I know we should do mail-outs to our Center of Influence (or Sphere of Influence), or maybe do e-mails, postcards, etc. We are also advised to call all our Center of Influence (family, friends, etc). We do you say when you make the first phone call? "Hello. Just wanted to remind you that I am in real estate and if you know anyone buying or selling real estate, just keep me in mind. I would love to help anyone out." ----- Something like that???
I'm so nervous to call my list of 200+ people!! Please give me some advice!!!

Thanks in Advance,
Shari

Shari -

Mail out an item of value first, then follow up with a call to see if they received it, and what they thought of it. Mail outs are the perfect excuse to call your SOI.

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Eric Bramlett

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Eric Nailed this one. Send them something then call them to "remind them you sent it". Of course you act like you are just calling to get there opinion or ask there advice. See that accomplishes 2 things. It reminds them you are a realtor and it make them feel important because you are asking them what they think. I have found that people are much more likely to give you referrals if you stroke there egos and make them feel important.

I think you are making a great step to generating business. You would be surprised to know how many new agents I encounter completely neglect their sphere of influence.

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Steve Castaneda, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
The MyHomeHouston Team

Specializing in Houston Real Estate. Feel free to visit my Houston Real Estate Blog or read about Real Estate Technology for agents.

SOI is the backbone of your business, esp. when your are within initial start up stage. Eric did nail this one. Best way to gain someone's trust and interest is to get them involved!

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Hi Shari:

Here's what to do:

"Hi [friend|neighbor|other SOI]. I need your help. Do you have a moment now, or shall I call back?

[As you know|You may have heard that] I'm working in Real Estate. It's going great, and I'm really enjoying it. But here's where I need your help.

As you can imagine, since I'm just starting out, I don't have many leads. I'm calling today to ask you who you know that may be selling or buying a home in the next few months?

[If "I don't know" is the reply, ask: "Maybe somebody at work? (wait for answer) or a neighbor? (wait for answer) somebody you know from school?]

Either way: "Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it. And, just so you know, when you give me a lead, I'll make sure I take good care of them. I don't want to let you down!"

By the way, do you mind if I keep in touch with you from time to time?

Thanks again for talking with me today."

I'd skip the mailing. It might help, but it's also a good excuse to keep busy doing something other than making the calls!

If you really think that doing the mailing first would be better, than do this: Send out ONE mailing TODAY! Then, call everyone on your list, and start out by saying, "I sent out a mailer. Did you get it?"

hi there I too feel it is a nice way of talking to people and knowing their opinion by first sending them a mail and then talking to them about it. Atleast they know what you are talking to them as they have read the mail.