CANADA 4-13-20

CANADA EDITION

5 Lessons from Silicon Valley to MODERNIZE AND MONETIZE YOUR BUSINESS

How to

SPEED UP FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS

UNTANGLING THE BIDDING WAR:

FEATURED AGENTS

A BUYER’S & SELLER’S PERSPECTIVES

MOAEEZ REHMAN TYSON WOKOECK COVER STORY

ZENOBIA WILSON

CANADA EDITION

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MOAEEZ REHMAN 19 TYSON WO

Moaeez Rehman got his start Moaeez’ At the time Tyso in sales through the family propertie business. For years, he moved earned to Kelow country Albe experience and cultivated rela- from Beyond in tionships through theirlittle localinterest through The owner of imprint, before making the leap effortsa fc to real estate four years company, ago at Tyson client on ap ZENOBIA WILSON MOAEEZ REHMAN TYSON WOKOECK he was looking fo the suggestion of a past client. together. spea “I’ve been doing it ever However, since,” after family minutes he says. He was awarded the picking real estat Rising Star Award upon completion of his first year, his and Realtor,enjoying Tyson since then he has continued to rack up accolades each byyear. inspiration. H As fortoth warned that the housing market was tough CONTENTS After his industry debut, Moaeez swiftly established a but Tyson remained confident. “If hesteady could ad reputation as an agent says, known forcould his work “So I.” ethic, tech- He also h savvy eye, and personal touch. Today, he spearheads up and 17) 5 LESSONS FROM 4) HOW TO SPEED UP his work under the banner RE/MAX I know a Tysonof earned his Impact license Realty in four months SILICON VALLEY TO FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER Brokerage, serving clients across the greater Toronto area. pushing shop in Kelowna. Of course, this life chang There, a major portion of business is driven repeat of being servi MODERNIZE AND TRANSACTIONS behis easy.

“I didn’t know abysingle human and referral clientele who his he in-depth approach, success most abo MONETIZE YOUR BUSINESS at thetrust time,” says.

Regardless, ca superlative service, and emphasis on steady communica“Everyth Tyson: Within his first nine months, he had s 13) UNTANGLING THE tion. “Communication is key,” Moaeez says. “I put in a being a homes in the city’s worst market. week so that I’m always available for people e 20) 5 FRESH NEW BIDDING WAR: A BUYER’Slot of hours every outworking the competition.

I make sure a huge m TO CONTENT & SELLER’S PERSPECTIVESmy clients whileAPPROACHES Life only got better from there.

Today, Ty clients don’t have to call me to find out what’s going on. can be p MARKETING hisI’m previous experience as of anthe entrepreneur I keep them informed and with them every step and I wat teamWhat’s of anywhere from 10-15 employees at W way, from beginning to end.” more, Moaeez focuses Associates.

For 11ofyears, has offered awa on the personal connection at the heart everyhehome throughout thehe Okanagan, bought or sold. To keep service relationships thriving, touches assisting c to Vernon.

To go with his ever-gro Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 bases regularly through Peachland social media, personable videos, Tyson sports both ademonstrating full time marketing ass delivering closing gifts, and by otherwise mag@topagentmagazine.com | by www.topagentmagazine.com marketing manager. his gratitude long after the closing table is reached.

No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published Asor a Realtor, Tyson takesunaca comprehensiv When listing properties, Moaeez leaves noauthors. detail materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed facts supplied by its To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. his clientsinand their needs. counted for. Homes aretodocumented their finest light He offers a Published in the U.S. through professional photography and video that creates marketing outlets to generate buzz around a

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immersive impressionserty, for from prospective buyers.promotions From social media to popu there, he leverages hislistings. sizable And socialhis media following methods have yielded c Top Agent Magazine through tailored campaigns and visibility across the exclusive stellar results; last year, Tyson leading online listing platforms and search engines.

He attributes repeat clients or referrals.

Tyson

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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How to Speed Up First-Time Homebuyer Transactions Working with first-time homebuyers can be among the most rewarding real estate transactions an agent can embark upon.

Not only are you helping guide newcomers into the housing market, but you’re also witness to the excitement and triumphs along the way, including handing over those keys for the first time. While 4

helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

So, what’s the best way to streamline the homebuying process for first-timers, while maintaining the magic and keeping your sanity along the way?

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While helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

Set expectations upfront and often.

It’s no secret that communication is a cornerstone of a successful real estate practice and client relationship. Amidst a transaction as complex as buying (or selling) a home, it’s important that no wires get crossed, no questions go unanswered, and no information gets lost in translation. To accomplish this, create communication parameters with your clients up front. Inquire about the communication medium they’re most comfortable with—a text, a call, an email, etc.

Then, tailor your outreach accordingly.

Also, consider setting a weekly time to check in, even if no official progress has been made. This helps clients and agents touch base, float questions and concerns, and get ahead of any problems or developments. Another helpful tool is to draft a transaction timeline for your client that outlines the major milestones along the way, what sort of information will need to be gathered, what steps taken, and what outcomes are possible. This might seem like exhaustive work, but in the era of digital research, clients will come to their own conclusions and biases Top Agent Magazine

whether you like it or not. To stay on the same page and timeline, be the foremost resource for your client, and don’t leave their questions up to chance.

Know your first-time homebuyer programs and perks.

There are a variety of national, state, regional, and local grants and programs that aid first-time homebuyers as they pay their down payment, shop for home or mortgage insurance, and otherwise deal with the financial implications of becoming a homeowner. Sometimes these programs are neighborhood-specific in certain cities, with incentives to buy in up and coming areas. In some cases, there are grants that support underrepresented minority communities breaking into homebuying, and these can go a long way in making the burden of a down payment and associated fees doable. In other words, do your research.

The right program or grant could make the difference in nabbing a dream starter home for your client, while setting them up for future financial success.

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Get pre-approved for a mortgage—and shop around for the best rate.

Not all mortgage rates are made equal. As an agent, you likely have good relationships with area lenders that you trust, but it’s still important to complete your due diligence when helping first-time homebuyers find the rate that suits their longterm housing goals. Also remember that first-time homebuyers are new to this process, and while real estate transactions are complex in their own right, the borrowing and lending processes can be alienating in their complexity. As an agent, it’s your job to play intermediary and teacher, ensuring your clients know their options, are prepared to make an educated decision, and

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feel confident that they’ve chosen correctly. Talk with your preferred mortgage partners to best outline options for your clients’ understanding, laying out a framework that’s informative, projected into the future, and allows them to feel empowered by knowledge.

All in all, working with first-time homebuyers can be an exciting and joyous occasion, as long as you’re adequately prepared for some hand-holding and instruction along the way. Aside from the enthusiasm of successful first-timers at the closing table, you’ll also enjoy the lasting benefit of strong referrals to their friends and family, many of whom will be shopping with you for their own first dream homes.

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ZENOBIA WILSON

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ZENOBIA WILSON Top Agent Zenobia Wilson, based in British Columbia, covers Vancouver’s north shore up to Whistler – mainly serving Squamish – the outdoor recreation capital of Canada.

Zenobia Wilson of Macdonald Realty Ltd. developed an interest in real estate early, having purchased and completely renovated her first home in the UK when she was just 19. By the time she was 25, she was selling real estate 8 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

in England full time and winning awards for it. “I’ve got a personal passion, having been in the real estate industry for quite some time,” she says. “I find that that helps when you are helping clients to make decisions.”

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After her success in the UK, Zenobia moved to Canada, bought and sold multiple property investments and eventually started a day care business out of her home, where she was able to simultaneously raise her three young children while honing her business skills. She Top Agent Magazine

eventually returned to real estate, this time in British Columbia, covering Vancouver’s north shore up to Whistler. She mainly serves Squamish – outdoor recreation capital of Canada, an idyllic community settled amidst mountains, trees, and waterfalls where she has Copyright Top Agent Magazine 9

“I find myself being able to quickly relate to most of my clients who are looking to do the same and it gives me huge satisfaction to help them achieve their relocation dreams.” sold properties ranging from three hundred and fifty thousand up to several million dollars, and continues her award-winning form.

She has enjoyed working closely with a number of developers as well as individual clients and her expertise in presale developer projects and land acquisition in Squamish’ fast growing community is second to none.

The fact that she’s relocated by choice to the West Coast of British Columbia as a lifestyle 10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

preference also goes a long way in helping clients new to the area. Says Zenobia, “I find myself being able to quickly relate to most of my clients who are looking to do the same and it gives me huge satisfaction to help them achieve their relocation dreams.”

Although it took her a while to get going, she has seen her business take off in the last year as a result of her dedicated efforts. Now about 85 percent of her business comes from Top Agent Magazine

repeats and referrals. She attributes this to her knowledge, friendly nature and commitment to clients. “Even if it doesn’t lead to a sale, I will go above and beyond just to help them to get what they need,” she says. “And they see value in that.” According to one couple, “From understanding our needs and budget, helping us to identify the ideal property and securing the purchase — she was great to work with.

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Guiding us through the process from start to finish, all in super quick time, her service was friendly and efficient.”

She calls herself “old school,” keeping in touch with her clients via telephone, which she says they appreciate. She enjoys witnessing her clients’ post-sale satisfaction, whether they are enjoying a new home, turning around Copyright Top Agent Magazine11

an investment property, building a multi-family development project, or transforming a property to match their vision.

Zenobia spends much of her free time with her kids, as well as taking advantage of British Columbia’s renowned skiing, hiking, sailing

and outdoor life. She’s also working on building her own home – a new venture for her – although working in real estate will continue to be her main focus. “I really love my job so I can’t see changing my career ever,” she says, “I’d like to continue growing my business and helping others to achieve their goals.”

To learn more about Zenobia Wilson, email zen@zenwilson.com, visit zenwilson.com, or call (604) 417–8940 www.

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Untangling the Bidding War: A Buyer’s & Seller’s Perspectives In a competitive marketplace, bidding wars become the norm. While this may put sellers in an excellent position to recoup on their investment, it can push buyers beyond their budgets and test their temperaments in the process. As an agent, how do you navigate both sides of the coin? After all, you want to net the best results for your client—regardless of which side of the closing table they’re on. To fortify your approach to a heated bidding war, here are a few ideas and insights to better clue you in on the perspectives of buyers and sellers alike.

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Buyer’s Perspective: Emotions Running High?

Channel it.

When the market is booming, buyers feel the pressure—especially when affordable inventory is limited. This can create stress, feelings of hopelessness, and impulsivity. As an agent, how do you channel this emotional energy into something positive? Consider asking buyers to put those anxieties and high hopes onto paper. Have buyers outline

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who they are, why they’re inspired to buy a home at this juncture in their lives, and how they see their lives unfolding once they become a homeowner (or repeat homeowner). Think of it as a letter of intent.

Buyers benefit from taking abstract fears and dreams and articulating them on paper. Likewise, this document can serve as a valuable tool during a bidding war. Letters like these can help sellers with multiple offers make a personal, emotional connection with a particular buyer.

Sellers Perspective: Manage expectations.

When multiple offers are rolling in on a property, it’s easy for sellers to get carried away. Numbers are flying, expectations are heightened, and sellers may become hypnotized by higher and higher offers and ideal outcomes. While it’s good to celebrate prime market positioning, it’s also important to maintain an even keel so that your seller’s mind is clear and they’re thinking rationally through their options.

Sometimes the highest offer isn’t necessarily the sure thing. Manage your clients’ expectations by leading by example, offering a balanced perspective, and talking them through all potential outcomes so that they don’t only hone in on the best-case scenario.

During a bidding war, tensions are running high for seller’s too, who will soon begin their next chapter in another home. Keep a cool head and remind your client to see the big picture, recognize that it’s possible for some offers to fall through, and to sit tight until the closing table has been successfully reached.

Buyer’s Perspective: How do you authentically and convincingly convey your interest?

When ten or so offers are in the mix, it can be hard to differentiate your buyer from the next. While numbers will obviously do a lot of the talking, you’d be surprised how much of a difference a 14

personal touch can make. Some popular approaches to standing out include personal letters—as mentioned above—tailored to the property. Was the property in question a family home for years? You might have clients detail their dreams of raising a family inside those walls, rather than tear the property down and rebuild something to boost the lot’s value. Including a family photo is also a good tact for personalizing letters in a bidding war. Likewise, little gifts included with your offer can speak volumes about your personality and due diligence as an agent. It may seem a little cheesy, but when sellers are looking at ten near-identical offers, those personal touches can really paint a compelling, personalized picture.

Seller’s Perspective: How powerful is cash?

Data shows that cash offers—typical of investor clientele—double the chances of having an offer accepted. This goes hand in hand with waiving a financing contingency, which also helped boost the probability of an accepted offer, according to research. Cash is king, however, since offers that aren’t completely reliant on comprehensive financing seem to minimize risk for sellers, who are already eager to see a deal go through. Cash deals also tend to go through quickly, freeing sellers up to pursue their next property and move on to new horizons. While not every buyer has the ability to operate in cash, it’s a worthwhile consideration for those in ultra-competitive markets and with liquid capital.

While the bidding process can be stressful for agents and clients alike, it’s important to remember that it’s a time of opportunity, too. If you want to make the most of it as a seller, data shows that a personal touch can endear buyers to their seller counterparts. For sellers navigating a competitive process, it’s important to keep a balanced perspective. For agents, here’s the bottom line: get creative, be resourceful, and use all the tools in your arsenal to achieve the best result for the clients you serve.

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MOAEEZ REHMAN Moaeez Rehman got his start in sales through the family business. For years, he earned experience and cultivated relationships through their local imprint, before making the leap to real estate four years ago at the suggestion of a past client.

“I’ve been doing it ever since,” he says. He was awarded the Rising Star Award upon completion of his first year, and since then he has continued to rack up accolades each year.

After his industry debut, Moaeez swiftly established a reputation as an agent known for his work ethic, techsavvy eye, and personal touch. Today, he spearheads his work under the banner of RE/MAX Impact Realty Brokerage, serving clients across the greater Toronto area.

There, a major portion of his business is driven by repeat and referral clientele who trust his in-depth approach, superlative service, and emphasis on steady communication. “Communication is key,” Moaeez says. “I put in a lot of hours every week so that I’m always available for my clients while outworking the competition. I make sure clients don’t have to call me to find out what’s going on.

I keep them informed and I’m with them every step of the way, from beginning to end.” What’s more, Moaeez focuses on the personal connection at the heart of every home bought or sold. To keep relationships thriving, he touches bases regularly through social media, personable videos, by delivering closing gifts, and by otherwise demonstrating his gratitude long after the closing table is reached.

When listing properties, Moaeez leaves no detail unaccounted for. Homes are documented in their finest light through professional photography and video that creates immersive impressions for prospective buyers. From there, he leverages his sizable social media following through tailored campaigns and visibility across the leading online listing platforms and search engines. He regularly reaches 20,000 individuals on a weekly basis through his social media feeds, in addition to hosting property tours, dispending market updates, and highlighting luxury listings. “I want to be known as the go-to guy for solid home marketing,” he says. In recent years, Top Agent Magazine

Moaeez’s sold inventory has run the gamut, from starter properties to luxury estates.

Beyond the office, Moaeez gives back to his community through various means. As of late, he supports building efforts for his local mosque, and through family friendly client appreciation events that draw new and familiar faces together. In his free hours, he most enjoys time spent with family and loved ones, hitting the gym, improving his real estate repertoire through continuing education, and enjoying life as an engaged homebody.

As for the future, Moaeez intends to keep progress going steady as he continues to build and expand his business.

He also hopes to share his knowledge and experience with up and coming agents entering the industry. “Now that I know how I want to run my business, I want to keep pushing growth,” he says. Now, with four sterling years of service, Moaeez Rehman considers what he enjoys most about his chosen field. “I love what I do,” he says.

“Everything is rewarding—from helping individuals and being a listening ear, to posting social content and seeing people engage and ask questions about the market. This is a huge moment in the lives of my clients, and the fact that I can be part of it is very special. Every single day is joyful, and I wake up looking forward to it.”

To learn more about Moaeez Rehman, email Moaeez.Remax@gmail.com, Visit MoaeezRehman.ca, Follow him on Social platforms @MoaeezRehman or call/text 289-892-3633 www.

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5 Lessons from Silicon Valley to Modernize and Monetize Your Business Silicon Valley may be the region for disruptors, tech entrepreneurs, and futurists, but even the most forward-thinking, abstract companies are still businesses that have to keep tabs on their bottom line. There’s much to learn from America’s fastest-growing sector, and even if Silicon Top Agent Magazine

Valley seems like a world unto its own, there are key lessons prime for adaption in your own endeavors. Below, consider a few ways to translate the trends and teachings of Silicon Valley for your own business, and reap the rewards in the process.

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1. Diversify your value Real estate is a business built on relationships, but your relationships will go stale if the only thing you communicate is you interest in making a sale. In order to sustain relationships for the long term, you’ve got to remain valuable to your clients beyond the transaction. Serve as a local resource, not just a salesperson or real estate expert. Ensure your marketing materials, social media presence, and communications offer useful, relevant, and original content your clients will benefit from. What’s more, vary your communications so that every time you reach out it’s not just about new business or a referral.

2. Company culture matters Silicon Valley tech giants always emphasize the importance of company culture—not just as a way of drawing and retaining talent, but also as a way to appeal to clientele. What are your company’s values? What do you stand for? How you’re positioned in the marketplace is becoming just as important as what you do and how well you do it. Your company culture is part of your branding, and your brand should feel clear and composed to clients eyeing your services.

3.Think big picture More and more, clients want to have an experience, not just a transaction. When it comes to buying a home, this means they care more about a property’s bedroom and bathroom count. As an agent, consider showcasing properties in terms of lifestyle. What neighborhood amenities are nearby? What opportunities are there for community involvement? How does public 18

transportation stack up in the area? Before making the purchase of a lifetime, clients want to envision a complete lifestyle.

4. Leverage multiple platforms By now, you probably recognize that social media is not afterthought. Your social media presence should fit your brand and voice, interact across platforms, and actively engage with your audience. In other words, if you want to reap the benefits of social media, it’s not enough to post a few times a month and walk away. Active engagement means responding to comments, interacting with your followers’ profiles, and posting original content beyond a sales pitch.

Likewise, you’ll want to be active across multiple social media platforms and ensure that your profiles are interconnected. That way, you’ll be working from a unified voice and brand.

5. Reputations rule the roost Never underestimate the power of word-ofmouth marketing and testimonials. If you haven’t asked for feedback from past clients, and you aren’t sharing positive testimonials and reviews—you’re missing out on one of the most powerful tools at an agent’s disposal. You can pitch the virtues of your working style all day long, but those courting your business want to hear about positive experiences from the client’s perspective.

If you want to take your business to the next level and maximize the twenty-first century values of a company on the rise, look to the lessons of Silicon Valley to get your start. There are always opportunities to innovate, and doing so will help you break from your routine and stand apart from the pack.

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TYSON WOKOECK At the time Tyson Wokoeck moved to Kelowna’s wine country from Alberta, he had little interest in real estate.

The owner of a construction company, Tyson only knew that he was looking for a change.

However, after spending a few minutes picking the brain of his Realtor, Tyson was struck by inspiration. His Realtor warned that the housing market was tough to newcomers, but Tyson remained confident. “If he could do it,” Tyson says, “So could I.” Tyson earned his license in four months and opened shop in Kelowna. Of course, this life change wouldn’t be easy. “I didn’t know a single human being in Kelowna at the time,” he says. Regardless, success came fast for Tyson: Within his first nine months, he had sold over 44 homes in the city’s worst market.

Life only got better from there. Today, Tyson utilizes his previous experience as an entrepreneur to manage a team of anywhere from 10-15 employees at Wokoeck & Associates. For 11 years, he has offered award-winning service throughout the Okanagan, assisting clients from Peachland to Vernon. To go with his ever-growing team, Tyson sports both a full time marketing assistant and a marketing manager.

just to offer them a hint of the local flavor. “We have a little more fun that way,” Tyson says. “I like to make connections with my clients.”

Those connections last long after the deal is done. Due to his prior connections in the construction industry, Tyson can help his clients navigate all aspects of home ownership. For him, the real estate industry is not just about making successful deals; it’s about ensuring that a home suits the needs of its owners in every way imaginable.

Outside of work, Tyson is a happy husband and proud father of triplet girls. “They take up most of my time,” he says with a laugh. But when he’s not taking care of his children, Tyson still makes time for community outreach. Over the holidays, for example, he delivered turkeys door-to-door to families in Kelowna.

Currently, Tyson is charting a course for the future of his business. His top priority? “Keep going,” he says. “Slow and steady. Every year we get more and more referrals and the business keeps growing on its own.”

But Tyson most appreciates his career for the personal moments. “I love interacting with people,” he describes.

“We’re helping them make one of the biggest decisions in life. And it’s satisfying when our clients get what they want—there’s a lot of reward behind it.”

As a Realtor, Tyson takes a comprehensive approach to his clients and their needs. He offers a variety of marketing outlets to generate buzz around a given property, from social media promotions to popular website listings. And his methods have yielded consistently stellar results; last year, Tyson exclusively serviced repeat clients or referrals. Tyson attributes this reputation to his unwavering persistence. “We go above and beyond what people expect,” he says.

But Tyson maintains that real estate is, above all, a human field. When giving newcomers a real estate tour of Kelowna, he’ll like to make a pitstop at a local winery, Top Agent Magazine

To learn more about Tyson Wokoeck email admin@tysonw.ca, visit Tysonw.ca or call (250)718-2527 www.

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5 Fresh New Approaches to Content Marketing A couple of weeks ago we were conducting a workshop when we were asked two excellent questions about content marketing:

• People

don’t want to hear from a roofing company every day. So how do you produce fresh and interesting content for social media that goes beyond your core services and yet ties back to your business?

• Can

you extend your social media presence and content to include personal things (like your hobbies) and how does that affect your overall business image?

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The workshop attendee who asked the first question was right. Almost no one wants to hear from any company every day… especially if all the content is about products and services…and yes, even if they’re giving helpful tips and information. Does that mean you should stop producing excellent daily content related to your business? No, of course not! Content is created for two reasons.

First, to provide knowledge, expertise and even entertainment to your ideal customers in order to achieve top of mind awareness as an authority in your industry. And second, to produce SEO-rich results that keep you at the top of search engines. You must strike a

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balance between the two, and try to include content that draws people in by being super interesting and entertaining….and yes, sometimes personal.

To help answer those content questions above, here are five different types of content (beyond the traditional stuff) that can give your brand a fresh, unique and balanced approach:

1. PHILANTHROPIC Your community efforts say a lot about who you are, and people will make an extra effort to do business with you as a result of this connection. We’ve consulted business owners who are very hesitant to promote these efforts because they don’t want it to seem as though they are exploiting the charities and organizations—and most especially because they don’t do it for the promotional aspects. They do it to give back. I ask you to keep this in mind. Nonprofit and charitable organizations very often have small marketing budgets. Not only do they rely on outside marketing forces to promote their initiatives, they would likely be forced to close their doors without that support. That means that when someone with a strong brand and presence promotes them, it’s a highly trusted and personal connection, and you can’t buy that kind of support. In other words, they not only need you to promote them, they want you to promote them. But your instincts are correct. It’s not about you. So just make sure your entire content focuses on the organization you’re helping, what they do for the community and how Top Agent Magazine

others can join in the cause. Then it becomes a huge win for all.

2. HOBBIES You bungee jumped from four of the tallest bridges in the U.S. In your spare time, you go fly fishing. You love playing chef and use only locally grown, organic foods. Your friends are always begging you to go to Vegas with your card shark talents. You’ve done mission work in Africa and would like to start your own group. You almost played professional baseball. You have an insane talent for gardening design or bass guitar.

Your family works at a soup kitchen once a month. Ok…you get the picture. And two more words. Reality TV. People are interesting…and people are interested in interesting people. We remember others based on these unique traits. And most of all, people love the story behind the face. Don’t be afraid to share your hobbies. Quite often, it’s the first thing that will personally connect you to a prospect.

3. CREATIVE CONNECTION This one is perhaps our favorite. While we can’t imagine seeing something come across our news feed from a landscaping company every day, imagine this for a moment. What are we always told to remember in this hectic world? Stop and smell the roses, right? So what if…a landscaping company posted a beautiful flower each day, just to remind you to ‘stop and smell the roses’. And at the bottom of that photo (small print), you included

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the type of flower and type of environment needed to make it flourish (moist soil, full sun, etc.). And then, of course, watermarked it with your logo….and a title like, “Sam’s Daily Reminder: It’s Time to Stop & Smell the Roses”. You could even include some great, thought-provoking quotes. It has the personal connection (Sam), the business connection (flowers & logo watermark) and a cool creative connector (pause the meetings and paperwork to take a moment and appreciate life by noticing this beautiful flower). This is a great idea for staying ‘top of mind’ and connecting business with the kind of creative messaging people wouldn’t mind seeing every day.

4. EXPERIENCES This one is similar to hobbies from the personal aspect, but instead of something that identifies us like our hobbies, our experiences are random happenings that can have great interest and meaning to our audience.

Whether you have a unique experience buying a new car or a fateful conversation with a stranger in the airport, if you feel it ties into a life lesson or business lesson you’d like to share, by all means do. The lesson is to keep your radar up 24/7. Any experiences you have which relate to your

ideal customer are an opportunity to connect beyond the business world. And when we do that, we become a part of the family.

5. INFLUENCERS “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future”. You’ve probably heard that saying, and the same is true whether you are a teenager or a business owner. Maybe you’ve learned a lot of your business knowledge from Bill Gates, Steve Jobs or Warren Buffet…or you like to quote Benjamin Franklin. Perhaps you have some mentors you’d like to recognize and tell why they’re important to you. Sharing the people and things that influence us is what makes us human. No matter how successful your business, you didn’t get there alone. People and circumstances shaped you along the way. Recognizing others for their contribution in our lives, large or small, is important in staying connected and grounded.

We hope these five types of content help you to put a fresh spin on what you share with your audience, whether personal or professional. We believe you must have the combination of both to build an incredible brand.

Tonya Eberhart is the Branding Agent to Business Stars and founder of BrandFace®, LLC. Michael Carr is America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer & BrandFace® partner. Together, they focus on personal branding and marketing designed to help real estate professionals become the face of their business & a star in their market. BrandFace® for Real Estate Professionals is a book, professional speaking series and an exclusive workshop for agents, and is currently active in 18 U.S. states, Canada and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.BrandFaceRealEstate.com.

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Laughs!

Graham Harrop Graham Harrop Cartoons Cartoons

Putting the power of humour to work for you!

Putting the power of humour to work for you! grahamharrop.com 

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