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…
Read MoreInsomnia Plus Creativity Lights a Viral Spark
Sometimes insomnia can be a good thing. Many creative people are up in the wee hours of the morning working on projects and ideas. lately I’ve had so many ideas and projects floating around my head, I find it hard to sleep. Recently one of my mentors sent me a twitter DM saying, “You do not sleep because you are full of ideas that have feet attached to them.” So it was no surprise that…
Read MoreThe Three Rules of Bartending: Two Easily Apply To Social Networking
There are three rules to Bartending. Don’t talk about politics, don’t talk about sports, and don’t talk about religion. Back in my previous life as a bartender, before I traveled around the world and then landed in real estate, these three rules were golden. When your life depends on tips from customers the last thing you want to do is to alienate someone. Inevitably people at the bar were going to talk about these things.…
Read MoreSlow Economy Shouldn’t Equal Slow Response Time
Just answer the phone. Just send an email! Do you ever get frustrated when you aren’t getting quick answers to your questions? Well think of how your customers feel when the same thing happens to them. Do you know why, as an online sales consultant, I have so many people thanking me for my quick response to their questions? It’s because I do just that… I RESPOND! It’s an interesting world we live in. Everything…
Read MoreLet’s Have A Party! Blue Gypsy Bluesfest
I don’t know if it’s a mid life crisis or what, but the day before my 40th birthday (March 24th) I decided to give myself 6 months to throw the greatest real estate party Hampton Roads has ever seen! Put September 25th on your calendars folks. (Even if you aren’t in the real estate industry this party is going to be a lot of fun and you are welcome to attend!) No it’s not going…
Read More