Why Not?

Lately, a large percentage of my agent meetings have included at least some discussion on the topic of how to best navigate the lower band of this real estate cycle. For those of us who have witnessed ‘the cycle’ as experts call it, we’ve learned that it takes some strategic planning, a savings account, and a smart communications strategy to weather the storm (or tsunami or whatever weather phenomenon best describes it for you)

Now ask yourself this question: Are there missed opportunities right in front of you? You know, the low hanging fruit…family, friends, associates. If so (and most of us can say yes to this), then this is the first place you should look to bolster your business.

With these groups, instead of asking yourself Why?, ask yourself Why Not?. Why wouldn’t a close family or friend choose to work with you? Could it be that they don’t care to share their financial picture, credit issues, or income levels with someone close to them? Perhaps they’re afraid to cross the business-family barrier. Can your marketing message(s) address these potential objections and disarm those close to you? And if those close to you are/feel disarmed, can it lead to more business opportunities? I call it ‘supercharging your sphere’ and it starts by removing objections and then stimulating action.

If these are thoughts that haven’t occurred to you, it could be a simple reorganization of your cart and horse. Before you drop more jack on the Next Marketing Thing™, make sure those closest to you are residing in the sweet spot. The place where comfort and persuasion leads to action.

Email me if you want some individual help getting there.

Jeff

The Last Few Inches

Way, way, way back in 2002, I started this website as a means for agents here in town to find some follow-up information/inspiration/infotainment after attending my seminars. When I reflect back on the last 5 years, it's really been amazing to witness the advancement in the way in which we communicate...with each other, and with those who drive our businesses.

Technology has afforded us the luxury to experience efficiencies and connectedness like never before. The paradox is that communication has gotten easier as we move forward in time, yet ironically less personal. My focus over the past several months has been on the examination of this communicative experience that we share. How do we create a personal experience while remaining efficient 21st century business machines? If there is an answer to that question, I hope to figure it out, because that is the real 'secret sauce' to this and any business.

It will be the details that matter. It will be the last few inches.

And in case you wake up tomorrow lacking the creative inspiration to move your life at the pace and trajectory you'd hoped for, do what I do. Watch this 4 1/2 minute video from one of my favorite movies.

And let me know if you need some help adding up those last few inches.

Jeff

On The Charity Tip

In case you haven't heard, we've initiated an initial initiative entitled "Because We Care". Basically, we're giving money to charities 6 times a year. As a company, we've always been big on doing charity work, we just never did it in a very organized, systemized fashion.

So....in the month of November, for every transaction closed at Fidelity, we will make a donation to Raphael House of Portland. Raphael House of Portland has been offering shelter to women and children fleeing domestic violence since 1977, and help more than 300 women and children every year.

This is the good work, so get out of your cubicle, and find your own little way to support.

Jeff

OK, I know it's been a lifetime since I updated this BLOG...thanks if you stuck around :)

Since my last post, oh a short 6 months ago, the market has changed slightly.Systems, communication, presence (Your Strategy™) are going to continue to be absolutely vital in today's marketplace. I have several tools that you can plug into to immediately...please don't hesitate to email me if you need a boost or just want to start thinking about 2007.

I ran across a very well written article recently at 'Stoked Brands' on Realtor® taglines. Take a read here.

I'm going to be updating this site on a more consistent basis, so check back with me!

Jeff

Just a quick update. If you haven't yet had a chance to check out the changes to the upcoming Microsoft Office 2007, check out this 13 minute video from Microsoft. Pretty cool stuff.

Click Here to watch the video.

I've made just a couple of updates to the site that you might want to check out.

First, I've added an Online Support feature. Using our super technological technology, I can now logon to your computer (with your permission, of course) and help you with a variety of issues/problems/conundrums. To make it easy, I've used my mug shot-look to the lower left of this page to find me. Ironically, it usually says "Jeff Is Offline", but I can change that by appointment.

Second, I've updated some of the links on this page. You now have some new Listing Flyer Templates to download as well as some links that I talk about in my seminars.

I'm going to incorporate some visual elements to keep it exciting. I'm thinking about some floating jeff-heads or something...just trying to keep it real.

On another note, I have some spots left for my March hands on classes. Sign up for a class at www.fidelitytraining.com. And thank you for your support.

Jeff ™

Master This.

I have three professional goals for 2006. With everyone I touch this year, my goal is to hammer home at least one of these three principles:

1) The three most important words in marketing strategy are execution, execution, and execution. If a marketing ideas is important, then every single detail in the execution of that idea is important. Align yourself with execution specialists.

2) Automation, personalization, consistency and timing are the four keys to <> real estate marketing communication. The vehicle is more important than the message.

3) Customers (people) buy to feel good, or to solve a problem. People don't buy saws, they buy cuts. In most cases, they're not buying a house; they're buying a lifestyle. Know what you're selling.

-Jeff