I have just entered into the world of real estate. Like most, I will be conducting business as an independent contractor with my broker. I am looking for a business plan template to follow to try to start my business in the right direction. Does anyone have a direction to point me?

Prospect, prospect, and then prospect some more. No Joke! What you do today affects your business 30, 60, and 90 days from now.

Great advice from ttown.

Yes, this is a such a people business. The key really is to focus on lead generation...and then lead conversion.

I would encourage you to find a top team in your market to plug in with. A great way to learn the real estate business yet leverage the collective success of the entire team in listing appts, etc.

Good luck!

KMW, you should read Gary Keller's "Millionaire Real Estate Agent"

That has some good ideas even when you're starting out.

In fact, if you build your business thinking of it BIG, then it will actually get BIG in a hurry!

I would recommend finding smaller broker that provides leads and one on one training. You can make money and get excellent training while mentoring through your first few years. Having said that, concentrate on a good marketing campaign in the background to build your business, gain exposure and generate leads, focus your effors on and offline.

I like this book and theory. Our own Jennifer Allen has some great material as well. As far as an actual business plan, you need to create it your self. My plan is a road map. Sometimes the course changes dramatically and I have to take a different path. I found that straying from the planned path got me to the end (meeting my goals) faster than the mapped out plan. I also have yelled at my self for straying off of the designated path.

The key is, tell everyone you talk to about your business. I love Jennifers style and Brian Buffini as its done in a non salesman like style. Keller is a bit more salesman like but still can be done in a subtle way.