ILLINOIS 6-15-20

ILLINOIS EDITION

1 Billion-Plus Reasons Why You Should be Active on Facebook

CONCIERGE CARE:

Services that Lure Clients and Transform Your Reputation

INCORPORATING CHARITABLE GIVING IN YOUR REAL ESTATE PRACTICE

FEATURED AGENTS

SIMRAN DUA JOHN ROBINSON COVER STORY

VICKIE COLOVOS SOUPOS

ILLINOIS EDITION

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SIMRAN DUA23 JOHN ROB

John Robinson be Simran Dua always does what’s support ou estate ear right for her clients. Early in career owninsmal working an prod exe February she was working with a as their restaurant and c buyer who was about to go the under or provid tries. Although cook contract for a million dollar home. increase th remains) a great p “This was just as the coronavirus John changed caree news had started to surface,” But when VICKIE COLOVOS SOUPOS SIMRAN DUA JOHN ROBINSON wanted find with a she says. Another client had just tohome between work and “M fa a smile. returned from a medical conference and was telling years and in re Simran how severe the crisis could become andalmost how 20 girls, has forgedbystrong personal some businesses could be impacted it. “The buyer connections corporatew by providing them with world-class service as I’m alw owns a restaurant, so I called him and said, ‘we should CONTENTS wait to go under contract because the coming weeks Travelling As a broker for @Properties, John serve could have an impact on your business.’” Last week, that I’m beyon North him Shore of Chicago.

He typically wo buyer thanked16) Simran for leading in REASONS the right directhis transi 4) CONCIERGE CARE: 1 BILLION-PLUS the city neighborhoods, up the lake to H tion, as his restaurant has been closed for two weeks.

SERVICES THAT LURE WHY YOU SHOULD BE ACTIVE as well as the suburbs to the west and ha so “He was very grateful because I had led him to the right Simran CLIENTS AND TRANSFORM FACEBOOK clientgetlistmehas grown, he has grown decision, not ON the one that would a commission.” tunityalong to w 10 years ago, John started hearing from YOUR REPUTATION business.c were ready leave the city andthe wanted perfech That sort of commitment serving herto clients is why 21) HOW toTO SEND SMARTER a house in the John has been ha right tools Simran has a 90% return and referral rate,suburbs. with close 6) INCORPORATING EMAILS outside of his usual territory, “I wi to $17 million in closed sales volume in 2019.

Serving saying, my buyers CHARITABLE GIVING IN Will, DuPage, and Cook Counties, to do aSimran deal.” will Thisgodedication and perso whersomeone l John apart, and helps to explain why client YOUR REAL ESTATE PRACTICE ever her clients take her. Since becoming a Rising Star in in those ga back to do business with him repeatedly.

2017, Simran has been building a reputation as someone with an extraordinary work ethic, rock solid honesty and Her advic Over 95% ofa John’s business picture comes fro constant transparency, as well as having deep knowlan referral clients. They like working with him edge of the market. business p Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 depth of experience in the business, his m mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com trustworthiness.

“First-time “I work hard on every transaction,” she says.

“When homebuyers e No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prioron consent ofcomfortable the publisher.

Top Agent tothe feeltransaction with me for those reaso other agents see my name they know Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published we will get to closing. But at the same time she knows materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. in loyalty, touch with past clients is impo that it’s never about the oneStaying sale, her business To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. repeat and referral business.

Published in the U.S. acumen, and hard work have brought her many refer- He sends m in the form of postcards and then often fol rals, “last year I helped one client’s family on 5 different personal note, phone call or email. What’ real estate transactions.” clients are delighted when he shows up Top Agent Magazine foodpeople. he has “I prepared For Simran, real estate is allamazing about the love especially fo

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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Concierge Care: Services that Lure Clients and Transform Your Reputation It’s a no-brainer: customer service is central to success in the real estate industry. While properties may be the product, this industry really revolves around people and the relationships you cultivate along the way. With that in mind, how would you describe the service you provide? If solid service is the baseline, then to set yourself apart you must deliver service that’s exceptional. But, how? Returning calls and displaying a friendly face won’t necessarily separate you from the pack. If you really want to take your customer service to the next level and build a reputation for white-glove, concierge-level courtesy, then keep a few of the following tips in mind as you create a professional style that’s completely bespoke.

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Make your communications matter For many agents, communication during and after a transaction are perfunctory affairs, with one-sizefits-all newsletters or promotional postcards that feel mass-produced. To really grab the attention of your clientele, you’ll want to build a recognizable brand. To accomplish this, begin by adding value to your regular communications. Clients are likely to bypass your communications if they think your only intent is to sell them something. Focus instead on creating content that’s compelling and dishes out value to your clientele. Just like a favorite blog you revisit again and again for its quality content, con-

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sider your communications as an extension of your brand and identity. A few popular ideas from which clients can derive value include: local restaurant guides, tax tips for homeowners, reports on home values and the marketplace, or highlighting home décor and landscaping trends. Make your communications readable and useful, and your clients past and present will think twice before skipping past your name.

Showcase the lifestyle Clients remember when you go the extra mile, and that additional effort distinguishes run-of-the-mill agents from high-powered professionals. Whether listing or buying, consider a property’s lifestyle.

First, think about a client’s everyday experience.

Where’s the best breakfast spot nearby? How’s access to public transportation or bike paths? Which outdoor recreational opportunities exist in the area?

Where might your client swing by for coffee?

Neighborhood guides that outline the livability of a home and its area not only boost value and highlight potential, but they also demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and connect on a personal level. After all, a home isn’t just a house; a home is all about the daily experience that unfolds within and beyond those four walls. With that in mind, do your homework and make yourself a local expert.

Your clients will feel they’re in good hands and will better envision their future unfolding, all thanks to your thorough legwork.

Customize your approach to clients As an agent, it’s only natural that you build your own daily routines and practices that keep your business running. While it’s necessary to create positive habitats that streamline your workflow, it’s also important to remain adaptable. For instance, Millennial clients may prefer to chat by text, instant Top Agent Magazine

message, or email, whereas older clientele may prefer face-to-face time or connecting by phone call.

Adapting your communication style is as simple as a brief discussion: ask your client how they prefer to communicate and adapt accordingly. While it may seem like a small matter, it provides clients with a sense of comfort and control. Again, the key here is communication. Talk with your clients about their preferred methodology. Maybe they prefer a marathon house-hunting trek on a weekend day, or perhaps they rather sift through listings online before making in-person visits to a narrowed list. It’s okay to encourage clients or fill them in on industry norms, but it’s important to create an experience that’s tailored to their style and personality.

Authentically seek feedback While it may feel uncomfortable, asking for feedback during and at the end of a transaction can dramatically improve your working style and professional blind-spots. It can also help you adapt your working style to better suit your respective clients.

Of course, it’s important to be open-minded and to quash the need to be defensive. Not all feedback will be useful, but you can incorporate the parts that are. This not only grows your skillset, but it also demonstrates to clients that you are open to constructive criticism and sincerely prioritize a job well done over personal praise. As a bonus, positive feedback can be parlayed into client testimonials, which are incredibly useful tools to boost your business on the whole.

It’s no secret that real estate is a busy, self-determined business. While your client care may feel all accounted for, there is always room to grow. Professionals at the top of their field know this and never stop building out their repertoire. If you want to take your business to the next level and create an imprint that’s synonymous with concierge care, then keep these ideas in mind as you build your relationships and your brand.

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Incorporating Charitable Giving in Your Real Estate Practice

As real estate professionals, taking part in the community and serving others is central to a long-lasting practice. After all, agents are in the business of homeownership, building a financial future, and helping their clients begin new and fruitful chapters. With that in 6

mind, how might an agent deliver that spirit of service in a broader sphere?

The truth is, charitable giving offers nothing but upsides. Contributing to a worthy cause is a noble and meaningful endeavor, but it

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Contributing to a worthy cause is a noble and meaningful endeavor, but it also presents positive byproducts for the giver: tax write-offs, name recognition in the community, and the ability to expand your network.

also presents positive byproducts for the giver: tax write-offs, name recognition in the community, and the ability to expand your network. If charitable giving is an idea you’ve toyed with, or a practice you’ve engaged in only now and again, here are a few ways to make it a foundational element of your business and a win-win for all.

Find causes that speak to you.

Donating funds or resources can feel anonymous if you’re divorced from the organization you’re working with. While national and international charitable organizations are certainly effective and worthwhile, you might consider partnering with local chapters of those organizations, or identifying hyper-local organizations that address need in your state, county, town, or even your own neighborhood. The first step to establishing a charitable relationship is to find a cause that you genuinely care about. For many, animal rescue is a tangible cause where resources and volunteership are always welcome. For others, children’s health and advocacy is a calling. Regardless Top Agent Magazine

of your personal passion, participation can be big or small. From sponsoring a local youth sports league to partnering with an area animal shelter for their annual spay-athon event—there are all sorts of ways to make a difference.

Unite your team for the common good.

One way to make charitable giving a staple is to do it in arm and arm with others. Supporting a local cause is a great way to bring your team together in a unifying capacity. Hosting coat drives in winter, blanket drives for local animal shelters, or backpack drives for needy students at the start of the new school year— all are straightforward and highly useful, direct ways to give to your community as a team. It’s also important to set collective goals as a way of keeping people motivated and accountable over time. Offices are productive, but often hectic spaces.

Injecting a collective goal with a positive, tangible result can create an ambiance of goodwill and generosity—both of which are worthwhile attributes to cultivate as

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the leader of your team. Lastly, consider timely giving as a way of connecting your team to their community. Natural disasters, local fundraising drives, and improvement funds are all direct ways your team can contribute, while they themselves reap the benefit in the community.

Include clients in the process.

You’ve likely heard of charitable donations made in the name of your client as an alternative to the classic closing gift, but there are a few ways you might update this method of giving. For starters, consider including your clients in the selection process. Do they have a special cause that’s close to their hearts? Likewise, you might

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consider making regular, consistent giving a part of your routine post-closing. Instead of following up with your yearly poinsettia plant or pumpkin, you might find a cause in their neighborhood or township that you can support in their name. It’s wise to choose something apolitical, but a cause that’s hyperlocal to their area demonstrates unique thoughtfulness.

There are plenty of ways in which society as a whole can benefit from charitable causes that build goodwill in the world, support those less fortunate, and bolster a positive future. Incorporating charitable giving in your business model is a generous way to make this mentality a central tenet of your team and a defining characteristic for your clients to remember.

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VICKIE COLOVOS SOUPOS

VICKIE COLOVOS SOUPOS Top Agent Vickie Soupos decided to join her mother, a broker, in 2002, and now, almost 20 years later, the mother-daughter duo are still thriving.

Prior to joining the world of real estate, Vickie Soupos worked in finance, negotiating health insurance premiums for Fortune 500 companies. But when 9/11 happened, her field took a huge hit. Her mother Georgia, who already was a successful a broker, told Vickie that she was booming with business. Vickie decided to join her in 2002, and now, almost 20 years later, the Copyright Top Agent Magazine

mother-daughter duo is still thriving as the COLOVOS|SOUPOS Group of RE/MAX Destiny. According to Vickie, “Sometimes, the whole is larger than the sum of its parts when it comes to our team and what we can accomplish.”

A majority of Vickie’s business comes from referrals by satisfied clients. “I love helping

my clients. I always have their best interest in mind. I will advise a client away from a deal, at risk of losing business, if I don’t think it’s the right fit for them. My clients truly appreciate my directness and honesty, which is why they refer people back to me.

No matter what, I always treat all my clients as if they’re my only client.”

Due to her Greek heritage, Vickie grew up very involved in the Greek community, and was taught the importance of giving back.

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“My clients truly appreciate my directness and honesty, which is why they refer people back to me. No matter what, I always treat all my clients as if they’re my only client.”

To this day she makes sure to continue the tradition by supporting the Philoptochos Society, which provides for those less fortunate. She is also involved in a regional Junior Olympics, where kids from churches in the Midwest participate in an Olympicstyle games competition.

For Vickie, the grind never pauses or stops, even when she tries to take time off. “A couple years ago we were on a family vacation in Greece. I was on the beach with family and friends, and managed to negotiate and Copyright Top Agent Magazine

sell a $7.5 million dollar property. I’m a hustler, I’m a closer, and I’m a problem solver.

I’m extremely determined, and always get the job done,” she says. This hard work pays off, as the COLOVOS|SOUPOS Group is ranked #1 in Illinois and #8 in the country for all RE/MAX. When she gives herself a breather, she loves to spend time with her husband and two children.

As the new reality of the COVID-19 pandemic matures, Vickie predicts the real estate world will be forever changed and the

need for interacting with clients virtually and through social media is becoming a reality and necessity. “The commercial side of real estate is going to be significantly impacted.

As people get comfortable working from home, offices will become less necessary.

And that will impact restaurants and retailers as well, because people won’t be going

out on their lunch break grabbing food with a coworker or impulse retail shopping. I’m definitely preparing for major transitions in the near future.”

Improving oneself through constant learning is important for Vickie, who believes that regardless of the amount of experience you Copyright Top Agent Magazine

have, there is always opportunity to learn—a useful piece of advice for up-and-coming agents. “One thing I know is that I don’t know everything. What I’ve done over the years is to listen and learn, and then listen and learn some more. I listen to my clients to learn their

needs; I listen to my peers to better understand what’s happening in my industry. I attend conferences to keep my finger on the pulse of what’s transpiring. To quote Carl Rogers: ‘The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.’”

To learn more about Vickie Colovos Soupos: email colovos.soupos@gmail.com, visit colovos-soupos.com, or call (630) 965–6000 www.

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Skoubis & Mantas, LLC is proud to congratulate

VICKIE SOUPOS

on being featured in Top Agent Magazine!

REAL ESTATE

BUSINESS

TRUSTS & ESTATES

REAL ESTATE TAX

1300 West Higgins Road, Suite 209, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068-5767 Phone: (847) 696-0900 Fax: (847) 696-0901 www.smlawllc.com http://www.smlawllc.com Top Agent Magazine

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1 Billion-Plus Reasons Why You Should Be Active on Facebook

By Bubba Mills

The number is staggering and potentially career ending for REALTORS® who ignore it: 1,440,000,000. That’s the total number of monthly active users on the social medium Facebook.

That number alone is reason enough to use it regularly in your real estate business. But Facebook can also help turn you into the expert in your community. Just by sharing knowledge and relevant events about the community you can become the go-to source for all things local – a perfect way to capture the attention of prospective buyers.

Plus, Facebook advertising also gives you tons of targeting layers like age, location, recent life events and interests. Plus, it constantly adds new targeting filters and functions that help you reach even more niche prospects who closely meet your customer criteria. Talk about pinpointing a target audience.

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Another Facebook real estate ad tool is Website Custom Audiences that lets you create Facebook ads that target users who have visited your website.

And several apps specifically for Facebook have emerged. Consider these: • Heyo.com: Helps you host contests, showcase promotions and high-

light special offers.

• Woobox.com: Let’s you easily create quizzes and other fun tools for engaging content.

• Pagemodo.com: Helps you make your Facebook business page both sleek and stylish and tabs allow for easy lead capture.

But the latest offering is just as cool. It’s called Facebook Live and it lets you stream live video on the internet. I recently wrote about Periscope, another live video streaming app, but when you use Facebook Live you’re automatically featured at the top of Facebook users’ news feed. What’s more, statistics show that live video is viewed more than recorded video.

How can REALTORS® use Facebook Live?

Open Houses: Broadcast a walk-through of a new listing

and highlight all the great features.

Webinars: Host live webinars targeted to buyers and sellers. They can sub-

mit questions just like a real-life seminar.

Real Estate Talk Show: Offer the latest news in the industry plus share lo-

cal events and your newest listings. In short, become the Lester Holt or Diane Sawyer of real estate in your town with your own “TV” show!

Facebook offers these tips for using Facebook Live: Promote: Tease upcoming Facebook Live broadcasts for more viewers.

Plan better: Take time to plan what you want to do in the video, whether

it’s a few key talking points or to have a few questions ready ahead of time in a Q&A, in case incoming comments slow down.

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Invest in some equipment: A shaky live stream turns off viewers so con-

sider a tripod or other stabilizing tools, especially if you’re taking viewers on a tour of an open house. And check the shot before going live.

Get the lighting right: If you’re indoors be sure you have plenty of good

lighting and avoid a lot of light directly behind you because it’ll wash you out.

Sound good: A common mistake for beginners is overlooking sound.

Consider an external microphone to make sure your viewers can actually hear you.

And if the live option makes you a little nervous, you can also stream pre-recorded videos. Hey, that has worked like a charm for TV for decades. Some businesses promote their web series to “air” on Facebook Live at a certain time like TV shows. After they are streamed, Facebook Live videos function as normal Facebook videos. Some business owners believe videos may perform better if they begin as live ones.

NowThis, a news company that publishes entirely on social platforms, experimented by streaming a 38-minute compilation of its favorite viral videos via Facebook Live. The stream received over 20,000 views and over 500 comments, according to Facebook’s counters.

Yes, all the new-fangled internet tools, apps and options for REALTORS® can be a bit overwhelming. Just take it one step at a time and you’ll slowly be right there in the business-winning mix. E-mail me today at Article@CorcoranCoaching.com and I’ll send you more free information about how technology can help your real estate business.

Copyright©, Bubba Mills. All rights reserved.

Bubba Mills is the CEO of Corcoran Consulting and Coaching Inc. (www.corcorancoaching.com/programs, 800-957-8353), an international Real Estate, Mortgage, and Small Business coaching company committed to helping clients balance success in business, while building value in life. Bubba Mills is a nationally recognized inspirational and education speaker, coach and mentor to the top real estate agents and mortgage companies. To find out more about Corcoran Consulting & Coaching, call 1-800-957-8353 or visit us at www.CorcoranCoaching.com.

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SIMRAN DUA Simran Dua always does what’s right for her clients. Early in February she was working with a buyer who was about to go under contract for a million dollar home.

“This was just as the coronavirus news had started to surface,” she says. Another client had just returned from a medical conference and was telling Simran how severe the crisis could become and how some businesses could be impacted by it. “The buyer owns a restaurant, so I called him and said, ‘we should wait to go under contract because the coming weeks could have an impact on your business.’” Last week, that buyer thanked Simran for leading him in the right direction, as his restaurant has been closed for two weeks.

“He was very grateful because I had led him to the right decision, not the one that would get me a commission.”

That sort of commitment to serving her clients is why Simran has a 90% return and referral rate, with close to $17 million in closed sales volume in 2019. Serving Will, DuPage, and Cook Counties, Simran will go wherever her clients take her. Since becoming a Rising Star in 2017, Simran has been building a reputation as someone with an extraordinary work ethic, rock solid honesty and constant transparency, as well as having a deep knowledge of the market.

support our local businesses, we have a lot of friends that own small businesses locally, whether it’s purchasing their products or services, co-sponsoring their events, or providing our expertise and consult to help them increase their sales.”

But when she’s not out working Simran loves to be home with her family. “I’m a homebody!” she says with a smile. “My husband and I love spending time with our girls, and that was the big decision factor for leaving corporate America. I can work the long hours so long as I’m always around our children at the end of the day.

Travelling for work was not ideal for my family life and I’m beyond grateful to my clients that helped me with this transition” Simran has been using the past few weeks as an opportunity to work on increasing the technology side of her business. “I had put it on the back burner, but now is the perfect time to engage the right people and get the right tools in place so I can better serve my sellers and my buyers,” she says. “This is the perfect moment for someone like me, who is in this for the long term, to fill in those gaps.”

Her advice to brand new agents, “Understand the big picture and work on the small details. Review your business plan every day.”

“I work hard on every transaction,” she says. “When other agents see my name on the transaction they know we will get to closing. But at the same time she knows that it’s never about the one sale, her loyalty, business acumen, and hard work have brought her many referrals, “last year I helped one client’s family on 5 different real estate transactions.”

For Simran, real estate is all about the people. “I love working with them, they make the hard work worth it.

Interacting with our clients is the best part, they keep this industry lively and exciting.”

Simran carries that positive attitude into her community service, “My husband and I have a strong mindset to Top Agent Magazine

To find out more about Simran Dua, visit her Facebook Business Page Simran Kam Arora-Dua Realtor, https://www.facebook.com/Simran-Kam-Arora-Dua-Realtor-658541110962696/ or zillow.com/profile/simdua81, call 815.272.1603 or email simran@simrandua.com www.

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How To Send

SMARTER EMAILS

Email is a great tool for agents to use when trying to stay in touch with their past clients, as well as for reaching out to prospective clients. However, used incorrectly it can make your attempts to reach out seem like spam. The secret to using email effectively is making sure that everything you send out does one thing: ensure that you remain relevant to your contacts. To do this you have to get personal. Personalization will go far to ensure that your contacts are actually clicking on your emails. This means that if you do reply on an automated drip email campaign to build business, you need to customize your content so that it delivers something meaningful to each individual recipient. Here are some steps that will help you do exactly that:

1. SEND A WELCOME EMAIL TO

NEW CLIENTS AND PROSPECTS Rather than simply add new contacts to your automated email drip campaign, make sure to send each new contact receives a warm welcome as well. Sending a welcome email along with adding new contacts to your drip campaign is proven to be 86 percent more effective at catching your contact’s attention. Let them know they are welcome and that you appreciate their interest.

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2. NURTURE YOUR RELATIONSHIP

THROUGH YOUR EMAIL To let your potential client know that you are thinking about them by sending them useful content that relates to the process of buying or selling a house. Some great topics include credit score information, ways to save money, regular market updates, what buying in your market is like, information about the neighborhood, tips on how they can prepare their home for sale, and other relevant information. A great way to

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add to these emails’ punch is to time them so that they coincide with what that individual is going through and dealing with at that time on their path through the buying or selling process.

3. CELEBRATE IMPORTANT DATES

Everyone loves to be noticed and appreciated.

Schedule emails to go to each client that celebrate their purchase anniversary or birthday.

Make sure you include a personal note and your own wishes that the year ahead goes well for them. If you’ve been a bit out of touch with your contacts, you might want to send them a friendly hello.

4.

MOBILE-FRIENDLY EMAILS With our phones being akin to mini computers, most people read their emails on their phone these days. So, it is particularly important to make sure that your emails are rendering well on the smaller screens. If you want to make any kind of impact, you have to run a mobile-friendly email campaign in today’s world. You are going to lose a lot of your audience if they can’t read your email on their phones.

5.

TRACK THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR EMAILS AND ALTER ACCORDINGLY The best way to make sure your emails are being read and making the kind of impact you desire is to consistently monitor the analytics,

and see what your readers are actually clicking on and what elements are most popular with your contacts. Going forward you can alter different elements of your email campaign such as content, images, graphics, and even smaller elements like your subject line to draw in more clicks from your readers, and cater to what grabs their attention.

You also want to follow a targeted email strategy. The best way to do this is segment your email list based on the data from your CRM and the demographics of your contacts. Different clients are going to be interested in different content. Long-time clients looking to buy a second home or possibly downsize are going to be interested in completely different content than your first-time buyers. A good way to filter your contacts is by looking at which ones are looking to buy or sell, how far along in the process they are, as well as other important information about them.

6.

DON’T SPAM UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES You probably already know that flooding your clients’ emails is big no-no. However, different people have different ideas about what is too much contact. One great way to approach this problem is to ask your clients whether they would prefer weekly, monthly, or occasional emails from you. This way you can cater to each client’s preference.

The emails you send your clients can often be a double-edged sword when it comes to how well they work to bring in business. Following these simple rules will help your emails be as successful as they can possibly be, and will make your contacts much happier with you. So, don’t just send out emails without doing your homework about how to do it right. Your email campaigns can be a powerful tool if you know how to create and utilize them in the right manner.

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JOHN ROBINSON John Robinson began his real estate career in early 2001, after working as an executive chef in the restaurant and catering industries. Although cooking was (and remains) a great passion of his, John changed careers because he wanted to find a better balance between work and family. Through almost 20 years in real estate, John has forged strong personal connections with his clients by providing them with world-class service and expertise.

As a broker for @Properties, John serves the city and North Shore of Chicago. He typically works throughout the city neighborhoods, up the lake to Highland Park as well as the suburbs to the west and south. As John’s client list has grown, he has grown along with it: about 10 years ago, John started hearing from clients that they were ready to leave the city and wanted his help finding a house in the suburbs. John has been happy to venture outside of his usual territory, saying, “I will go anywhere to do a deal.” This dedication and personal service set John apart, and helps to explain why clients keep coming back to do business with him repeatedly.

Over 95% of John’s business comes from repeat and referral clients. They like working with him because of his depth of experience in the business, his maturity, and his trustworthiness. “First-time homebuyers especially tend to feel comfortable with me for those reasons,” John says.

book business page. From there, he shares them on his personal Facebook page as well as his LinkedIn profile.

All told, these posts reach a network of about 750 people.

“I don’t mass-market to the public,” John says. “I reach out and communicate with my personal and professional sphere, which consists of people who actually know me.”

John also gives back to his community through the gift of cooking. He volunteers at a soup kitchen, Souper Saturday, which is a weekly project run out of The First Presbyterian Church of Evanston that serves 60-100 hot meals every Saturday. He also serves on the Associate Board of Culinary Care (https://culinarycare.org), a non-profit organization that serves meals to cancer patients while they are receiving chemotherapy. When he is not working or giving back, John loves to spend time with his wife and kids. He loves to travel, visit with friends, and of course cook.

John is always looking to the future and growing his business. His annual volume currently averages between $7 million and $10 million, and John would like to increase that to a sustainable level in the mid-teens. “I want to grow while also balancing real estate with life outside of the business,” John says. “Right now I’m focusing on lead generation, talking to clients, and building my network. I love to meet new people and help them through what can be one of the most important decisions in life. That’s why I love my job.”

Staying in touch with past clients is important to John’s repeat and referral business. He sends monthly mailers in the form of postcards and then often follows up with a personal note, phone call or email. What’s more, John’s clients are delighted when he shows up with a gift of amazing food he has prepared especially for them. “It’s a way to provide comfort, warmth and love, and that’s what I’m all about,” John explains.

John’s marketing strategy involves a great deal of promotion on social media. He works with a social media coordinator, and he also posts all his listings to his FaceTop Agent Magazine

To find out more about John Robinson, please call 773-485-0115, email john@teamjbr.com, or visit atproperties.com/agents/3493/john-robinson www.

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