Tag Archives: Business

Mar. 11.

The Basics | Why Skip Them?

Agents come to me often…maybe their career is not going in the direction they want it…or maybe they just do not know where to start…

There are a few simple things that might help an agent to go from mediocre to great….and often times it doesn’t come from a real estate designation…or some expensive training class.  You READY?

Three basic things you should do for yourself..forget about Continued Education hours…for now..think about this.

Every year most board of REALTORS change their

  • MLS systems with enhancements and tools
  • Contracts usually change
  • Listing agreements and attachments sometimes change

If your REALTOR board offers these types of classes annually think about taking them.  I know every year most top agents review their expenses and the tools they use.  Consider taking classes to find out how to use the vital tools in your business…a better understanding of sales contracts and listing agreements.

Often times when I ask agents about their mls…in most cases they do not want to sit through a boring class…yet they do not understand or know all of the pieces to make effective CMA’s or are not aware of the free tools right at their fingertips…in reality its not free..you join the board…and have education at your fingertips..yes its not glamourous but it sure is vital.

Sometimes the mls tools allow you to cut costs in areas of marketing and connecting.  Many mls systems offer a way to stay in touch with your customer or offer fabulous mapping features and usually make changes throughout the year.

A professional real estate agent should be able to recite and explain the listing agreement and sales contract with their eyes closed..in layman terms…its kind like a professional athlete or celebrity…you have to know your moves…and your lines…otherwise..you appear amateur.

Why do some agents opt to skip the basics?  I don’t know but it happens…..and usually one of the first recommendations that I make…is take them!

Midori Miller trains real estate professionals | writes for IWMonline.com and is a ghostwriter.  If you found this post useful…please subscribe!

Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Feb. 02.

Are Humans Really Ready For Transparency?

Yesterday while reading the web a thought crossed my mind…are humans really ready for transparency?  With readers expecting higher levels of transparency…can humans really handle it? When reading some of these sites you can feel how the transparency slowly releases.

Sometimes the transparency is lopsided or one sided by only offering some of the facts and/or a few little white lies or some of the important details are left out…allowing the imagination to wonder about peoples behaviors…encouraging speculation, and a war begins right online.  Next thing you know…all kinds of secrets revealed..and a blanket of dirt spreads all over the web but worse a division occurs because someone was too transparent and some human beings can’t handle it.

When this type of behavior happens I wonder if humans are really ready for transparency?  We want to know more about people, we expect people to share themselves..we judge people based on interactions…connections…and building bonds but all people are different with different cultures, morals and goals…..we don’t want to hear the bad or the ugly or do we?

We do…. sometimes in the world of transparency….certain things get revealed….and the meter of truth causes discomfort to those who judge rather harshly rather than look into their own lives.  Because we are all different some may not be open enough to share their everyday lives….because of some stranger might get offended or look down at our written words.

In this modern day of technology as people we feel entitlement as long as the transparency is on someone else.  Curious by nature…we expect people to reveal everything about themselves even if the choices someone else makes is quite different from our own.    Instead of looking at our own lives and fixing what needs to be repaired…we read about others and sometimes are very shocked in what is revealed….sometimes we can’t handle the truth…sometimes the truth is too harsh…sometimes the truth is TMI and better left unsaid.

What right do we have as humans to knock, ridicule and judge those who are very transparent?  I applaud those that are true to themselves….who doesn’t hide the fact the life is bigger than what they do for a living….because they choose to live their life and share it on the web.

Yesterday I witness something that was just down right mean spirited…nothing new…but what I found interesting….was the comments showed transparency and revealed character….in truth I am disappointed…the comments not only were transparent of  character but those few that I held in high regard….is no longer transparency….but TMI!

my signature2 Are Humans Really Ready For Transparency?

 Are Humans Really Ready For Transparency?

Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jan. 26.

Do You Think I am Sexy? My Bookmarks That Is

I love widgets and plug ins that are useful and fun!  If you have a self hosted wordpress blog or website you might want to check this out!

untitled 300x171 Do You Think I am Sexy?  My Bookmarks That Is

SexyBookMarks.net

Sexy Bookmarks..are literally sexy…they are large enough to see and are very good looking…they move…kinda dance on your page…the best part of the plug in..its probably the first bookmarking plug in that really goes well with any template…those sexy bookmarks really connect to your blog…making your blog posts very sexy!

You can read more from the makers and download it too!

Now look below…aren’t my bookmarks  sexy? icon smile Do You Think I am Sexy?  My Bookmarks That Is

 Do You Think I am Sexy?  My Bookmarks That Is

Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jan. 05.

Real Estate Training-Get Pumped Up

Starting in real estate in the 90′s…I’ve seen the many ways real estate professionals have worked through the years…as a matter of fact..some old school thoughts combined with modern day methods might help you especially if you are struggling or ready to quit.  I say if you are in…then commit and pull yourself up and lets go!

It’s clear that there are many ways to practice real estate as far as technique…there is NO RIGHT WAY OR WRONG WAY to market…regardless of what many of the experts say…its a whole globe out there you are dealing with…some will be analytical…some will be emotional..

EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT..YOU WON’T APPEAL TO ALL BUT YOU CAN GET YOUR FAIR SHARE!

Many people tend to work out of their homes…and in truth for many years…I was not one of those people…kids running around..dogs barking…I tried it but I would find myself watching…Oprah or doing laundry..I did everything but real estate..so if you are struggling and don’t seem to get much done at home…do yourself a favor…and GO INTO THE OFFICE! Even as unpopular as it may sound…go into the office!  This is isn’t about doing what others are doing but what is best for your career!  Being cool or like everyone else will not feed your family!

Not big on phone calls..the reality…blogging is great…email is great..but sometimes in order to have people you know think of you in real estate..it requires a visit or a phone call!  Just imagine the results if you put them all together…  Again…some would disagree…but picking up the phone could in fact…generate business!  That’s why you are in the real estate right?  INCOME…can’t seem to bring yourself to prospect everyday..then add 5!

Farming-even as unpopular as it sounds…even though so many are not doing it...FARM..CULTIVATE…and grow your own personal network in neighborhoods.  Showing your level of expertise..in post cards..in community newsletters…in market reports…CULTIVATE!

Step away from your computer and get face to face-That’s right I said it and I am serious…start attending community events…socials and fairs.  Sponsoring a table…volunteering for these festivities…get involved..not only in the community but building your real estate career.  Home Shows, Arts and Crafts Events…get it get involved and get active!  Talk to people wherever you go…in the grocery store at the movie theater…talk to people about what you do!

 Real Estate Training Get Pumped Up

Niche Marketing-yes don’t be so scattered but niche market…First time home buyers, International real estate, Investment properties..condos…get it… specialize in something and become the master!

Listings are the name of the game-Regardless of what many say…listings are the name the game…will always be the game…a listing can generate thousands and thousands of dollars.  That means price them right…based on location…condition and demand..saleable listings are the name of the game…not just any piece of property.

No listings-Borrow someone’s listing and market it with permission…advertise for buyers by focusing on your niche marketing. If you should happen to sell a house…market the sold as much as possible there is a good chance…you’ll get listings based on sold!

Build global referrals-yes, referrals are a great way to generate additional income..just make sure…the referral is in writing…and be ready to pass it on quickly.  I’ve been given referrals in the past..without results..why because I was too late..waiting on someones referral form….use an email…or scan your own referral form.  If you are giving referrals be ready and just get it done!

Mentoring, Coaching and Training-get a mentor..a coach or trainer….learn from them…follow them…and earn from them!  Another words..pick their brain…work hard…and get educated..sometimes a piece of a commissionis better than no commission at all..and look at all the new techniques you have gained in the process!

Be True To Yourself-All trainers, coaches and fellow associates will not hesitate to give you their opinion but the truth is..if you don’t feel comfortable or if it doesn’t feel natural..there are two things to think about…in some instances..its not you really talking..and you don’t buy into what you are saying another words you aren’t being true to yourself..using scripts that do not suit you!…OR..maybe just maybe you need to get out of your comfort zone…do some of the things you hate in real estate..that you have let go..#1 thing….PROSPECTING..but more importantly practice your techniques!

I almost quit real estate at one point in the 90′s…but then an amazing thing happened to me…I got into the right office…had a full office of mentors..went on to take Floyd Wickman.  If you are on the fence…about leaving your career…maybe one of these things might make a difference for you!   And remember one thing….

There is plenty of business to go around...you have to go for it…look for it...and cultivate it..and remember you might be a real estate professional or a real estate consultant..or whatever you might like to call yourself..the reality…you are a real estate sales person…did you catch it?  One thing about real estate…no matter how you slice it…look at it or dissect it….you are…

In Sales!

“Every boxer fights differently, and every salesman has his unique style. But the results are the same- you are either a champion or just another fighter, you either get the sale or you don’t. The real key to success is to do those things that will prepare you to be a champion.” Dan Brent Burt

Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Jan. 05.

Lead Generation | How Did You Find Me

When tracking marketing it is extremely important to know where your leads are coming from.  I often wonder when someone calls to utilize your services do you remember to think about…

social networking logos 150x150 Lead Generation | How Did You Find Me

Lead Generation | How did they find me?

Often times when I pose this question to someone they are not sure…either somewhere online or so and so referred me.  I don’t know about you…but I really appreciate specifics.   I want to know is my marketing working for me and what marketing specifically?

Yes I know more than likely most track where their leads come from but I wonder when someone asks you, how did you find me…do you remember or are you toooooo busy to provide it? I’m not being a jerk here just trying to make a point.

Everyone in business want to to track their marketing….any business and you should!

This doesn’t pertain to just real estate but to all businesses that would include mortgage brokers | insurance agents | doctors | lawyers | webmasters…etc. etc.  To me we have to help each other and by providing this courtesy to your personal service providers may very well help you to remember to ask that very important question yourself.

How did you find me?

Tagged: , , , , , , , ,