Many people are just being introduced to networking sites, and are using them to connect with prospective clients. This post offers some tips for how to avoid the dreaded "SPAMMER!" accusations that some people are all too ready to slap you in the face with. Personally, I would rather be hit in the face with a dead fish than that moniker.
When sending messages to prospects found through profile searches on networking sites, try these guidelines:
- Search the members profiles for the types of people you think would want to use your services. If you specialize in 1st time home buyers, try searching for terms like "Engaged" or "Newlywed", for example.
- Send individual messages (not mass mailings to distribution lists) with a very short statement, inviting them to contact you.
Something like this:
"I see on your profile that you listed Real Estate as one of your activities, interests, or concentrations. I work as a real estate agent, and am interested in talking to as many people as possible about today's real estate market. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing your opinions and plans."
Notice in that message, you are not attempting to solicit their business. You are simply asking them to share their opinions and plans regarding real estate. - Develop a list of questions that you will ask people when they do contact you. Be prepared to answer their questions as well.
Some people may not like receiving a direct solicitation of business, but many people, especially college students and recent graduates, are eager to discuss their plans. - Limit your e-mail inquiries to just a few per day at first. Remember, that you need to respond to everyone that replies to you in a timely fashion. You dont want to set yourself up to have to reply to 200 emails in one day.
- Customize your initial message for each recipient. Don't just cut and paste the same message for each person. Put a customized line in each one -- for example -- "I noticed also that you said your favorite book is such-and-such by so-and-so. Have you ever read his book thus-and such?" Or "I see you went to Villanova. Does Doctor Donovan still run Chemistry program?"
This type of message will show the individual reading it that you are a real person, not just some robot mass mailer spam machine, and it may prevent them from automaticly hitting whatever form of the "report spam" button the site may utilize. - Even if the person's profile lists a phone number, I recommend against using the phone as your initial method of contact. Even if they list an external email adress, utilize the site's internal contact system, which will help you avoid the appearance of spamming. Once they reply, to you, then use whatever contact method they tell you is their preferred method.
- Follow up. Reply to all messages as soon as possible. Most people expect a reply within 24-36 hours of when they sent it. Many people expect you will reply to an email immediately after you read it. Consider sending a brief acknowledgement saying, "I got your email. I will get back to you with a detailed reply tomorrow." Follow through on whatever you commit to. If you manage expectations, you can avoid many upsets down the road.
- Build up a strong archive of blog posts that you can direct people to as you respond to any questions they have. For a good article on how to get started, read Joe Bartos' blog post, Real Estate Blogging 101
