Part 2: Getting Started //A:
Probably the MOST important step at all….. you’ve already began, so you may have to step backwards, but do not underestimate the power of the first step! First impressions are lasting impressions. Before I actually began, I had an entire plan, a direction I was going to take my RE career….. it paid off, big time!
Philosophy Number One: Figure out what the majority of Realtors are doing; and do the opposite.
I can see a challenge with your program here; you’re getting your training from a corporate and it’s going to be sparingly, so you’ll be depending on the broker for expertise; therefore they’ll instill their methods into your plan. This is not good, especially if you don’t want the results they have? I had the same challenge, but there was no way I was going to succumb to the obstacle.
Fact: you’re going to have a challenge doing this on your own. Go interview a half dozen “just started” Realtors and see if any of them have remotely any results that you’re looking for? Ain’t gonna happen, RE careers typically take years to build. Friends and Family; HA! Throw that out right now…….. FOREVER! If your business plan relies on making money off friends and family, it sucks imo. You will love being so successful that you don’t have to charge friends or family; how’s that for a plan.
Solution: Find a partner or join a team.
Easier said than done, you’ll have to do your homework; learn a thing or two, but its not hard, just takes some time. Research the TOP Realtors, find out who the Top EARNING Realtors are in the area; maybe the top 5. Then set up meetings with them, when you’re ready. You’re going to need to sell yourself to these people, but first you’ll have to decide which one you want to work with; with what I had to offer my top 5, I had “my choice” of who I was going to work with. Your goal is to get a commitment that the Superstar will work with you; you will join their team or them. Trust me, they wont like it, but they wont be able to refuse you either.
Here’s where working in a slower paced environment will help; most “seasoned” Realtors are way behind in technology; most think RE involves getting listings, taking a few pics and hammering in a for sale sign. Now 4 years ago was a little different from today; but there are still huge amounts of successful, established Realtors who are archaic in their methods. In my case, it was all of the top 5 Realtors; only 1 even had a website. This is where you may have to learn a few tricks, but they’re not hard and the learning tools are all on the web. You will need to be able to:
1. Set up a domain name and email addresses
2. Build websites and marketing promotional materials
3. Take professional photographs and digitally utilize them in your programs
4. Become a master in communications, emails, phones, faxes, PCs, etc.
5. Become a master in broadcast email marketing, capturing and generating leads
6. Learn the software that Realtors use…. Take all the training programs offered and think beyond the training
7. Market research… know your product AND know your competitors
8. Research your advertising options for RE, know how to build/submit ads
You will need the following tools;
1. A good camera and lenses. I use a Canon Rebel with 18mm lens for interior shots (closest to fisheye), good memory cards, a PC memory card reader, external hard drive for storage of photos, spare battery, carry case.
2. PhotoshopCS or better. You’ll need a good photoshop program and you’ll need to learn how to use it; not hard, just takes some time. If you buy PS-CS they offer tons of on line training. Do the training, you’ll love it. (
LINK)
3. Website publishing tools. Find a geek to teach you how to build a simple website; html version. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just simple. I use Dreamweaver and FTP Voyager software for publishing. This is now a high school level of qualifications, but a skill that is valuable in marketing. Learn it and develop the skill. (
www.portsidecourt.ca /Sample; past project)
4. A good quality PC, enough said; get some serious junk with some power. I use a double monitor system too, very good tool.
5. MS Outlook upgraded (Office) email software; compatible with email broadcasters, blackberrys. You will build all your contacts here and develop sophisticated lists of contacts used in marketing. Set this up right from the beginning and it will save you thousands of hours later.
6. Email broadcast software; I use “Swiftpage” (
www.swiftpage.com ), this software sends out marketing info to your clients; you can send 1000+ emails in one click and it will send them one at a time, has stuff to avoid filters, etc. The software tracks the email, who looks at it, who opens what links, etc. It’s a very powerful tool and when you set up your contacts properly, this tool can be used very efficiently. You can start with their free version, it will serve you well enough to begin. Learn how to build a marketing campaign by taking their on line training offered.
7. Download the software program that Realtors use and start learning it; it’s a valuable tool that give you a leading edge if you know how to use it properly. Let me know what the software is called? Out here we use a program by Kinnexus and Interface; they are a bit like using PCs back in the DOS days, but learn them. Take all the RE training offered in your area. Get a good relationship with the trainer so you can get your questions answered later. I get Realtors asking me all the time, “how did you get that?” Ha, the edge. This software can print you reports that will make you an expert. Recent solds, property histories, added info like plot plans, photos, measurements, etc. You can set up all kinds of features, customize it to your look, etc.
8. Google Earth or Mapping software; learn how to download maps and customize them for your marketing campaigns. Clients want to know where the property IS!
9. RE Website Host: There are a ton of hosts out there that make it so easy to have a custom website; the data loads direct from MLS and can be enhanced easily thereafter. You can build excellent marketing presentations with your own custom website. I use Real Page (
www.myrealpage.com ); for about $35/month you cannot beat it; I’ve tried. Learn the program. You’ll find our presentations at
www.MrShuswap.com another version is my partners brother at
www.daleredekop.com ; same software, different looks; all simple and easy to use…. Makes you an expert.