ADvice Marketing Strategy For Real Estate Agents Coastlines ADvice article by Sabrina McLaughlin, ECAF Past President
	Sabrina McLaughlin

Much like other industries, a successful marketing strategy for real estate agents, involves a variety of technologies, tools and tactics. Productive real estate marketing tools range from well-designed business cards, effective lead generation systems, specialty advertising items and personal networking to having your own website and sending out well-crafted newsletters.

Making money in real estate depends on many factors, the most important of which is the ability to establish and maintain relationships with prospective buyers and sellers. So, the question becomes: How do you stand out in the crowd? How do you “WOW” them?

In his book, “HELLO, My name is Scott,” Scott Ginsburg discusses a variety of ways to get yourself noticed and meet prospective clients in unconventional ways. Here are a few of his suggestions when handing out business cards is not “cutting it” anymore:

Tip #1: What’s your story?
How did you get your start in business? Did you “fall” into your line of work? Perhaps there was an interesting anecdote, epiphany or event that caused the birth of your business. If so, this is called “Your Story.” Now, it’s not your Elevator Speech or your 30 Second Commercial. It’s your story. And it’s a fundamental tool for helping people and potential customers get to know you.

Tip #2: Mix the Medium and wow people.
When I receive an email from an organization or business that has a question, wants to work together or just wants to chat, I do something called Mix the Medium. Here's how it works: The exact moment I finish reading the email, I obtain the person’s phone number (if I don’t already have it). Then I call them right back. I then say, "Hi, this is Scott Ginsberg. I was in the office when your email came through and I thought I’d call you back!" I say with a big smile on my face.

Tip #3: Write as an expert.
Another underused networking tactic is writing articles or tip sheets about hot topics in your industry. You don’t even have to be a freelance writer or a journalist – just a business professional who can effectively convey his or her expertise in the form of a short article. Similar to speaking, writing articles in a publication read by your target market is the perfect way to position you and your company

While the proceeded list is a little “atypical”, they are still proven networking techniques that will you help boost your real estate prospects or any other business for that matter. But when business cards aren’t enough, alternative ways to develop and maintain mutually valuable relationships are your ticket to networking success. As you can see I’ve already taken his advice on tip #3.

Sabrina McLaughlin is the Voter Education/PR Coordinator for the Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections office. Sabrina’s award winning public relations program development, copy writing and television production skills have been recognized on a local, regional and national level. In addition to coordinating the Voter Education and Public Relations efforts for the SOE office, she is responsible for the Kids Vote Too and Vote In Honor of a Vet programs. She is a sought after local and regional speaker on a variety of topics including: marketing, public relations, presentation design, public speaking skills and leadership.

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