For new agents: Sphere of influence.

In real estate 101 for new agents one of the most important things they teach is to contact your sphere of influence (That is friends, relatives and coworkers) and let them know that now you are a real estate agent. I know a few agents with great connections where this has worked for, but know many more where their friends and relatives have chosen to list their house or use another agent as their buyer representative.

In fact it happened to me. A close friend from church, who I thought I had lots in common with and was one of my better friends chose another agent to list her house. In the mean time, her mother; someone that I very much respect asked me to show her some houses. We went out one day to look at houses and initially things went well but in the end they hired another agent to sell their home and buy a new one. I was hurt, but I had a feeling that this might happen as she has a personality that has to be in control over everything. I gave her a few pointers on what to do about her house, she didn't do any of it; the home for sale was empty for several months last I heard of it. Nothing that I told her was right, and I was wrong over everything. I could explain the facts of why I recommended everything that I said, but that is not the point. The point is that she at least gave me the opportunity to show her some homes; our personalities clashed... end of story.

Back to her daughter. I asked my friend why she never gave me the opportunity to show her what I could do for her, she responded, well this guy specializes in the neighborhood, so I chose him. Unfortunately, I was so hurt that the friendship never recovered. She knew I needed the money.

I have heard stories like this from many new agents and my advice is don't worry about it, as you will find people who as perfect strangers will see the value in you and help you get started in your career.

To me it was friends; to another agent, it was her own sister... ouch!!

So here is the moral of this story:

Unless you have been in sales in the past, start with a company with a strong training system. You will learn many other ways to find clients. If you are lucky enough, to have a solid sphere of influence be thankful to each one of your friends and relatives that put their trust in you. And to the ones who ignore you, eventually, they will realize that you are good at what you do.

I am very grateful to all of my friends (I have no relatives nearby) who now trust, appreciate and follow my advice regarding real estate. So, thank you Forrest, Kellie, Sandra, Steve, Victoria and Scott for putting your trust in me, and help me support my family even though, I am your friend

Karma is so strong that things take care of themselves.

FYI: Before becoming a real estate agent, I was a full time investor for over three years. I bought and sold over 50 houses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Portsmouth and Newport News.