Occassionally, I get feedback from agents that use Real Estate Client Referrals as an assistance method to thier current marketing. Yesterday was no exception.
As I made my way to my eventual goal of INBOX 0 (and no, I dont think I will ever hit it...) I came across an email from my good friend and Real Estate Client Referrals agent (and fellow ActiveRain blogger extraordinaire), Matt Stigliano. I have known Matt for some time now and had numerous conversations with him prior to him becoming involved with Real Estate Client Referrals. He and I have maintained a relationship that has moved beyond personal and professional respect to inlude actual friendship. So, eager to hear how he is doing, I open the email to read this:
"I have to say, I'm a skeptic at heart - when anyone promises me more business, I usually laugh and politely tell them "thanks but no thanks."
I had heard of Real Estate Client Referrals through various websites I frequent, but wound up talking to Clint Miller one day. We spoke at length and I never got any sort of hard sell, we were just chatting about business. When I asked questions, I got answers. Good solid answers with no run around attached to them. After thinking it over for a few days, I decided to take a shot at it.
Since then, I've received a pretty regular stream of referrals. Since the referrals have already had contact with someone at RECR, they know I'm going to be calling and most have been very easy to speak to. The ice has already been broken and they are receptive to what I have to say. Since they've already been checked out, I don't have to try calling "Mickey Mouse" for three weeks at 867-5309.
The best part about RECR is that you can "dispute a referral." Been trying to contact someone and getting nowhere? Just tell your contact and they work to replace the referral with another one in your account.
If a referral isn't working out, you're not chasing your tail all day trying to draw blood from a stone. Because they give you full contact info, you can call, write, or email the referrals too, something most companies I've seen don't offer (they give you email and maybe a phone number) and you already know the basics of what they're looking for. You just need to contact them and start building the trust and relationship (RECR can't do everything for you).
With the Gold and Platinum packages you get a guaranteed number of closings - How can you go wrong with that logic? Close on a $100,000 house at 3% and you've made a profit already. And because you're the only agent in a given area, you're not fighting other agents for the same referrals.
I know there's plenty of skeptics in this world, as I said, I'm one of them. I'd be more than happy to answer your doubts if you'd like. I am a firm believer that if something's worth it, I want other agents to know."
Matt Stigliano, Realtor®
Exit Realty North - San Antonio
matt@RErockstar.com
Real Estate Client Referrals is not like those other lead generation companies out there. If you have questions, please contact me at 800-977-7058, or email me at clintmiller@recr.com. Or, if you prefer, you can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/recr.
Clint, what a stellar letter of recommendation. I agree with Matt's assessment of the straightforward and honest approach that you take to your business! www.lesleylambert.com
Lesley -- Isnt it?? I was floored when this came through. And, I am certainly glad to hear that you agree and thank you for your kind words! Catch you on Twitter! :-)
Just a quick note to thank Matt for his generous testimonial. It is humbling...Thanks!
Clint This is a great testimonial. Matt touches on many areas that Realtors are concerned with when purchasing leads/referrals.
Clint - This is a terrific testimonial! Glad to see this come through for you, buddy.
Whoops! I forgot to mention that I am working my way toward "INBOX 2000" now. Seriously.
John -- I know! I was very happy to have read this yesterday...and even happier to post it today. He does touch on a lot of "sticking" points...and thats one of the main reasons I wanted to put it out there for everyone.
Jason -- Thanks! I am quite happy about it. :-) Good luck on your Mission Impossible: Inbox 0 :-)
What an awesome testimonial, Clint! Congratulations for helping people see past your thing about butter crumbs and get to the meat of the situation - you've got a great thing going over there and realtors wanting to grow their businesses need to get on board!
~Renae
Wow, what do I say? I'm famous now. Thanks Clint, but really, there's no need to thank me. I call it like I see it. Had you sold me on crap, I'd be all over you just the same - just with negative words. When we started talking at first, I think that's what made me interested to hear more...I knew you'd understand if I bad-mouthed you (if it were justified). I think you and I are a lot a like. We love what we do, have fun with it, but when it comes to glaring showcases of ineptitude - we'll call people out on it. You've been a great person to know both in and outside of business and I've enjoyed it. I'm hoping you get to come to San Antonio for the Century 21 convention.
As for testimonials, I think they're important. If someone has a good product, I want to know about it. If I'm using it, I want people to know why I like it. If its absolutely horrific, look out world, because I'm not going to keep my mouth shut in the interest of "playing nice." Agents live off of referrals and word of mouth, why should the products we use be any different?
Thanks Clint.
Renae -- I know! And thanks for bringing up the butter crumbs..LOL!
Matt -- Agreed entirely, my friend. Not so sure about the convention now...bunch of people here with cold feet. But, Im working on it. And, thanks for the kind words again. Much appreciated!
Congratulations on receiving such a great unsolicited testimonial! It speaks volumes!
Kathy
Great testimonial Clint. One of these days when I can slow down a bit I will call.
Kathy -- Thank you so much! Yes, I was quite pleased to read that when I got that email.
Paddy -- Thank you, my dear! You cant slow down..you have two speeds ON and OFF. :-)
Clint,
Your company is being considered on my mental list of companies that work to help r.e. agents swing from the plate, not strike out. I have a short tolerance for lead gen. companies in general and many service provider that cater to the r.e. industry because I used to be "in the trenches" and sometimes, well, let's just say sometimes you know too much.
Anyhow I am only considering your company because of the way I see you extend yourself honestly and transparently to r.e. agents. This attitude needs to be applauded and commended because unfortunately where it should be second nature for most companies it is sorely lacking, in most cases it is non existent.
Great job Clint.
Rebecca -- Thank you for the consideration!! Very much appreciated. Also, very appreciative of the comments you made about my and my attitude and transparancy I bring to this game. Thank you.
If you would like to discuss my company in any way, feel free to contact me via AR, chat with me live on my live chat widget on my blog www.realestateclientreferrals.com/blogs or follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/recr, email me clintmiller@recr.com, or call me at 800-977-7058. Oh yeah, you can also find me on facebook and LinkedIn and..... :-)