As you can tell this post is geared towards those already in the field and I wanted to cover something that is asked time and time again by employees, affiliates and colleagues. As a real estate agent, you may not automatically think of yourself as an entrepreneur, but really, that’s what you are! You’re building your brand, clientele and entire livelihood from the ground up. While your business is similar to others in the real estate field, it’s up to you to establish yourself as a legit business and bring growth and success; and that’s a large task!
So, what are some of the key steps you can take to really set yourself up as a solid business, a real estate expert or even an icon in the field?
Now, you may think, “Okay, I can see myself as an entrepreneur, but an icon? I’m not so sure…” We’re all aware that to have a dynamic business means to constantly be pushing yourself to continual growth; so aiming for the status of icon in your real estate market or even on a national level can be just the thing to urge you to constantly strive for more.
Does this seem overwhelming yet? Well, take a deep breath. Becoming an icon doesn’t happen overnight and will take consistency and a daily committment to provide the best and most innovative service to your clients.
Recently, entrepreneur.com gave five great tips that will help boost you to that iconic level. Of course, I’ve modified them to make them real estate specific, so take a few minutes to review how you can take your business to the next level!
1. Start blogging- Blogging is a great way to establish yourself as an expert. You can easily provide pertinent information about your real estate market, your listings, home buying or selling tips and even community events. Giving people the information they want about the real estate market, their home and the community will keep them coming back for more. The more you blog on a consistent basis, the more people will begin to see you as a trusted expert in your field and in your community.
2. Market yourself- In being your own brand, marketing is key to your success. While you may not feel comfortable with self-promotion; it’s really the only way to market your business since you are your business. Marketing your services, your field of expertise, even your awards or recognitions allows others to get to know you, your values and what you will be able to do for them. This is just another way to establish yourself as an expert and give an open door to becoming an icon. Exposure brings recognition, which breeds familiarity and establishes trust. It’s just how our minds work!
A great way for real estate agents to do this is through a one sheet marketing approach. We’ve created this for a few of our clients and its been a huge success! A one sheet is simply a sheet of paper that gives a brief synopsis of who you are, your certifications, area of service, expertise or anything else you want to highlight about you and your business. They’re perfect for leaving at an open house, giving to potential clients and handing out with your marketing presentation.
3. Create Compelling Content- Whether you’re blogging, writing a buyer or seller page for your website or creating your print marketing material; your content should be compelling. That means sentence structure and grammar should be impeccable and the topics or advice you are presenting should be up to date and interesting. Visitors to your website or blog will know when something’s just been thrown on a page, and that will send the message that you are okay with doing the minimum just to get it done. Why not show how much you care about your business and your customer service ethics through great content? It will help set the tone for your entire business.
4. Create Products- Did you know that real estate agents can have products too? While you’re not trying to sell them to make a profit, having products or tools to provide for your clients can help set you apart. Giving your client or potential clients something extra is unexpected, sets you apart and establishes yourself even more as an expert.
5. Take it to the Next Level– Now that you’re seen as an expert in your community, boost yourself to icon by taking it up a notch. If you’re passionate about selling homes or helping people avoid foreclosure; do all you can to grow in your area of expertise. Begin to register yourself as an expert on real estate sites or other marketing avenues and network, network, network! Credibility is a key component to being viewed as a leader and expert. Real estate conventions are always looking for speakers in a specific field and the more you put yourself out there, the more likely you are to have opportunities on a national level. Imagine how sought after you’ll be in your community after receiving national recognition!
I know this may seem like a lot to take in and a lot of hard work; and it is! Reaching your goals will take time, dedication and a focus on the end results. Remember, taking it a day at a time is key! You won’t become an icon, or even seen as a real estate expert overnight, but you’ll be encouraged by those daily “wins” and as you see your business begin to grow.
There are certain actions that can be taken and if interested, contact me, I recently launched a mentorship program limited to only a handful of individuals and I can guarantee recognition in basically any syndication including FOX, CNBC, ABC, MarketWatch, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, and the list goes on. Credibility is a key component to being viewed as a leader and expert. As in doing anything, there is a process to it. Just like there is a process to become a doctor or lawyer. This will give you a head start, but I can show you exactly how to be one of the leading experts in your area, guaranteed. Just contact me for details. Be blessed and make it a productive day!
MICHAEL MCDEVITT 