Real Estate Agents: 5 Ways to Work Smarter — and Get Better Results!

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Work smarter, not harder.” That bit of wisdom has been around for decades, since business guru Allan F. Mogensen first coined the phrase in the 1930s. Yes, it’s as old as the hills. But there’s no doubt the advice continues to be right on today.

This is especially true when it comes to your real estate marketing. The smarter you work, the more leads and real estate referrals you’ll get. And, as a spin-off benefit, your work-day becomes easier, too.

Chances are, you’re already doing some smart things when it comes to real estate marketing. However, there may be opportunities to work even smarter. Take a look at this list of ideas.

1. Use a task list and calendar. This may seem like an obvious and simplistic idea, but it’s an area that can cost you a lot of time and opportunities if you’re not careful. The last thing you want is a missed prospect call or an important to-do left undone. Ideally, use a task list and calendar where you can set up reminders.
2. Keep-in-touch reminders. While reminders for tasks and appointments saves you time and worry, they can also help bring in more business. That’s why using a real estate marketing system that lets you to set up automatic stay-in-touch reminders for follow-up calls and visits, client birthdays, etc. is such a smart idea. It helps you stay top-of-mind and, ultimately, leads to better lead conversion and more real estate referrals.
3. Done-for-you, but customizable. When it comes to marketing, you definitely want to work smarter, not harder! For example, if you’re using a real estate direct mail newsletter to stay-in-touch with previous clients — a smart idea! — you want to use a real estate marketing service that does the design, printing, and even writing for you. But be careful. You don’t want a cookie-cutter marketing piece. You want it to be customizable.
4. Use GPS. Chances are, you’re already using Google Maps, MapQuest or some other mapping app to find your way around the neighbourhoods you target. But there’s much more you can do with this technology. For example, you can create a map route for prospects to a listed property, take a picture, and send it to them! You can also use Google Maps to show prospects aerial views of nearby features, such as green space.
5. Get help. As your business grows, you hit what entrepreneurial experts call “the ceiling of complexity.” In other words, you become overwhelmed and overworked. When that happens, it may be time to consider hiring an assistant to help with time-consuming tasks, such as setting up an Open House. Your hiring investment will likely more than pay off in the additional prospects, listings and clients you’ll now have time to handle.

Take a close look at your real estate marketing activities this week. Is there a way you can work a little smarter, perhaps with one of these ideas? If so, try it. It sure beats working harder!