Goodbye 2008...what a year!...and I look forward to 2009!
I've been getting a lot of emails with questions about various topics in real estate and its interesting..because we all have so many different points of view.
But when someone comes to me for assistance...
I tell them what I think and its up to them to decide and implement or not.
As I read opinions on the rain...it's clear no two agents are alike or trainers for that matter...but as 2009 approaches..I tend to take my dads advice...
Prepare for the worst and hope for the best...and Don't Wallow in Self Pity!
Take Action...Action That Produces Results!
Listing Presentations do you have one? Nope..I don't call them listing presentations...the presentation is what you do its our famous real estate lingo and nothing more!....but I do have a pre-listing proposal and a full marketing proposal..and now a better one due to the Makeover2Takeover Contest...and I have offered a sample...you can request yours at midorimiller@yahoo.com. If you have requested in the past...and did not receive it...contact me again! Remember one thing about marketing proposals...the purpose...handle your objections...give the consumer something to touch and feel and think about!
Buyer Consultations-If you have never done them before..this might be the year...to sit down with a buyer...and consult with them...let them ask you questions...learn more about your buyer and remember we often short change buyers...if you sit and chat with a seller before marketing their property..you might want to sit with a buyer to make sure they can and will buy!
Prospecting-Yes I believe you should prospect and have planned time everyday. In the early stages of my career...I prospected everyday until I got an appointment..thanks to Floyd Wickman. Prospecting is a vital part of sales...and there are various methods but the methods work best...when you implement them all together and it creates a beat....call...email...visit...write...call...email...visit...write! Even the most successful agents continue to prospect...that's how they remain....so SUCCESSFUL!
Screen Your Leads-Do you place people in your car without knowing anything about them? Do you show up at listing appointments without all the vital information....if so...2009 is the year to change your mindset...its no longer about gas prices but more along the lines...time management....determining real business vs. wishful thinking! Think about inventories and the state of the market...screen your leads...your buyer leads and your seller leads..and do the entire profession a favor!
Your Appearance-Some would disagree with me...name tags (I don't care for them but the public does), then again...I understand its not for me or about me! I dress as if I am going out on an appointment everyday...comfortable business attire...name tag..sometimes THE JACKET or shirts to let people know that I am in the real estate business. Last but not least a good attitude and always always a smile! Are you a secret agent or are you a real estate professional?
Time Management-Have you started filling in your time for 2009, in truth you should have lots done already...include personal time, prospecting, your company meetings, events, vacations...get it...have an idea what your day will consist of everyday in 2009.
Short Sales-I believe everyone should not do them...if you lack patience, or know how..maybe short sales are not for you...it sure doesn't take rocket science..it takes persistence and understanding..hey if you don't want to do them refer them out!
Social Networking-Many ask, how do you find time? I make time knowing that 83% of the buyers are on line, 100% of the college students are online..
I only blog in a few places...but set up great profiles in as many places as possible!
Blogs don't necessarily have to be words..they can be photos, pod casts, video..you don't have to be a great writer to generate business from blogging!
But just like everything else...social networks require time management..
I am so very addicted.
There is a lot of opportunity in 2009 but it won't always come to you!
You have to go for it!
I am making great strides right now...to make 2009 my best year ever and I hope you are too! Don't play into the media...or the negativity of peers...GO FOR IT ON YOUR TERMS!
Think about this...many will be getting out of the business NOW! It will create more opportunity...fewer agents...less junk on the market...and most of all remember you have to create these opportunities for yourself!
Wishing everyone a Healthy, Happy and Very Prosperous 2009 and Thank You..all of you have enhanced my 2008 and that's how I know 2009 will be my best year ever!
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Midori Miller AKA Daytona Beach Real Estate Trainer and CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty. Midori Miller and CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.
Excellent recap of some great 2008 article. I hope you have a very Happy New Year Midori!
Hi Midori -
I'm prepared! Have a wonderful and prosperous New Year!
This is a really good post and it is obviouos that you have invested some seroius time and thought into your whole plan. Thanks for sharing these valuable points and have a happy New Year
Midori, as usualy, a great recap and best wishes in the coming year!
Midori, all good things to focus on for the New Year. I love my Pre-Lisiting packet that I send out. Then when I am face to face, I don't have to go over all that, and I can bond with them about their needs not what I do.
Great STuff Midori. Having read many of those posts we can say you picked some real gems. Bookmarked for our own rainy day :)
Bring on 2009, I am armed and dangerous!! Bang, Bang, Bang!! Great post, lots of useful info, just to have a plan is the best start for the year!
Midori, Excellent post as usual. Since it's New Year's Eve I will bookmark this one for a little later, but not too much later. Happy New Year.
Midori - some excellent reminders as we head into 2009. Thank you for the inspiration, and best wishes to you in 2009!
Midori, Perfect. No Wallowing, but acknowledging it aint easy out there. You are right, we have to take the bull by the horns. Great suggestions, I wish you all the best in the coming year.
No wallowing in self pity -- I have quite a few people I am going to send this post to -- perfect -- best of luck in the New Year!! JE
Hi Midori, Thanks for a very uplifting and positive post. I also think 2009 will be a recovery year and those of us that made it this far will find the market a little better off.
Your father sounds like a wise man(hoorah), from what I've read on your posts I have to say that he has an equally wise daughter. Excellent post, wonderful thoughts and all very good advice. Good Luck to you and yours in 2009.
Thank you for the post, Midori. It's a good reminder that now is a good time to re-evaluate your plan of attack on how you want to handle your business in the new year. I hope we all have a very prosperous 2009.
Once again, great post! Could I please see what your listing presentation looks like, as you mentioned it in this post? Thanks! My email is sarab@zillow.com.
WOW, Midori! You obviously put alot of thought into this post. What a way to end the year. Thank you for giving me some ideas on where to focus my efforts. It's important that we keep our head down against the storm of negative media and tow the line. Your post reminded me of that. Thanks again and Happy New Year!
Midori: Thank you. I read somewhere that if people write down their thoughts and then broadcast them to others, these same people are way ahead of the game and often achieve their goals. I wish you success this coming year. I believe 2009 will be better than 2008.
Midori - these are som egreat suggestions for a successful 2009. Wishing you the best. Thanks for passing along your thoughts and ideas.
Jeff
Midori- Great job puttting this post together . I would love a copy of your pre-listing and full marketing proposal. I will send you a separate e-mail requesting it.
I used to wear my name tag everyday, although, recently, I've gotten away from it. I do make sure to wear it whenever I'm with a client or at a networking event. It's funny. I sometimes received snide remarks from other agents, who wanted to know if I slept with my name tag on.
Thanks for putting this post together - gave me a little "pick-me-up" before the actual New Year hits! See ya in 2009!
Midori,
Thanks so much for sharing these valuable reminders of how to keep your business up and running in 2009. I also don't care for name tags but had just gone out and purchased them for myself and all of my agents. Name/brand recognition with the public is key!
Hi Midori
Very practical advice and insight on how to take steps to prosper in 2009
Good luck and success
Lou Ludwig
Ladies and Gentlemen I think 2009 will not be a walk in the park...do what you can to help yourselves..past thoughts of NO, Never, It aint my job...let them go....2009 is all about change..I think its more along the lines of enhancements in our businesses...enhancing your customers experiences and building a good solid foundation!
Also the name tag issue...do what your heart tells you to do or test it...most often you will get into a real estate conversation wherever you go if you wear that darn name tag, jacket or shirt! It's not about you or I its about the public...and the public sees names as official often times.
In 2009 I will commit to creating my own media..and the views of the market..I've already been walking aways from pettiness...gossip...and the negativity. We can make it happen each and every one of us...separately but collectively by staying Focused...by staying realistic...and positive and working hard every day!
I started in real estate where it was not uncommon to cold call, to knock on doorsn to get face to face...while social networking is awesome and I have generated business from online..its simply not enough...but when you combine...the different methods to prospect...you will see you numbers increase..and hey don't be afraid to ask for business...because remember many don't always think of you first when it comes to you being their REALTOR...its your job to remind them...court your sphere...just like a date...and I can assure you will generate additional business!
I wanted to end the year right in my mind! You all inspire me...to share...to learn...and to grow. I am wishing all of you...a very happy healthy and prosperous New Year...go for it...because I am!
I am going to re-write my plans for 2009. I am going after it this year... stepping out of the comfort zone and making some things happen. 2008 sucked for me... I intend to have another 2006...
Midori,I do enjoy reading your blog. This post makes me want to go for it all....very good advice.
Midori, Good luck in 2009 and may you have a safe and healthy year.
Excellent post. Some real good ideas.
Thanks, this blog is so refreshing. 2009 is just so full of possibilities and a blog like this is a great reminder to stay focused despite the current financial situation. Homes are selling which means people are buying which equals opportunities for all of us. Have a great and prosperous new year.
I love your dad's advice! Don't wallow in self-pity, which is what so many realtors are doing regarding the market. Take action that produces results - which is what each one of us in business should be doing to ensure that we don't have to worry about getting caught up in the "woe is me" syndrome!
~Renae
Midori, Thank you for such great inspiration! I really came by to wish you a very Happy New Year and successful 2009!
Good ideas, Midori, and your dad is right (of course I'm sure that he already knows that!). I agree with your thoughts on attitude and not playing into the media hype. A positive outlook is a key component success in anything. Have a safe new year's eve and I hope 2009 is a great year for you! -S
Hi Midori - you have written some great posts chalk full of excellend advice. I am working hard to pull myself up by my bootstraps. It isn't easy, but I keep putting one foot in front of the other. And this year, for the first time ever, I'm going to put my plan in writing and commit to doing and being the best I can be and do. And I plan to succeed.
Happy New Year my friend,
Ann
Midori,
Just to let you know, I appreciate all of your writings. I find them very helpful and easy to apply. Thank you for all of your help this year.
May you and your family have a Happy, HEALTHY and Prosperous 2009.
Congratulations on the featured post and you are absolutely right on so many points here. I often get asked about making time for social networking. It is imperative to prioritize your time - and MAKE time for it. It only makes sense to make time for those things that are income-generating.
Kathy
Midori - Outstanding Post... Exactly what I needed to read this morning to get me on track for 2009.
Midori - I am with you ! There is tremendous opportunity in 2009 ! In fact, there was tremendous opportunity in 2008, just much more challenging. Is a great time to grow one's business and gain market share by implementing some of the items you discuss right here in your blog ! Great post !!
Thanks Midori... This post is filled with great information. 2009 is going to be a great year for all taking these extra steps!
If you requested the template and did not recieve contact me again! I get over 700 emails a day..that I have to go through even my spam and sometimes...contact through activerain.....goes straight to spam! Happy Selling.
What a wonderful party going on here! Great insight and info for me to use too!
Midori - You have made so many good points. Time management is one area that I need to get betterat this year.