Brokers/Managers have a responsibility to get their agents using email! The real estate profession has to deliver what the consumers want and that is for us to use email to communicate. The Internet is here to stay and is going to be more and more a vital part of the real estate transaction. All parties want to be kept informed on what is happening with the marketing of their property and subsequently the handling of the sale transaction; the Internet is the easiest way to do this. And, it all begins with knowing how to use email!
Start using email in your office to communicate the office activities to your agents. You not only help your agents get proficient at email usage, but also cut expenses by eliminating much of the waste in copying. Here are some of the examples of ways to let agents know that they are important and being kept informed of important office functions.
Start by telling your agents the importance of email; that more and more people are communicating with it; that it is more popular than regular mail; that more of the transaction will be online in the near future; and that it is quick and economical. You want to help them be ready for all the changes ahead. Let your office know that you will be communicating daily with them by email.
One thing that I find is really valuable for agents is something positive every morning; a good quote; a hot tip; a positive result-just one line that sets the tone for the day. Wouldn't it be great to have your agents start their day on a positive note?!
Send the agenda for your sales meeting by email. Let them know the day before what is going to be discussed. I think it is important to have at least five minutes at each meeting dedicated to improving sales skills. Build this segment up in your agenda-that will get them to the meeting! If you have minutes of your sales meeting, send them by email.
After you announce your monthly sales and listing winners, also put it in email form. People being recognized over and over again can only make them want to keep performing. This is also a good place to recognize a staff person who did a good job helping the agents.
Send your agents an online birthday card. They are plentiful on the Web and make a great impression on your agents as they are personally recognized on their special day. Everyone wants to be remembered!
Send your internal memos to the clerical staff by email. It is just as easy to quickly write an email as it is to write notes and carry them to their desks. You want your staff showing the agents that they use email as well.
Send "thank you for listing with us" notes to the sellers by email. They will get it immediately and know that they can be in touch with you personally should a need arise. Copy your agents on this email so they are aware what you did and see that you are dedicated to using this medium. The sellers and your agents will be impressed with the speed of your communication.
By using email now and forcing the agents to do the same you are helping them bridge the past and the future. They will thank you for it!
