Sunday, September 12, 2010

fans first. customers second.

In the sometimes turbulent world of residential + resort real estate, establishing the fruitful relationship with a prospective owner is becoming quite the challenge. Your ads don't cut it anymore. The billboards telling the world you're the best is no longer credible. Today, prospective purchasers care less about what you have to say and more about what everyone else is saying ABOUT you.

 The best builders, realtors and developers in real estate see this light. Advertorial what? Who reads advertorials anymore unless its for prescription drugs? Engaging prospective purchasers takes more than traditional marketing + advertising. It's a nice start but its like having bricks and no mortar. They're savvy and "due diligence" is easier to do than ever before. The success stories come from the organizations that are demolishing the walls of what is considered "traditional" real estate marketing. All of a sudden what you do and how well you do it is determined by those who have been through your process--not how great and "hassle-free" you say it is. Small speed bumps and obstacles aside, if they enjoyed "the experience" provided, you have created yourself a true "fan." 
 
Fans follow.
 
That's what fans do, they follow. When I started with Walt Disney in 1999, one of my managers gave me a copy of a book called "Raving Fans." It taught me the difference between a satisfied customer and a "raving fan." This couldn't be more important + critical today.  To be the best, your customers have to be willing to raise your flag. To share the unique experience they had with you with their friends, their family and their "social network." 
 
I'll admit it. I get excited about organizations that are constantly breaking-down the traditional walls and leading the way as innovators in engaging prospective purchasers and creating "raving fans." I'd much rather have a fan or a follower over a customer any day! Embrace the opportunities and never-before-created ideas, technologies and strategies that the rest ignore. Purchasing a home is most commonly the single-largest purchase decision anyone makes in their life. Shouldn't that experience be an enjoyable one? Go beyond traditional means of marketing communities + homes and acquire a group of fans who are willing to follow YOU. 
 
If you haven't read it, get it: http://amzn.to/2FMtir 
 
--jason 

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