When real estate agents talk with me about developing their geographic territory, I tell them they need more than my prospecting letters. They also need to get out in the neighborhoods and be visible.
If you’re working on becoming “The” agent in a territory, get out and meet your prospects. Attend their yard sales, shop in their stores, have lunch 
in their coffee shops, attend their school’s sporting events.
AND – join organizations that include your prospects.
Make the effort to join the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Lions Club, Toastmasters, your school’s Booster Club, or a charitable organization. If you’re working in your own neighborhood and you have a Homeowner’s Association, be sure to attend the meetings.
If your prospects are young families with school-age children consider becoming involved with scouting or little league. If you’re going after a specific niche, such as waterfront homes or equestrian property, see if you can find a group to join that includes those homeowners.
If you stop and think about all the organizations that you could join, the possibilities are endless.
One caution: Only join organizations that actually interest you, and don’t join so many that you don’t have time for work and family!
And then, once you’ve joined, do what Bob Bly suggests:
***How to stand out at networking events***
If you belong to a group or organization for the networking, consider becoming an officer of the group.
For decades I have advised businesspeople that, if they are going to network in a group or organization, the worst way is to attend as an ordinary member. A much better strategy is to boost your visibility by volunteering to be an officer of the group or head a committee.
Marketing consultant Sandra Lee Schubert agrees. “If you belong to a group or organization, consider joining the leadership team,” she advises.
Spearhead a committee, plan an event, donate your products, or volunteer your specialty services and time. Be of service in the group, even if it means making the coffee or staffing the registration table. But be ready to step into a leadership position.
The more you get involved, the more impact you will make in the lives and business of others. The more you create stronger relationships, the more people get to know you and your business. “Be the go to person for future business, by being the person your groups can count on. It also looks good on a resume,” Schubert advises.
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This article appears courtesy of Bob Bly’s Direct Response Letter. Bob is a master marketer and copywriter who freely shares his advice with subscribers. If you’d like to receive his common-sense marketing advice (which I recommend), just go to www.bly.com.
Image courtesy of franky242 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
