Prospecting Without Spending a Dime

Are you using a limited budget as an excuse for not marketing your business or prospecting for new clients? Reckon you need an expensive billboard or mail campaign to see results? All you really need is this list of six simple yet highly effective, ways to increase your business

1. Be involved in your community: Join newcomers groups, volunteer at a local organization, search online for groups you can meet with that share similar leisure activities or interests. Sites like Yahoo Groups and Meetup.com are fantastic places to start. Don’t forget churches, schools, chambers of commerce, and local clubs. You will soon be meeting many people who can be potential clients or sources of referrals for your business. 
2. Host a seminar: Contact local schools, libraries, universities or other organizations in your area to see if they would be interested in having you as a free expert speaker for their members on a topic that would be beneficial for them. Many groups are constantly trying to keep their event calendars full on a budget, so even if the first few groups aren’t welcome to the thought, there will always be others grateful for your offer.
3. Utilize the internet:  From free websites to email, there are several ways to boost your business online without any investment. Start a blog and start sending out a monthly newsletter via email with useful tips. Share your website address with others by including it on a business card or listing it on the end of all your emails and other correspondence.  If you farm a neighborhood, offer setting up a password protected site for the neighborhood including a directory, events calendar, birthdates and anniversaries, etc. It will not only help you get to know your neighborhood better, but remind them of you as well. 
4. Emphasize your success: Always speak positively of your business, no matter how insignificant the “success” may seem. Be excited when someone calls you, or you see a gorgeous new listing. Hang “Under Contract” and “Just Sold” signs with pride. Don’t forget to call people or send out a quick email with the excellent news. 
5. Remember the power of a Thank You:  A handwritten note delivered personally to thank someone can go a long way. Leave one for the owners of every home you show, send them to stores or restaurants where you received brilliant customer service, or even to the crosswalk guard at your neighborhood’s school. People always remember appreciation. In addition to generating more business, you’ll feel excellent about it, too. Don’t be ashamed to send thank you notes to past clients or associates either. It is never too late to say thank you. 
6. Convert conversations into appointments: This is an vital skill that will help you effectively turn leads into sales. Practice what to say to potential clients that will help you land listing appointments or question for referrals. If need be, listen in on more experienced agents to learn the language of what to say to during floor time or when handling incoming calls. 

These are just a few of the many free ways to build your business. If you continue to follow these suggestions, you’re likely to see better results than paid advertising…and you won’t be able to blame your marketing budget for a lack of business ever again.