Russell,

I can't say that I have had a good expericence with lead companys. But will share with you www.agentbroker.success "internet domnation" class, has really taught me how to be my own lead generator.

Michelle

www.agentbrokersuccess.com

sorry gave you the wrong web addy

Lead generation companies or lead aggregators are just not very healthy for the business in general.  Some agents look at it as advertising but it really is just something that gets between the agent and the consumer.  All that does is increase costs.

I have tried a few.  I ultimately came to the conclusion that an agent can generate the SAME style leads for a whole lot less money!  If you generate the leads, all you pay is your cost to get people on your site.  That could be through SEO work or pay per click work, but when the day is done, there isn't a bill coming in next month if you decide to take a month off from your lead generating efforts or there isn't a referal fee to a lead generation company if you DO happen to get some business from it.

It's about control and right now, as agents, we LET these third party companies CONTROL our data and the consumer.  

I agree that to pay for a lead generation company to deliver leads is not the way to go.  If the leads were well qualified and worth our time that would be one thing,  but usually they are poor, underqualified leads that may have been sold to 2-3 different agents.

I agree w/ Russel that it is better to develop your own ways to prospect and generate leads that meet or exceed your set criteria's.

I guess the next blog or discussion should be what are some good sources/techniques for lead generation??

I have done well by putting together a small referral group of like-minded professionals..........we try to meet monthly and with 6-10 people all self employed in different areas...........its a great way to send each other business and help our clients at the same time.  

Justin Stranere - Bucks County PA

I am a new agent so figured why not try one of the lead companies since several people in my office use them.  So far I have bought 8 leads and have not had one person return my phone calls or emails.  I am very frustrated that I paid money for these leads and the people won't even return your calls.  I had to sign a year contract so i'll try to make the best out of the leads I get for a year.  If I could get one closing it would pay for itself.  

I would love to hear ideas from "seasoned" agents on prospecting.  I have tried door knocking, buyers seminars, mailers, personal promotion, cold calls; not really sure where to go next.  

This is for you Stephanie:

You need to build your own circle of prospects... this may include family/friends, old co-workers, if you have children their school friends parents...etc. Send them something of value a couple of times a year telling them that you are building a business based on referrals and if they know someone who is interested in selling/buying etc... and include your business cards. Once people realize you are seriouse they will tell friends/colleagues etc. and your leads will start.

Another good way to generate leads is getting your face out there by volunteering.

I tried one and my very first lead turned into a sale. I now have that house for sale for the new owners. That was my only lead that turned out to be any good. Most either don't return your calls, emails or say they were just looking. Then the company I was using, mind you I had a 1 year contract at a certain monthly fee, up and increased their monthly rate by $50. I was furious and notified them I was leaving and I got out of my contract due to a little thing called their disclaimer. It was vague. I will NEVER use one again.!!!!

Ronda,

What was in the disclaimer, that you use to get out of contract.  

Thanks,

Sharlotte