Whether it’s refining your business model, mastering new technologies, or discovering strategies to capitalize on the next market surge, Inman Connect New York will prepare you to take bold steps forward. The Next Chapter is about to begin. Be part of it. Join us and thousands of real estate leaders Jan. 22-24, 2025.
This post was updated Oct. 18, 2024.
As the late, great Jimmy Buffett said, “Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been.” A great reminder to worry less, smile more and create experiences that empower joy, especially in today’s world.
Here at POWER Headquarters — we are all about those moments. That’s why every month, we create SMILE Stop™ ideas to help them connect on a different level with their clients and sphere of influence. Why? Well, first, because they WORK. They are helping agents connect in significant ways and build referral relationships that often surprise and delight them — AND they are helping them bring in new business. (In fact – our newest POWER AGENT® Success Magazine is dedicated to the concept and the results! Get a free copy here.)
All right – are you ready to start generating your OWN SMILE-worthy moments? Let’s dive in!
First, let’s define SMILE Stops™
It sounds straightforward, and it is, but we also wanted to make it easy – so here’s what it stands for:
- S: Service-centric approach
- M: Meet & greet in person
- I: Inquire about their needs through interactive conversations
- L: Lavish them with a small gift
- E: Engage deeper to nurture the bond
These visits aren’t just about saying hi but a chance to cement your position in their minds whenever real estate pops into a conversation.
Unleashing the Fun of SMILE Stops™
The joy in SMILE Stops™ isn’t just in the smiles you’ll see but also in the thrill of gifting. Showing gratitude through creative tokens is not only fun for you but creates lasting memories for them – and surprise – surprise – YOU! Our coaching members tell us they feel an extraordinary new sense of joy and purpose because they have adopted this simple practice.
Here is one idea for every month of the year to help you stay in touch with your sphere!
January — New Year’s Focus: Mini calendar with the message, “May every day of this year bring you closer to your dreams and goals. Know I am always here if you need me!”
February — Valentine’s Love: Heart-shaped chocolates or cookies with a note, “Valued clients like you make my heart skip a beat! Wishing you a month full of love and joy.”
March — Spring Ahead: A packet of flower seeds with a note, “As we spring ahead, may your home and heart bloom with happiness. Let’s GROW!”
April — Earth Day Dedication: A reusable shopping tote or a small potted plant with a note, “Here’s to making our world greener, one home at a time. Happy Earth Day!”
May — Mother’s Day Delight: Small bouquet of fresh flowers with a note, “For all the homes you’ve nurtured and hearts you’ve touched, Happy Mother’s Day!”
June — Summer Sun: A fun sun visor or sunglasses with a note, “Here’s to bright days ahead this summer! Remember, I’m always here to help!”
July — Independence Day: Miniature flag or patriotic-themed cookies with a note, “Celebrating the freedom to dream and make those dreams come true. Happy Independence Day!”
August — Beach Vibes: A mini beach ball or flip-flop-shaped notepad with a note, “Ride the waves of the property market with confidence! Wishing you a sun-soaked August.”
September — Back to School: Fun-shaped pencil or eraser sets with a note, “Education is the foundation of success. Here’s to new beginnings and continued growth this school year!”
October — Halloween Treats: Mini flashlight with a note, “No tricks, just treats! Let’s light up the way to your perfect home this spooky season.”
November — Thanksgiving Thanks: A holiday pie with a note, “I’m grateful for the trust you place in me. Wishing you a bountiful Thanksgiving!”
December — Holiday Cheer: A small ornament or holiday cookie with a note, “Decking the halls with gratitude for clients like you. Here’s to a magical holiday season and a prosperous new year!”
Now, let me be clear: You do NOT have to reach out to your sphere every month with gifts – that would be too much and too expensive, especially if you are looking to do a large number of them. Instead – look at these ideas and others we’ve shared and decide which ones resonate most with you that you’d like to do. The alternative is to pick a handful of your best clients each month and set time aside to see them and spend more than a few moments.
Next, don’t delegate. I was reluctant to say this part because it puts a bit of a negative spin on a very positive thing, but it’s been asked many times, so I feel like I need to address it. This is not an activity to hire out or delegate. It’s tempting, I know. There are only so many hours in the day. Done right, however, these little acts of relationship building are personal, and they should be. To have someone else do them for you would actually go the other way in terms of helping you cement relationships. It will send a message that you didn’t care enough to do it yourself.
My team never ceases to amaze with their inventiveness, and it’s heartwarming and fun to see our community share tales of their SMILE Stop™ ideas and successes.
Take care of the people in your sphere, and you can be sure they will return the favor. It is truly the difference between being a service-driven agent and someone who is just in it for the transaction. Hungry for more SMILE Stop™ inspirations? Stop by our site and send us a chat!
Have fun, everyone, and don’t forget to keep smiling!
Darryl Davis is a speaker, coach, and the bestselling author of How to Become a Power Agent in Real Estate, as well as the CEO of Darryl Davis Seminars. Connect with him on Facebook or YouTube.
