I wrote this business plan last week and posted it. I wanted to post it again this week, slightly updated. I have written lines through the neighborhoods that I have delivered my newsletter to.
I am on schedule with my deliveries. Currently out of ink. I need to purchase more ink for our color laser printer. The ink costs around $300. The ink should last for about 2000 copies.
So far, I have received exactly one call from a potential seller. It was a man that took my flyer from my hand as I delivered it to the Carrolwood neighborhood. We had a slight language barrier. He asked me what I charge, I told him, and he is has since listed with another agent. Overpriced.
Anyway, I hope my posting this encourages someone else to at least write down their plans, if not post them. I feel that telling people your plans increases the accountability.
Thanks for reading,
Ken
Ken's 6 Month Business Plan:
Marketing: Very simple. Very traceable. Very effective.
I will hang 1200 neighborhood newsletters every two months. Rain or shine. 8 neighborhoods. 7 in Naperville. 1 in Lisle.
The neighborhoods were chosen by me with purpose. I have a personal connection with all of them.
Quality marketing+strong personal presence+quality product=huge business.
August
70 Maplebrook
78 Wheatland South
100 Crestview Knolls
100 High Meadow
160 Carrolwood
140 River Bend
September
300 Lakewood Crossing
300 Springhill
October
70 Maplebrook
78 Wheatland South
100 Crestview Knolls
100 High Meadow
160 Carrolwood
140 River Bend
November
300 Lakewood Crossing
300 Springhill
December
70 Maplebrook
78 Wheatland South
100 Crestview Knolls
100 High Meadow
160 Carrolwood
140 River Bend
January
300 Lakewood Crossing
300 Springhill
My strategy is real simple. I will be myself. Always.
Short term goal:
6 sold listings in 6 months.
Ken
To sell your home, call me anytime at 630-697-0536.
Aloha Ken
Sound great, buisness plans are good and it sounds like its working for you
Ken: this sounds like such a good idea do you mind if I borrow your template?--I promise I will not take any of your clients!
Hi Bill and Leslie. Thanks for stopping by.
My template? Take anything you can. That's why I post. I want to help all I can.
If you ever have a question, call or email anytime.
Thanks again,
Ken
Hey Ken,
GREAT PLAN! Do you go door to door? Do you actually knock and hand deliver the newsletter or do you just leave it. If so, what day of the week and time?
Scott in Atlanta
Hi Scott. I hang it on the door in a plastic bag. I don't hand deliver unless they are outside. I never try to sell. I try to make myself very available and professional at all times. Who else would they hire?
Ken
Hi Ken,
Good idea. Getting out physically in your neighborhoods also gives you an opportunity to meet some people personally. It looks like your getting into your targeted neighborhoods on a monthly basis; it's good to keep your name and information in front of people that way.
Hey Ken,
Thanks for the tip. Money is tight and I've been cutting back all the while trying to still drum up business. I was ready to pick up the phones and warm call the subdivisions I've farmed in the past. I truly dislike calling folks. I feel like it's a bother. However, I do like walking and meeting people. I have plenty of newsletter material so I think I will be utilizing your business plan as well. Thanks again.
Karen
Hi John and Karen. Thanks for stopping by.
It takes a lot of effort, but I think it is hugely successful. Probably not for everyone.
Thanks again for reading,
Ken
It's the repetition and I think that's why a lot of marketing plans don't work (and yes, I'm guilty of this!). When you have finally achieved that recognition, i.e., "that bald headed guy who walks here every week, month, etc., etc." you'll get results. Never give up Ken. Never, never.
Hi Alyce. Thanks for stopping by.
You are correct. You need to build up some sort of celebrity status.
Thanks for reading,
Ken
Thanks for posting your plan Ken, I mail my newsletters out now, I am not sure what type of different results I can get from hanging them.
Hi Victor. Not suggesting anyone change. Just my way to be present in the neighborhood. Plus it saves postage!
Thanks for reading,
Ken
Hi Ken,
Do you want to connect with more the homeowners in those neighborhoods?
Here's what you do.
Schedule a "Community Name Real Estate Update Event:
- share market values with homeowners
- bring your preferred lender to talk about the financial markets
- bring your handyman/contractor to talk about maintaining home values
- bring your insurance agent to talk about adequate insurance coverage
See where I'm going here. If the neighborhood has a pool area or clubhouse, send out flyers for an event from 6:30 - 8:00 on a weeknight. Have other speakers bring drinks and snacks.
This way people get to meet and feel comfortable with you and they will be more likely to consider hiring you when they're ready to buy or sell.
Tell me what you think!
Hi Dan. I like your idea. It is not me, though. I don't like being that agent like.
I know it would work for some.
Thanks for reading,
Ken
Hey Ken,
Is this more of a marketing & action plan? Have you analyzed what your competitors are doing in those nieghbourhoods and how they get their leads? How you're different and how they are failing and exploit this?
Hi Keenan. Thanks for reading.
No I have not analyzed what my competitors are doing or how I am different.
I would rather be out there doing what I know will work. This will work.
Thanks for stopping by.
Ken
I have been thinking about my business plan for 2009. Much success to you on your business plan. Please keep us posted. Have a great weekend. Great post.
Hi Lanre. Thanks for reading.
And for the compliment.
I am on track. Half way there.
The weather will be getting ugly!:)
Ken
You are way ahead of many agents today. Just having a written plan is a step above many.
Hi Mike and Cindy. Thanks. It feels real good. I have never really had one before.
I will update at the halfway point this week.
Ken