PrinterBees.com

The most important step so many people/businesses forget (or refuse) to take in building their business is to create a database of people to market to. Every business has to start somewhere and marketed to someone. It should be the VERY FIRST step taken when building a good real estate marketing plan and a successful real estate business.

I have worked with and met with hundreds and hundreds of Realtors regarding their marketing over the years and one thing is consistent; When ask about an existing database I am told "I don't have a database" by no less than 99% of those I meet with! I am asked time and time again where to get a database, because "I can't market to the people I know!". Since when? Why not?

The people who already know and like you are much more likely to help you grow and build your business if you simply let them know you are looking for new business and interested in networking. It's human nature to support and help one another, especially the people we like!

The number one step for anyone building a real estate business should be to put together a database of people who know you. It should have no less than 100 people on it…NO LESS. Everyone knows at least 100 people.  Just look at your own Facebook Friends list if you use Facebook. It likely has more than 100 people on it.

If you send out holiday cards, attend church, belong to a club or a mothers group or have met people through your kids. It doesn't matter how you know someone, everyone you know has to have a place to live and they belong in your database…and I can absolutely guarantee you 100% that everyone your know, knows someone else who also needs a place to live. It doesn't matter where people live, their social status or their age. Your children's friends will absolutely refer you out, IF they know what you do. Kids are amazing networkers and people trust kids because in most cases they are pure with their intention and their words. They are the ones chatting with Mom and dad during dinner. I have established business relationships as a result of the relationships my children had and referred me out or someone to me on multiple occasions.

What could possibly be more important than building your database…well, other than ordering your business cards to include in the letter you send out. Those business cards would be key to the process, wouldn't they. So, first order your business cards and while they are being printed, put your database together so when your cards arrive your ready.