Active Rainer Jan Evett, a fine agent in Panama City, Florida, and I were discussing the information she found on the CD "A Realtor's Secret Weapons" that I sent her. (You can have one too, if you want. I'll send a copy to anyone - whether another Realtor or someone who's thinking about selling their home. Heck, you can even order one for your friend in Philly who's thinking about selling their house. I'll send it directly to them.)
But the person who can probably most benefit from "A Realtor's Secret Weapons" is the person who listed their home with an agent, it's been on the market for more than three months, and it hasn't sold. This CD will give you a good way of evaluating that agent's effort on your behalf.
Jan commented on the breadth of my past clients. From Galveston, Texas, a town of some 60,000 people, I represented television personalities, recording artists, wealthy trusts, insurance companies and zillions of ordinary people.
I got to thinking that how this occurred might be of interest to you, whether you're another agent, a salesperson in another industry, or you're trying to pick a Realtor to represent you. Here's my response.
- As far as the breadth of my past clients, that was solely from having and maintaining a "program" of networking....keeping up with people I met along the way. Everyone can and should do that.
- And the second part of that was the understanding that my job for anyone is always to be a problem solver. That's what all good Realtors are and that's how I think they should present themselves.
One time -- I was about 30 years old at the most -- a huge insurance company found itself as the lender and joint-venture partner with a developer. They were stuck with a zillion unsold condos, a hotel and ski lift at what is now a very famous Colorado resort.
They wanted to know whether the project was viable or should they just kiss their investment goodbye.
They hired me to go out there and figure it out. "For goodness sakes, why? Have they lost their minds," I thought?
Well they hired me because one of my networking friends told them I was the guy to decide what they should do. (And also I suppose they hired me because they wanted to have someone to blame the decision on if it turned out wrong.)
"But I'm only 30 years old!" I thought. "I've only had a license for six years! Surely there are zillions who are more likely to be better qualified than I."
Networking is the most powerful tool for sales people that there is. This story in itself is proof.
And just so you'll know the end of the story, I told them it would work. I guessed right, they stayed the course and made millions upon millions, and every time I hear that one of my friends is going there for the holidays I grin. If you ski in Colorado, the chances are almost overwhelming that you have skied those slopes.
Some goofy 30 year old kid caused that place to be there, and that kid was I. Absolutely amazing!
If the real estate agent you're planning to retain is not an active and knowledgeable networker, his chance of finding the best and most qualified buyer for your property within a reasonable time is dramatically hindered. It costs not a dime more to hire a networker. Why would you be satisfied with less?
And if you're an agent, and you don't actively network, your income potential is unnecessarily strapped. You
need to change your ways. You need to be the networking aggressor. You make the calls. You stay in touch. Don't expect the other guy to do it. He doesn't need you, you need him!
For those of you who are interested in a copy of the CD "A Realtor's Secret Weapons,' which is a forty-five minute radio interview famed money manager, W. Neil Gallagher, Ph.D. did with me, you can have one at no charge...not even postage. But you have to email me for it. cherrysells@aol.com
The people in this picture are: Doc Gallagher, Steve Simmons the KAAM-AM engineer, and Good Old Billy Cherry.
BILL CHERRY, REALTORS
DALLAS, TEXAS
214 503-8563
Copyright 2008 - William S. Cherry
All Rights Reserved - No reproduction without permission
Bill, I agree with you completely...real estate is all about people and life and connecting!
The cd sounds fascinating...I appreciate your generosity greatly and I would treasure a copy...another piece of you!!
I wish I had some great works like books I'd written or cds I'd produced to send to you....hmmmm
You're an amazing person and I would like to have even a third of your go get em qualities..
Jo
Jesse, Miss Jessica, Miss Jo, and Brian --
Your CDs will be on their way to you in the morning. I think you'll find it interesting. Doc, by the way, who is asking the questions, is a well-respected retired ethics professor from Texas Christian University. Everything he does is on the up and up. We've been pals ever since I've been in Dallas.
And you want to know how that happened? I networked him. Honest to God. I networked the man, and he's been nothing but a God send to me.
Billycherry
Bill: I am humbled (and I must admit quite pleased) to be mentioned in your post. I have a really big smile right now! Networking and negotiating... 2 of my favorite things about being in real estate sales.
One thing I often tell people is that I am a PPS. It's not a designation, but it means:
"Professional Problem Solver!"
Miss Jan, you totally get it....100%! That's just great. We both figured out what a Realtors job should be, and we're doing our best to be it.
Billycherry
Bill, I am a new blogger just hanging around ActiveRain reading various blogs and found your post. I loved it and wonder which ski resort it is you are responsible for. Whichever it is, as a skier I applaud and thank you!
As a realtor, I know I have not been as good a networker as I should be and now want to be. I would very much appreciate receiving a copy of the CD "A Realtor's Secret Weapons,' I could use some help in this. I sent you an email with my address and I really look forward to receiving and hearing the CD.
Thank you! Great, fun post! Now, if only I could write like that .... :-)
Miss Trish, it'll be on its way in the morning.
I looked at your web site. I like it a lot, and it looks like you're blowing and going with your listings.
Billycherry