There is a series of articles in the March 2004 issue of Realtor Magazine called "All you need to succeed" and is as true now as it was then. Let us share some of the ideas with you. Here is the first in that series:

7 No-fail Referral Ideas

• Give past clients two coupon books - each offering a free consultation with you about the real estate topic of their choice such as 1) adding curb appeal 2) sprucing up the interior before a sale 3) learning the top remodeling projects in your market. Ask them to pass one of the books to a family member, friend or colleague.
• Raise your media profile - write a regular column for an area newspaper, host a call-in radio show about hot real estate topics or teach a course at a local college.
• Host an hors d'oeuvres and drinks appreciation night - at a favorite restaurant. As your clients to invite a friend, colleague or relative. Give away goodie bags imprinted with your name, company, phone, e-mail and web address.
• Take up a new hobby - or enroll in a course. It's a great way to meet future clients. Possibilities are a book club, group dancing lessons or a computer or cooking class.
• Sponsor a children's sports team - don't just pay for jerseys imprinted with your company name. Help coach so that you get to now the parents and the kids.
• Network with allied professionals - Mortgage lenders, builders, developers, architects, interior decorators and kitchen and bat designers all are good referral sources - and they will appreciate referrals from you too.
• Host a housewarming party - for recent buyers at which you cook, serve and clean up, or you could hire a catering service to do that for you while you mingle.

Source: Realtor Magazine - March 2004 Issue

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