Admin

Is That A Shooting Star?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Ward County Notary Services 607851

Timmothy's cartoon brought two images to mind when I read it. #1 as a little five pointed star dressed like a cowboy with a revolver in it's hand and...

#2 it reminded me of an old album cover by Shaun Cassidy. Shaun Cassidy was a teen TV Star on the show The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries and then he moved into the music business. I always loved this album cover even though I don't think I ever listened to his music (I worked at a record store for three years while in High School and there are several album covers that will forever be etched into my mind).

 Shooting Stars, back to the subject, we have all known them. I can think of one outstanding shooting star in our Real Estate Market. Unlike the back cover to Shaun's LP she never fell and is still a very active and successful agent today, approximately 20 years later.

What was the key to her success? Marketing and personality. She came on bold with a campaign of "Your Rock & Roll Realtor". She dressed an played the part, she was the first Realtor in our market to do a full wrap on her car, a sports car until she traded up to a Honda Ridgeline which she also did a full wrap on. No longer in her early 20's and now a mother of two or more children she has toned it down a bit but she is still visible through billboard advertising and a few community events.

Her way of making a splash is not for everyone. I know many of the contributors to Active Rain had their "Shooting Star" moment. I made my first sale in the second week of my career and I was a "Shooting Star" in my brokerage the first six months there. I marketed my self as a "Christian" Realtor and continued that theme through out my career as a Realtor, Broker/Owner.

What ever your claim to fame get out there and spread the word. Marketing is the key to success. Advertising is expensive so make sure you do it right. Christian radio was my key... it may go over like a lead balloon in your market and with your target audience. One thing that never fails is being a people person. Get out into the public eye, volunteer and shake hands.

One more tip, if you are a sports fan get involved with that sport in your community as a booster. If you are a advocate for a cause take it public. People are not going to just drop by your home or office if they don't know you. Be visible!

Posted by

Show All Comments Sort:
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Bob. In real estate like any other vocation, one size does not fit all. Find your niche and become the expert. Don't try to fake it, it will not work. Stay true to yourself. Enjoy your day. 

Dec 01, 2023 04:16 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

I too grew up with the Hardy Boys. Great information. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your week!

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Dec 01, 2023 05:08 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Being visible even by supporting local small businesses is another way. Thank you for your insight about "shooting stars." 

Dec 01, 2023 05:25 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Good morning Wayne Martin . When we fake it our charade will fall apart quickly if we are dealing with an expert in the field. What could be more embarrassing?

Dec 01, 2023 05:27 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I really did enjoy the Hardy Boys Bill Salvatore - East Valley even though most were a real stretch.

Dec 01, 2023 05:28 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Thank you Leanne Smith . There are so many good reasons to shop local, after all we ARE local agents.

Dec 01, 2023 05:30 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Bob... I have to admit I'm just too low-key to ever brand myself in any specific way. 

Dec 01, 2023 05:41 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Just one of the many reasons I love you Nina Hollander, Broker . I never think of you as being pretentious.

Dec 01, 2023 05:48 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Bob "RealMan" Timm hi Bob... with me, what you see is what you get! 

Dec 01, 2023 06:08 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

So true - people are not going to just pop in to our home, or call our phone, if they don't know who we are and what we do!

Dec 01, 2023 09:40 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much, Bob, for sharing your experience and advice.

You made me recall some of the different marketing efforts that I have used over the years.

Dec 01, 2023 10:04 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Well, since the star has fallen, perhaps he needs to put an angel up there instead, haha.

Dec 02, 2023 04:17 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Exactly Kat Palmiotti . I started out in a good sized local (& traditional) brokerage where you could almost make a living doing floor duty but today nothing is traditional so agents need to be a lot better at marketing then they were in the old days.

Dec 02, 2023 05:13 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

It took me a little while to find my niche Roy Kelley  but I think when an agent realizes who they want to work with they will see the way. My first step was advertising through Christian radio which led me to working with the clientele I preferred. The next step was calling on Builders , developers, and contractors so I would always have a steady supply of listings.

Dec 02, 2023 05:18 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Those are some specialized fields Endre Barath, Jr. and being most people don't have the patience to sell land or work with international buyers you really secured a market for yourself. Here, like any other military town, you better know all about relocation's.

Dec 02, 2023 05:21 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Good plan Brian England . I have always like Angel tree toppers for Christmas, especially ones that light up.

Dec 02, 2023 05:23 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I am certain Titus is grateful it wasn't a shooting star, and especially that it didn't hit him.🙃

Dec 02, 2023 04:00 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Bob, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!  

Dec 02, 2023 04:13 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Thanks Myrl Jeffcoat . We are supposed to wish on a falling star, not get crushed by one so Titus was lucky indeed.

Dec 02, 2023 06:29 PM