Almost everyone dreams of being the "go-to" associate in the neighborhood. Yes—even in a crowded, competitive market, you can have the kind of local pull that makes it "case closed" whenever someone needs to buy or sell a home in your area. The question is, how do you get there? The first three years of your practice set the stage for your future. Every year—ideally, each quarter—you should do less "chasing referrals" and more watching business come to you.
It may take years to become the "go-to" sales associate, but having a reliable flow of leads can happen faster than you think. The key is making marketing a top priority, then using it in a way that propels your business in the right direction.

Your reputation is one of your most valuable assets as a real estate professional. Every satisfied client presents an opportunity to advertise yourself to potential future clients. Still, even the most satisfied clients may need a little nudge to offer a testimonial or online review. Once a client shares their feedback, it's up to you to make sure that new prospects can easily find that information. That's why sales associates and real estate firms need to take an active role in reputation management, both in acquiring feedback and sharing it for the world to see.

The Nuts and Bolts of Reputation Management
Reputation management has evolved in recent...