I'm taking my exam July 9th, and would like to ahve a lot of it in place before I start. I've interviewed brokerages and have narrowed it down to 2, though I have 2 more interviwes to go.

I'm worried about my SOI- I know that I won't have anybusiness through them for awhile, so I need to increase it. Can anyoen recommend books on marketing? I have already ordered some of Seth Godin's books, but am hoping for more, or suggestions as to what works.

I plan to have my website set up in advance, and I'm hoping to start a blog on my site/write articles pertinent to RE. I'd like to do 3-5 a week for the enxt month, so that I have some content when I "go live".

So, fully developed website, blog... good start? Other suggestions? I'd like to also have a developed business plan. Does anyone know of a good template to use?

Also, everyone says to focus on a niche market and stick to it. Can someone provide examples of what a niche market is? New home buyers, sure. My FIL and BIL are realtors, and pretty much have this market cornered. I was thinking I could target real estate investors- I work with 4 people who have rentals (as well as myself). Should I focus solely on this and "brand" myself as that or as a newbie should I take whatever I can get? I'm a bit confused about the whole branding concept. Am I making my name a Brand ?:)

I'm desperate to make this work. I have 2 realtors in business, but my whole purpose for getting into real estate was to be self employed and an entrepeneur. I love that I can rely on them for advice/help, but I don't want to cut into their profit and be dead weight. I also want to get as much set up as possible befroe quit my dayjob, so that I can be successful.

Hi Eternity! Welcome to the world of real estate sales!

You ask some great questions; I can tell you're really giving this some thought. I'm going to refer you to some past threads to answer some of them... stand by.

Regarding niche marketing - nah. It's way way too early for that. You have so much to learn in the next six months and frankly, today you have no idea what your ideal niche market might end up being. In the beginning, you'll be delighted with any business that crosses your path and eventually you'll gravitate toward a certain type of client or property type... or not. You may always be a generalist and that's just fine.

Ditto with a brand. At some point down the road, you will discover WHO you are as a real estate agent and what value you uniquely bring to the table. Then you can focus on promoting that value within your brand. Now, if you want to create a fancy signature logo, go for it, but don't spend any time or energy or money creating a brand right now.

Good plan on the website/blog. Keep it up and you'll be glad you did.

Okay, be back in a little bit with some links.

Business plan: http://www.agentsonline.net/forums/ubbth...html#Post339225

SOI: http://www.agentsonline.net/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/341161/SOI.html#Post341161

I have a ton of stuff about SOI on my SOI blog, and I know there are other threads here about it, but I can't seem to find the ones I'm looking for. I'll keep at it.

I started out focusing on investors. They are good repeat customers, something you don't get often in this business. You can develope a good base with a handfull of active investors, buying, selling, and renting.

Eternity,
Buy Jennifer's book Sell With Soul. Well worth the twenty bucks!

Oh, cool, good luck on your exam. Right, you will have a lot to learn and right away. Learn the contracts all the other basic routine stuff you'll need to know. Hopefully your broker will be training you. If not, try to find a mentor, someone you can turn to when you need them at any given time. You'll want a few good agents you can call to ask questions when you need answers fast!