Jared James began his career as a RE/MAX agent and, now as a highly sought-after coach, he knows intimately how agents can – and should – start to pivot their business.
The pandemic has certainly disrupted the industry, but James says there is one thing that agents can do right now, as more and more markets start to open.
Breathe.
“Emotions are absolutely powerful,” he says. “But they are not always right.”
James also was candid with the things he believes agents can and should do next.
Prepare to shift messaging
James says when the pandemic first hit, agents provided value as community leaders. Whether it was gathering resources or just helping out, the message then was a complete mentality of service.
Now, he says, it’s OK to shift a little. He says it’s fine to reach out and let your networks know you’re still here, still a resource and still a real estate agent who can help them.
Make sure you’ve upgraded your business
With the showing of homes limited, James says agents have had to learn new technologies and systems to continue to do business virtually.
Agents who didn’t are going to get left behind.
James says when the market bounces back, agents need to have upgraded their business to a 2020 business. If they don’t upgrade, they are going to miss opportunity after opportunity.
Don’t be a (virtual) prisoner of the moment
James says it has been great that agents have used this time to get to know technologies and tools that can help their business.
Still, this is a business built on relationships, typically in-person relationships. James says there is something about human interaction that brings everyone together.
There’s value in seeing a home in person and there’s value in shaking an agent’s hand (or bumping elbows) – it creates a connection.
“We all know the difference between a live concert and a YouTube video,” he says.
“Good Morning RE/MAX” debuts via Facebook Live every Tuesday at 11 a.m. ET on the “We Are RE/MAX” Facebook page. Don’t miss next week, May 12, when U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson joins the show.
A reminder that anyone can view the video, either live or at their convenience.
Don’t forget, each Thursday at 10 a.m. ET, RE/MAX CEO Adam Contos covers leadership principles and more on his weekly show, “Mind, Body and Business.” It, too, debuts with a Facebook Live session on We Are RE/MAX and is available for viewing at any time.
Written by Luke Graham
