Nov. 18, 2008 - Sharing Your Passions Online Builds Business
Life is not about work alone, but your life's passions can help you build business. Too often we don't network with the people that share those passions, which is a huge mistake. It's a natural building block for business and friendship when you already have something in common. And you need to do this both off and online. Who want's to work with, or refer to, a boring, all business agent? I don't find that niche particularly drawing.
Some of my passions are first and foremost: My Children. I love my kids. They come first, even before business. And if you don't get that, well... we probably won't work well together. However, I'd love to hear about yours too! And I talk a lot of real estate at those soccer and basketball games. And the cool thing is, I don't even have to hard sell. Wearing my shirt or coat with my logo just about always draws a real estate question or two. Parents care about their real estate investments and want to know what is going on with the market. And finding those great backyards for their families is so much fun!
Another HUGE passion of mine includes horses. I have always loved horses and ever since I can remember, I was always asking for one. Now I own a Dutch Warmblood and a Thoroughbred, and my daughter shares in that passion, with her own Hunter Paint pony, Jackson (picture above). I often find myself at shows networking not even realizing it. Land and horses go together, and when I am at events or even just at the barn practicing, all kinds of real estate questions come up. And I absolutely love looking for land for the those future beautiful barns! My friends that are in the horse world, know that I know what it takes to find good property, with good facilities, topography and grasses for their prized horses. That honestly is my favorite real estate endeavor.
I also love dogs. And whether my clients have just one or many, we naturally "get" each other. I understand that they may not want to be in a neighborhood with covenants and restrictions. They may want to search for land for a kennel (only work with reputable breeders of course!) where there won't be noise ordinances. Having shown English Setters and Cavaliers for over 5 years now, I know that they also search for homes with "doggie" doors, fencing, and for existing or possibility for future, grooming facilities.
I also love music and watching sports. I started out as a music major and come from a musical family who often had their "sound rooms." Good acoustics are important in evaluating and recording yourself! And watching sports (esp Football) is a pastime that carries over into finding great theatre rooms, that allow for entertaining and good sound and clear visuals. I've helped lay out and design 3 Theatre rooms for myself, and many more for some of the new construction homes I've sold. Experience teaches you a lot in good flow, and in good video and sound!
Last but not least, my favorite passion INSIDE of a home, is the Kitchen. I love to cook and I love wine. And many of my clients also share those passions, and look for homes with chef style kitchens, double ovens with built in griddles, big pantries, and wine cellars. And if I can't find an existing home for them, I can help them plan those features with my new construction experience. That is soooo much fun! And I love even more being invited back to their new homes for dinner and vino! :-)
Customers out there looking for someone who shares one or more of my passions - I'd LOVE to work with you! Agents who "know" their clients need someone who understands their interests, call me! I'll take great care of your referrals.
I have observed a lot of agents reporting on the market, giving stats, and not much else. Those things are good, and should be incorporated into your business plan, but focus on your passions on and offline. Find customers with something in common with you, and you AND your clients will be much happier for it in the end. Cheers!
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