NEW JERSEY 11-16-20

NEW JERSEY EDITION

5 Fresh New Approaches To CONTENT MARKETING

TOP 4 WAYS TO

JUICE UP YOUR

OPEN HOUSE STRATEGY

INCORPORATING CHARITABLE GIVING IN YOUR REAL ESTATE PRACTICE

COVER STORY

FEATURED AGENTS

MICHELLE DANIHER ALFRED JOHN OLIVA

JOHANNA RIVERA

NEW JERSEY EDITION

MICHELLE DANIHER ALFRED JOHN OLIVA

Alfred John– Oliva likes to say that he knowing data and being able to selling retrieve a sta Top Agent Michelle Daniher of 7 23 Compass RE in Short Hills, fell into realNew estate. After working for it, all of which benefits my clients.” million-dolla Jersey – is a consummately professional many years in the restaurant and personal ing each the The relationships Michelle forms with her Realtor® who has built a thriving busitraining industries, he watched his aunt many clients are of vital importance to ness on a solid foundation of honesty and succeed as a real estate agent. “She was Alfred is an her, and she works hard to maintain them integrity. Highly organized, detail-orientdoing phenomenally well,” says Alfred. both during the transaction and post-closmunity, invo ed and dedicated to providing her clients said, ifservice, you can do this, why can’t ing table. “Buying or selling homeincanhisbe area. with top-of-the-line “Icustomer 2015, as he atook the course, passed an incredibly stressful situation,” says stays Mi-active.

Michelle has earned I?” her In reputation trusted real estate advocate for and her many the test, began his own career 17 as an chelle. “My clients want to be reassured has studied B during the transaction process, so I stay in grateful buyers and sellers. agent. He has since MICHELLE found phenomenal ized and dif JOHANNA RIVERA DANIHER ALFREDAfter JOHNthe OLIVA touch with them constantly. sale or purchase, I success of his own. loves learnin Michelle – who, prior to becoming an agent worked continue to check in on them on a regular basis.” restaurants, in the Information Technology field for fifteen years – weights, and bulk inof2005.

Alfred’s business is are conother factors to be considered when assessing began her journey in The real estate “I wanted to There ducted Monmouth county, New success story. Chief among them would Michelle’s stay home with my kids,” explainsinMichelle, when asked be into her exceptional skills andtoher about the origins of her currentbut career.

“I wanted a job out Jersey, he also branches Middlesexnegotiation and Looking theintellifuture, Alfr gent, leave-no-stone-unturned approach to marketing that provided more flexibility I could spend more time Oceansocounties.

Alfred technically works solo, but his growing client base. “ CONTENTS her listings.

The latter is bolstered by Compass RE’sHe ho with them. I grew up he in asees familyhis thatnetwork moved constantly of attorneys, home inspectors, solution,” he says. to different states and different countries. I think that’s world-class technology, which ensures that every listlenders, and title company as his team. His individu- all aspects of real estate a ing is given maximum exposure to potential buyers. where my love of real estate began: a desire to help alized approach and self-built networks set him20) apart rience clients in te 4) INCORPORATING 13) TOP TO 5 FRESH The result is almost always a fast salefor for his top dollar, people find a home and be happy and comfortable in it.”4 WAYS his peers. “When me,toyou get me,” says solving any and all probl not mention happy clients.

CHARITABLEfrom GIVING JUICEyou UPhire YOUR OPEN NEW APPROACHES Alfred.her “I son don’t have a mega-team of other agents.”

Alfred hopes his clients f Currently working alongside Ryan – himself a IN YOUR REAL HOUSE STRATEGY TO CONTENT When she’s not working, Michelle enjoys highly qualified investor and talented agent – Michelle ing with him.hanging While he ac ESTATE PRACTICE MARKETING out with family and friends, attending Broadway enjoys the hands-on approach of a small team that alThis approach works wonders, and almost all of unavoidable aspect of bu She is also committed to philanthropy, and she lows her the ability to work one-on-one with her cliAlfred’s business comes fromshows. referrals and repeat says, “It’s not all serious supports multiple charitable organizations that include ents, rather than handing them off to other agents. customers. “You’re a client witha local me for life,” he says. help your business, and ha animal shelters and one that provides support This personal approach is highly effective: Michelle creditsthat his iscustomers’ loyalty his top-notch forto battered women. sercan boast of having He a business based signifivice clients and dependability.

“It’s cantly on referrals, repeat and positive word of just me doing what I say the future, Michelle’s plans are fairly simple: mouth. “I think it’s because my clients trust me,” says Looking I’m going to do.

I’m delivering.”

He tostays in touch Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 to lasting continuerelationships growing her business alongside Ryan.

Michelle, when askedwith how his she has managed to engenclients, seeking to build However, their der such impressive loyalty in theinhighly mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com that flow both competitive directions.

They come tocontinued him foroverarching objective takes precedence: providing clients with support, empathy, world of real estate.

“I’m also a local area expert, and No portion of this issue maywith be reproduced in any manner whatsoever consent for of the publisher. Top Agent help real estate, and he sends without them prior business knowledgeareand thetoexcellent that has my background in Information taught me precautions Magazine is published

by FeatureTechnology Publications GA, Inc. Although taken ensure thecustomer accuracy ofservice published their industries in return. materials, Top research, Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible expressed or facts supplied by itsnames. authors. become synonymous with their about analysis, understanding numbers, andfor opinions

JOHANNA RIVERA

To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S.More than anything, Alfred sees himself

as a prob-

To learn more about Michelle Daniher, lem-solver.

For instance, he maintains a database email Michelle.Daniher@compass.com or call 201-213-0250.

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of buyers that he can then match to sellers. Alfred Top Agent Magazine explains, “We give value to the seller and the buyer Copyright Top Agent Magazine as well.” He works with a wide range of price ranges, To learn more abo

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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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 4

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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JOHANNA RIVERA Top Agent Magazine

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JOHANNA RIVERA Exit Neighborhood Realty’s Johanna Rivera serves clients in the northern region of The Garden State.

Top Agent Johanna Rivera – of Exit Neighborhood Realty in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey – is a dedicated, hardworking and empathetic Realtor who consistently goes above and beyond for her many grateful clients in the northern region of The Garden State. Johanna’s commitment to honesty and integrity is the foundation upon which her thriving business 8 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

has been built, and she has earned her reputation as a trusted real estate advisor.

“Seven years ago, I visited a real estate office, soliciting business for my husband who is a real estate appraiser,” says Johanna, when asked how she began her real estate career.

“The broker there suggested I should get my Top Agent Magazine

license. I’d been working in other aspects of the industry doing mortgages and titles for a long time, so it made sense. Then, I just fell in love with the business.” Johanna was licensed as an agent in 2013, and she went on from there to earn her broker’s license in 2015.

Currently, the lion’s share of Johanna’s business is based upon repeat clients, referrals and Top Agent Magazine

positive word of mouth, an accurate barometer of the excellent customer service she provides her buyers and sellers. “I believe that is because I try – from the very beginning of the process – to understand what kind of home my clients are looking for,” says Johanna, explaining how she has managed to engender so much trust and loyalty in those she works with. “I also think I’ve been successful because I didn’t start doing this Copyright Top Agent Magazine 9

“You really need to be in this business for the right reasons.

This is the biggest investment people might ever make, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help them achieve the American dream of homeownership.” for the money,” she continues. “When you come into this business with that mentality, there is a larger possibility for growing your business.”

Johanna is also committed to staying abreast of the ever-changing real estate industry. “I go to seminars, I go to summits, I do some coaching,” she says. “I’m always taking one class or another so I can learn more, which helps me serve my clients better.” Johanna is also bilingual, and a large percent of her clientele are Spanish speakers.

10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

There are many other factors that come into play when assessing Johanna’s impressive success story, and chief among them would be her expert negotiation skills and her leaveno-stone-unturned approach to marketing her listings. Deft utilization of social media, professional photography and open houses are just a few of the methods Johanna utilizes to obtain maximum exposure for her listings. All of this combined translates into fast sales for top dollar, not to mention happy – and returning and referring – customers.

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When she’s not working, Johanna enjoys nothing more than spending time with her family, and she is an avid foodie who loves trying new restaurants. She is also an ardent philanthropist who supports multiple charitable organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, which is very close to her heart. “This is not just another Foundation for me, says Johanna.

“It’s very close to my heart, and I do it with the hope of finding a cure or better quality of life for those living with diabetes.” Additionally, Johanna helps raise money for a local food bank, among many other efforts.

When asked what advice she might have for newer agents or those interested in a real estate career, Johanna pauses for a thoughtful moment before replying. “You really need to be in this business for the right reasons. There is money to be made, but more important than that is the responsibility of helping clients achieve their real estate goals. This is the biggest investment they might ever make, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help them achieve the American dream of homeownership.”

ZILLOW REVIEWS:

► Johanna, my family and I want to thank you for helping us find our DREAM HOME!!!!!! You are an exceptional person!!! You were so patient with us and I truly admired your honesty. You are the best and I highly recommend you to anyone. I wish you nothing but the best and good luck. ► Johanna displays great confidence. She helped us with buying our dream home and also helped us with selling our property. Johanna has an easy and pleasant manor about her that put us at ease.

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ZILLOW REVIEWS:

► Great experience she relied to all messages promptly and explained the process in detailed while helping us negotiate with the sellers in getting our new home. She’s able to be reach almost 24/7 and always got back to us with an answer. ► I couldn’t have found anyone better than Johanna Rivera to guide me through my home buying process.

She kept me updated daily til I closed on the house that I wanted. Johannas experience and great negotiation skills are what made the process easier. She’s a true professional who, walks, talks and looks the part. I have referred Johanna to friends and will continue to do so. I felt very secure in having Johanna look out for my interests during my home buying process. ► Johanna, was very helpful when we was looking for our house and sell our property. She was very informative and she would take us to whatever property we wanted to see. She goes over and beyond to make sure we was happy at all time. I would recommend her to make friends and family’s.

For more information about Johanna Rivera, please call 973-220-4414 or email Johanna@johannarivera.com 12Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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Top 4 Ways to Juice Up Your Open House Strategy

by Rob Flitton

I go to open houses, but not just because of my profession or interest in architecture and interior design. I go to open houses to see how effective real estate agents are at selling. It has been rather eyeopening because there is very little selling going on—the average open house strategy needs work.

1.Build a Dynamic Open House Booklet After they leave, open house visitors will discard a one-page for-sale info sheet naming a home’s features. But they will keep, and possibly use, a 6 or 8 page booklet loaded with interesting items that directly solve problems for them.

Perhaps “selling” is considered an outdated skill, or that it feels socially awkward for agents to be regarded as a salesperson. But if you’re a real estate agent, you are a salesperson. At most of the open houses I go, I see money floating out the door every time a visitor leaves because of the agent’s inability or refusal to sell.

It will require some strategic thought to nail the content and design, but perhaps include: (i) descriptives about the benefits of buying the property you’re showing, and not just data, (ii) compelling reasons why they should consider working with you along with a web link to search for listings on your website, (iii) a web link telling them how to get a prompt, written estimate on the value of their home, or to find out what other homes in their neighborhood sold for, (iv) possible discounts on real estate related services—maybe a reduction in fees from your preferred lender, or a reduced home inspection price, (v) possible discounts on non real estate related items.

An open house is a lucrative opportunity to find buyer or seller clients –selling the listing itself may also be the goal, but an agent should not pass up this chance.

There are 4 distinct strategies an agent can immediately employ to juice up their open houses and get awesome leads.

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youcombine combinethis thisdynamic dynamic booklet booklet If Ifyou withproperly properly trained trained closing closing lan lanwith guage,asastouched touchedupon upon below, below, itit is is guage, somethingthe the average average person person will will something eitherkeep keepand anduse useororpass pass along along to to either someonethey theyknow. know.AAwell well designed designed someone booklet canbring bringyou youaalot lotof ofbusiness. business. booklet can

data—and interesting data—andthey theyare arevoid voidofofinteresting or problem-solving problem-solvinginformation. information.

the14 square footage, and the standard

Top Agent Magazine neighborhood is very appealing.

2.Work 2.Work The TheNeighborhood Neighborhood A A few few days daysprior priortotoyour youropen openhouse, house, find the names and addresses (from find the names and addresses (from tax 2020 tax records—or records—orelsewhere) elsewhere)of,of,say, say, homes in each direction from the homes in each direction from the Pre-internet, both open houses for open house.

Pre-internet, both resale listings, andopen modelhouses homes for for open house. resale and model homes for For the cost of postage and some new listings, construction, relied on strategic For the costmail of apostage some new construction, relied on strategic postcardand to these collateral materials (handouts).

Vis- sweat-equity, sweat-equity, mail a postcard collateral materials (handouts). homeowners inviting them to to these the itors were ostensibly looking at Vis sev-- 80 ostensibly looking at sev 80 homeowners inviting them to itors were eral competitors at the same time, so open house and offering somethingthe eral competitors at thehad same time,the so unique open house and offering something collateral materials to have and compelling—perhaps a collateral hadback to have the drawing unique or and compelling—perhaps power tomaterials bring them to your giveaway for those willing a giveaway willing power to great bring call themtoback to your drawing provideortheir opinionfor onthose the asking site—a action, eye- to of the their homeopinion (and theon entry catching color,call identification the price to provide the card, asking site—a great to action, ofeyecourse, net(and youthe their email benefitscolor, of buying your product. price of thewill home entry card, catching identification of the of address and will phone People of course, netnumber). you their email benefits of buying your product.

Yet at open houses today, I primarily are generally nosy and like toPeople be address and phone number). bland houses information dis- validated, so asking theirlike opinion are generally nosyforand to be Yetseeat open today, sheets I primarily cussing features—the listing price, on something hap pening in their own see bland information sheets dis- validated, so asking for their opinion very appealing. the square footage, andlisting the standard on somethingishap pening in their own cussing features—the price, neighborhood

And, it is best to mail them again right after the open house to talk about what happened.

“From our Saturday open house, we discovered 3 qualified and eager buyers that are now looking for a home in this neighborhood—if you would like to know what your home is worth for these buyers to consider, please give me a call.”

dynamic booklet and say: “Please enjoy our open house, and am hoping you’ll do me a favor. This booklet is loaded with great information about, and if you become interested at some point in buying or selling, would you please call and give me the opportunity to earn your business? Or if you happen to know someone now who is looking now, would you kindly pass this booklet onto them?”

Also, adding on door-knocking or If they reply with a “don’t know” type flyer-hanging to your mailings boosts of answer this usually means they are your neighborhood equity even more. indeed looking but are just not ready yet to reveal this to you, so you will 3.Close and Qualify need to work to make a connection.

Engage every single visitor in closing Good consultative sales connections dialogue, because every single visitor are made when you can make them feel you’re not pushy and are able to is there for a reason. directly resolve their problem.

While smiling, with shoulders erect, and maintaining suitable distance, A “yes” type of response is great, but look them in the eye and offer your you should take the qualifying step of handshake while stating your full asking them if they’re working with another agent. If they are, the dyname and company—and then ask: namic booklet comes in handy again: “Are you out looking to buy a home “If for any reason your agent is today?” unavailable to show you homes, I can be reached at the phone number in There are 4 categories of answers, this booklet. Plus, it contains fantastic and any answer they provide is an resources for searching online and a opportunity to get to the marrow of discount on financing.” what they need. There are “nos”, “don’t knows,” “yeses,” and “other.” If you can’t get a sandwich, get a bite.

If they are definitive about looking, If they reply with a “no” variety of and don’t have an agent, then they are answer, then you can hand them your available for you to work with and Top Agent Magazine

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here again you need the right type of closing and qualifying dialogue.

The goal here is to evoke from them their home-buying goals so that you can match and narrow down to a single opportunity. It’s a mistake to present multiple listings to a buyer at once. Ask broad questions and then narrowing questions followed up by “if-then” questions.

Example: “What types of functions do you want in your new home, or activities near your neighborhood?”

Followed by something like, “is the number or size of bedrooms important to you?” Followed by, “so if I can show you the kind of home we just described, are you ready to go see it and possibly make an offer?”

4.Have Interactive Tech Tools Onsite It is the worst feeling to engage someone as a potential client at an open house and then have no tools available to solve their problem— don’t assume they aren’t going to want to do business right away.

If you’re engaging a potential buyer, you better be able to instantly gratify their desire to see viable homes online so internet access and an easily view-able screen are necessary. They may ask you to go see other homes in-person, so you need to have a coagent available to either show them those homes, or spell you off as host while you do. You may be asked to write up an offer for them so you will need the tools and ability to create and e-sign documents.

Naturally, any objections or “nos” you receive in this process are just fan- When a potential listing client is in tastic opportunities to learn about their front of you, you need to be able to needs and earn a connected trust. show them recent comparable sales and may even be asked to list their The “other” thing they might tell you home and will need the tools and is that they’re not a buyer at all, but a ability to create and e-sign documents potential seller. Potential sellers often for taking that listing. go to open houses to find out how their home stacks up, but are you It happens sometimes—but it never aware what the number one reason happens if you’re not ready. they attend open houses is?

Potential sellers go to open houses to Rob Flitton is a Seattle Real Estate Mardirectly or indirectly interview you, a keting specialist helping independent agents to increase their income. Email Rob potential listing agent. And they hire robflitton@gmail.com at any time or call/ confident, prepared professionals. text him at 206-612-2314.

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MICHELLE DANIHER Top Agent Michelle Daniher – of Compass RE in Short Hills, New Jersey – is a consummately professional Realtor® who has built a thriving business on a solid foundation of honesty and integrity. Highly organized, detail-oriented and dedicated to providing her clients with top-of-the-line customer service, Michelle has earned her reputation as a trusted real estate advocate for her many grateful buyers and sellers.

Michelle – who, prior to becoming an agent worked in the Information Technology field for fifteen years – began her journey in real estate in 2005. “I wanted to stay home with my kids,” explains Michelle, when asked about the origins of her current career. “I wanted a job that provided more flexibility so I could spend more time with them. I grew up in a family that moved constantly to different states and different countries. I think that’s where my love of real estate began: a desire to help people find a home and be happy and comfortable in it.”

Currently working alongside her son Ryan – himself a highly qualified investor and talented agent – Michelle enjoys the hands-on approach of a small team that allows her the ability to work one-on-one with her clients, rather than handing them off to other agents.

This personal approach is highly effective: Michelle can boast of having a business that is based significantly on referrals, repeat clients and positive word of mouth. “I think it’s because my clients trust me,” says Michelle, when asked how she has managed to engender such impressive loyalty in the highly competitive world of real estate. “I’m also a local area expert, and my background in Information Technology taught me about analysis, research, understanding numbers, and

knowing data and being able to retrieve it, all of which benefits my clients.”

The relationships Michelle forms with her many clients are of vital importance to her, and she works hard to maintain them both during the transaction and post-closing table. “Buying or selling home can be an incredibly stressful situation,” says Michelle. “My clients want to be reassured during the transaction process, so I stay in touch with them constantly. After the sale or purchase, I continue to check in on them on a regular basis.”

There are other factors to be considered when assessing Michelle’s success story. Chief among them would be her exceptional negotiation skills and her intelligent, leave-no-stone-unturned approach to marketing her listings. The latter is bolstered by Compass RE’s world-class technology, which ensures that every listing is given maximum exposure to potential buyers.

The result is almost always a fast sale for top dollar, not to mention happy clients.

When she’s not working, Michelle enjoys hanging out with family and friends, attending Broadway shows. She is also committed to philanthropy, and she supports multiple charitable organizations that include a local animal shelters and one that provides support for battered women.

Looking to the future, Michelle’s plans are fairly simple: to continue growing her business alongside Ryan.

However, their continued overarching objective takes precedence: providing clients with support, empathy, knowledge and the excellent customer service that has become synonymous with their names.

To learn more about Michelle Daniher, email Michelle.Daniher@compass.com or call 201-213-0250.

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Laughs!

We’re still here!

Making the workplace happy is what we do.

A Graham Harrop Cartoon can enhance office materials, training manuals and add zing to that worrying power point presentation.

Graham Harrop Cartoons

Companies large and small call on award-winning cartoonist Graham

the power Harrop to create unique, funPutting and of humour to work memorable cartoons especially for them…

for you!

Working with you to highlight aspects of your organization or celebrate that special someone, Graham is just an email away! gtoonist@shaw.ca

grahamharrop.com

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mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com http://www.topagentmagazine.com

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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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Top Agent Magazine

ALFRED JOHN OLIVA Alfred John Oliva likes to say that he fell into real estate. After working for many years in the restaurant and personal training industries, he watched his aunt succeed as a real estate agent. “She was doing phenomenally well,” says Alfred.

“I said, if you can do this, why can’t I?” In 2015, he took the course, passed the test, and began his own career as an agent. He has since found phenomenal success of his own.

The bulk of Alfred’s business is conducted in Monmouth county, New Jersey, but he also branches out into Middlesex and Ocean counties. Alfred technically works solo, but he sees his network of attorneys, home inspectors, lenders, and title company as his team. His individualized approach and self-built networks set him apart from his peers. “When you hire me, you get me,” says Alfred. “I don’t have a mega-team of other agents.”

This approach works wonders, and almost all of Alfred’s business comes from referrals and repeat customers. “You’re a client with me for life,” he says.

He credits his customers’ loyalty to his top-notch service and dependability. “It’s just me doing what I say I’m going to do. I’m delivering.” He stays in touch with his clients, seeking to build lasting relationships that flow in both directions. They come to him for help with real estate, and he sends them business for their industries in return.

More than anything, Alfred sees himself as a problem-solver. For instance, he maintains a database of buyers that he can then match to sellers. Alfred explains, “We give value to the seller and the buyer as well.” He works with a wide range of price ranges, and, while his volume varies from year to year, he typically averages between 8 and 12 million. “The main thing for me is helping my clients achieve their real estate goals,” says Alfred. He doesn’t care if he’s Top Agent Magazine

selling a starter home or purchasing a million-dollar commercial property, giving each the same high-quality service.

Alfred is an active member of his community, involved with several charities in his area. When he isn’t at work, he stays active. For the past decade, Alfred has studied Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a specialized and difficult martial arts form. He loves learning new things and trying new restaurants, as well as boxing, lifting weights, and playing golf.

Looking to the future, Alfred plans to continue serving his growing client base. “I want to be your real estate solution,” he says. He hopes to become an expert in all aspects of real estate and provide a one-stop experience for his clients in terms of buying, selling, and solving any and all problems that arise. Most of all, Alfred hopes his clients find some enjoyment working with him. While he acknowledges that stress is an unavoidable aspect of buying or selling property, he says, “It’s not all serious. But I’m here to help you, help your business, and have some fun along the way.”

To learn more about Alfred John Oliva, please call 732-939-8946, email alfredjoliva@gmail.com, or visit alfredjohnrealty.com www.

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