real estate rookie needs some advice

[DKemmitt]

calling all seasoned agents.........I have been an agent for a year now and have just made a wopping $8,000 sallary for the year. I am about to give up! I live in a small town and work in a small firm......I am doing my best to do everything right got the web site...reading the books....taking the classes........am I just not being patient enough.......I am ready to throw in the towel and give up real estate someone suggested to me to try and do some REO and BPO's to bring in some sort of income any ideas on some good companies to get me started in that direction!HELP I AM GETTING DESPERATE

[ResaleBroker]

DKemmitt,
Would you mind sharing with us your marketing plan?

[HMiller]

To start, why don't you tell us how you go about creating business. Have a marketing plan? How do you spend your days? Small firms aren't necessarily bad, but what kind of training have they offered you and are you taking advantage of that training?

[DKemmitt]

[QUOTE=ResaleBroker]DKemmitt,
Would you mind sharing with us your marketing plan?[/QUOT
My marketing plan is a virtual marketing plan.
and it works the two cma i did got me the listings the problem I only got called for 2 cmas!!

[DKemmitt]

To start, why don't you tell us how you go about creating business. Have a marketing plan? How do you spend your days? Small firms aren't necessarily bad, but what kind of training have they offered you and are you taking advantage of that training?

Marketing plan works well I offer a virtual marketing plan......it worked for the 2 CMA's I was called to do .......thats the problem was only called to do 2 CMA's

[HMiller]

Marketing plan works well I offer a virtual marketing plan......it worked for the 2 CMA's I was called to do .......thats the problem was only called to do 2 CMA's

I don't think we're referring to the same thing. You seem to be referring to the marketing plan that you offer to prospective sellers. I'm talking about your personal marketing plan. A plan that you follow, adapt and adjust which you develop for you to market yourself and create business.

[ResaleBroker]

DKemmitt,
I should have been more specific. I was referring to your "Business" marketing plan.

[DKemmitt]

I don't think we're referring to the same thing. You seem to be referring to the marketing plan that you offer to prospective sellers. I'm talking about your personal marketing plan. A plan that you follow, adapt and adjust which you develop for you to market yourself and create business.

I just started reading a book to help me do that.......and I am working on it! I have the feeling working in such a small town I will have better success working with buyers so my plan has been working on building a relationship in the community with the buyers and the potential buyers thats why I am wondering if I need to just be more patient with this especially since it is not a big city area.

[DKemmitt]

DKemmitt,
I should have been more specific. I was referring to your "Business" marketing plan.

I just started reading a book to help me do that. I think because I work in such a small town and a small firm my best bet will be working with buyers and I am focusing on establishing relationships in the community and working on a referral network. I know this will take time.......but the reality I need to know how much, I can't survive on $8,000 a year will things get better or am I really doing something wrong?

[HMiller]

Well, I guess patience is important since there is alot to learn about the business but don't confuse patience with sitting back and waiting for business to come to you. Do you have a mentor or someone successful in your office who can guide you? Also, sit down and crunch numbers. Figure out a budget so you'll know what you can afford in terms of marketing. Then work out a marketing plan in writing. Whether it includes farming, cold calling, working fsbos or expireds, advertising, etc., make sure you create a plan that you're comfortable with and fits in your budget. Work the plan and over time you'll figure out what works for you and what doesn't. Over time you'll adjust the plan and it will evolve but you must have a plan.