One of the highest professional accolades that we can receive is a referral. I was asked recently by a new agent how to get referrals. Referrals are not something that will come over night; they are something that is built through time and consistency. Actually, you do not "get" referrals; you "receive" them. In order to receive referrals, you must have a relationship with the person who refers someone to you. You earn these referrals by an action on your part that impressed or helped the person who refers you. There are a couple of ways to receive referrals. But the common thread is that you must give to receive. Here are just a couple examples:
- Do a good job with a client and they will tell others about you. You have several opportunities in a transaction to ask for business. When I am complimented by a client, I graciously thank them and say to them that the greatest compliment that I can receive is a referral from them. They already have a positive experience with you and can personally testify to others on your behalf. When you talk about how great you think you are to others, you are boasting. But when someone else talks about how great you are....well, I think you get the point.
- Offer a valuable service; be a resource. Offer to hold an informative class on a real estate topic. Treat everyone with the same professionalism, even if they say they do not immediately need your services. You never know what will happen and people will remember how they felt about you. This is not for business now, but a way to plant seedsfor future business. When your attendees see you as an authority, they will come back to you when they are prepared to do business. You will be seen as a professional and people will talk about you to others. Of course, you must nurture and water your seeds in order for them to grow into future business.
You see, you are actually teaching others how to refer you. When you are treated well by someone, chances are that you will tell others about your great experience. This type of personal promotion doesn't cost much as far as dollars, but it is priceless, and you cannot afford to be without it. I will also add that a positive attitude, a genuine interest in the people you are working with and a true love for your profession will go a long way towards achieving referral business.
Here at Active Rain we have an opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals. Don't forget to nurture your relationships here. Comment on blogs, call or email someone who has helped you or made you think or made you laugh. You have a great resource of folks at your fingertips. You never know, you may need to refer someone here business...or you may even receive a referral as well.
Here's to your success!
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Just another musing from your Local Sandy and Gresham Oregon Realtor.
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