Simply The Best, database...before and after for

Team Tex-La

"Sharing State Borders and Knowledge"

Liz Carter-Mentor... from Katy, Texas Joshua Lazaro-Superstar Apprentice...from Metairie, LA

Only 2 1/2 days left...but who's counting! Some teams have already finished the first challenge, and it was not us :). In case you've missed the start, there are 16 teams in the contest, and our first assignment is to come up with the best software program for a database. Describe what you put in a database and how you will use it. So if you don't have one, or have one that needs some work & tweaking, stay turned. You are soon to be given 16 of the top agents versions of what they use, why they use it, and how they use their data base to genarate income for their real estate business.

So far we are really starting at square one, which surprises me, but then should not have. One of the many things they did not teach you in real estate school is about a database, or that you even needed one. It is essential to your career to have a large database of past clients and SOI/COI that will send you clients. Pictured is my desk and database on the screen in background that has my 3,000 person database. Yes I'm a neat freak, I believe that your desk must be completely clean before you leave for the day so when you walk in every morning you can focus on the work that needs to be done. I don't do clutter, I don't shuffle files, I don't have bits of paper everywhere, I have a well developed Top Producer database that generates at least 100 transactions a year (more than half of my business). Which is the first thing I'm working on with Josh, whose database consists of index cards...(Click Here to see the mess!)

But not for long!!! He has purchased the Top Producer software and will start implementing my systems and recomendations. Superstar Apprentice Josh is very coachable, even if he is an analytical :).

There are some things you can be doing now, even if you are on the notepad, index card side of the database. 1. Start compiling a list of all your past clients with as much information about them as possible. 2. Start making a list of people you can add to your data base. Think of all the people you know, and anyone you give money to. Log in to active rain and see what all the great teams come up with for their recommendations of a software program for you, how to use it and what to put in it. So take advantage of what active rain and our fearless leader, Rich Jacobson is offering you for FREE. This will help you grow you real estate business and make more money for you and your family. Good Luck to you and all the teams.

Enjoy our theme song...Tina Turner at age 60 singing, "Simply The Best", which is what we are hoping each of you are and are becoming even better every day. Liz & Josh

I would be honored to receive your referrals of buyers and sellers moving to the greater Houston, Katy, and Sugar Land Texas. You can contact me at 281-391-SOLD (7653), 800-783-4041. www.lizcarter.com

Josh Lazaro, Prudential Gardner, Realtors can be reached at 504-887-7878, or cell 504-858-6267 for referrals to the Metairie, Lousiana area.