Way back in the day, when I became a real estate agent, the only means of gaining clients was by simply talking to them. Sure we did mail outs, but the main focus to engage a client was sitting down and meeting them face to face.
With the inception of the internet, social connecting, blogging our thoughts and feelings, and viral conversations, have we forgotten the old fashion way of just getting together for a cup of coffee?
The real estate profession is still a people moving people business. I don’t know if it will ever become completely automated. You can search for properties online, download forms and instruction online, and even view interiors and exteriors online but for most people they need the experience (and risk management) part of real estate to be human and physical.
So, are we losing our personal touch with our clients?
If we take the time spent on social networking (let’s say two hours a day on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Active Rain, and researching great sites like Mashable and Inman news) and we invested in taking 2 or 3 clients out for a cup of coffee a day, what do you think the ROI (return of investment) would be to our future business?
If you are saying to yourself, “But that takes up too much time. It is so much easier connecting on Facebook or email.” You are right. But if time is a problem for you, then time management and planning ahead may be the priority you need to re-organize. There should be no bigger priority everyday (besides your family and your health of course) than connecting with your present clients, past clients, and potential clients. If you are a real estate professional, these are the folks (income generation) that will pay your bills and give you a greater quality of living.
In other words you should be focusing on the activities (face to face) that generate your income (all bills are paid) from your main source (clients).
You many have a huge list of followers on Twitter and Facebook and are a great Blogger, but the one thing that will raise awareness or will result in a solid long lasting business is good old fashioned meetings and referrals from people that know you, that like you, and feel confident passing your good name on.
The internet, social networking and viral conversations certainly have their place, but meeting for a good old fashion cup of coffee, I believe, is still the way to build lasting relationships. Isn’t that what real estate is all about?
