There’s one thing every single new real estate agent has to deal with when they’re just getting started—lead generation. And while it would be great if someone handed your first client to you right along with your brand-spanking new real estate license, it just doesn’t work that way.  

Which leaves an awful lot of new agents standing in the middle of the street, staring at the sky and yelling, “I’ve got my license … now where are all the clients?” So just how do you get your first client in real estate?

I’m kidding (or am I?). But in all seriousness, without clients, you don’t have a business. Don’t panic! Here are five tips that will help you gain the confidence you need to build your network and solve the no-clients problem at hand.

1. Leverage your network

You may not realize this, but you already have a network. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have a personal group of friends and family. Plus think about all the people you interact with in your day-to-day life, like the guy who owns the gym where you work out, your former coworkers, your banker, your dog groomer, and the guy that works at the little coffee hut on the corner.

Make a list of everyone you know and start telling them you’re a real estate agent accepting new clients. Once they know you’re looking, they’ll automatically keep an ear to the ground.

Networks are magical things because they just keep reaching out further and further. Your friends and family have their own networks, who have their own networks, and so the trickle down effect continues. Your network of people will be happy to tell their people about you and your business. Just think of all the referrals!

2. Go out and meet people

Do you know what grows your network faster than sitting alone in your office? NOT sitting alone in your office. Get out and meet some new people! Make it a goal each day to meet someone new, even if you’re shy. Your confidence will grow as you go (hooray for rhyming), which has a double whammy positive effect because your business will grow as your confidence grows. 

Need some ideas? Go to the same coffee shop a couple times a week. Get a gym membership and chat people up. As you get yourself out there, you’ll become a familiar, trusted face because you have similar interests and are connecting with them on a personal level. Remember, people hate being sold to, but they love shopping with friends.

Don’t think of strangers as strangersーthey are just friends you haven’t met yet! When you stop and think about it, all of your friends were once strangers. Let your shyness and your fear move you forward instead of holding you back.

3. Try door knocking and cold calling

Finding prospective clients by door knocking and cold calling are not new concepts in the real estate business, but that doesn’t mean they’re not still effective. 

But be cool about it. Remember to bring value to the conversation. For example, start by letting the homeowner know what their home is worth. Even if they weren’t interested in selling, they might begin to consider it when they realize what their home is really worth in today’s market. 

Plus, realizing that you made the effort to value their home can make a good impression, and they will remember you when they decide to sell.

4. Build your digital presence

With billions of people using social media daily, it would be crazy to overlook it. There’s a strategy to using social media to build your network successfully. Knowing how to optimize your digital space can successfully connect you with leads and potential clients from all over the world. Building your personal brand allows you to stand out on social media and become THE agent in your market that everybody wants to work with.

Developing your website, creating your consistent content, and using social media advertising effectively can grow your network exponentially. Remember, you can’t just throw something together and put it out there because that will hurt you more than help you. 

Want to learn more about the systems and strategies you can use to be successful? Check out our  Personal Brand Course for real estate agents, where you’ll learn all about optimizing your social media, building a digital presence, and creating an unshakeable personal brand.

5. Check out lead generating websites and online directories

Lead generating websites for real estate agents can be great ways to do a little digital prospecting. These websites funnel people to your website or lead capture form so you can begin to reach out and nurture a relationship.

And don’t forget about building up your own online directory. Your online directory is the page on your website where people can leave reviews about your business after working with you. Make sure you’re encouraging your clients to leave higher quality reviews. This will make it easier for you to be found online, but it doesn’t happen overnight.

Knowing how to get your first client in real estate can be overwhelming and leave you feeling discouraged. If you learn the right systems and strategies, you can be well on your way to landing that first client.

Ready, Set, Go! 

Build Your Personal Brand

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