Every day I walk out my office here in Carmel-by-the-Sea for a stroll around town. Why? Because I love it here, it is a most beautiful little city in the forest. I also do it for the exercise because the city is on a sloping hill all the way from the Pacific Ocean and up into town, where it levels out some.
BUT MOSTLY I WALK AROUND TO CONNECT WITH THE MERCHANTS
Monday through Friday, it is great to network with the owners of galleries, restaurants, boutiques and other businesses. These are the days they are least busy and like to stop and chat.
AND THAT'S WHEN I SUBTLY REMIND THEM I AM A REAL ESTATE BROKER
Yes, they "know" but do they keep it in front of their consciousness when a customer comes in and they start chatting, and the customer tells them they are in the area looking to buy real estate?
HOW DO YOU TELL THEM OVER AND OVER THAT YOU ARE IN REAL ESTATE?
There are ways of saying "I am a real estate broker" without being a pain about it. So I talk about my office which is right in the middle of Carmel-by-the-Sea in that "sweet spot". Talk about what is happening in the courtyard, Sue Vecino, and who is moving in there. For example,
1. The Cashmere shop which is well known and loved in town. They have moved from Ocean Avenue 1-1/2 blocks over to our location on Dolores Street.
2. We have a wine tasting establishment moving in; but they are still working on their application. That will be fun to invite them over for an end of the day glass of wine right by my office.
3. Jack London's outdoor seating in the courtyard is now very busy since the weather has gotten a lot warmer. The whole courtyard was upgraded last summer and this is a fabulous place to have some lunch or dinner.
4. Cindy Wilbur, a wonderful plein air artist has opened her studio on the 2nd floor.
Not only do I impart new information when I visit these merchants from whom I hope to get real estate referrals, but it also reminds them where I am, and that they can tell their customers how to find me. Everyone in town is within walking distance, so this becomes very important.
Mostly, I do not underestimate the power of these merchants. They talk to their customers and what they are looking for here on the Monterey Peninsula. For this reason, I need the merchants to think of me first, that I can help their customers with any questions they have that is real estate related.
AND, OF COURSE, I MAKE SURE THE MERCHANTS HAVE A BUSINESS CARD OF MINE AT HAND TO HAND TO THE CUSTOMER.
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