PROView - August 2008 - (Page 2) Chairman’s Notes Now is the Time to Revitalize Your Business by Pat Ivers, Chairman of the Board “The only constant is change.” It’s safe to say that the interpretation of Greek philosopher Heraclitus’ words couldn’t better describe the transition our marketplace is going through, let alone the way our profession has been forced to change over time. Change is inevitable and we are faced with the challenge to adjust our businesses, and business practices, with the times. Who You Are and Who You Serve In the 1990s, mass marketing became the strategy of choice. Mass mailings to as many potential clients as possible were the motto of the time. Marketing in the 2000s, especially in the latter part of that period, is instead all about personalized communications. Do you still send out general information or do you personalize your marketing materials? Consider changing your message to let those in your sphere know they are important and special to you. What makes you unique? Why should buyers and sellers hire you for what likely is among the most important Are you preparing to change for the future? Now is the decisions of their lives? What time. can you offer that few or none else can provide them? What’s Through the years we have “We now have to be ready to your unique selling point? As encountered markets of wake up to a new marketplace consumer preferences have varied kinds. Many of us have changed over time so should weathered tough markets where new technologies, the content of your messages yet we have also enjoyed to reflect today’s market. If it consumer preferences, and more prosperous periods. I is a relevant message, they will believe we can all agree that the need to expand our listen. Furthermore, what are while sellers are more likely the true needs of the segment knowledge will force us to to accept market-based sale of the marketplace you’ve prices now compared to only revitalize our businesses.” narrowed your prospecting to? a few months ago, many would-be buyers are still a bit reluctant to make a decision. We are, however, seeing increased interest and definitely activity out there. Now is the time to take a look at your qualifications and the target audience those skills would best cater to. Next, structure your messages to compel them to respond to any marketing activities you may employ. The Expanding Role of the REALTOR® More is expected of us now. We have to be very familiar with a now too-common transaction type we didn’t have to deal with as often in the past: short sales. We are expected to stay on top of any legal issues related to the buying and selling process as well as the way we market our listings. Where to find the information you need? Start with your local association. As a member of the Pinellas REALTOR® Sure, the economy is struggling but as professionals we face challenges beyond financial issues causing the current difficulties for buyers and sellers. More important changes to identify are the way consumers expect us to conduct business. We now have to be ready to wake up to a new marketplace where new technologies, consumer preferences, and the need to expand our knowledge will force us to revitalize our businesses. Now is the time to take a close look both inside your own operation as well as the world outside. Who do you serve and what do you do to meet their expectations? Organization you have access to a wide range of 2 PINELLAS REALTOR® ORGANIZATION August 2008
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PROView - August 2008 PROView- August 2008 Contents Chairman’s Notes Feature Story PROActive PRO News Marketplace Analysis Home Sales Report MLS Update New REALTOR® and Affiliate Members MLS Mind Your Manners Calendar of Events & Programs Money-Saving Gas Tips PROView - August 2008 PROView - August 2008 - PROView- August 2008 (Page Cover1) PROView - August 2008 - PROView- August 2008 (Page Cover2) PROView - August 2008 - Contents (Page 1) PROView - August 2008 - Chairman’s Notes (Page 2) PROView - August 2008 - Chairman’s Notes (Page 3) PROView - August 2008 - Feature Story (Page 4) PROView - August 2008 - Feature Story (Page 5) PROView - August 2008 - PROActive (Page 6) PROView - August 2008 - PROActive (Page 7) PROView - August 2008 - PROActive (Page 8) PROView - August 2008 - PROActive (Page 9) PROView - August 2008 - PRO News (Page 10) PROView - August 2008 - PRO News (Page 11) PROView - August 2008 - Marketplace Analysis (Page 12) PROView - August 2008 - Home Sales Report (Page 13) PROView - August 2008 - MLS Update (Page 14) PROView - August 2008 - New REALTOR® and Affiliate Members (Page 15) PROView - August 2008 - MLS Mind Your Manners (Page 16) PROView - August 2008 - Calendar of Events & Programs (Page 17) PROView - August 2008 - Calendar of Events & Programs (Page 18) PROView - August 2008 - Calendar of Events & Programs (Page 19) PROView - August 2008 - Money-Saving Gas Tips (Page 20) PROView - August 2008 - Money-Saving Gas Tips (Page 21) PROView - August 2008 - Money-Saving Gas Tips (Page Cover4)
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