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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Can Onsite Sales Agents or Realtors Be Effective OSCs?
We often call OSCs unicorns. The number of onsite sales agents or realtors that can shift from their role as community manager or resale agent to the role of an OSC are unicorns basking on a rainbow, balancing a leprechaun’s lucky gold piece on the tip of their horn. The transition from an onsite sales agent or realtor to an Online Sales Counselor (OSC) involves more than just a shift in workplace or title; it…
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Spring into Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Improving Profitability in Online Sales Programs for New Home Builders – Part 1
In the competitive world of real estate, having a strong online sales program is not just an option, it’s a necessity. With the rise of digitalization and changing consumer behaviors, home builders need to adapt their marketing strategies to stay ahead of the game. Online sales programs are not just the online sales counselors behind the computer or the phone, it’s a systematic approach to creating a great customer experience and giving buyers the information,…
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Blowing Up The Marketing Funnel In New Home Sales
Recently at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel of marketing experts both in and outside of new home builder’s offices. We talked about the changing dynamic of lead generation and how builders see the buyers journey verses how buyers really want to take that buyer journey. At the beginning of our presentation, we blew up the notion of a funnel. Take a look at our…
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IBS 2024 is in The Books – What Were Your Biggest Takeaways?
Wow – IBS 2024 whooshed pat in a whirlwind, and if you were one of over 76,000 building industry professionals who attended IBS…Congratulations! Not only are you looking at trends, materials, walking the convention floor for tips, ideas, and innovation – you may have also attended some of the education, networking events, and engaged with professionals across all walks of life in the new home building industry. From trade partners, to consultants, to clients, to…
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My List of “Not to Miss Educational Sessions” at International Builders Show in Las Vegas
It’s almost February and as I prepare for THREE speaking engagements at the International Builders Show (IBS) in Las Vegas from February 27th-29th – two in the learning labs, and one at Professional Women in Building Headquarters, (PWB HQ) – I’m also scouring the list of learning opportunities that I want to attend. So much to see, so little time. My hack is when I’m not in a session or checking out tech on the…
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Old Style New Home Sales Techniques vs. Selling to the Digital Savvy Homebuyer
Little known fact, I started out in the new home sales world onsite in 2006. One of the first things my company did was put me through a sales training program and in 18 years I’ve seen a variety of sales models used for new home sales, most of which follow the critical path. I’ve seen this path anywhere from 5, 7, or even 10 steps as below. Meet & Greet Discovery Presentation & Overview…
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