Every year seems to bring the same old advice for real estate agents. Make more phone calls. Network more. Join a Mastermind. Door-knock!
Of course, changing up your daily or weekly routine will almost inevitably make a difference in your bottom line.
But for those of you (like me) who like a more dramatic change, something that will really add leverage, there are three things you may not be doing that can help you grow your business in a way that will pay big dividends both now and down the road.
1. Create a marketing plan
You might think you have a marketing plan. After all, you have a Facebook page, a website, and you may even have taken out an ad or two.
I hate to break it to you, but that is not a marketing plan. Those are pieces of a plan, yes, but a real marketing plan involves more than just a few elements. You need:
- A consistently developed brand across all of your platforms
- A content marketing scheme that builds SEO for your website
- A social media management plan that consistently engages your audience and draws it into your content
- A strategy for paid marketing to support and supplement your efforts
Creating a plan rather than aimlessly plugging in a few marketing elements will help you build your brand and a network of friends and fans for you to convert into clients.
2. Make a media connection
One of the best ways to impress potential clients is by positioning yourself as an expert, and there’s no better way to build expertise than through mentions and submissions in the press.
If you like to write, look for opportunities to connect with a local blog, newspaper or magazine to submit an article to their real estate or lifestyle section.
If you love to talk, find a guest spot on a local radio show or podcast — or start your own. Know someone at the local television station? See if you can get on the list of press contacts for commentary on local real estate matters.
Looking for a larger audience? If you’re an agent or broker, contribute to Inman.
Another option is HARO (“help a reporter out”), which offers you the opportunity to pitch to national publications as an expert source.
3. Invest in real estate
You have the market knowledge. You have the expertise. You have the network of contacts. Are you investing in real estate, or just helping other people build their wealth?
Whether you start out wholesaling or jump in and do your first flip, it’s time for you to put your knowledge to work to build your own wealth.
Don’t want to do your first deal on your own? Find a mentor who’ll let you shadow one of his or her projects, or find a real estate investor group for support and insight.
Make the commitment now to add investing to your professional and financial planning for 2018, and watch it continue to pay dividends for years to come.
Although we’re often told to change “just one little thing” each day, taking on one big game-changing project this year may be just what you need to catapult your business — and your income — to new heights in 2018.
Abhi Golhar is the host of Real Estate Deal Talk in Atlanta. Follow him on Instagram or connect with him on LinkedIn.