Secrets of Success from Online Sales Counselors
Earlier this year, I had the great opportunity to present at the International Builders’ Show. As I was preparing, I sent out this message on Twitter: “Preparing the presentation for IBS, anything specific you would like to hear?” In no time, a user responded, “How about you only talk about the stuff that works.”
I laughed, and then realized that this response was right on. It’s easy to get caught up in theory and ideas, preaching instead of teaching. Often people know what they need to do, they just need “real world” examples to reinforce their knowledge and get them moving forward.
In that light, I’m taking this article to the street. I’m fortunate enough to have worked with some of the best Online Sales Counselors (OSC) across the nation. Let’s hear from these superstars on what makes them and their program so consistently successful.
“It’s all about fast, personal service,” Says Leah Kaiz, an OSC from Virginia. “I’ve found that people respond when they can tell you are genuinely there to help.”
One easy way to create higher response rates is to send emails that don’t look canned explains Leah, “I’m not a fan of pretty templates. When they arrive in my inbox, I know they weren’t designed uniquely for me. So do home buyers.”
Russ Klintworth, OSC for Simmons Homes reminds, “Not everyone will respond, it doesn’t mean they didn’t get the information. By sending more specific questions you increase your chance for a response.” Bottom line; don’t give up after just one email.
Kate Jacobs, OSC for American West Homes, using similar techniques says, “People like to talk about themselves. I ask something like ‘I’m curious, what’s changed in your life that has you out looking for a new home?’ Once I added that line in my emails, my response rate increased dramatically!”
Pay attention to customer feedback. When Elena Mora, the OSC for Ideal Homes, hears, “Wow! That was fast! I just sent my request less than a minute ago.” She knows she’s doing everything right.
Customers are impressed when you contact them while still on your website. Elena elaborates, “I respond to my leads in 5 minutes or less, and I have a rigorous follow-up system. I am here to help them with their home search.”
A few simple tricks can make the difference between providing information and creating consistently high conversion rates. Kate’s observation exhibits the need for a detailed personal follow-up system. “The buying cycle is so much longer now that the need for long term follow-up is so important!”
Each OSC has a detailed System. Russ knows follow-up isn’t a trick it’s common sense, “My goal is to answer every email and phone call promptly. The more knowledgeable you are about your product the better you interact with the prospective homebuyer.”
All OSC’s agree that in order to convert a conversation to an appointment, every communication needs to build a bridge from OSC to the onsite managers. “I often say things like ‘that is a great question for Jenny, our site manager, would you like me to set that up for you?’” Says Leah.
Elena explains, “I know which emails and calls they responded to, what they said, and what their hot buttons are so I can develop a script that will motivate them to come out to a model.”
Over the past few years as home search has changed so too has the role of an OSC. “I’ve found that social media has added to the richness of an OSC position. It gives multiple outlets to interact with past, present, and future homebuyers.” Says Leah.
Kate concurs, saying, “With social media taking off like it has, OSCs are seen now as the “face” of the company and serve as a true ambassador.”
“Maintaining a high web presence is key,” says Russ, “given the amount of time buyers now spend on the internet during their home search.”
Isn’t this great. These folks are so smart!
Sit in on a day-in-the-life of a successful OSC, and you’ll notice common traits among top achievers. Consistently high numbers are not luck of the draw. They aren’t due to the outdated belief that the same clients would be swingin’ through model doors anyway.
Let’s face it, those doors are not swingin’ like they used to. With 90% of buyers beginning their home search online, an OSC, implementing a proven process, will insure that qualified buyers mosey into that sales office.
Here are a few of the common traits I see all across the country:
Be quick on the draw. OSC’s know they are 100 times more likely to set an appointment if they catch a lead while still on their website. That means lightning fast response time. Firing off an email when a prospect is still on their computer engages the lead quickly with attentive customer service.
Use a Lead Management System and implement a process. Once contact is made and key information is identified, the OSC begins building a relationship. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems allow OSC’s to create short-term or long-term follow-up consistent with the buyer’s specific needs.
Sell the appointment, not the home. In this position and process, the “close” is setting the appointment. Understanding how to ask and being prepared for the common objections that will follow gives the advantage to those who are ready. It may seem obvious, but that’s what separates people who send emails, from highly effective OSC’s who facilitate sales.
One thing to keep in mind, while not every builder can have a full-time OSC, you absolutely, positively, without question must assign someone within your organization the responsibility of fast follow-up with initial contact from a prospect.
At the International Builders’ Show this year, Myers Barnes, noted New Home Sales Trainer, made a great statement: “We aren’t producing any more customers this year. If you want more sales you are going to have to steal them from your competition” By responding fast and responding right to your internet leads, you will be able to do just that.
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This article originally appeared in Sales & Marketing Ideas Magazine
Create New Prospects with Effective Call and Email Campaigns
Are you looking for affordable ways to drum up new business? The tax credit has expired and many real estate marketing and sales departments are huddled in their conference rooms brainstorming ways to generate new business.
In most housing markets, you still have a good percentage of shoppers out there looking for their next home. So how do you guide them to you? One logical solution would be to launch an email campaign or phone call “blitz” to connect with past prospects and shift them in gear.
The question is, are you getting the right results from your efforts. Too often, these campaigns are poorly executed with the wrong strategy, weak message, no call to action, or no connection with the front line sales team. With this reality in mind, here are a few ideas to help you drive better responses from your email and call campaigns.
Think “Prospecting”
The new age of selling requires everyone to generate their own leads. Don’t rely solely on your marketing department for the message. Take the time to craft your own marketing messages to use via email and phone. Create your email templates; it’s easy with email service providers like MailChimp, Constant Contact, and iContact. Be sure to include a powerful subject line and open with a catchy intro to grab their attention. Keep it personal but remember, time is a precious commodity—for both you and your prospect—so prepare in advance. Don’t get on a call without a practiced phone script and a voicemail message ready to go.
Build Momentum By Starting with the Right People.
Approach your more likely prospects first. Build a quality list of interested people who want to hear from you and start with them.
Focus on decision-makers. If a prospect tells you they need to speak with a spouse/significant other, ask if there might be a good time to talk with them on the phone. This is a common objection, so dig deeper to see if they have other reasons for pushing back.
Why Are You Calling/Emailing?
Before you click or dial, be clear with a powerful reason for initiating this contact. Be very specific in your message to prospects when you connect. The desired next step is to generate the in-person appointment. Don’t just call to chat during a call campaign—that will only slow you down.
Practice Smart Time Management.
Set aside non-interrupted time to focus on your goal of calling and emailing. Make this time productive by avoiding distractions. These campaigns require a weekly time allotment if you want results, don’t just leave this important business development task to be squeezed in when it is “convenient”.
Have We Talked About Follow-up?
Follow-up is essential and expected. So what happens when you prompt a response from a prospect? Be prepared to react by having your follow-up strategy in place. You will stay on track when you have your responses and next steps ready beforehand. Momentum is important. Don’t compromise it with lack of preparedness.
Keep up the frequency. Most sales executives fade away after 1-3 contacts. Remember, it will take 5-7 touches to generate a response, so keep the communication going.
Call then email, email then call. As we talked about in the previous post. After you send the email, pick up the phone and call the customer to let them know you are trying to reach them.
Are you going to take advantage of the opportunity to catapult your call and email campaigns into successful lead generating campaigns? Put your plan in place and then make it happen!
Video Interviews from the International Builders’ Show – Round 3
Last but certainly not least, here is the final round of videos from the International Builders’ Show. If you want to check out all the interviews from IBS, they are here on YouTube.
One of the highlights of the show for me was meeting John Fanning, the Co-Founder of Napster. (if you aren’t familiar with Napster, it is the service that basically turned the entire music industry upside down) He attended the Extreme E-Marketing presentation on Thursday and we spent a few minutes throwing around some video communication ideas.
Want some great marketing ideas from the best in Australia? Darren Mehl is the marketing manager for Metricon, Australia’s largest homebuilder. I spent half of my final day hanging out with him and the executive team soaking up as much as I could. Darren is extremely sharp and an all-in-all cool guy (its not just the accent).
Good thing I had my iPhone ready when I bumped into Extreme Makeover Home Edition, in the cab line. He shared some great stuff plus said some nice words about Simmons Homes. As I write this, I am working with Simmons on their third Extreme Makeover. (watch out, volume is high on this one)
I caught Jason Forrest from Shore Forrest in the hall after an event. I wanted him to talk about his new book, the 40 Day Sales Dare. I love the concept plus the interactive blogging from those who are on the dare.
Video Interviews from the International Builders’ Show
One of the best things about the International Builders’ Show is the opportunity to meet and learn from the best in the country. Below are a few videos from day 2 of the show.
I can’t say enough about Myers Barnes. He has inspired me on so many levels and is a force to be reckoned with in the homebuilding industry. He is one of the best New Home Sales Trainers in the country.
Myers talks about the current state of the market and what can be done from here to move in the right direction. If you watch only one interview, watch this one.
I had the chance to hang out with the group from LGI Homes based out of Texas. LGI Homes has been recognized as one of the top 200 builders in the United States and the only builder to increase closings and revenue over the last 3 years. Eric Lipar is the CEO and shares some successes from last year and aggressive (but from everything I have seen – attainable) goals for the future.
I grabbed Tom Nelson after his presentation with Myers Barnes. Tom is the founder of NDG Communications and had some powerful points for creating focused content for your marketing programs and how to make it work. (As a bonus, he tells you how to get your whole vacation to Vegas paid for)
Are you looking for a great system to mange your internet leads and prospects? You need to take a look at Lasso Data Systems. I was able to catch the CEO, Dave Clements, and ask him about the new QuickStart product starting at $39 per month and the great features of this system.
What are some takeaways from the show? Don’t be shy, chime in and leave a comment below.
Video Wrap Up from the International Builders’ Show
What a tremendous time in Vegas. The International Builders’ Show was a huge success with a new and refreshing energy in the air. I wanted to post a quick video with a few takeaways from the show.
Stay tuned over the next week as I upload a lot of great video interviews shot with some really cool people you should get to know. I tried posting from the show but 3G wireless just couldn’t keep up with the Flip HD. (here are some from the first day)
If you were there, please be sure to leave your comments below, maybe something you are going to implement that you learned from the show.
Off to Orlando next year (we will miss you Vegas!)
