Ever hear a fellow agent say, "I'm not making any money; I have to get a "real job"?
If so, you probably think a frustrated response, "I can't believe my ears! Being a real estate agent is a real job, and if done properly, a very respectable career."
And you are so right. A real estate career is better than any 9-5; essentially you get to write your own paychecks. When you get a "real job" you are told exactly what you can possibly expect to make and no more!
In real estate, how much you make depends on what you're willing to do for the money.
Have you ever seen those, "What people would do for money" tv shows? Hilarious stuff, and it blows me away to see how people will eat dirt, jump out of planes, skip down Main street in a tutu singing "I Feel Pretty" or whatever, for $1000 bucks (if they're lucky), but some agents find it utterly embarrassing to hand their business card to a complete stranger to possibly make 10 times that.
Well, here's your chance. Suck it up and block out the fear of rejection. Get ready for the challenge, and focus on making that money!
Think about prospects. Is there anywhere that you frequent, that you might know a cashier or clerk by site but you don't know their name. Could you not say to this person:
"This might sound strange but we've never been properly introduced, (stick out your hand) I'm (your name). I am a realtor with (your company); here is my card if you ever have any questions I could help you with just give me a call."
That's it! You didn't start prying into their life with a bunch of personal questions about whether they own or rent. You didn't jump on them to buy or sell a house. All you did was introduce yourself and plant a seed for the future. Now they are going to continue to see you in that place you frequent, and some day they will have a real estate question, and they will ask YOU! You weren't too high and mighty to approach them so they won't feel the least bit uncomfortable approaching you.
Take this same principal to your neighborhood, go door to door (with a partner for safety) say:
"Hi, my name is … . I live just around the corner, and I am going around to all my neighbors to "introduce myself" (hand them your card) because I'm a Realtor, I know this neighborhood, I love this neighborhood ... . If there's anything I can help you with give me a call. Thank you for your time, Have a great day."
Quick and painless, and best of all FREE! You could also hand out some promotional item, like a calendar fridge magnet.
There should not be a living soul that you know, kind of know, or want of know, that you haven't told about your exciting new career. You can do that right?
But sometimes you need money now. Deciding to get a secondary job besides your real estate business is a tricky, and very personal, decision. No one can tell you what the right answer is. If you have a secondary job, you will have less time to devote to really getting your business up and going. Many clients don't want to work with a "part-time" agent, feeling that the agent's alliance is placed elsewhere. But on the same token, being behind in your bills and putting your family under undo financial stress is never a good way to start a new career.
Just remember: Anyone with enough heart and drive to reach for the stars can be successful in real estate.
The fact of the matter is there are people who let fear keep them from what they want. Don't fear. Just set goals and work tirelessly towards them!
