It depends on how well they know you and like you. Seems to be a bit pushy to just start sending them a letter simply to ask for business and referrals, especially if you have not stayed in touch, so I would provide something else of value. It could take a while to see results.

It depends on many many factors... the message, the strength of your data base, your relationship with them, their perception of your expertise.... etc, etc, etc.

Make it more personal... phone call, coffee, etc.

Somewhere between a day and an eternity.

Depends on the letter and the database quality.

Great question.  Direct Mail has an average success rate of 2%, which increases on every follow up piece of mail. 

Many factors go into the 2% success rate, however the basics are said to be.  60% of the success rate is directly proportional to whom you are sending to, 30% comes from the offer, and 10% comes from the Call-to-Action.

Give your clients something of value to increase your success rate.  

Bob Crane has this one covered. From here to eternity!

Devon mann - I'd recommend do it systematically. There is no guarantee when you'll see the results.

I am coached by Buffini & Company - and they have an excellent system for this.

Read the Millionaire Real Estate agent to see the answer

Depends - if your wording is spot on you could receive responses very quickly if not, perhaps never

Bob Crane nailed this one!

Wow, great answers. I remember doing this 20 years ago when I first started. I will say, it was a different time then. There is much more competition right now for your sphere of influence. I have two nephews that just went into real estate and my cousin runs his own real estate company, so lots of lap overs. :) My advice is stay involved in community whether that be church, community events, societies, hobbies etc...Make sure people know you are in real estate, and then just let it sit. Internet leads and marketing helped me through my middle years and now I am reaping past clients, word of mouth referrals and the benefits of being in business a long time. I continue to do all of the things I've always done (internet/marketing etc.). Good luck!

If your letters are considered as junk mail, do not expect any response. Start sending hand written notes that have meaning and meet face to face with several of those people each day. 

Agents who act like they are entitled turn off their prospects.

 Are you skilled enough to represent people whose life saving depends on the outcome of your skills and knowledge?  Until someone has a good track record few want to find out if you are good or not. In our area, everyone has a relative or sibling who has a realtor or broker license.  My gardener and painter both list or show homes.

It depends on if they now of any one that is looking to buy or sell

Could be a day or years

I have never ASKED for business, but have regular conversations with my sphere, which gives me business.

It depends on many factors.  There is no one answer.

Exactly: 16 days, 12 hours, 43 minutes and 16.3 seconds.

There is no hard and fast rule.  You may get someone who just had a buddy ask them or it may take years.

Perhaps never

It depend when they need your services. Provide a valuable information about the market and keep them on the hook till they are ready to call you.

Devon, 

If you are asking this question here, I assume that you will get almost no leads at all from it. 

http://blog.hubstaff.com/sales-vs-marketing/  is a great article I found about outbound vs. inbound leads. 

I agree with what is in this article. I have seen it in my own business.  

People don't want to be interrupted.  They usually don't want what you have to offer. 

People need to find you. 

So the secret is to find a marketing strategy that helps people who are looking for what you sell to find you! 

Good luck!

It depends... but I've never sent such letters to any of my SOI. The get repeat and referral business based on the good service I provided in the past and by staying in touch with my sphere on an ongoing basis.

It depends.

That all depends on your letter!

Hope it works. Will not know until you try. Do not beat them up if they do not know anyone yet

Depends as others have said in their answers.  Good luck Devon mann 

Already some great responses!

Your people in your database have lives so don't expect a quick turn around, and it depends on how they feel about your professionalism and service, as well as do they have someone they know ready to buy or sell?

There are a lot of factors that come into play. Be consistent and also trying giving them a call...do that first and then follow up with a thank you note. Thank them for taking your call and for the nice conversation. 

Depends upon the database, the message and the quality of the message. If you're looking for a quicker result, begin phoning your sphere.  You don't have to ask for business, just ask about THEM.  They will eventually ask you how the market is and take it from there!

I would say you should have 2% hit rate

Too many variables to predict. Just be consistent with whatever marketing plan you decide to go with.

Depends on your relationships with them....

It is hard to say, just keep in touch with everyone and hope for the best!

This so depends on your database. In some cases, it may happen immediately. In others, it may take 10 tries before you get a result. In many cases, nothing will come of it.

Devon,

Results are directly related to the craftsmanship exhibited in the creation of the message.

Since you are writing to those you know and who know you, results may occur more quickly if you 'connect' your message to their favorable memory of their journey and passion with you.

Then share this new direction in your life. The opportunity to change the lives of others in a meaningful way. Share how you FEEL. The uncertainty of a new direction. The honor of calling them friend.

AND be very, very, very clear regarding what you want them to do next. This is not as simple as you might think. If you are clear, if your message resonates, results will be immediate.

Best of success,

Annette.

Depends on the size of your database. Also the quality in it. Past clients respond most often.