The subject of this blog was conceived originally as a book. A book to help real estate agents and brokers learn to use Internet resources to grow their business in a cost effective way. The content is the result of my 25 years as a California real estate broker and my 11 years creating web sites for top real estate producers as well as my partner's experience in real estate relocation, real estate finance, and marketing. There is more on my background at www.silkshorts.com/the_crew.htm.
This is a work in progress. If you follow it you not only will get some great ideas that will help your business growth (I guarantee it) , but you will also, I hope, give me feedback on your own experiences that might help others with similar problems and interests.
Our corporate motto is "Your Success is Our Business Plan". OK, maybe that's too "cute", but it is our core belief.
You may be a complete beginner in real estate, a successful agent or an experienced and well-established broker, yet you still have to make decisions about your business' strategy with respect to the Internet.
So, what are your choices? Well...
- Many have decided that since their business is going fine and has been doing so for a long time, that it is unnecessary and unimportant.
- Some say all is needed is a quick overview of their company with no bells and whistles. They want to have the cheapest site possible but still be able to put a web address on their business card.
- There are those that are fascinated with the technology and want to create their own website using their own time and skills.
- Some offices turn the problem over to an assistant who may have taken some courses in "Internet" in school.
Who's to say they're wrong? If their strategy is the best for them, no problem, that's what they should do.
However, chances are if you are reading this that you are among the growing majority of real estate professionals who recognize that now and in the forseeable future the Internet is and will be the major marketing tool available. You recognize that you must find an Internet plan for your business that is managed by professionals in that business and that your time is much more effectively spent in front of prospects than in front of a computer.
Nonetheless, recognizing this does not solve the problem. It does, however, change the focus. Of the hundreds or thousands of "Professionals" available how do you find one who will help you achieve your goals?
What you need first is information on what the possibilities are and, more important, what are the dead ends, incorrect assumptions, misleading theories, and downright fraudulent propositions that can eat up, your money and even more important and valuable, your time.
How easy it is to put off a difficult task like this until later. Who really wants to do "Homework". Well you're in luck because right here are the "Cliff Notes" you need to get the unvarnished facts you need to make your decisions.
In broad strokes this will paint you a picture of the Real Estate Marketing Environment you are dealing with. (You can register for a regular email update on "Real Estate Site Design and Marketing Tips" for REALTORS®.)
It will show you:
- How to use the Internet and other modern communications
tools to get more than your fair share of Internet-generated business. - How to position yourself as pre-eminent in your niche markets.
- How to avoid losing your existing client and prospect base to the competition.
- How to attract the top producers to your office if you are a managing broker.
- How to present yourself and your business as a leader in your market area.
- How to capture and hold future buyers months in advance of their entering the market and do it with a bare minimum of time spent.
As a bonus it will give you an insight in how to make that other business you’ve may have been considering, or that you are already involved in, successful.
