I'm going to make this a short one... it's Saturday after all, but wanted to put this out there just the same. With all the negativity out in the world today hitting us from every angle, let's face it, it's tough to keep ourselves from feeling anxiety, from being stressed out, from being worn down. Yet in spite of all of this, there are still people out there with big smiles, boundless energy, and they're selling real estate like crazy. How are they maintaining this glow around them? How are they keeping themselves so incredibly pumped up and excited? On the opposite end of this, there's people out there so unbelievably depressed they are actually shutting down their entire lives one little piece at a time. So... the question here is this: What is it that makes the happy people happy and the sad people sad? We're all in the same world, dealing with the same economy, hearing the same news reports... why the big difference?
It's all in the power of suggestion. It's what we tell ourselves as we start our day, go through our day, and finish our day. We have the power to create happiness and be excited within ourselves. It doesn't seem possible but it really is THAT simple. Rather than go on and on about this... I want you to just try it. This weekend I want you to feel good, do things for yourself that feel good, and say things to others that make them feel good. Your internal dialogue should be filled with positive. If you start thinking something negative, hit your internal delete key and rephrase it so it has a positive spin. For example... if you're at the grocery store and the person next to you in line coughs, don't think, "I hope I don't get sick" instead think, "I am strong and healthy and so thankful for being that way". Try it... seriously... it really does make all the world of difference and when you begin to key ALL your language in positive tones, you'll wake up one day and realize you've turned into one of those happy freaks that all the negative people love to hate (because they are all secretly jealous of you) ;)
Enjoy the weekend everyone!!!
:)
-Angela
If you read my blogs, you know a bit about what I do but what I've recently discovered is that agents and brokers out there seem to think they either can't afford me or aren't sure I can do what I say I can. So this post is, as titled, an admittedly shameless plug, that will hopefully put an end to these terrible myths ;)
First off here's a run down list of things I've done for others that I can also potentially do for you:
I've also worked with real estate service companies (i.e. the vendors you see at all the tradeshows so if you're one of them... now's the part where your ears should be perking up) in helping them better package their products/services, strategize their businesses, marketing, employees, targets, etc. So if you need help with your products, services, or company... Call me. I can help your company too.
So for all of you who think you can't afford such an illustrious expert as myself (notice the additional shameless plugging), take a look at the programs I have outlined below along with the associated pricing. Please keep in mind I can create something specific for you as an individual and these are just guidelines to give you something to go on.
Basic Coaching Program: $200/month
Mid-Range Coaching Program: $400/month
Intensive Coaching Program: $700/month ***BEST VALUE***
Also don't forget about the marketing/admin support services I offer. Before you hire an assistant, think about what your monthly budget will allow and consider using an expert who can offer you more and take care of your numerous tasks quickly and efficiently rather than hiring an on-site assistant who you have to train and keep a constant watch over as they take 3 hours to create your listing flyer. I'm just sayin'... ;) If you need someone there to put up sign riders and refill your flyer boxes, hire a PT runner for that stuff but use an expert where one is truly needed.
Okay... plug over... well almost. Forgot to put in the website address
Now seriously... pick up your phone and call me. ;)
Till next time...
:)
-Angela
I recently posted about the key to lead management. This post is related but focuses more on those leads we sometimes get for buyers and sellers who aren't really ready to do anything just yet. You know the ones that say, "well... we're thinking about buying in another year or so" or, "We'd like to sell the house one day... no rush... just curious what the value is now". Most agents are completely turned off by these leads and don't follow up with them at all. That is a shame beyond belief...
Think about it this way... Do you realize how easy it is to stay in touch with people today through social networks and automatic drip systems? All you have to do is add them to your facebook, put their email address in your drip program and it's all on auto-pilot. When that lead is ready to buy or sell, they will remember you because you stayed in front of them when the others did not. It's that simple. It doesn't matter if they decide to move in 6 months or 5 years from now... that lead will eventually pay off. Don't forget about the referral potential either. Just because THEY aren't ready now doesn't mean they don't know people who ARE or will be somewhere along the line, even before they are themselves.
From now on I want you to start thinking about each one of these long-term leads as a bank deposit. Deposit them into your network and watch the interest accrue.
Till then...
:)
-Angela
Over the last few years many of the big teams have dissolved in an effort to keep expenses down. Listing Managers, Transaction Coordinators, Lead Managers... many have been cut down to the single assistant on large teams across the country in an effort to reduce expenses and agents that had a single assistant have cut them as well and are now working solo... The problem is... agents are busy again but because it's the lower priced homes that are moving, the volumes have to increase to bring in the same amount of money. Agents more and more are finding the need to hire a new assistant or expand their teams once again. The problem with that is many don't need one full-time and can't afford all the expenses of hiring and maintaining an employee. Don't get caught 1099ing someone that should legally be classified as an employee... you'll regret it later. Here's the official breakdown from the IRS: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99921,00.html just in case you aren't sure.
The very best option here for agents is working with support staff virtually. That way you aren't spending a fortune on employee maintenance (like taxes). Virtual assistants generally charge more than having someone in-house (about $35 an hour for admin work on average) but it usually ends up costing you less than having someone in-house at $10 an hour. The thing is, with a good experienced VA, you're getting someone that's going to be an expert and be able to hit the ground running with zero training. You shouldn't have to follow up with them or worry about accountability. The best ones know the industry well and have experience in more than just one local market and usually have great ideas that you may not have come across on your own. Also because of their experience and expertise, they can move through your work more quickly and will only charge you for actual time spent on your projects.
What about building a team? Can that be done virtually? The answer is 100% Y.E.S.
V.A.s usually have a specialty like marketing, listing management, transaction coordinators, lead management, etc. and keeping them all in sync from remote locations is easy as having the right productivity software in place. Top Producer is an option but to be honest I prefer hyperoffice. Check www.hyperoffice.com for details on that one. They actually have a 30-day free trial so you can check it out for free. I've used it for years and love it... Having that in place with a virtual team of experts and you'll always know exactly what's going on with any file and any lead at any time, even in the middle of the night. All you have to do is log-in...
For how to find a good V.A. or advice on building the right team, give me a call. I have a lot of great contacts and can put you in touch with the right person (or people).
Till then...
:)
-Angela
We've all heard how important first impressions are but did you know you're making that first impression before you even open your mouth? This is the same with anyone you meet, not just buyers and sellers. Next time you're meeting someone for the first time or even just seeing someone you've never seen before, take special notice of how you start forming opinions of them (albeit unconsciously) as soon as they catch your eye. The first few things you notice are appearance, motion, and energy. You'll notice how they're dressed, how their hair is styled, how they move through the room and if that's graceful, clumsy, or just average, whether or not they talk with their hands, the expression on their face, whether they seem happy, sad, ambivalent, angry, whether they're alone or mingling, etc. If you're at a networking event, you'll notice people before you meet them, and this opinion you form can make you decide whether or not you approach this person and introduce yourself.
Everything you notice about others is exactly what others will notice about you. Keeping a positive frame of mind, a smile on your face, and wearing clothes that make you feel great will create a great response in others. Doing things after meeting people like speaking animatedly, maintaining a healthy and genuine (i.e. not fake) smile, listening to and commenting upon what they're saying, and in networking situations... be sure to ask how you can help them rather than just telling them how they can help you.
Make sure you're the kind of person others want to be around and your network will do nothing but grow.
Enjoy your weekend everyone!
:)
-Angela
RE Consulting Services Specializes in Creating Work-Life Balance with Healthy, Positive, and Creative Strategies for Organizing your Business, Personal Life, and Marketing!
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