Real estate agents aren't the only salespeople in the world who can benefit from an SOI (Sphere of Influence)business model. In fact, many other professions would do well to consider this method of business-building.
Let's help them... and in return, they can help you.
Mentally review your list of friends. Are any self-employed? Why not introduce them to the concept of generating business from the Very Important People Who Know them?
How can this help you? Well... your self-employed friend has friends. Probably even friends you don't know. Might be nice to get YOUR smiling face in front of those friends, no? In exchange, you can return the favor, that is, give your friend the opportunity to charm the Very Important People in your world.
I'm sure you realize that this is not an opportunity to "market to" (i.e. pester) anyone. Don't simply exchange mailing lists and bombard your new "friends" with all your marketing material.
No, it's much more fun than that! Co-sponsor an impromptu happy hour with your friend. You invite a few of your friends, she invites some of hers. Hold a joint fondue party at your house or an Anti-Super-Bowl protest at hers. If either of you has outside interests or endeavors, find a way to include the other.
Not every week, not even every month. Maybe just once or twice. If all goes well, it will take on a life of its own. You'll have some new friends! If not, don't sweat it and keep your antenna up for another friend to co-SOI with.
Don't have any self-employed friends? How about a mortgage broker who seems fun & friendly? A financial planner? An insurance agent?
If you can't think of anyone at all, just keep this idea in the back of your mind. Someone will come along soon.
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The Daily Seduction
Tips & Inspirations to Generate Business from the Very Important People Who Know You!
copyright Jennifer Allan 2007
It's Here!
The More Fun You Have Selling Real Estate, the More Real Estate You Will Sell!
(True Story)
Order Your Here!
Damn, you're good!
Bob Mitchell
ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.
Well, thanks Bob! You made my day!
Jeff - yep. But, fortunately there are enough of us out there who "get it". Just gotta find 'em and teach 'em right.
I was just thinking of stopping in at my hair dresser's and asking for some of her business cards. I have a little book that's like an album for business cards. I'd like to collect them and hand them out - but write a little note on the back - like "Barb's the best stylist around! Tell her Karen Rice said HI when you make an appt!"
Or something like that..
While I am all for (and pay a good deal of money for!) SEO, drip email, virtual tours, etc., etc., I do think all the wonderful technology we have today has dehumanized the real estate business to some extent so we no longer have to leave the comfort of our own home to drive business or pick up clients.
In some cases, we write up our offers via online technology, we then email them to our clients, who in turn signs the paperwork and emails it back so we can then forward it on to the listing agent, who does the same techno-dance with his or her client.
At this rate, we won't be even meeting our clients face to face until we get to the settlement table! (I'm exaggerating a tad here, but it is entirely possible, of course).
Consequently, the SOI based approach actually becomes even more important and unique - human contact, imagine! ;-)
So.... give it a try... and tell me about your success stories!!! Pleeeeeaaasseeeee!
Hey, a Self-Employed Stress Relief Happy Hour! I love it!
JC, Mortgage Virtual Assistant
JC - I LOVE it too!
How 'bout tonight?