A common complaint I hear from CRS members, and an excuse often given for not joining or rejoining the Southern California CRS Chapter is "I don't get any referrals."

Certainly getting referrals is one of the benefits of being a CRS member and, in particular, part of the local chapter. But it is definitely not the only benefit. But this post IS about that issue.

The question, perhaps, is "why do you not get referrals?"

Or put another way, "Are you referable to?"

Anyone who is an active member of the CRS organization will be listed in the on-line database and thus searchable by other members looking for a referable agent. But that's not enough. Here are some thoughts:

1.  Are you attending any meetings? We have them throughout the year and they are an excellent way to meet other Southern California CRS agents face-to-face. The personal contact can go a long way toward separating you from the rest of the pack in your city if someone needs to refer to your area. If they know you, vs. the other "faces" in the directory you will likely get the nod. And how about Sellabration?

2.  Are you setting yourself apart in your on-line profile? Part of membership is being listed in the on-line database.

• I am amazed at how many members I see who do not have a PHOTO nor list a WEBSITE. Most agents I talk to will not refer to someone who does not display their photo. And not having a website, or listing one you do have, is a red flag for most people because of concerns that you are not tech savvy or do not use technology in your business. This could be a red flag for consumers, too (Know that displaying a photo on the National CRS database or in their print directory costs more money than a plain display ad, but it worth the visibility - BUT your member photo on the Southern California CRS roster is FREE!)
• And what about the other information that CRS allows you to list in your profile? Your designations and languages, for example. And how about your areas of specialization? You should include as much information as the profile allow, incouding listing your social media network profiles
• And WHEN was the last time you updated your profile? Is the address and contact information all up to date. If they can't reach you, you won't bet getting a referral (and I have run into this a number of times personally)

3.  Are you visible? People have to know you are, or at least be aware that you exist, in order to refer to you.

• You can improve your visibility by attending meetings, and having a complete up to date CRS member profile with a photo.
• Continuing your education is also important - not only do you improved your skills but this is yet another means to interact with other CRS and non CRS members to get you name out there.
• Participating in the Southern California CRS Chapter Board of Directors is a great way to increase your visibility, plus learn a heckuva lot and help the Chapter continue to meet the changing needs of its membership. We can always use more help...in technology, membership, programs, fund raising for Chapter with a Heart and so on. Simply ask one of the current members (visit the leadership page of the website).

4.  Do you refer to others? Yes, reciprocating referrals is a great way to enhance your volume of referrals. You refer out, and that person may refer back. Plus it's a great way to increase your business.

5.  Use the SoCal CRS Website. We have a roster of all our members and this can be searched by ANYONE looking for a potential agent to refer to. Wile the roster contains any information you have listed in the national CRS database (see item 2 above), as a Southern California Chapter of CRS member you can also enhance your member profile on our website to include you photo and any other information you wish to include. You can read more here on how to create and update your SoCal CRS member profile on our website. NOTE - This is a benefit for SoCal CRS Chapter members ONLY and you must have a log in ID and Password for the website to make these changes.

6.  Participate in Social Media. You have heard the buzz and hopefully are participating at some level with Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, blogging and more. If you aren't you should so you can build connections with other agents in teh businss (including those who are not CRSs or members of our Chapter). But that's beyond the scope of this article, so stay tuned for more on this topic.

So instead of complaining about not getting any referrals, and using this as a reason to not be part of the Chapter, why not seek out the ways you can ENHANCE YOUR REFERABILITY?

Why not join our Facebook group for the Southern California CRS Chapter. And connect with us and other members on LinkedIn.

Follow us at Twitter - @SoCalCRS

The email went out last week from Kari!

Put the date on your calendar - February 13 from 10 - 11:30 for our first coffee chat in Carmel Valley.

I have already heard from a number of people who are planning to attend. Don't miss out - it should be a fun networking and learning experience.

Need to refer a buyer or seller in another part of San Diego County - this is your chance to hook up with the right CRS to help!

Call or email me if you have any questions.

Jeff (760-840-1360)

I decided to earn my CRS designation just a year ago for a number of reasons.

• First, education has always been important to me...perhaps instilled by my parents. Guess that's why, in part, I decided to go to graduate school in psychology (that's a story for another time). I had heard great things about the classes that are offered and felt that it could contribute much to my knowledge as a REALTOR. I have found the classes that I took (referral, technology, listing strategies, buyer strategies) to be terrific learning, with great instructors. Our industry has been criticized for a long time about the quality of many of its practitioners, and many agents themselves feel that the licensing process in many states is too simple, and that many who practice real estate are not qualified to do so. I feel the CRS classes go a long way toward advancing the skills and knowledge of those who earn the designation. The classes I have taken provided me with substantial knowledge and techniques to better serve my buyer and seller clients, Adan to further my real estate business. With the changes that have occurred in the market and the use of technology it it critical that our classes continue to be modified and updated, to reflect current conditions and issues.
• I also saw a value in the networking potential, among an elite group of practitioners nationally - yet another way to learn more about the business and share ideas with REALTORS from other states, in different markets, and with other issues. The annual Sell-a-Bration Convention is a great example of the networking, and continuing education, possibilities. 
• Finally, the opportunity to share referrals, in both directions, is enormous, and the many stories of CRS members who have found others to refer to or who have received referrals, is testimony to the success of the CRS referral network. I have a particular interest in relocation, having done so 4 times myself and from assisting many others move around the country.

Visit the CRS website for more on the Value of Becoming a CRS.

So why did YOU decide to become a CRS?