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Rainer
97,816
Carol Wilson
Your $imple Home - Toronto, ON

Welcome to ActiveRain, Laurie Reeves.  Reaching out like this was a good idea.  It can feel very hopeless when you're in the wrong fishbowl, like you are the problem.  But that is not true.  You have done something very courageous, to leave everything behind and start from scratch.  Remember that about yourself; don't write it off and the rest of your good qualities as well.  Here are my suggestions:

1. Go to the websites of those who say their sites are generating leads.  See how they have set theirs up to do that.  Once you see that, you'll be able to.

2. Find a charitable cause you love and meet people.  Or join a knitting club or some other activity that lets you meet people.  This will increase your sphere of influence....

3. Don't underestimate the value of blogging, on your site and on ActiveRain. If you get known here, people will send you referrals.  They know someone who wants to move to your area, etc.  Saw one just this week.

4. There is a lot of other good advice already shared.  I didn't repeat it.

5. You might check out my blog about what worked, and take stock of this past year.  Then save what has been worthwhile, and start over.  I'm not saying dump your broker; just start over as a practice exercise, a what if, and really let yourself imagine it from a fresh start.

6. Take a little time, Laurie, to see what kind of SOI you want to have.  What kind of people do you want to hang with?  Love knitting?  Join a knitting club, maybe one that knits things for seniors who have dementia (or not...but if they are reaching out to others, you'll have a bigger sphere of influence).  Love singing?  Join a choir or a church or a hospice choir...any place where people are meeting and you love what they are doing.  Create your network, and get interested in those people.  It won't be long before they also get interested in you.

You can make it.  Send a message deep within that you want to change to successful now, and to lead you to it.  You're worth it.        :  )

Sep 02, 2016 03:55 PM
Ambassador
5,049,183
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Generating leads by referral from present and past clients and your sphere of influence

Sep 02, 2016 12:12 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

face to face, face to face...I am not stuttering just emphasizing. A

Sep 02, 2016 11:55 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I am the best lead generation system - as well you should be also

Sep 02, 2016 11:55 PM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

Laurie Reeves I tried Landvoice when I first got my licenses.  I'm not much on cold calling and didn't use the service over a month.  My suggestion is net working and using the Internet to generate your own leads.  Blogging & Facebook groups have been good for me.  I'm sure you will get many suggestions here by experienced agents.  

Sep 02, 2016 02:54 PM
Rainmaker
469,510
Dan & Laurie Pittsenbarger Team
Keller Williams Western Realty - Bellingham, WA
Lakeside & Coastal Single Family Homes

Never have used any of the systems you mentioned. I keep in touch with my sphere for the majority of my lead gen although I do get web leads, open house leads, sign calls etc - but when I need an appointment I get on the phone.

Sep 02, 2016 12:30 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Personal Website Laurie Reeves 

Sep 02, 2016 12:16 PM
Rainmaker
400,356
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

Host open house often.  If you don't have your own listings, ask colleagues if you can hold theirs open.  You'll meet people interested in buying or selling real estate.  I've done multiple transactions with many people I met at open house when I first started. 

Sep 02, 2016 11:58 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Whatever you do, the consistency of your activity is a key. 

Sep 02, 2016 03:26 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,948
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Laurie - two thoughts - Being in such a small office can be holding you back. There isn't enough business for you to be able to hold open houses and that sounds like a problem! In addition you probably aren't getting much training. I got my first listing by door knocking in my neighborhood. You can also work FSBOs - go to Trulia or Zillow and see where the FSBOs are. Frequently they show up on those sites before they list with a discount broker in the MLS so you want to grab them before they list.  

Finally - I know that Keller is not inexpensive but once you cap the $ is all yours. The split even for an agent with one year of experience is less than at many traditional brokerages and the education is fantastic.  I feel like my business has grown so much since I came to Keller (and got Kellerized) that it is worth the additional fees. When you do cap then you really feel like you are getting a much better deal at Keller than you would at a traditional brokerage.  Good luck and if you ever want to talk, just give me a call! 

Sep 02, 2016 01:20 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I agree with Mary Yonkers.

Sep 02, 2016 11:57 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

I have never used any of the above.  Good old-fashioned networking + blogging.

Sep 02, 2016 11:25 AM
Rainer
87,122
Chris Locke
Acton, CA

postAprop.com - delivers the best ROI for your business. Don't be fooled buy the low price point, it delivers.

Sep 05, 2016 11:46 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Have not used those; generated my own.

Sep 03, 2016 03:46 AM
Rainer
232,019
Jessie Cochran
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Panama City Realty Group

I do very well at lead gen and don't need any other costly system to take a percentage of my income

Sep 03, 2016 12:27 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

blogging and marketing to Google.... if Google likes what you do and you follow Google's forever changing algorithms, you can't lose... AND IT'S FREE...AND YOU HAVE FULL CONTROL OF THE FREQUENCY....

Sep 02, 2016 11:48 PM
Rainer
3,020
Laurie Reeves
Ameritrust Group, LLC - Apollo Beach, FL
Realtor serving Greater Tampa Area

I have a website. But not a landing page. I can't figure out how to create one for my website

Sep 02, 2016 10:03 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

You need to be on a TEAM where the TL will supply you with buyer leads to get you Cash Flowing .asap !!!!!!!! Go interview at KW and tell them you want to be on a team 

Sep 02, 2016 06:20 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Laurie Reeves - the one that you use! I use none of these and simply use my own phone to call my sphere of influence - and it works!

Sep 02, 2016 03:17 PM
Rainer
94,105
Val Evans
Scottsdale, AZ

Join a successful team. You'll have more leads than you can handle. Find out who is listing the most homes in your area and ask if they need help. You'll make way more money then going at it alone. Once you get established then think about going out on your own, or expanding the team to other areas.

Sep 02, 2016 02:54 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

I generate my own leads through my sphere of influence and past clients.

Sep 02, 2016 02:22 PM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

We use our website. Make it current, inviting, and make sure it captures leads.

Sep 02, 2016 02:17 PM
Ambassador
5,230,079
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Never used any of them but, I do work my sphere, keep in touch with my clients and work my website for leads for my team.  It works and is far cheaper (and far more fun!) than working lead-gen systems!  Good luck!

Sep 02, 2016 02:12 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Talk to everyone you know and do it again in a month and again and again.  Talk to everyone you meet

Sep 02, 2016 12:46 PM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

I have been leaning toward brivity.

Sep 02, 2016 12:36 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Do you want to know the best of our the least expensive? Try mocha

Sep 02, 2016 12:03 PM
Rainmaker
1,197,152
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

Are you still here on active rain? You had an interesting first blog guestion  but then you stopped?

Feb 05, 2017 12:30 AM
Rainmaker
960,316
Larry Brewer - Benchmark Realty llc
Benchmark Realty LLc - Nashville, TN

I agree with Jeff Dowler, as do most of the people here. Start building a database and keep in touch with your family, friends, and neighbors. I send post cards monthly and phone calls as much as possible. E-mail has become Spam, so unless they ask, I don't send them anything via e-mail.

Blog about your favorite neighborhoods, it will get attention, and you will become the expert.

 

Sep 06, 2016 07:14 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Sold sign and Sphere of Influence.  Just picked up a buyer client two days ago from SOI.

Sep 04, 2016 04:07 AM
Ambassador
6,393,404
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Only two;

  1. my telephone - referral from those clients and colleages that I call
  2. my blog - shared with other social media sites
Sep 04, 2016 03:59 AM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Run from the lead sellers.  Spend your money of a Brian Buffini program.

Sep 03, 2016 03:15 PM
Rainmaker
953,617
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

Had great success with ReboGateway. 

Sep 03, 2016 06:19 AM
Rainmaker
4,160,812
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Laurie Reeves Many sites offer lead generation. Personal referrals re the best.

Sep 03, 2016 05:22 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,677
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Work your network with people that you know.  It is freeand get your name out there.  How many business cards is yourgoal per week to get out?

Sep 03, 2016 04:20 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I do not know.

Sep 03, 2016 01:56 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

My sphere of influence and blogging to be honest.

Sep 03, 2016 01:28 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

I am not familiar with your list of systems. 

To determine "best", you need to determine the criteria to use in order to perform the evaluation.

Sep 03, 2016 12:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Laurie Reeves The best lead generation system is networking and it is free.

Sep 02, 2016 11:51 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,398
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Here to read the interesting comments of other Rainers. Use none of the systems you named! 

Sep 02, 2016 11:50 PM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

The best system is one that you set up for yourself and not pay or rely on others to do for you.

Sep 02, 2016 11:39 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

ActiveRain is a great place to ask questions and learn from others.  

There will always be bright and shiny objects that will tout incredible results will be achieved through an opportunity that will more than pay for itself with your first closing.   

Be careful.  

Sep 02, 2016 11:35 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Your face to face connections

Sep 02, 2016 11:31 PM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

We get all of our leads from referrals, marketing, and prospecting.

Sep 02, 2016 11:26 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I found the best is prospecting.  Invite people to contact you.

Sep 02, 2016 10:30 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

of those mentioned we currently use RedX

Sep 02, 2016 09:59 PM
Rainmaker
3,340,443
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Being a part of a team to start may help you....small offices may be intriguing because of lower overhead and the promise of more money but a difficult place to start. I agree with Lise Howe ...If you want to talk about KW either one of us is happy to do so.

Sep 02, 2016 09:46 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Referrals from you current and past clients and SOI.

Sep 02, 2016 09:40 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

I use the RedX have been for 8 years now.  However, in the end it is always better eyeball to eyeball. 

Sep 02, 2016 08:55 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Face to face contacts.

Sep 02, 2016 08:45 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,817
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

BOOM! Jeff Dowler gave you the best answer. I'll add that comes from working your CRM; your database is your goldmine.

Sep 02, 2016 03:05 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Possibly from your site. They read a blog or ans something and like it.

The more you blog the more leads you get.

Sep 02, 2016 01:02 PM