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Preparing for Success Beyond Marketing and Sales Tools

By
Real Estate Agent with Dirt Road Real Estate SA676002000

Success is something most people want. The commercial about what is in your wallet is truly about success in making credit card purchases.

 

As Realtors, we too want success especially sales success. We have wallets and more importantly toolboxes. Those boxes range from marketing (brochures and business cards) to sales (checklists for buyers or sellers) to keeping customers and securing referrals (thank you cards and phone calls).

 

In real estate our toolboxes are physical as well. For me I had a work gloves, tape measure, flashlight and WD40 in the compartment between the front seats. Recent events made me realize I needed to expand my toolbox and to purchase a physical toolbox as the vehicle’s compartment was becoming somewhat cluttered.

 

This past week I made that purchase and bought:

  • Toolbox (small)
  • Small hammer
  • Screwdriver flat edge
  • Screwdriver Philips
  • Utility knife
  • Pliers
  • Adjustable Wrench

 

I then added my existing tools

  • WD45
  • Tape Measure
  • Small pocket tools
  • Level

 

Once I assembled everything I then put in my “booties” just in case I had to wear them in a house during this COVID19 situation or when I come across some white carpets or a request by a homeowner. The work gloves and flashlight remain in the compartment between the seats for easier access.

 

This toolbox sits behind me in the back seat along with my cooler to hold water bottles and an accordion folder with extra Arizona Association of Realtors forms.

 

Since Mohave County is the fifth largest county in the US, one can be quite a distance from any hardware store or convenience store. Sales success is truly about being prepared just in case. This preparing for sales success helps to better understand the words of Henry David Thoreau:

 

“Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.”

 

Graphic courtesy of Leanne M Smith

 

 

Posted by

Leanne M. Smith, MS, GRI, rCRMS

2018 KGVAR Rookie Realtor of the Year-55+
219.508.2859 MST
Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/leannehoaglandsmith

Comments(22)

Show All Comments Sort:
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hi Leeanne - I had to smile while reading your post!  Years ago the broker who mentored me talked about tool boxes....and I made sure I had mine.   I had many of the same tools to this day as well as more old school stuff I no longer use (obsolete).  When I really need TOOLS I bring Gary (my husband)  or my main guy Steve.  Those guys have every tool under the sun and know how to use them.   2 Great tools to have in my tool box!!

Apr 21, 2020 10:40 AM
Leanne Smith

Good morning Anna Banana Kruchten CRB,CRS,GRI,WLS  - Yes my husband as well is a supplement to my tool box as he has much better tools and more experience with those tools. Thanks for sharing.

Apr 21, 2020 11:48 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I find that being authentic is always the best way unless you happen to be a terrible person, which It is not the case here. :)

Apr 21, 2020 09:25 PM
Leanne Smith

Thank you Laura Cerrano 

Apr 22, 2020 06:35 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Anna Banana Kruchten CRB,CRS,GRI,WLS A bit of a unique approach. Who would’ve thought you would’ve gained so much insight from all of it? Life is great that way!

Apr 21, 2020 09:28 PM
Realtyna Inc
Realtyna - Newark, DE
WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM

The more tools you have, the more sales you will nail. And the less you will screw up. ;)

Great post, Leanne Smith.

Apr 22, 2020 02:14 AM
Leanne Smith

Unless you use a hammer to kill a fly.  :)

Apr 22, 2020 06:32 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Congratulations on your feature. I can't tell you how many times I have used my WD-40 already this year

Apr 22, 2020 03:40 AM
Leanne Smith

Yes Lise Howe WD 40 is a great addition to any toolbox. Thank you for the compliment on the feature.

Apr 22, 2020 06:33 AM
Muhammad Mushtaq
Weichert, Realtors® - SBA Group - Fall River, MA
Broker/Realtor

Great tools and tips. I love the saying “Never look back unless you are planning to go that way. Thanks for sharing.

Apr 22, 2020 04:30 AM
Leanne Smith

You are more than welcome Muhammad Mushtaq - Agreed it is a good quote to remember.

Apr 22, 2020 06:33 AM
Erik Hiss
Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty - Worthington, OH
You can trust me for all your real estate needs!

Good tips...have the same set in my trunk too! Actually I had a to unclog a toilet this past weekend and I think it actually helped as the seller appreciated me going above and beyond!

Apr 22, 2020 05:41 AM
Leanne Smith

One never knows what we as realtors may have to do. Thanks for sharing Erik Hiss 

Apr 22, 2020 06:34 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Leanne - your toolboxes(of all varieties) are well-prepared and ready-for-action.  Good for you.  

Apr 22, 2020 07:04 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Yes so true with the words "of all varieties" thank you for that Michael Jacobs 

Apr 22, 2020 07:26 AM
Anne Corbin
Long and Foster - Lake Anna - Spotsylvania, VA
Serving Lake Anna & Central Virginia

I have a tool box but it is really a storage container. It has an extra set of sneakers, a long tape measure for measuring land dimensions, my Notary kit, and then all the other items that is normal for an agent to carry including the first aid kit with gloves and masks. I had this in my car BEFORE Covid-19. You never know when you'll enter a house with odor/mold issues. Great post.

Apr 22, 2020 07:46 AM
Leanne Smith

Having everything in one location is a great idea. Thanks for sharing and commenting Anne Corbin 

Apr 22, 2020 08:44 AM
AndreaBFerreira CRS - SRS - CLHMS
Keyes Co. - Davie, FL
Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County in FL

smart idea. I always keep the WD40, for cranky keys and now added masks and gloves... but I love the idea of those tools. Thank you for sharing and be safe out there

Apr 22, 2020 08:08 AM
Leanne Smith

Always safe. Of course I did not add my "open carry" tool for those legless varmits we may encounter in the high desert. Thanks AndreaBFerreira CRS - SRS - CLHMS 

Apr 22, 2020 08:43 AM
Naomi Prusinski
Waves Realty - Indialantic, FL
Real Estate Agent serving Space Coast

Great article, good info and useful.  Thanks for sharing

Apr 22, 2020 09:44 AM
Leanne Smith

Good to read you enjoyed the article and thanks for leaving your comment as well Naomi Prusinski 

Apr 22, 2020 04:43 PM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I can't say that mine looks as nice as yours. I do have a tool box/kit with many wrenches, pliers, etc that was really cheap junk. Don't remember how I got it but I didn't want to give it to anyone so I kept it. Comes in handy & if tools get wrecked I won't be disappointed. 

Apr 22, 2020 10:09 AM
Leanne Smith

Glad to read you have a tool box as well.  I think between the toolbox and the relatively inexpensive tools from Home Depot, I paid around $50.00. I am sure over time the toolbox will look worn and used. Thank you for commenting Lyn Sims 

Apr 22, 2020 04:43 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

You are o right never look back as the world has changed it has happened quickly and we need to change with it. Congrats on your Feature Post 

Apr 22, 2020 03:19 PM
Leanne Smith

So appreciate the congratulations on the feature.  Change is the only thing we can be sure of, isn't it Hannah Williams 

Apr 22, 2020 04:42 PM
Adam Feinberg
Howard Hanna Elegran - Manhattan, NY
NYC Condo, Co-op, and Townhouse Advisor

Most Manhattan based agents don't own a car- and even when things re-open we won't be using the subway as much for awhile. While my strategy was to focus on neighborhoods close to home- most agents I work with routinely covered all of Manhattan (which I found exhausting). While my niche area is a bit removed from prime parts of Manhattan- I am hoping my expertise in these areas will outweigh the need for many buyers to rely on the subway- we will see. In any case, my "toolbox" is what I can carry- and is common in NYC- I rely on my backpack for all of my tools- which is typically items like buyers packets, booties, extra water for clients, extra umbrella, etc.

Apr 22, 2020 03:27 PM
Leanne Smith

Yes each area of the country is different as you shared and thank you for sharing as well Adam Feinberg 

Apr 22, 2020 04:41 PM
Vanita Adams

Hi Adam,  do you have a multi-tool?  That would give you a few hand tools, etc in a pocket knife style.  Stay safe!

Apr 24, 2020 03:23 AM
Adam Feinberg

Hi Vanita,


The need for me to carry any tools is pretty rare. Typically most of the apartments I work with are either one extreme or the other - meaning the apartment has just been gut renovated or it requires a total gut renovation. Most owners that are somewhere in between rely on the super to take care of maintenance items- so I really have no need to routinely carry tools with me.


 

Apr 24, 2020 07:02 AM
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

I found two right hand gloves, disinfectant spray, masks. Emergency plumbing supplies since people expect us to know it all.  Now where are the 2 lefties?

Apr 22, 2020 05:44 PM
Leanne Smith

Very good and thank you Sam Shueh 

Apr 22, 2020 07:33 PM
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

Great blog Leanne!

Success is something most people want. The commercial about what is in your wallet is truly about success in making credit card purchases.

Apr 23, 2020 04:41 AM
Leanne Smith

Glad to read you believe the comparison that I shared. Thaks Sham Reddy CRS 

Apr 23, 2020 06:11 AM
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

I carry in my truck all of the above including a portable printer. 

Apr 23, 2020 04:57 AM
Leanne Smith

Great idea about the portable printer. Thank you for sharing this "tool." Frank Rubi 

Apr 23, 2020 06:10 AM
Elisa Uribe Realtor #01427070
Golden Gate Sotheby's International - Berkeley, CA
Opening the Doors to California Homes -East Bay

Great tips Leanne Smith thanks for sharing this!

Apr 23, 2020 11:41 AM
Leanne Smith

Glad you found the tips of use, thanks for taking the time to coment, Elisa Uribe Realtor #01427070 

Apr 23, 2020 12:24 PM
Dennis J. Zisa & Associates, Inc.
Dennis J. Zisa & Associates, Inc. - Camden, NJ
31 years in So. Jersey and the Greater Camden area

What a refreshing post! Great practical advise, especially during such trying times.

Apr 24, 2020 05:43 AM
Leanne Smith

Thanks so much Dennis J. Zisa & Associates, Inc. 

Apr 24, 2020 06:21 AM