Successful real estate agents are always finding new ways to drum up business. One approach to expand your sphere and make meaningful connections is with client events. Whether it’s hosting a happy hour or holiday party, these get-togethers can do wonders for your organization. When you incorporate client events into your marketing plan, it adds to your credibility, increases your brand awareness and naturally expands your referral base.
Here are five ways CRSs utilize client events to scale their businesses.
1) Throw a craft night
Victoria Borger, CRS, sales agent at RE/MAX Quality Realty in Sandusky, Ohio, hosted her second annual “ladies’ night” this winter where she invited around 10 clients to participate in sign painting. Each client was encouraged to bring a guest, which was a clever way for Borger to make new connections in her community.
“We have light food, wine and door prizes,” says Borger. “Bringing the guests has been impactful because it’s introducing someone new and we are already providing them a wonderful event.”
These new connections can turn into future clients thanks to your mutual connections and a memorable shared experience.
2) Host a photo shoot
Whether it’s a group family photo or just a client with their pet, Jami Mumley, CRS, sales agent at North Texas Top Team Realtors, LLC, in Plano, Texas, always has an amazing turnout when she hosts her family photo event in the spring.
“We pick a location, hire a photographer and invite top clients to come do a mini photo session with whomever they’d like,” says Mumley.
Hiring a photographer for your next event is sure to put you above the competition. Not only do your clients get to walk away with a memory they can keep forever, but they’ll be reminded of you every time they look at their photo. You can even include your logo on the photo or have your contact information printed on back so they know exactly who to contact when they’re looking to reenter the real estate market.
3) Celebrate your achievements
Have you received an award or have an upcoming business anniversary on your calendar? Use your big or small wins as a moment to celebrate with those who contributed to your success.
Vivian Macias, CRS, broker/owner of Principal Properties, Inc. in Haileah, Florida, just celebrated her 45th anniversary and hosted a grand ceremony to commemorate the milestone. “We had the mayor of our city come and do a ribbon cutting,” Macias says. “We had a chef cooking pasta on-site. It was a hit! Everyone loved it.”
When you draw attention to your achievements, it reinforced your credibility and experience to your clientele, reminding them of why they worked with you in the first place.
4) Highlight the holidays
Whether it’s a Fourth of July party or an Easter egg hunt, make sure to utilize calendar holidays to your advantage. Because these celebrations take place every year, you can turn them into annual traditions that your community remembers you by.
“Our annual holiday party is always a huge event. I started this about 38 years ago and our clients love it,” says Alexis Bolin, CRS, broker associate at Keller Williams Realty Gulf Coast in Pensacola, Florida. “In early December, we invite our clients to a huge party where we have lots of food, drinks and desserts. We give everyone a pie as a token of our gratitude for their friendship and loyalty […] About 300–350 attend the drop-in during the day. It’s something they talk about all year long. [It’s] a lot of work but well worth it.”
5) Organize a charitable coffee or happy hours
If you prefer a get-together that’s a little more social or networking based, try throwing a fun happy hour with coffee or drinks. To make this happy hour more personable, partner with a local charity and donate all the proceeds to its efforts in the name of your clients or attendees.
“We had a happy hour at a local brewery where we raised money selling my own special blend of coffee for Habitat for Humanity,” says Kara Sachs, CRS, broker associate at Lam Realty in Pitman, New Jersey. These charitable efforts show your clients that you value your community and give back where you can.
RRC members are always showcasing their client events on the We Are CRS Facebook page. Join to learn from other members and share your ideas!
Photo: iStock.com/Infowizard
