Posted by: Joey Anthros, ReferralGENIE™
Updated: January 15, 2019
Most happy clients will tell you they would gladly refer your business, but very few actually do. That’s often simply because your name isn’t at the top of their minds. Here are five reasons why keeping communication open with past real estate clients should be as much of a priority in growing your real estate business as networking for new leads is.
You’ve likely worked with a professional service provider before and had an exceptional experience. You were probably very happy with the services they provided, and may have even developed a friendship. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. That’s not exactly the case when it comes to your relationship with past clients. Find creative ways and reasons to stay in touch with past real estate clients. For example, as you put together your social media plan, perhaps think of a way to use your Facebook page or profile to reach out. The goal is to remind them of your exceptional service, and increase the likelihood of more referrals.
Every time you engage with a past real estate client, you have the opportunity to learn a bit more about them. For example, you may learn that they have a sister who is selling her home and moving to be closer to family. It’s likely that she will soon be in the market for a new home. The more you engage, ask questions, and listen to your clients, the better you can uncover an opportunity to offer your valuable service and help in any open real estate needs.
Generally speaking, people tend to associate with people like themselves. If you help a successful young family find a home, it’s highly likely they will have many other friends who are of the same mindset and in the same stage of their lives. Keeping up with past clients can, in time, generate tremendous opportunities for you to grow your lead list and provide exceptional service to their friends and family.
You could throw an annual holiday party and tell all your real estate clients to bring a friend or family member. This will demonstrate your sincere appreciation for the opportunity to serve them while you meet new people. Some of them may be looking for a good real estate agent in the future.
Visiting your clients often will organically allow you to identify when they need additional professional services. For example, if a young married couple purchased a home two years ago, you might learn that they have recently had a child and are in need of legal services. This is an opportunity for you to help your client and also help a business partner. The law of reciprocity dictates that if you help someone else, they will later be compelled to help you, too.
Professional development education is full of helpful information about lead generation, client relationships, and referrals. Visit the Kaplan Real Estate Education page, select your state, and click Professional Development in the righthand navigation to find out how to accelerate your career.
Joey Anthros is with the ReferralGENIE™ Account Management Program at ReferralGENIE™. Joey helps real estate agents all over the country grow their business through effective and powerful marketing, presented consistently throughout the home ownership life-cycle. Have questions? Visit the ReferralGENIE™ website for more information and a free trial of their referral generation service.
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