Unlocking CRM Potential: What to Look for and Why

Let’s get this out of the way right now: I am not a CRM implementation expert. My job is to train and strategize with Online Sales Counselors (OSCs) and companies to help them thrive in their roles and their adoption of the CRM across all departments. It’s important for the marketing, sales, and online salespeople to all be rowing in the same direction when it comes to big tools like the CRM. I’ll give you the ideas and the parameters, but I leave the nitty-gritty of CRM setup to the techies and specialists. What I do know is what a CRM should be able to do for you as an OSC in the homebuilding industry. It’s up to you to become the expert on the platform your company uses. And let’s be honest—often OSCs end up being the CRM experts in their companies. So, roll up your sleeves, dive in, and figure it out. Here’s the good news: there are resources everywhere. Your CRM likely has a support team, a knowledge base, and (bless the internet gods) YouTube. You can Google just about anything these days. Or—and here’s a crazy idea—you can play with it. Tinker, explore, and press all…

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Prequalfying Leads and Safety for Real Estate Agents

October 2, 2014

Recently the tragic kidnapping and murder of Beverly Carter, a prominent real estate agent in Jackson, Tennessee has placed a renewed focus in on job safety for real estate agents. The sad fact is that real estate agents feel they need to be available 24/7 at the drop of a hat to show a home both for the sake of their sellers, and the buyers who call with the desire for instant information on properties.…

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photo of sales counselor on phone

The Quick Response – Online Sales Training: Lead Management 101

September 15, 2014

Having a dedicated online lead manager is a good position to create, fill, and train. Whether you are a new home builder, a real estate broker, or a real estate team, online sales is a very important aspect for your business. 90% of new home buyers begin their search online. The majority of people are going to take information from the builder, company or individual that provides the quickest response. All too often frustration begins…

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Do You Understand What A Facebook Page Admin Is?

February 18, 2013

Key Points to Facebook Fan Pages: Multiple administrators are important in case a personal account gets shut down The fan page is not tied to the personal account that has set up the page unless they are the only admin Your business should always be a page and not personal account with a business name You should always be able to like a business not have to friend it You can now change a name…

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Can You Outsource Online Sales, Social Media and Blogging?

October 9, 2012

It isn’t always easy to keep up with the myriad of tasks you have on your plate as a business owner.  Can you outsource your blogging, social media, and online sales? These three important aspects of your homebuilding business are definitely elements that need to be expertly addressed.  If you have a small office, and would like to keep your overhead costs down on employment, outsourcing to an expert may be your answer.  But how…

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Twitter: As Captain Kirk Would Say "Engage"

February 13, 2012

Did you answer the questions about your business in our last blog post?  That worksheet will help you decide whether you are marketing business to business or business to client. You have a different approach if you have a product to sell,  or a service.  You need to decide if you can reach your audience directly through twitter, or if you need to go to a middle man. As an example is your product such…

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How are You Making Twitter Work for Your Business?

January 26, 2012

Do you keep asking yourself how can twitter help my business? How can I use twitter? And what is the point? If so you are not alone. Many people get started on twitter and don’t know what they really want to use it for. It is not a business tool for everyone, but it can be a powerful business tool if used properly and with a plan. The types of questions you want to ask…

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