The ABCs of OGRs
Are you marketing yourself as a true full-service agent? Are you stressing to your clients that as an affiliate of Coldwell Banker, you have access to a robust network of over 88,000 agents in 49 countries and territories? Just because you may not service a certain market, doesn't mean you can't help your client (and get paid for it too!)
Keeping OGRs at top of mind is a habit that takes a bit of time to get into. Check out these 26 ideas to refresh yourself on how to reach out to those prospective clients.
A is for Alumni Groups - Your old college buddies are a great source of referrals if you're staying in contact with them! Remind them that you're their real estate expert, no matter where they live.
B is for Baby Shower - You would not believe how quickly a two bedroom apartment can start to feel cramped once a baby moves in! The new family is likely to move anyway. Make sure they call you first!
C is for Coffee Shops - Open up your laptop, drop some cards on the table, and smile at whoever walks by. You're bound to pick up a lead or two. Worst case, you're out $10 and up until 3am with the caffeine jitters.
D is for Doctor's Office - If you're wearing your name badge, this could apply really anywhere you go. Strike up a conversation and hand out your card. Be sure to mention your network extends coast to coast!
E is for Elevator - The elevator speech! Are you able to sell your value in the time it takes to ride the elevator to your desired floor? You should be! You've got a captive audience, you may as well take advantage of the awkward silence!
F is for Facebook - This one was a little obvious, but Facebook is the easiest way to reach people whether you're best friends or just acquaintances. Use your personal page AND your business page to reach the most people!
G is for Gym - Tread lightly here! My advice is to wear your CB gear to the gym. Do not, I repeat, do not try to talk to someone with headphones in... especially if they're hulking out on the squat rack. They're not there to chat. Funny real estate shirts: http://lightersideofrealestate.com/store
H is for Hairdresser - Your hairdresser knows everyone and will talk your ear off about anything. Leave her some business cards to hand out. A good tip will go far!
I is for In-Laws - Your in-laws are coming to town. Make the best of it! Send them home with some business cards and the reassuring feeling that their son or daughter made the right choice!
J is for Jet Places - Ok, this one is a stretch. J is hard! Before your seatmate gets "deplaned," start chatting. If they happen to get deplaned, they're likely going to get a huge settlement and be able to afford a really nice house! Cha-ching!
K is for Kids - Make sure your kids know that you're the best Realtor in town. 30 extra minutes of TV for every referral they send your way!
L is for Listing Appointments - I said it before, your listing clients are an excellent source of referrals. Are they moving somewhere you can help them buy? Great! If they're moving somewhere else... OGR!
M is for Mom - Who loves talking about you and your success more than your mom?
N is for Neighbors - First step: Return the power drill you borrowed last year. Second step: Ask your neighbor if they know of anyone who is buying or selling anywhere in the good 'ol US of A.
O is for Open Houses - Capture any buyers who come through the door (and make sure to release them), and if they're looking in another area, send them through Relocation! Submit your referral through eRelocation.
P is for Past Clients - Keeping in contact with your past clients is good for business anyway. Make sure you remind them you offer top notch service to their friends and family too.
Q is for....Quilt Guild? - Ok, you come up with a better word for Q! Whether you quilt or not, you're likely part of some group that regularly gets together. Set up a referral network with your group!
R is for Restaurants - It's time to host a party! If you're paying the tab, I will sit through your spiel. Host a home buyer seminar or a happy hour. Get in front of your sphere with confidence and ask for the business!
S is for Sports Teams - Whether it's an adult league or your kid's travel team, you get to know the people you're competing with. Attach business cards to orange slices. If you're the coach, even better! Playing time is directly related to how many referrals they send you! :-)
T is for Training Classes - Come to any upcoming training classes offered by CB Pro. Get to know your fellow agents who work in areas you don't! Set up a referral agreement with them and we'll manage the leads for you!
U is for USAA/NFCU Members - You may already be working with a USAA or Navy Federal member. They are eligible to the benefits of the relocation program every single time they buy OR sell their house. Make sure they know that too!
V is for Vacation - You're on vacation. Work is the last thing on your mind! It shouldn't be! Homes in the Bahamas are expensive! Network at the bar. Leave your business card at the hotel. Our network extends to the Islands too!
W is for Welcome Centers - I'm talking local welcome centers, neighborhood club houses, information desks at the mall, or anywhere a visitor from somewhere else will go for information. Either they will fall in love with the area and move here, or they may call you for help in Florida. It's a win-win!
X is for eXes - You didn't think I could come up with X did you? Exes! You moved on from your ex. It's time you helped them move too. Far, far away! Be the better person and set them up with an agent who can deal with them... I mean assist them. :-)
Y is for Yard Sales - Are they moving or just decluttering? You won't know unless you ask! Maybe they already have an agent here. Ask them about where they're moving. You know a full-time expert anywhere they're going!
Z is for Zap - How long has it been since you contacted your Zap leads? Did they already purchase 3 homes and are now looking to sell their vacation rental in Myrtle Beach? Good thing you checked in!
It takes no time at all! Get started by submitting a referral in eRelocation!
Information provided by Coldwell Banker ELITE in Fredricksburg, VA
