21 Hidden Opportunities for Realtors® Under Quarantine
The spread of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 has rocked everyone back on their heels. For many small business owners, but especially those of us who work as Realtors®, it’s done more than that; it has knocked them clear to the ground. With most real estate offices across the country closed and agents told to work from home, many Realtors are scrambling to cope with a new work environment as well as figure out just what they should do with themselves.
If you’re sitting on the couch right now in your underwear wondering what you should do today, get up, get dressed, and get going. This is NOT the time to hide. There are actually many hidden opportunities for you to build your business stronger even while we’re dealing with this crisis.
Here are some things you can do right now to keep your business moving:
1. Make an “As Soon As This Passes” Plan With Every Client
Let’s be totally clear about something: This season of anxiety and social distancing will pass. We’re going to figure this thing out, and life (and your real estate business) are going to start making moves back to normal. Sometimes it’s hard for your clients to see past their current fears, so help them do that with a personalized “as soon as this passes” plan.
Take some time to think about each of your clients individually and what unique needs they have. What is going to help them weather this storm? Consider what actions and strategies are going to create solutions for their real estate goals. Use our As Soon As This Passes Plan Template and write these ideas down so they’re easily shareable with your clients.
Then, reach out to your clients one at a time and request a video conference with them. Once you finish presenting your plan or if you can’t reach them, send them your plan and make sure to mention that this is a unique, personalized plan that you developed just for them. Every agent is sending out a “what next” email. Yours are going to be personalized so your clients know you are still working hard for them as individuals, not “clients.”
2. Sort Through Your CRM Contacts One by One; Filling in the Gaps
In the same way that your website is the hub of your customer-facing real estate operation, your CRM is the hub of your agent-facing operation. If used properly, your CRM tracks every client interaction, helps you identify lead opportunities, and gives you the tools to manage your lead funnel so that the most important clients get the attention they need at the time they need it.
A CRM’s effectiveness is magnified when your clients’ profiles are filled out with as much information as possible. A name, phone number, and email address are great, but imagine the sort of personalized, timely communication you could plan for your clients if you had birthdays, anniversaries, closing dates, and social media profiles there?
Go through each of your contacts one by one, find and fill in as much information as you can.
If you don’t have a CRM and are leery of making big purchases now, Freshsales will get the job done well, and it’s very affordable at only $12 per month. Plus, they have a free 21-day trial you can start without even entering your credit card, so you have nothing to lose.
Keep Reading Article with Author, The Close
DISCLAIMER: Please note that the COVID-19 pandemic is evolving daily. Make sure to observe the CDC Guidelines as well as the Federal, State, and Local Orders. For legal questions, please contact the Florida Realtors® Legal Hotline.