We are constantly striving to reach that next level in our business success."? Many times we are like the hamster on the wheel, running and running, yet remaining in the same place."? We mistakenly equate "activity" with "growth"."? In our search for buyers and sellers of real estate property, oftentimes our marketing consists of mailing postcards to a "farm" area, or placing ads in newspapers and in home magazines."? Then, we wait for the phone to ring so that we can hopefully capture the interest of a meaningful prospect for a future transaction."? We spend much energy, effort, and money trying to generate leads from the unknown consumer."? Yet, statistics have proven that it is much easier to generate leads from within our sphere of influence."?

Consider the following statistics from the 2005 National Association of Realtors Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers"?regarding how buyers found (chose) their real estate agent."?

How the Buyer Found (Chose) Their Real Estate Agent --

44% were referred by someone from our sphere of influence!"? Is that huge?"? I think so!"? The next highest category was regarding repeat business."? 11% said they used the agent in a previous transaction to buy or sell a house."? 7% said they found their agent at an open house, 7% said they found their agent on an internet site, and 4% selected their agent because the agent was on floor duty when they called or walked into the office."? Only 3% found their agent because of print ads, such as home magazines and newspaper, and only 1% found their agent because of direct mail!"? (Source: 2005 National Association of REALTORS(r) Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers )

"?After looking at these statistics, isn't it interesting that"? the majority of real estate agents are spending the bulk of their marketing budget in the bottom 3 areas!"? We are spending our budget on newspaper ads, home magazines, and direct mail."? Don't get me wrong."? I'm not saying that we should not be advertising with print ads and direct mail."? We realize there is some value in this type of advertising."? However, we shouldn't be spending the bulk of our budget in these areas."? Instead, we need to find creative ways to market to those we know, building and nurturing relationships, asking for their business -- repeat business and referrals."? Our marketing plan, based on our marketing budget, should focus on reaping the rewards of repeat business and referrals from friends, relatives, and past clients."? This doesn't happen accidentally ' this is marketing on purpose, building and keeping clients for life."? Relationships"it's all about relationships!"?

"?For more information on creative marketing that boosts productivity, visit my website and read the article entitled, Boosting Profits With A Marketing Makeover, at www.RhondaHamilton.com.