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Sunday, December 22, 2024

And More Sage Advice from Creative Agent Randi Giles

By Julie Escobar

Our team is having a lot of fun seeing the creativity some contestants are putting into their entries for the 10K Realtor Contest. Randi Giles is just one of them. I caught up with her to get some perspective on what she’s doing to stay top of mind, top of market, and in touch with the VIPs in her sphere to keep those referrals coming in.

Here’s what she shared…

Q:  Thanks for sharing your ideas with us! Can you first tell our readers a little about yourself?

A: I am a native Rhode Islander, hailing from the gorgeous seaside town of Bristol and working as a realtor in Warren RI. Recently I moved to Providence and enjoy all the art, culture, restaurants and business that the state capital has to offer.

Q:  From your Master Marketing Schedule entry – you look like you have a sense of humor as well as a keen eye for marketing. What do you like about having a tool such as the Schedule to help springboard ideas and keep agents on track?  

A: I am a super visual person. So, having a large format poster to look at reminding me to take action is very helpful.

Q:  You said you liked the Kiss the Landlord Goodbye tip. That’s a popular series with agents. Do you work with a lot of first time home buyers – and do you have any tips for that niche for our readers?  

A: I love working with first time home buyers. The tip I have for agents working with them is to make sure you go through every aspect of the process with them and manage their expectations.

Q:  I know you’re a fan of our Automated system of Just Listed/Just Sold postcards, www.mlsmailings.com. What do you like about that system?

A: The automated system is so easy to use. It takes a matter of minutes to order and I don’t have to worry about copy, design, printing, or mailing!

Q: What are some of your favorite ways to stay in touch with the VIPs in your sphere of influence?

A: I like to send out handwritten cards to my “Top 50” at least twice a year.

Q: What makes you unique in your market?

A: I am lucky enough to work for a great private brokerage that handles a lot of specialty properties. The Link Agency specializes in finding solutions for clients with unique property needs or with unique situations.

Q:  Prospecting is a tough subject for a lot of agents—and sage advice?

A: Never give up.

Q:  What’s one outside-the-box idea that you think agents would benefit from in today’s competitive market?

A: I think being true to yourself and being a genuine person will go a long way. Finding something that you’re interested in. If you already do well in an area, try to find a way to fold that into your Real Estate work can help a lot. An example off the top of my head is photography. If you have a great camera and an eye for composition, you can offer your clients something maybe other agents don’t have.

Q:  If agents have a referral for you, how can they reach you?

A: Sure, I can be reached via phone at (401) 301-9703 or email at Randi@thelinkagency.com

Thanks, Randi! You’re awesome. If you’d like to learn more about the products and services that are helping make Randi’s business easier (and thousands of other agents as well) – visit our site at www.prospectsplus.com or call our team at 866.405.3638.

Be like Randi! Jump into the contest!  

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN WIN $10,000.

This Contest is Getting Serious! The Entries for the $10K REALTOR Contest are Rolling in. 

They are fun, creative, and in the running for the grand prize, to be awarded in November. What about YOU? Are you ready to throw your hat in the ring for a chance at the money? It’s easy – here’s how you get started:

Step-by-step:

  • Grab your copy of the Master Marketing Magazine and pull out the Master Marketing Schedule poster. If your calendar is missing or you didn’t get your magazine, you can request an additional copy at blog.prospectsplus.com/magazine.  We’ve noticed some folks are posting the downloadable schedule from our blog schedule page, but the official rules call for you to use the actual poster.
  • Hang your poster on the wall or in your cubicle.
  • Take a photo or video (like Vickie Nagy did — from her mobile office!) of you with your Master Marketing Schedule poster, and be sure to get in the shot! 
  • Check out Vickie’s post as a great example.
  • Go to www.facebook.com/ProspectsPLUS, and tell us your favorite strategy from the schedule in your Facebook post, you’ll find we have strategies for each week, and a monthly tip as well in the calendar. Choose the ones that most resonate with you and share how you’d use it in your marketing. Be specific, as Helene did! Remember – the schedule, you, and your strategy all have to be included to be a contender.
  • Have some fun with it! Our judges will base their decisions on creativity and originality – so don’t hold back!
  • Entries must be submitted by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on November 10, 2017.

See who your competition is at blog.prospectsplus.com/entries.

For full contest rules and conditions, go to blog.prospectsplus.com/contest-official-rules.

Get in the running! Go to www.facebook.com/ProspectsPLUS, TODAY! 

Why use the Master Marketing Schedule? Our customers tell us it takes the stress out of deciding what to do each month to stay in front of their sphere of influence, geographic farm, and niche markets. They also tell us it helps them stay on track so that their marketing doesn’t slip through the cracks during these busy buying and selling seasons. It’s what we designed it to do! Help agents grow their businesses with more ease and less stress.

If you need help with your marketing, please call our support team at 866.405.3638. That’s what they do best! 

In Step with Awesome Agent Ariana Gillette

By Julie Escobar

How do top producers stay at the top and continue to grow their businesses? We got the answers to that and more when we caught up with top producing agent Ariana Gillette who shared her thoughts on what it takes to make it – and KEEP making it in this competitive business.

Here’s what she shared…

Q:  Thanks for sharing your ideas with us! Can you first tell our readers a little about yourself?

A:  Hi Readers! I am a Northern Virginia native. My Husband, two kids, two German Shepherds & I currently live in Loudoun County. Real Estate is my passion and I have handled a Gazillion issues as a Realtor in this fast-paced, yet rewarding business. I have been licensed since 2003 and do $10 million in production per year, yet I am always looking for fun and creative ways to expand my business. I have a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and am a Licensed Real Estate Broker.  I bring a depth of knowledge into every transaction as well as a solid sense of humor. My goal is to educate & empower my clients to make the best decisions they can while buying and selling. I want them to have the best experience possible.

Q:  You entered the Master Marketing Schedule contest – can you share what you like about using this agent tool and what your favorite strategy was?    

A:  Let’s be honest … the everyday practice of Real Estate is tedious. Yet, that is exactly what makes us successful running our businesses. If we don’t prioritize meaningful engagement with our clients it’s just NOT going to happen. The Master Marketing Schedule makes it easy to time block your calendar to do mailings, pop-by gifts, and farming pieces.

Q:  Are you working a geographic farm as well as your sphere – and can you tell our readers any tips you might have for staying top of mind?

A: My sphere is the life of my business. I door knock with door hangers, I do print for my Coming Soon, Just Listed, Just Sold marketing, and of course everyone’s favorite the Neighborhood Update. I mail the update one time per quarter, which reminds me, I’m due for Q3 mailing to my Farm! My advice? Get involved with your community and give back. That is how to make your Farm thrive with referrals.

Q: What are some of your favorite ways to stay in touch with the VIPs in your sphere of influence?

A: Coffee, lunch, pop-by gifts, invites to events and free stuff when I get tickets or passes, etc. Facebook shout-outs to customers on the anniversary of their home purchases.

Q: A lot of agents struggle with follow-up – do you have any words of wisdom for them?  

A: Order Thank You cards that are blank inside and start shooting them out, and have stationary made from ProspectsPLUS! to write handwritten notes. ANYONE who gives you their email, add to your database right away — not a month from now.  I am bad about this, but it does make a huge difference.

Q:  One of the reasons we created the Master Marketing Schedule was to put some fun into marketing for agents, and give them outside the box ideas for connecting with clients. Do you have any fun things you do to stay motivated and on track?

A: Accountability groups, a life coach, webinars, and conferences. I’m a busy mom – but I make time for all of these when I can.

Q:  If you had one piece of advice for a brand-new agent in today’s market, what would it be?

A: Use systems. Run your Real Estate business like any other business. Show up. Follow systems that every office provides or connect with one of the bigger named coaches. Create and maintain meaningful relationships with every client you work with. Go above and beyond to provide value. AND don’t TEXT all the time. Make phone calls, and meet with clients in person to develop those relationships that will be your referral business for years to come.

Q:  If agents have a referral for you, how can they reach you?

A:  Sure. I am available via email at Ariana@Dwellus.com, on Zillow at www.zillow.com/profile/Ariana-Gillette or Facebook — search Ariana Gillette Real Estate.

Awesome information — thank you SO much, Ariana!

Be like Ariana! Jump into the contest!  

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN WIN $10,000.

Need help with your marketing? Visit www.prospectsplus.com or call our marketing team at 866.405.3638 today! 

Insights from Helene Nunez

by Julie Escobar

We seriously have the best customers. They are always so generous in their willingness to share ideas, experience, and strategies with our readers. I loved the spirit of one of our customers who recently jumped into the $10K Realtor Contest with a fun entry, who turned one Master Marketing Schedule idea into an exciting and fun opportunity to reach out to some of her current clients. Meet Helene Nunez and see what SHE’S doing to shake things up in her market!

Q:  Thanks for sharing your ideas with us! Can you first tell our readers a little about yourself?

A: Sure, I am a mother of three daughters and two stepdaughters, and I am so blessed to have 12 healthy grandchildren. I am a native of Tampa, Florida, where Irma just paid a visit! I am so thankful my family is all safe. I am a family of seven. I have two older brothers, then me, then two more brothers, then two sisters. (We are all a family of workaholics!) My Mom, Abby, and stepdad, Bob, came here to Louisiana to avoid Irma. My mom is/was a licensed broker in Tampa, and if truth be known, she could sell ice to an Eskimo!  My sister Paula is also a Realtor in Tampa. And she is super amazing and is a true workaholic, like me! I moved to Louisiana in 1995.  I started real estate in 2003 with Keller Williams, then three years later opened Helene Team Realty. I was very nervous taking the broker exam, and I told my two clients that wanted me to list their home that failure is not an option. I had to pass this broker exam, and God was with me, and I passed!  I always wondered what I wanted to do when I grew up, and in my very first week of being a Realtor, I KNEW I’d found my calling. I was terrified, but absolutely love what I do.

Q:  I loved that you took on one of the fun Master Marketing Schedule tips and chose the Trail Mix Day! How fun is that?  What made you choose that and what kind of reaction did you get from clients?

A: Well, when I saw that it was National Trail Mix Day, I thought, I can do that! So, I went out and purchased several bags of Trail Mix, and took it to the clients I was currently working with, and man, oh man, they were so excited! And, their excitement, made me realize even more that I found the right company to work with. I love your ideas!

Q:  What do you like most about the Schedule and what, if anything, surprised you about it?

A: I was totally surprised by most of the ideas. Man, they are fantastic. I love the schedule because it gives me ideas that I could not possibly think of myself. What great inspiration.

Q:  What’s most important to you in terms of staying top of mind with your sphere of influence and farm area prospects?

A: Staying top of mind with your sphere is everything. It is so important. If you don’t stay in touch, your past client can and will buy from another agent. Real estate is about building long-standing relationships. You see, you want to sell to your client, and when done the right way, then, they refer their family, friends, and even their children to you when they come of age!

Q:  So many agents struggle to market because they never put a database together. What advice would you have for them?

A:  No database??? You have to have a database to build your business. That is the most basic need. And, be sure to feed it daily. And, one day when you retire, you will actually have a business to sell.  Your book of business IS your database.

Q:  How often do you personally connect with your sphere?

A: I try to contact my sphere four times a year. Some have moved and have different addresses, and some have changed their cell phone numbers, but I drive by their house and drop off a little gift. Maybe some fresh baked cookies, or a treat of some kind. But it is so important to stay top of mind with your sphere.

Q:  What expert advice would you have for agents just beginning to brand and market themselves in an area?

A: In order to grow your business be consistent. Start with a database. That IS your business. Educate yourself. Knowledge is power, and the more you know, the more you can protect your clients’ interest. Yes, it takes time and money. But, if you stay disciplined, the money will follow and you can build a great business.  I’d also like to share one of my favorite quotes by Albert Einstein: “Strive not to be a success but rather be of value.”  If being of value is your focus, success will follow.

Q:  If agents have a referral for you, how can they reach you?

A: The best way to reach me is by my cell phone 504-427-6183. My office number is 985-639-3991. Email helene@heleneteam.com and my office is in Olde Towne Slidell, 2010 First Street, Slidell, LA 70458.

Thank you so much, Helene! You’re awesome! If you are a customer and would like to share ideas of your own, please contact me today to set up an interview! I can be reached at julie.escobar@prospectsplus.com.

Be like Helene! Jump into the contest!  

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN WIN $10,000.

 

Tomorrow’s tip from the Master Marketing Schedule is one of my favorites! It’s a great FALL reason to get out and connect with your clients and create some smiles! It is: Johnny Appleseed Day.Grab some apples to share with clients and colleagues today. (Planting seeds doesn’t always involve gardening; sometimes it just means connecting with people.  Johnny would have liked that!)

Will you do it?

#realestatemarketing #mondaymotivation #plantseedsforsuccess

Don’t miss out! Remember to jump into our big contest this week! 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN WIN $10,000.

The Answer? Only If You USE Them!

By Julie Escobar

Can we start with how cool our customers are? They are always there to share ideas and what’s working in today’s markets and we so appreciate it.  We know other agents do as well, because while most like hearing from industry coaches and experts, sometimes hearing what other agents just like you are doing is a just what you need most. just sold card

That’s why we wanted to showcase some of what our awesome customers have shared with us that could work for you too!

After sending out my monthly cards, I received 3 calls!!! – Marlene Shelton Giles

I received an email with Just Listed postcards on my new listing from Prospects PLUS!. I changed the copy a bit to announce my first open house sneak preview for the neighborhood. The turnout for the Open House was awesome, and I got an offer from one of the neighbor’s family members within a week later! Thanks! – Margie D’Anna BirchIluxury cards

The first time I used ProspectsPLUS! just listed post cards it was a winner. I received several calls within the first month for new listings and I’ve already ordered my second set. Thanks so much for making my job a little easier. I also donated to my favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. – Kathy Christian Reynolds

Prospect PLUS! was a great way to send out my Just Closed Postcard. I was able to also add my lenders information so future clients will know that we work as a multi photo cardsteam to get the home and the loan that is right for them. – Sasanna Strozier‎

I have been very impressed with the service I get through ProspectsPLUS. I just started implementing Just Listed/Just Sold cards and have gotten two listings; what an amazing return on my investment. I also enjoy the engagement I get from you with your catalogs and Jumbo postcard discount card. Market Dominator is next for my farm! – Duane Wright Realty

ProspectsPLUS! is a great tool for Realtors® everywhere! Their variety of products and services is perfect for any of your real estate needs. I have ordered a number of different postcards and have never been disappointed. The content is effective and gets results! Also a huge fan of their Master Marketing Schedule and the fun ideas for social media sharing. Highly recommend. – Brittany Bairexpired door hanger

I decided to try something new so I ordered Expired Listing door hangers instead of making cold colds or sending out letters. I ordered them on a Thursday evening, and the package was at my office on Monday morning. That was standard delivery. That’s fast! I spent Monday morning putting out the door hangers. This is Thursday. I’ve had 5 listing appointments and 4 new listings as a result. WOW! Thank you ProspectsPLUS! for designing incredibly professional artwork and allowing me to edit/make content changes online. I’ve found my new go-to advertising source. You guys rock! Thank you so much! – Wanda Bond

I found ProspectsPLUS.com while searching online for prospecting material. I’m glad I did.  I placed my order and received it promptly. Love the door hangers. So professional looking and great price. I was so excited that I referred a friend who placed an order. Then, the next thing I just listed door hangerknow I’m being sent a $25 gift card because of my friend’s order! Thanks and I’m ready to place another order and spread the word about ProspectsPLUS.com! – Landa White

Wow! I ordered postcards to mail to a 55+ complex that included recent sales and existing sales. Within two weeks, I had two listings from my mailing and I couldn’t be happier! Because of ProspectsPLUS!, I had the opportunity to work with a client from another state to help him sell his mother’s condo. It was listed and sold within two weeks. I will use them on a regular basis! – Sandy Schafer Hayford

We love hearing from our customers and we are always thrilled to give away $400 or more each month in gift cards to those agents who join in the conversation and share their strategies on our Google+ Page and our Facebook Page.  If you haven’t joined in the fun yet, please head over to one or the other of those today and share your story!  You could be one of our next winners.

You may also want to head over to our Master Marketing Schedule and see what’s in store for the rest of this month and all the fun fall ideas we have for you as well.  This week’s tip is to send the Hello Autumn postcard from the Holiday Series to your Sphere-of- Influence.

Need help getting started? We’ve got you covered! Head over to www.prospectsplus.com or call our marketing team at 866.405.3638 today and they’ll put you on a path to marketing success!

 

 

Meet the real estate pros that have already entered for their chance at winning TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS in our $10K REALTOR Contest. 

They are fun, creative, and in the running for the grand prize, to be awarded in November. What about YOU? Are you ready to throw your hat in the ring for a chance at the money? It’s easy – here’s how you get started:

Step-by-step:

  • Grab your copy of the Master Marketing Magazine and pull out the Master Marketing Schedule poster. If your calendar is missing or you didn’t get your magazine, you can request an additional copy at blog.prospectsplus.com/magazine.  We’ve noticed some folks are posting the downloadable schedule from our blog schedule page, but the official rules call for you to use the actual poster.
  • Hang your poster on the wall or in your cubicle (or in Angie’s case, her truck!).
  • Take a photo or video of you with your Master Marketing Schedule poster, and be sure to get in the shot! 
  • Check out Helene’s post as a great example.
  • Go to www.facebook.com/ProspectsPLUS, and tell us your favorite strategy from the schedule in your Facebook post, you’ll find we have strategies for each week, and a monthly tip as well in the calendar. Choose the ones that most resonate with you and share how you’d use it in your marketing. Be specific, as Helene did! Remember – the schedule, you, and your strategy all have to be included to be a contender.
  • Have some fun with it! Our judges will base their decisions on creativity and originality – so don’t hold back!
  • Entries must be submitted by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on November 10, 2017.

For full contest rules and conditions, go to blog.prospectsplus.com/contest-official-rules.

Get in the running! Go to www.facebook.com/ProspectsPLUS, TODAY! 

Why use the Master Marketing Schedule? Our customers tell us it takes the stress out of deciding what to do each month to stay in front of their sphere of influence, geographic farm, and niche markets. They also tell us it helps them stay on track so that their marketing doesn’t slip through the cracks during these busy buying and selling seasons. It’s what we designed it to do! Help agents grow their businesses with more ease and less stress.

If you need help with your marketing, please call our support team at 866.405.3638. That’s what they do best! 

Real Estate Agent Contest 2017

New Magazine Filled With Tools for YOU

by Julie Escobar

We’re thrilled this week to introduce you to the 6th edition of the Master Marketing Magazine which started hitting mailboxes all across the nation last week.  The reviews and comments are coming in fast and the word on the street is that it is already being recommended as a tool agents can count on as they put their marketing in place to hit the second half of this year strong.

Our sixth installment of this magazine has 87 pages that are filled to the brim with strategic content, creative ideas, and market-savvy tools you can use starting right now with a focus on matching your marketing with your market segment using incredible new data sources and options!

Here are a few of the featured articles: 

  • Embracing the Element of Surprise
  • Three Steps to Drive More Inventory
  • Five Action Steps to Grow Your Business
  • Pricing Makes Perfect
  • The One Thing You Can Do to Earn Three Times the National Average
  • Three Ways to Put Some Fun in Your Marketing
  • Three Ways to Get Out In Front of YourCompetition
  • PLUS… Powerful Interviews With Top Real Estate Pros
  • PLUS…a 6-MONTH Pull-Out Master Marketing Schedule
  • PLUS… a Chance to Win $10,000

And so much more…

Ready to look inside the pages of our digital version today? Check it out at blog.prospectsplus.com/magazine.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the new magazine!  

Find us on Facebook and share your experience, your favorites, and your ideas for the NEXT publication!  

Being a resource YOU can turn to – is our passion.  Enjoy! 

Your Bottom Line Depends On It

by Julie Escobar

An agent’s ability to earn consistently and continuously earn referrals is in direct proportion to their willingness and ability to stay top of mind with their sphere and farm.

Consistency. Since the beginning of real estate there have been agents that send one or two massive mailings and when they unsurprisingly get no results, stop marketing.  Many others take the “holiday” approach to staying in touch by sending an annual holiday card in the hopes that they are remembered. Both of these approaches are a waste of time, energy and valuable marketing dollars.

To stay ahead of the curve, you should be in contact with your sphere of influence at least every 30-45 days. Using the popularlisting-inventory send-call-see approach (part of our free BusinessBASETM), you can easily set up a system for contacting your VIPs each month. Send a postcard, letter, newsletter, flyer, novelty or note one month.  Many of our customers find the Listing Inventory Series, Content Cards, and Market Dominator among their favorites.

One other series that is growing in popularity is one of this month’s Master Marketing Schedule tip which are our Call to Action Postcards which include powerful direct response offers call to actionthat help make your phone ring!

Once you’ve gotten in the habit of “touching” your sphere and farm once a month, be sure to deploy the call part of send-call-see.

Call with a friendly event reminder, helpful hint, or just to say hello the following month. During the third month, arrange to see them via a networking event, social gathering or quick in-person visit (with notice, of course) where you drop off a small token, informational item or card. Then start the “rotation” over again. Such consistency creates vital ‘top-of-mind’ awareness that often becomes “the key to the kingdom” when growing your referral base and creating a reliable income.

If you’re not sure where to start, our popular Master Marketing Schedule shares monthly Action Items that agents tell us help them stay consistently on track.

SEND-CALL-SEE.  Be the resource they need and want in a time where consumers have LOTS of questions regarding the value of their property, their buying power, investment opportunities, and what’s happening in their market.  You’re not bothering people – you’re providing a SERVICE.

What can you SEND?

What can you SAY when you CALL?

  • Hi.  I have buyers, the Smiths (insert real names!), that are looking for a home in the _____________ neighborhood, and I wanted to know if you’ve ever thought about selling your home or know someone who is so I can help this nice family find what they are looking for?
  • Hi!  Just checking in on you! We’ve got a lot of activity in our market, and I thought you might have some questions—do you?
  • Is there anything I can do to help you?
  • I’m expanding my business and I could use your help…
  • Have you thought about selling your house now or in the near future?
  • Have you been receiving my information?  Any questions?

What do you do when you SEE them? 

  • Create opportunities for appointments
  • Take someone to lunch
  • Attend a neighborhood block party
  • Organize a charity drive in the community
  • Sponsor a free workshop and invite everyone to attend
  • Get out there and be visible in the community you’re servicing
  • Walk your farm and start making friends

Working ON your business requires dedication and a commitment to the activities that earn you top dollar and allow you to “feed” the career you’re building. Never lose sight of the fact that prospecting, presenting and closing should always be at the top of your list.

Visit http://www.prospectsplus.com/ to get your FREE copy of our BusinessBASETM (Plus learn the 250 people who should be in your SOI), and be sure to bookmark our Master Marketing ScheduleTM .

Go for it. Remember that we’re here if you need anything. Contact our team today at 866.405.3638. 

For the Next Master Marketing Magazine

by Julie EscobarMasket-Marketing-Magazine-3D (1)

Calling all ProspectsPLUS! Customers!  We’re thrilled to be currently compiling new content for the fifth edition of the Master Marketing Magazine.  We are interested in interviewing five to seven of you to be featured as contributors to share your experience as real estate marketers.  Our magazine goes out to approximately 40,000+ agents and brokers across North America, offering the potential for referrals and exposure.

We are interested in interviewing agents who are…

Any of those things sound like you?  Then reach out to me today for an interview! All chosen contributors will be featured in the January magazine and will receive:

  • $100 ProspectsPLUS.com gift card
  • 10 Magazines to use in your marketing
  • A chance to be featured alongside some of the best coaches and minds in the business
  • Referral opportunities across North America

If you’d like to read the last edition — Experts and Insights online, visit here.  If you’d like to be considered for one of the limited contributor spots, connect with me via email and let’s set a time!

Need more assistance?  Contact our team at 866-405-3638 or visit us online at www.prospectsplus.com. 

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