Credibility Package, Website (Semi-Newbie)
Okay, here's my circumstance. I was involved in investing quite a few years ago. At that time the rules were different (many assumable mortgages, ect).
After a long absence, I'm going back into this full time, but since things are so different, I'm really a newbie (certainly don't look like one).
The few people I've talked to thus far have asked me how long I've been investing, and I've been able to satisfy them by telling them of my previous experience. I would like to develop a presentation package, which tells them about myself and the company I'm just starting. Also a website. I feel that both would establish credibilty, especially if I get into doing lease-options, ect. and have to have access to their home.
What recommendations can you guys make, seeing I don't have a whole lot to put into the presentation package OR the website right now?
Just remember, nobody gives a darn about you, only what you can do for them. Do not think that you have to build yourself up in your marketing. Your marketing needs to stress benefit for the client. And realize your target client. Chances are that they are not too sophisticated and probably in a bit of a pinch. My advice would be not to spend time nor money on glossy brochures.
Brenda
I recommend some nice biz cards with you cell phone ## hand writted in bold on the front (or as in my case printed to look like hand written) and a smile - I strongly recommend a basic website to give you your own "dot com" address; but then we do those inhouse anyway so it's not really an expense for us.
I agree, it's not a typical selling situation that requires brochures, etc; i think the key is getting in front of people and clearly showing them how they'll be better off if you are on their side.
Gook luck and welcome back to the biz!
You are correct in the sense that people care more about "what's in it for them" than someone who drives a nice car, has a nice office or nice brochures.
I disagree with you, however, in the sense that I feel it's important to let people know you are honest, knowledgeable, dependable, credible and steeped in integrity, and follow honest business practices.
It has to do with selling yourself as well as your offers. Hence, I revert back to my question...how can I develop an effective presentation package and/or website?
Rambler,
I'm somewhat of a computer geek. There are several sites out there that make it easy to create a web site. If you want something more intense you could post a job offer on www.elance.com. At the risk of selling myself and incurring the wrath of the moderator gods, I could help you out with something basic if you just don't want to get into creating a web site.
Rambler, I have rethought and do agree with you. Many times I have picked the person who seemed more professional or the one who seemed to do it for their livelyhood.
Brenda
dress the part, speak the part and act the part and you'll be able to talk to anyone as you will be credible on your own.
In my previous post, i naturally assumed you would be comfortable presenting yourself to the people you are going to try to help in a manner that reflects positively on yourself. no flash can compare to someone with confidence and an ability to have people speak comfortably with them about such a difficult topic.
If you focus too much on the details and flash, you'll not be focusing on the ONLY important thing, getting in front of sellers.
My wife hates it, but most weekends I drive by the 10-15 properties that i would like to buy but just can't seem to get hold of the owner - hoping to catch someone having a yard sale or mowing the lawn - any chance to strike up a conversation. you need to be ready to talk with the seller anytime, anywhere; not just according to a script or booklet.
Hey,
I think several different ideas are getting mixed up here: appearence/perception, credibilty and knowledge. The are NOT related; meaning that just because you have one, does NOT mean you have the others.
A website does NOT provide you any credibility (unless your market is naive people). You can get a website for $29 a year and you can put anything you want on it. Your credibility will be established with what you say about HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM. And that is about it.
People on this site get really bent out of shape on appearence/perception. What should my cards say? How should I dress? What should drive? Etc. None of it really matters (as long as you do not go to extremes). Giving a seller a card, any card, is better than worrying about the perfect card and not handing them a card.
I will say I totally disagree with the suggestion that you handwrite (or mimic handwritten) on your business card. What looks more amateur-hour than having handwriting on a card???