I just went through the entire thread and wrote down a lot of good information, thank you!

If it helps, I read it, if not, than I go on to the next thread. I have found this thread to be enormously helpful and very inspiring. In my whole sphere of influence there has not been a buyer or seller as of yet....So far I have done well with cold calling orphans from my office (2 transactions), door knocking resulted in my biggest transaction yet that sold in 20 days, one couple going through an open house bought a house from me but big problems with another agent saying they were her clients, and then a couple referrals from a rental I did. I got the rental from another agent in my office that didn't want it but they keep referring me now! Great!

I believe the intent of the thread was to share information and success stories.

I started this thread to share ideas with like minded agents wanting to increase their business by 10-20% annually.

I just thought it was somebody's Personal Diary.

I thought this was the intent.

Chased away by the bullies?

No one is bullying anyone. Is no one to be scrutinized? What a boring discussion it might be if we all just blew smoke up each other's a$$es.

I'm pretty sure there have been times that you disagreed with people on this board or thought they might be puffing their figures. And why would anyone take any of it personally?

Maybe it is Mike Ferry trying to drum up business?

Ha! If this thread made them turn and run away, how in the world could they handle cold calling? LOL

I am in San Diego, sitting in my room on the 29th floor of the Hyatt for the Mike Ferr One on One retreat. 2000 agressive like minded agents looking for that spark that will take their business to the next level. (Me included). I will summarize what I personally get out of the retreat for those interested.

I think it's time we all admit that we ALL can learn something, even from people we don't agree with. I think there is a thin line between confidence and arrogance, and we all will draw that line in a different place. I'm not personally a big Mike Ferry fan, but it has nothing to do with whether I believe his system is effective or not, because I know several of his "kool aid drinkers" locally, that are really kicking butt!

The only negative from my point of view, other than the fact that I hate cold call prospecting, is that the system is based on agent success ONLY, not necessarily what is good for the client (in MY opinion). Of course, one could always combine the system with a GREAT customer service system, and really knock em out!

[quote=TB in TX][quote=Bigtoe][quote=TB in TX]I've been here a long time, and I've seen plenty of guys like you come and go [/quote]

Chased away by the bullies? [/quote]

No one is bullying anyone. Is no one to be scrutinized? What a boring discussion it might be if we all just blew smoke up each other's a$$es.

I'm pretty sure there have been times that you disagreed with people on this board or thought they might be puffing their figures. And why would anyone take any of it personally? [/quote]

TB, Have you tried Lucky's or estate real's approach? What are your figures? Do you have any other recommendations for someone that is new to the business and their sphere is not buying or selling right now?

I do take very good care of my clients and look for referral opportunities. They are happy with my service but what else can be done besides calling and prospecting? People are not buying and selling like they used to.

Thanks!

Read my previous posts in this thread. I am in a strong market where Southern etiquette is still en vogue, and good old fashioned relationship-building methods, hard work and good reputations go a long way.

If, as you say, people are not buying and selling like they used to, then you really need to analyze your market. Is that really true? I doubt it. There are sales going on, just not with you.

There are tons of ways to generate leads. Cold calling is just one of them. Sure, it works for some people - but it's not the gospel. It's not the only way. Everyone has to find the most efficient way for them and commit to it. For lucky, it's the phone. For me, it's community involvement/sphere building, mail, internet leads, etc. Find what works for you.

Our market is not as robust as it was five years ago. However, there are sales going on just not with me YET!

I am out there every day, contacting and talking with expireds and FSBO's, cold calling, and doorknocking neighborhoods. I need to build my listing bank now, I am in a position of sink or swim. Five transactions thus far is great but I am looking for 50 this year, it is my first full year.

So far so good :)

[quote=lucky]
I am in San Diego, sitting in my room on the 29th floor of the Hyatt for the Mike Ferr One on One retreat. 2000 agressive like minded agents looking for that spark that will take their business to the next level. (Me included). I will summarize what I personally get out of the retreat for those interested. [/quote]

Yes, please do.

My technique has been blogging and SOI'ing. Lucky claims he sees no value in a website; my website and my SOI has managed to help me outsell over 400 agents in my market and rank me in the top 30. In my office I am the #3 person for sales volume and number of transactions. I won't talk "figures" because most of you would laugh at the average price of homes in my area...lol...let's just say I am happy with my results.

I compared my income for 2009 to the avergage income of real estate agents in PA (a gov't site I found that pools all this info...not sure how accurate it is...their most recent numbers were for 2008.)

IN 2009, I made significantly more than the average agent in my area did in 2008 when the market wasn't AS bad... more than the average agent in the Philly area where prices are higher than my area, and more than the average agent in the STATE.

I don't like pi$$ing contests and I think it's rather uncouth to state how much your income is - but since you asked for figures there they are, sort of.

I based my income on GCI, since I really don't have all that many expenses; my website hosting, gas & vehicle maintenance. Naturally it's before taxes; not sure if the numbers on the website I found were gross or net income. Either way, I did very well for my area....out selling a lot of agents who've been in the business longer than I've been alive.

There is value in a website, a blog, and your SOI - IF you know how to work 'em.