In today’s competitive home building market, setting up an Online Sales Counselor (OSC) program that truly drives results is essential. However, time and time again, I see companies making key mistakes that limit their OSCs’ ability to build rapport with potential buyers and, ultimately, secure stronger appointments that will convert to sales. These errors often stem from unrealistic expectations around follow-up times and interaction quality, undermining what could be a highly effective lead engagement strategy. Here, we’ll look at two specific examples I’ve encountered recently,…
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The True Cost of Doing Business, and the Hidden Expense of Not Having a Well-Trained OSC
When it comes to building homes, every builder knows the phrase cost of doing business. But what’s less often discussed is the cost of not doing business the right way. Especially when it comes to your Online Sales Counselor (OSC) program. Profit Margins in Homebuilding According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the average net profit margin for builders was 7.0% in 2020 and rose to 8.7% in 2023, the highest in more…
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Marketing Messages vs. OSC Communication: Why Your Emails Should Sound Human
Let’s talk about something that trips up a lot of OSCs, especially those just getting their feet under them: the difference between marketing messaging and your communication as an Online Sales Counselor. Yes, yes… I know you’re working for a home builder. And yes, marketing is super important. It drives interest. It tells the brand story. It pulls people in. But here’s the deal OSCs: you’re not marketing. You’re communicating. Once that lead hits your…
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We Make Time for What We Truly Value – Part 2: Resolving the Tug-of-War Between Growth and Balance
Let’s pick up where we left off. In Part 1, we explored the idea that we naturally value what we prioritize. Our calendars, to-do lists, and mental energy are often the truest indicators of what really matters to us. But if that’s true… what happens when we feel like we’re stuck between two values? Welcome to the tug-of-war between professional growth and work-life balance. This is one of the most common internal battles people across…
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AI Can Be an OSC’s BFF… But It Still Needs a Chaperone
AI is everywhere right now. And in the OSC world, it can be a great tool – or a nightmare. AI can be like that super-organized friend who always has a to-do list, a backup plan, and a fully stocked snack drawer. It can help you stay on top of lead response, follow-up, and appointment setting without breaking a sweat. It’s fast. It’s tireless. It doesn’t panic when you come back to 42 new leads…
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We Value What We Prioritize: Rethinking Balance and Growth
Lately, I’ve swapped my mindless Facebook scrolling for something a little more intentional, LinkedIn. Fewer ads, more inspiration, and the chance to connect with friends and colleagues in the industry. So when I came across a post from Morgan Lurz, President of Cannonball Moments, I had to stop the scroll. She wrote: “Forget work-life balance—what we truly value is what we prioritize. I’ve been knee-deep in interviews lately, and nearly every candidate brings up that…
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How to Train Your Dragon… I Mean, Your AI!
I am a huge How to Train Your Dragon Fan. Not just because my husband loves animated movies and has bought me all the dragon stuffed animals that have been created from the original movies. But also, because dragons are amazing! And at the same time, they can seem scary. But when you try to get along with them, they can be your best friend! AI can feel a little dragon-like at first. There are…
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