This is part 2 of my series called The Benefit of My Wisdom. I wanted to provide some beneficial information to the new real estate agent. You can read Part #1 here http://activerain.com/blogsview/644343/Advice-For-Newbies-And .
Here's Part 2. Enjoy.
Find An Ally - No matter how good you are, you can't be in all places at all times. Find someone who you trust. This person should share your goals, values and dreams for the future. Now I am not suggesting a formal partnership. Rather, someone who will be there to step into your shoes when you are not available (i.e. on vacation, working your full-time job, showing another property, etc.). My partner and friend have done just that. He had a listing that he could not work (due to personal issues), I took over for him. I was on vacation; he followed up on my leads. It is possible. Make sure that you have an agreement in writing how you will handle compensation in each situation.
Emulate Your Heroes (Leaders In Your Area) - In every area of the country, there is a Realtor who is #1. This did not happen by accident. Usually, the #1 realtor is a dedicated professional. STUDY THIS PERSON. Google them. And read all that you can about them. Find out about Google Alerts. Set this persons name in your alerts. Each time something is published on the web about the person, read it. And finally, call them. People who are at the top of there game are usually not afraid to share how they got there. You may even want to offer to treat them to lunch. Tell them your motives. Explain that you are just getting started in the business and you want to know how they got to the top. If the #1 Realtor is not receptive, call #2 or #3 or #4. Keep trying until you get someone who is willing to talk to you.
Ask Lots of Questions - DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS!. Ask questions. Reasonable questions. Remember, you are new. You do not know what you are doing (yet). But don't feel bad. There are some seasoned agents who still don't know what they are doing. So don't be afraid to ask question. Make sure you do your homework though. As suggested in part 1 of this post, you should read, read, read. Then you will be able to ask intelligent questions. Most seasoned agents don't mind answering questions. Use your opportunities to ask questions wisely. You don't want the seasoned agent to tell you "Here's Your Sign" (ref. my earlier post http://activerain.com/blogsview/642949/Wise-Men-Women-Versus ).
Use Cost Effective Marketing - When I first got into the Real Estate Business, my previous broker suggested that in order to generate business, I had to advertise in the local real estate advertising book. Sounded great, but an ad was $500/month. A new agent is just getting over the sticker shock of how expensive it is to set up shop (yeah I know....you thought you would be a realtor after paying $299 for 
your pre-licensing course). I say no. There are plenty of cost effective ways to market. The greatest tool that you have available is your sphere of influence. Those are people who you know and would be able to call on the phone. You don't have money to send out a post card announcing to your sphere that you are now in real estate, call or email. Both are cost effective. Write a press release. There are sites where you can publish a press release for free. Don't know how to write a press release, refer back to Part #1 (Read, Read, Read http://activerain.com/blogsview/644343/Advice-For-Newbies-And ), Another great way to market is to Blog. Actively participate in site like Active Rain. Can't afford to mail a newsletter each month, email it. Drop it off in person. Don't know how to write a newsletter? Read, Read, Read. And finally....Google. Google "Cost Effective Marketing" See what turns up.
Click here for part 2.5 of the series
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