your routine. It will pay off.

In addition to the posts by others - of course continue to participate in AR :)