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A Lesson I Wish I'd Learned Earlier

By
Real Estate Agent with Remax First Realty II 0790808

Debbie Reynolds has asked us to describe a lesson that we wish we had learned earlier in our careers. The hardest part of this contest was choosing just one.

When we first became Realtors, our broker gave us tons of training - Mike Ferry, Darryl Davis, David Knox - all kinds of video training. 

So we followed their advice and did what they said. We cold called. We knocked on doors. We farmed. We contacted FSBOs and expireds. 

And we struggled. 

It was months before our first listing and it wasn't a result of all of that prospecting. It was a referral from a friend.

A lightbulb flickered. All that prospecting and nothing? One friend and one referral. Hmmm.

But we're slow learners so we continued with the prospecting. Cold calls, door knocking, farming, FSBOs, expireds. 

Another listing came in from a referral from a friend.

The lightbulb flickered again.

Eventually, we caught on and started touching our sphere of influence. We sent newsletters and market reports (which we learned how to write from Active Rain). We started asking for referrals. Business started rolling in - a slow trickle at first, but a steady one.

We incorporated formal and informal networking into our prospecting. This was a huge change for us and marked a turning point in our business. We weren't struggling to get business any more - now we're struggling to keep up with it all.

Now, my advice to all newbies is always this - touch your sphere and network! 

 

 

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~ Wayne & Jean 

Union County, NJ - a great place to live and work!

If you're looking to buy or sell a property in Union County, call us at 908-917-4189 or email TeamZuhl@gmail.com.

 

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All opinions, information and data provided is deemed reliable but is subject to errors and omissions. Not intended to solicit other Brokers' clients. We cooperate with them fully. 

Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Very well put, Wayne and Jean... prospecting has its place, but repeat and referral business from one's sphere and data base is the best.

Jun 30, 2016 04:32 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Your learned, and that's the important thing. Too bad your broker didn't include Brian Buffini and his By Referral Only coaching program!

Jun 30, 2016 05:24 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

You are an inspiration for all of us with flickering lights Wayne and Jean Marie Zuhl 

Jun 30, 2016 05:27 AM
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

Those lightbulbs are now shining brightly!  Thanks for sharing a lesson that everyone should learn as early as possible!

Jun 30, 2016 07:52 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

You found what works and thank goodness. Glad that you have business abundantly flowing. Thank you for sharing your lesson learned. 

Jun 30, 2016 11:12 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

The long and winding road of real estate sales is much easier with somebody you know by your side.

Jul 01, 2016 03:23 AM