Transform Transform June 2014 | Page 11

Finding out when a buyer or seller needs to seal the deal helps you ID the quintessential window shopper and eliminates houses or condos that won’t be ready to accommodate out-of-towners who have already booked a moving van. By the way, this is a great time to find out if you’ve got a fickle prospect on your hands. Ask if a client is already working with a real estate professional. Look ‘em in the eye when you pose the question. 5. What’s Your Message? Sure, your real estate company has beaucoup marketing messages emblazoned across signage, business cards, mugs and more, but what’s your personal message? Think about it. Your sales philosophy, approach and techniques are unique. Bringing home-baked muffins to a first client meeting may be the ice breaker you’re comfortable using. Of course, if you had no idea muffins came from places other than storefront bakeries, you may wish to bring bottled water, instead. usually go to “junk drawers” to die alongside your competitors’ giveaways. It’s okay to invest in a premium that doesn’t break your budget, but do some market research first. Find out what people would actually use by surveying friends and relatives. Ask for opinions and you’ll get them. 7. Everyone Wants Approval Pre-approved customers are near and dear to the hearts of real estate professionals because only serious prospects are this efficient. As a result, they also know their spending limits and define their own time parameters, big blessings for anyone who has suffered a string of sales that involved getting financing after a client has fallen in love. Does this mean you should give folks who aren’t pre-qualified to the office newbie? Never. That’s why you have mortgage lending resources on your speed dial. 8. Think Like a Social Scientist 6. Want to Get Promoted? Remember the name Maslow and your teacher’s lecture on “man’s basic needs”? Time to put his theory into your real estate practice. T-shirts? Check. Pens? You bet. Calendars? They even have your face on them. But before you sink a bundle into personalized materials, remember that research proves such items Maslow’s pyramid explains that basics like food, shelter, sleep, sex and safety drive human behavior long before a person seeks affection, approval and acceptance. You’re selling shelter and safety, not a house or a condo. If a sale is successful, you give clients access to food, sex and sleep. 9. Tool Around Scientists don’t give up. They keep trying new ideas until they’re successful. Need we remind you that as unique as your clients may be, you’re equally unique? So don’t be hesitant to audition what works for competitors or colleagues to see what suits your sales style. One real estate professional says his website - not the firm website - draws traffic. Another uses property blasts to give clients “exclusives” on new listings. Try everything that doesn’t require breaking the law. Dump what doesn’t work and keep the rest. 10. Don’t Phone It In Develop trademark kindnesses (those muffins), be effusive about thanking customers, remember birthdays and kids’ names - and for heavens’ sake, read at least one client blog post if they send you a link! Importantly, take passion checks. If you’re phoning it in, how much success can you expect? Need a break or vacation? Take the honeymoon first and rediscover your love. In the end, the most powerful message you send is your enthusiasm for your career! 11