Last week a new agent contacted me to have her agent bio written. Naturally, we also talked about building a business in real estate and what she can do to jump-start her new career.
When I mentioned contacting her sphere of influence, she laughed and told me she didn’t have one.
I had to laugh too, because tThat was also my reaction the first time someone gave me that advice. “What sphere of influence? I don’t have influence over anyone!”
First, you probably do have more influence than you realize. Aren’t there people who would listen to your recommendation for a movie, a restaurant, or a car mechanic? Aren’t there people who might seek your advice about a personal situation – or something related to your previous line of work?
Maybe you’re great with accounting or grammar, or perhaps you know more about your community’s history.
Second, I think the term “Sphere of influence” is a bit unfortunate. Why not just shorten it to “Your sphere?” These are all the people who know you and like you, even if they don’t know you well.
Think first of your friends and family, of course. Then go beyond that to think of your spouse’s friends, your parents’ and siblings’ friends, and your children’s friends. Think of people you work with as a volunteer or as a helper at your child’s school. Think of the people who provide services to you – a hairdresser, dog groomer, mechanic, etc.
Now think of the people with whom you have pleasant exchanges throughout your day. For instance: the person behind the counter at the post office or the bank, your librarian, grocery store personnel, your favorite waiter or waitress, or the person who hands you coffee at your favorite drive-through every morning.
Unless you run around acting like an unpleasant grouch, these are all people who may not know you well, but who have positive feelings toward you.
Then - after all the people you might physically come in contact with, there are those you’re connected with on social media.
Now that you know you do have a sphere…
One of your first tasks upon becoming licensed should be to reach out to them and let them know about your new career. But don't say "I’m now a real estate agent and I'd like your business." That just sounds like desperate begging. Instead, let them know that you want to be their information resource.
Toward that end, I wrote a letter that you can customize and use before the day is over.
CLICK HERE to go to my shopping cart, where you'll find the letter is FREE.
You won’t have postal mailing addresses for everyone, so do three things:
- Prepare an elevator speech to let people you speak with know about your new career. Keep it brief and stress your desire to be their information source.
- Keep a good stock of business cards in your pocket to hand out every time you give that speech.
- Make an announcement on social media – be sure to add how happy and excited you are!
Next, use these Free letters to expand that sphere...
To help you expand your sphere of influence, I wrote a set of 3 short letters you can send to other business people in your community.
Request yours here: https://copybymarte.com/who-are-you-letters/
Your sphere, combined with your satisfied clients, can become your personal gold mine.
Your sphere may not bring you an immediate buyer or seller (although it might), but when you stay in touch with these folks over time, it will. It will also bring you referrals.
Get in touch, stay in touch, and keep expanding your sphere. You won’t be sorry.
Connections Image courtesy of sscreations at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Mechanic courtesy of MorgueFile.com
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