WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE AGENT?
A valued client and I were just talking about this subject. He is a real estate developer of luxury resorts so has dealt with many real estate professionals.
HE FEELS THAT THERE IS A DEFINITE CHANGE IN HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL AGENT/BROKER.
1. It is no longer enough to merely have a real estate license and catch buyers and sellers swimming into their net. You know the kind of agents, who snag their family and friends into listing with them. It still works to some degree, but you can't make a living out of it.
2. The majority of agents now work really hard every day, do a lot of advertising, buy leads, blog their fingers to the bone and are generally up on the latest trends which is largely on the Internet, and chances are they are able to make a decent living. But that is really hard work and the competition is fierce.
3. Or, as he suggests, you can become someone who makes him/herself stand out in the crowded real estate field, someone people will gravitate to as the "real estate expert".
LETTING MY FANCIES FLY, HERE GOES ON HOW TO ACCOMPLISH THAT AS A GREAT WAY TO SPEND THE SUMMER WHILE STILL WORKING.
Oh, and this really has nothing to do with becoming more EXPERT, only to make me more MEMORABLE (in a good way):
1. Hang out at your country club, play golf or tennis. You can't be one of the "drudges" who gets on all the committees and does all the work. No, you need to be one of the "players".
2. Get yourself invited on TV shows as guest speaker. Hosts of these shows are always looking for angles, so think of some that would make interesting viewing. And remember, YOU have to be the star.
3. Go to all the high fellutin' events that include the words "film", "art" and "wine pairings" in their promotion. But not as the organizer or worker bee, but as a SPONSOR. Needless to say, you must attend them all decked out in a designer wardrobe and good jewelry on the arm of someone who can introduce you to "the right people".
4. Drive a distinctive car and have the valet park it right near the front door wherever you go. I wonder if my client will lend me his Rolls Royce for a bit?
5. Wear distinctive clothes, get a "look" that is all yours. This does not have to BE expensive, just LOOK intriguing, something that stands out.
6. An entourage or staunch supporter who knows everyone in a given situation and will introduce you to the right people. Already mentioned this in #3, above, but it is essential not to look like a lost soul at these events. The "entourage" must be fun, because people gravitate to fun.
Yes, all these things flashed through my mind when my client talked about being "high profile", and I concluded:
I CAN DO THIS.
Ok, ok, by this time you have probably caught on that this is a bit tongue-in-cheek, but on the other hand, it does give one pause.
WHAT IS NETWORKING BUT GOING OUT AND MEETING PEOPLE?
WHY NOT GLITZ IT UP AND HAVE SOME FUN WITH IT?
AN ANNUAL AFFAIR NOT TO BE MISSED ON MY LIST
Below are some photos from this weekends 22nd Annual Winemakers Celebration that was held by the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association on Dolores street - only a short block from my office on Su Vecino Court. The street between Ocean Avenue and 7th was blocked off for this event which was "sold out" so I visited my friend who owns Gallery 1000 along this section of Carmel-by-the-Sea that has become THE art and wine tasting area of our one square mile city in the forest that lies uphill from beautiful Carmel Beach. Below are some photos.
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