Strategic Branding For Real Estate Agents & Brokerages: Passion is the X Factor

Luxury real estate marketing is a high stakes game. But, the rules of the game have changed almost overnight. The internet has caused a titanic shift that has leveled the competitive playing field.  It has challenged even the most seasoned professionals to clearly articulate their unique promise of value —how they are sharply distinct from their closest competitors.

There has never been a more challenging time in the history of the real estate profession given the confluence of this disruptive technology and the upside down economy. The time to confront the brutal facts that your old success formulas are just not cutting it like they used to is here and now!

That is what we admire so much about Microsoft in recent times. In our previous post entitled, “Narrow Your Niche” we referred to Microsoft’s new search engine, Bing. They faced the tough facts that with all their money and all their might they could not take on the behemoth, Google, by matching them feature for feature. The brand name itself is that thoroughly ingrained in the minds of internet users worldwide.

Microsoft truly understood what we refer to as the “ultimate ultimatum of modern business”: STAND OUT OR BOW OUT! TM  In our strategic branding practice we prescribe the same medicine to luxury real estate marketing professionals.

So, here is your prescription:

1. KEEP THE FAITH. Hold fast to your fundamental vision of your success, but not to the particulars. That is the only way you can allow new answers, new solutions, new combinations, new people and new success formulas into your life, and into your practice

2. FACE FACTS. Parts of your old formula are just not working any more. Be willing to reinvent yourself, be receptive to new ideas

3. ASK YOURSELF what you can do better than any of your closest competitors.

4. SELECT an uncontested market niche that can also be highly profitable

5. CREATE a new brand identity or refresh your existing brand so that it is synonymous with your selected niche in the minds of your target market

6. BE SURE to select a niche about which you can be absolutely passionate

Microsoft apparently has done steps 1-5. But, are they truly passionate about their new focus on Shopping, Travel, Health and Local Search? Without passion they might as well bow out now. If you want to see passion in action, just walk into an Apple store. Their passion is contagious and so is their brand.

The picture of the Apple store in New York City on Fifth Avenue clearly illustrates their brand's unique promise of value: ingenuity and fun. They are drawing attention to a basement store with a glass cube entrance housing a cylindrical glass elevator and a spiral staircase. What a brand statement!

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Personal Branding for Real Estate Agents: Narrow Your Focus

TRAVEL: BORA BORA FROM THE AIR

An excellent lesson can be learned by luxury real estate marketing professionals, both for personal and company branding, by looking at Microsoft’s latest change in their search engine brand. Prior to Microsoft’s recent rebranding and re-engineering, MSN was languishing in a very distant third place and was losing market share to #1 Google and #2 Yahoo. Now, Microsoft’s new Bing is making gains and has a fighting chance to significantly increase market share. What is Microsoft’s new strategy? It can be summed up in three words: NARROW YOUR FOCUS!

Microsoft has basically conceded to Google. It may never catch up to this iconic break-away search engine brand. But, they have done a brilliant job of identifying four niches in which they believe they can surpass Google and Yahoo, something they can do better than anyone else in the world of search engines. Those niches are Travel, Shopping, Health and Local Search.

Why these categories? Each one commands high traffic and also high advertising rates; advertisers compete aggressively for pay-per-click ads here. By focusing on these four lucrative search sweet spots their profit margins will increase. The economic driver is higher advertising revenue per click-through. If they can provide a better user experience in these particular niches, they are betting that they can get Google and Yahoo loyalists to switch brands when they need to search these categories.

Microsoft decided on the name Bing because it has just four letters, it is easy to remember, and also because it has the potential of becoming synonymous with searching for Travel, Shopping, Health and Local Search. Notice that Microsoft already uses Bing as a verb in their ads. To Google or to Bing? That is the question that Microsoft must wedge into the minds of those searching in these categories, if they hope to gain defectors.

How can you, as a luxury real estate marketing professional, narrow your focus and serve a particular niche better than anyone else in your marketplace?

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Partners with Napa Consultants, International

Napa Consultants, International is proud to announce a new partnership with The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM). The two firms are working together to develop benefits for the members of the Institute and also a series of short marketing videos which will be available to all real estate professionals online.

We look forward to bringing our marketing services to luxury residential agents who are Institute members. Working with Laurie Moore Moore, and Waco Moore, the CEO and President of the Institute is a sheer pleasure. Their programs are second to none.

About The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM)

The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing exists to help real estate professionals around the world provide high quality service to buyers and sellers of luxury properties. Institute members complete special training to build expertise in the marketing of upscale homes and estates and those who meet performance standards may earn the prestigious Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designation. For more information about the Institute visit www.LuxuryHomeMarketing.com

Here is the first of our video series entitled, The Power of Personal Branding.

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Personal Branding for Real Estate Agents: Quality Cues Part 2

This is part two of our previous post on quality cues. Quality cues are indications of quality in packaging, displays, product features, collateral materials, website design, messaging, etc.The more quality cues you can offer in your luxury real estate practice the more your personal or company brand will become distinctive.

 Luxury Real Estate Marketing Tip

When marketing luxury real estate, use as many quality cues as possible to connect with your clients emotionally. Messaging is extremely important. We cringe whenever we read how a home “boasts” some feature like an infinity pool or a state of the art entertainment room. Instead, reach for the emotional connection with potential buyers.

For example: Communicate the sense of relaxation and relief they will feel when they plunge into the pool after an exhausting day, or the enjoyment of watching movies and eating popcorn with their friends and family.

And, take a cue about quality cues in messaging from a mass marketed coffee brand that overcomes the perception of being too big to care about customers—Tully’s coffee.

In part one; we mentioned that we purchased a 12 oz. bag of Gelson’s Finest coffee at Gelson’s market. A gold clasp that helped reseal their package was an important quality cue. That same day we also purchased a 12 oz bag of Tully’s coffee. Tully’s is available at over 5000 markets. We like their Decaf House Blend.

Tully’s quality cues are right on their package and on their website. It’s more in their messaging than in their graphics. For example, on the package you can read that “coffee is our passion”. Here is their call to action: “Enjoy a cup and celebrate the wonderful complexities of our pride and joy”. On their website, you are asked to “Taste Our Obsession”.

There are many Tully’s coffee stores. We spotted one in Seattle on our last visit there. To make a deep emotional connection with customers, Tully’s lets you know that “Community is their Commitment”. Tully’s is proud to support many local organizations that focus on children’s educational development and health.

Here’s yet another quality cue in Tully’s messaging: Their description of the decaf blend is “smooth, inviting and buttery”. These are emotional quality cues followed by the word, in bold—BALANCED. These words resonate with the values of coffee aficionados and thus become quality cues.

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Luxury Real Estate Marketing Essentials: The Luxury of Consitency

CINQUE TERRE, Ligurian Sea-Italy

Luxury Real Estate Marketing Professionals should embrace consistency as one of the essential practices in their marketing. Consistency in any field is one of the standards of success. It is one of the most overlooked secrets of a successful business formula.

Many agents are quick to reject consistency. They deem it as an “uncreative and boring!” They would rather be creative and surprise everyone with their innovative ideas. However, mastering consistency actually leads to more creativity and innovation.

Here is an example of consistency. Many restaurants have their “house specialties”, for which they are famous. One of our favorite restaurants in Italy is located in a town too small to be on the map on the coast of the Ligurian Sea. The chef’s specialty is seafood. Every dawn, Angelo meets the local fisherman at the shore and buys the catch of the day and creates traditional Italian recipes using this fresh seafood. Angelo’s clientele drives to his humble 10 room inn from as far as Switzerland to experience his culinary delights.

On a driving trip in Italy, we deviated from our planned route, just to have a Chef Angelo experience. We knew exactly what to expect, and we were once again delighted that nothing had changed. Angelo’s wife, Giovanna, is the innkeeper. Her consistent graciousness and attentiveness is also what makes the entire experience remarkable.

Consistency is imperative for all good brands. It is required of a luxury brand because it creates trust, good will and word-of-mouth advertising.

How can you apply consistency to your luxury real estate practice?

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Luxury Real Estate Marketing: Good News For Sonoma Wine Country Real Estate

A Residential Masterpiece in Sonoma Valley Wine Country

Sells for Highest Price in 2009

Congratulations to our client, Maurice Tegelaar, of Pacific Union, Sonoma for marketing and selling the most expensive listing to close in 2009 so far in Sonoma County, California! The 3600-square-foot custom home, plus guest house of 720 square feet is located on a knoll in Kenwood with majestic views of the Mayacamas mountains and vineyards.

Among the many features of the home is the masterful blending of old-world style and materials with attention to modern “green” construction, rastra block, and photovoltaic cells providing electricity for the home as well as solar panels for domestic hot water use. At $3,8M, this was the highest recorded sale in Sonoma County, year to date.

This magnificent home features the masterful blending of old-world style and materials with attention to modern “green” construction, which included:

•  rastra block, a form of Styrofoam
•  photovoltaic cells that provide electricity
•  solar panels for domestic hot water use

Maurice explains “Montevigna is truly one of those exceptional properties that come around every so often. The beauty is in the details that wows visitors. The property site was originally a stone quarry that produced the stone used to build the streets of San Francisco. From the spectacular Sonoma Valley views, to the numerous antique architectural elements from France, Africa, Mexico, Canada and the United States, this home represents a classic amalgamation of historical and high tech elements."

Maurice has been successfully marketing wine country homes since 2004. He can be reached at www.LivingInWineCountry.com

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

8 Marketing Tips for Luxury Real Estate Marketing Professionals

 

Here are eight marketing tips to thrive in all market conditions for luxury real estate marketing professionals and all others who are intent on thriving:

1. ADAPT: GO FISHING WHERE THE FISH ARE BITING

Change your perspective by ignoring the bad news. The fact is that there is a MARKET. Find the good news, what is selling and where it is selling. All this information is available from your title company. In other words, go where the fish are biting instead of lamenting that the old fishing hole is yielding next to nothing. Those who succeed in every market understand adaptability. It is adapting that makes a race survive.

2. DIVE INTO SOCIAL MEDIA

It is ridiculous that agents are crying for leads and business when social media is so easy. Only 33% of you try it. Of that 33% very few actually connect with their new found contacts. You have the whole world to connect to! Someone is looking for the very house you are marketing.

3. CREATE CO-MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES

Get to know more local business owners. Talk to everyone about your services. Find out how you can be of assistance to them.

4. LEARN MORE

Read other people’s blogs. Learn something new. Take the Yoga class you have been putting off. Take some art classes. Find new interests. There is a whole world out there to explore. The people you meet usually buy and sell homes or know someone who is ready to do so.

5. BECOME A RESOURCE

Instead of a having a “what’s in it for ME mentality, try a “what’s in it for YOU” and how you can help. You will be amazed that people will actually go out of their way to help you, too.

6. STAY POSITIVE

Nothing is more important that maintaining your optimism. Get to know your marketplace like the back of your hand. This will give you inner confidence. Look for what is perfect about your marketplace right now.

7. DELEGATE

Delegate what you don’t absolutely love to do. Spend your time in the field meeting more people, and talking to people. Find out what is on their mind and shape your marketing and your prospecting in accordance.

8. REPEAT, KEEP PRACTICING THESE STEPS IN EVERY MARKET!

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Luxury Real Estate Marketing Essentials: Good News!

CUSTOM HOME IN SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS (LAS VEGAS)

SELLS FOR RECORD PRICE

Congratulations to our client, Tanya Murray, of Realty Executives of Nevada, for marketing and selling the most expensive listing to close in 2009 so far in Las Vegas! The 12,207-square-foot custom home is located at 2 Wood Creek Ct. in the exclusive Estates at Southern Highlands and closed escrow for $9.5 million.

Marketing efforts included creating a custom website (www.2woodcreek.com) and dozens of high quality print and electronic marketing campaigns showcasing the home’s magnificent grounds, views and interior finishes as well as custom furnishings.

The home is situated directly on the Southern Highlands Golf Course and features both expansive city and golf course views. A two-story theater. state of the art equipment, a popcorn machine, infinity pool, Baccarat crystal accessories,  and Versace china added to the livable opulence this home provides.

Tanya Murray has been successfully practicing real estate in Nevada for nearly 8 years and was named by In Business Magazine as one of the “Top 40 Under 40” in Las Vegas. She can be reached online at www.TanyaMurray.com.

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Luxury Real Estate Marketing Essentials: Kissing Goldfish

 

How A Chinese Luxury Brand is Born

As a luxury real estate marketing professional, it is important to understand how a luxury brand is born and how it is developed. Here is an example of the challenges in developing the first Chinese Luxury Jewelry brand, Qeelin.

The founder Dennis Chan knew that he could not launch Qeelin in China. The Chinese marketplace would perceive it as a local brand regardless of the quality of the product. He knew that the Chinese marketplace would accept the brand if it was successful in other countries.

The brand was launched at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004. Maggie Cheung, who won the Best ActressMaggie Cheung award, wore the jewelry. Because she was the first Asian actress to be given this honor, she received worldwide coverage. And, so did the jewelry!

The first sale was made in Paris. They chose Paris as the first point of sale because the world of jewelry in Paris demands the very best. That challenged the partners to strive for and to achieve their potential.

The Results:

“We are currently perceived as an international luxury brand originating from China, and we have a good portion of our clients who are mainland Chinese.”

Qeelin’s target market is women who love haute jewelry (highest quality) from luxury brands. They have a discerning eye and look for handmade pieces with special stones. They do not follow trends; they follow what they consider to be the best.

The style of the designs reflect Chan’s Chinese heritage. One of the standouts is the Qin Qin (kiss-kiss, in Mandarin) goldfish pendant with magnets embedded within the golden lips. Chan explains, “The design has the ability to surprise and give our customers a little bit of a thrill through the unexpected.”

As you launch and build your own personal brand as a luxury real estate marketing professional it is important to understand your target market, i.e., their demographics. It is also important to understand their psychological preferences-their psychographics. By offering the unexpected such as a remarkable closing gift, you too can surprise and thrill your clients and trigger word-of-mouth advertising.

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Luxury Real Estate Marketing Essentials: Blazing New Paths with Brand Originality

For luxury real estate marketing professionals understanding what makes you an original is one of the keys to a successful luxury real estate practice. If you want to be the standout in your marketplace originality, the quality of newness and the ability to depart from tradition or the norm, is a necessity.

When originality is accompanied by authenticity in your personal brand you have the ingredients to become an “overnight success” once you encounter the right opportunity. And, opportunities are plentiful if you believe in yourself.

Here is an example of the place where originality, authenticity and opportunity all came together and created a global personal brand overnight. The recent emergence of Susan Boyle, runner up contestant on the very popular British television show, Britain’s’ Got Talent, is a case in point. An ordinary Scottish housewife with a dream of singing Andrew Lloyd Weber songs like Elaine Page emerges as one of the crowd’s favorites and catches the attention of the world. On first impression, she does not resemble a Broadway star. However, she can sing like one. She is an original and she is authentic. These are the qualities that the populace at large can identify with and praise.

Often, as we are presenting the concept personal branding to real estate agents and show them our case studies, someone will make the quip, “ I will work with you if you can make me look like some of your clients who have movie star looks”. This is a telling remark, because people feel they have to be or look “a certain way”, in order to be a local celebrity.

We hope that the story of Susan Boyle ends that misconception. What a seller or buyer needs is a person that can do the job, someone they can identify with, someone original and authentic.

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Luxury Real Estate Marketing Essentials: Great Packaging Is Crucial

As a luxury real estate marketing professional, your marketing materials must look and feel different, from the competition.Great packaging is crucial. Whatever you leave behind with home sellers at your listing presentation should stand out and scream “marketing savvy”. The way you market yourself is like a test drive of what your client can expect when you market their home.

Think about it!Basically, what is in that folder, the data and the conclusions reached on the selling price are generally pretty close; the market research is identical if your competition is also competent.But, your packaging should look good enough to stay on their coffee table, like a coffee table book!And, it should make your competitors materials pale in comparison.

Here is a lesson from the world of marketing gelato or Italian ice cream.The word “gelato” means frozen in Italian. There is no gelatin in gelato as some people believe.We are aficionados of gelato in Italy.Our favorite is Vivoli’s in Florence, behind the Piazza Santa Croce church.We also treasure memories of hazelnut gelato sundaes sitting outside under the arcades in Torino.

Recently, on a whim, we decided to buy some gelato to go with the wonderful organic strawberries that we had just purchased at Santa Barbara’s Farmers Market.As first-time store-bought gelato buyers we did not have a clue about which brand to trust. We chose Talenti based entirely on the very distinct package which was comprised of a clear sturdy plastic container with a screw top. Talenti’s difference was glaring, in the middle of a dozen or more brands.  Best of all, the gelato tasted great! For a moment, we were transported to Italy!

Outstandingpackaging can even override the choice of another competing agent who was referred by a trusted friend.Great packaging is crucial, especially if you intend to be the market leader.

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, Linked In,ActiveRain, RealTown,Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Personal Branding for Real Estate Agents: Learning from American Idol, the Finale

This is part fifteen of our blog series entitled: Real Estate Agent Personal Branding: Learning form American Idol. It is a fun and easy way to learn the principles of personal branding. You do not have to be an Idol fan to enjoy!

The Triumph of Authenticity

This American Idol season finale confirmed what was evident last year as well: The triumph of authenticity. Authenticity in personal branding for real estate agents is the most important lesson from this show.

Both finalists are genuine and unpretentious which is what America responded to with a record breaking 100,000,000 (approximately) votes. The fact that more people identified with, and voted for, Kris did not take away from Adam’s success. Nor, did it take away from the other contestants in the top five-- Matt, Alison and Danny who also exemplified authenticity. Certainly, last year’s “Battle of the Davids” was not a war between opponents, but two distinct styles, each with an authentic brand signal.

All five finalists this year were clear examples of distinct brand categories:

Kris – soft rock

Adam -- hard rock

Danny – pop

Alison -- rhythm & blues- female

Matt -- rhythm and blues-male

The nature of the American Idol competition is such that only one person wins. That is not the case in the real estate marketplace. They could have structured the Idol competition so that there was a winner in each brand category. This would then better mirror the competitive landscape in real estate where there can be a market leader in each niche such as condos, waterfront properties, individual neighborhoods, etc. It would also mirror the voting public who votes with their dollars when they actually buy songs or albums. Those who prefer rhythm and blues would not necessarily buy Adam’s albums.

In your real estate practice, always keep this in mind: The fact that people like to do business with people that represent their personal values means that there is always room at the top. There is plenty of business for excellent real estate agents. The key is to make your brand signal so clear and strong that you attract your ideal clients and make it easy for them to identify you as their ideal agent as fast as possible. Simply stated, personal branding, done right, accelerates the match making process and is especially satisfying when that signal is authentic.

This concludes our American Idol series on personal branding. We hope you enjoyed it!

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Luxury Real Estate Marketing Essentials: Be In the Know & Know Your Goats

ANGORA GOAT

There is so much that can be gleaned by luxury real estate marketing professionals in studying the finest products and services that money can buy. The more you know, the more you will have in common with your target market, the wealth of the world. The more you have in common the faster potential clients or referral sources will come to trust and recommend you. Being known as a luxury real estate professional who is “in the know” is one way to distinguish your personal brand of doing business.

Be in the Know About Cashmere

The finest cashmere wool in the world comes from Mongolia and the Himalaya Mountains. Another type of prized cashmere is baby cashmere.. Baby cashmere wool comes from a special breed of goat, Hyrcus. The finest fibers are gathered by combing the kid Hyrcus goats.

To fully appreciate the power of branding just look at the variance in pricing if you were to purchase a kid cashmere shawl from a local merchant close to the source of the wool, compared to buying a similar shawl at a Loro Piana boutique in New York, Las Vegas or Milan, Italy. The price would be many times more in the boutique. Loro Piana is an Italian clothing company that specializes in high-end luxury cashmere and wool products. For their scarves and sweaters made from Hyrcus kid cashmere, they have even registered the name “Loro Piana Baby Cashmere.”

What is the added value of a fine luxury brand like Loro Piana?

• Trust and belief in the uncompromising standards of quality
• Having the desire to champion those values
• Being able to afford what others cannot
• The expression of self-worth or filling the void of the lack thereof
• Being admired for choosing what others agree is the best that money can buy

Not all buyers of luxury real estate subscribe to conspicuous or private consumption of fine luxury services and products. But, if they do, you can differentiate yourself from your competitors by being able to speak their language-The Language of Luxury.

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Personal Branding for Real Estate Agents: What Is Your DNA Code?

DNA = Different Not Alike

The entire exercise of personal branding for real estate agents is geared to cracking your DNA Code. That is, clearly and succinctly articulating your unique selling proposition—how you are different, not alike (not like your competition).
DNA Sequence
DNA profiling or genetic fingerprinting is a technique employed by forensic scientists to assist in the identification of individuals on the basis of their DNA profile. Although 99.9% of human DNA sequences are the same in every person, enough of the DNA is different to distinguish one individual from another

In real estate agent personal branding we identify your 0.1% difference. Then we amplify it graphically, in messaging and in distinct marketing strategies that set you apart from your competition, in a nano-second, in the minds of your target market.

The faster you can tell your target market how you are different, not alike, distinct from other agents, the faster they can decide to work with you or not. People like to do business with people like themselves. The faster you let them know you are like them the faster you can build trust in your business relationship.

What’s at stake in cracking your genetic code through the process of personal branding for real estate agents? Whoever has the most high-trust relationships wins!

Here’s the best way to get started in cracking your own DNA code:

1. Look at how your competition attempts to differentiate themselves from one another.
2. Check out their websites and see how well they distinguish themselves.
3. Ask yourself how you are different from them?

How can you amplify your own DNA code?

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Luxury Real Estate Marketing: Small Things Can Make a Big Difference

Eyebrow Pencil Sharpeners: Sisley (top) & Chanel (bottom)

Luxury real estate marketing professionals should always pay close attention to details in their marketing materials, their website and their client services. With personal branding for real estate agents, it is the little things that can distinguish you from your competitors. The more sophisticated your target market the more they will appreciate the details. But, almost everyone appreciates even minor acts of kindness and thoughtfulness. Small things make a big difference.

To tune into the importance of details as a strategic differentiator study the major luxury brands. We are firm believers in out-thinking not out-spending your competition to achieve more market share. Here is a very simple example of how a very minor design element can completely influence a major buying decision and even cause someone to switch brands all together.

Chanel and Sisley are two French luxury cosmetic brands. Chanel is by far the most well known. Both produce basically the same quality eyebrow pencils. But, Sisley’s eyebrow pencil sharpener, an item that costs pennies to manufacture in volume, is so far superior, in terms of user experience, that it is enough to prompt a customer to switch brands.

The Sisley eyebrow pencil sharpener has a cover and the Chanel does not. The cover prevents the shavings from the pencil to scatter and cause a mess especially if you are in a hurry. Clean up is faster and easier with Sisley, a feature that has nothing to do with make-up but everything to do with convenience and a quality user experience.

In today’s time-starved world paying attention to details and taking the time to be thoughtful can be enough to win you more business. Here are some small things that you can do that can make a big difference:

1. Write a hand written note to stay in touch
2. Remembering birthdays
3. Remember the names of clients’ kids and pets
4. Open the car door for your clients when you show them property

How can you pay more attention to detail in your day-to-day practice of real estate and win more business?

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Personal Branding for Real Estate Agents: Promote Your Marketplace More Than You

As a luxury real estate marketing professional it can be strategically advantageous to anchor your locale as a major component of your personal brand identity. Doing so can add significantly to the emotional appeal of your brand because it promotes the fact that you an ambassador of good will in your marketplace. Promoting your marketplace more than you demonstrates your marketing expertise and sells you in the process.

Donna Karan

Here is an example of a luxury fashion brand that incorporates geography in their marketing strategy and how it can be applied to personal branding for real estate agents:

Donna Karan New York (clothes for men and women targeting the urban chic crowd): In a recent article in Interview Magazine, Donna Karan explains:

“When Donna Karan started, I didn’t like the name Donna Karan. I had a real problem with it. I was so used to designing under somebody else’s name that I didn’t want to go out there with my own. I’m sitting in the kitchen, and I see the name “Maud Frizon/Paris, London” on a shoebox. I’m thinking, “That’s cool. What about Donna Karan New York?” Because it won’t be about me. It will be about New York City. Why New York City? Because New York City says the world. I wanted an international brand. Donna Karan’s just another boring name. I want everything to be about New York people living. I mean, everybody relates to New York as a bridge to the world. So that’s how New York came in.”

Our clients, Crown & Crown, AKA The Downtown Crowns (downtown San Diego mother-daughter luxury real estate team): Sharyn and Victoria Crown are experts in promoting their marketplace through their popular blog. And, they are very active participants in their community. Visit their website.

The United States is replete with geographical gems. Which one is yours and how can you demonstrate your marketing expertise by promoting your marketplace more than you?

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Personal Branding for Real Estate Agents: Why Study Big Brands—Part 2

 Wisdom is gained through the application of Knowlege--

The Goddess of Wisdom by R.L.Reid

 How to Apply What Big Brands Do

There is a lot to be gained by real estate professionals who study big brand marketing, especially if market leadership is your quest. Personal branding for real estate agents is not just getting a new outfit or a new look. Person branding is all about positioning yourself to win BIG!

First, it is important to think BIG because that is what market leaders do. They know what is at stake-the lion's share of business. You need to think big in order to out-think, not out-spend your competition. Secondly, you need to think globally not just locally if you want to compete in today's marketplace. Here are some examples of how you can apply big brand strategy to your personal marketing practice:

1. KFC-- they now give health-conscious customers the option of grilled chicken. Send your farm a 7 day healthier menu for a family of four, including recipes. You could list stores where those ingredients are located.

2. Toms Shoes-- they give shoes away to the needy. You could donate a part of your commission to a client's cause, or find someone in need at a private school and sponsor them.

3. Heineken-they help prevent DUI (driving under the influence). Encourage employment. Pick up donated clothes suitable for single moms returning to the work force who live in your farm.

4. Range Rover-they build long lasting luxury cars. Range Rover says, "A well made product is "luxury beyond luxury". How about having all your marketing and sales materials not only look sharp, but stand out because they are congruent and cohesive? How about designing your web site so it is truly user friendly? A refreshed look and website that is built to last is a luxury for you and your clients.

Study the big brands to help craft your personal real estate agent brand. Think big. Think Global. And, win BIG!

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Personal Branding for Real Estate Agents: Why Study the Big Brands

 

When it comes to personal branding for real estate agents, we are often asked this question: Why do we point out what the big brands are doing rather than focus on what real estate companies and agents are doing. In order to innovate, one has to look outside one’s own industry. Here are three reasons.

1. Big brands have large ad budgets. They hire the best talent for the job to craft their messages.

2. Big brands have brand managers. They are constantly looking for ways to maintain the brand identity, refresh it if needed, and make adjustments to stay current and relevant to the trends.

3. They think outside the box, they innovate, and they are a source of inspiration.

Here is how four brands are handling the concept of “Know Your Customer, their values, and show them you care”.

• Kentucky Fried Chicken has unveiled Kentucky Grilled Chicken as a new item on their menu.
• The alcohol industry has a tag line on all their ads, “Drink Responsibly”. Heineken’s new slogan is better, “Let a Stranger Drive You Home”.
• Tom’s Shoes will donate a pair of shoes to a needy person, every time you buy a pair.
• Range Rover tells us their vehicle is so well built that 75% of the Rovers that they have sold are still in use. As they express it, “This is a luxury that is more than a luxury!”

These messages are irresistible to their target markets. Yet all the messages have one thing in common expressed in four ways: We care about our customers, and this is how we do it.

How can these four brands inspire your message and express your brand of caring for your clients?

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column

Personal Branding for Real Estate Agents: Humorous Slogans

As a luxury real estate marketing professional do you have an engaging slogan? We have mentioned in a previous post, using slogans as a personal branding marketing strategy for real estate agents is an excellent way to differentiate you from the competition. The entire purpose of using a slogan is to engage your target market and get them talking about you. A humorous slogan is one way to accomplish this.

Here is a good definition of what a slogan is: In his book, Creative Advertising, Charles L. Whittier says a slogan:

“A slogan .should be a statement of such merit about a product or service that it is worthy of continuous repetition in advertising, is worthwhile for the public to remember, and is phrased in such a way that the public is likely to remember it."

For some agents a humorous slogan can be an excellent personal branding strategy. It is not for everyone. But, if you have a good sense of humor you can engage your target market in this manner and really stand out from the pack.

A very successful lender in Santa Rosa, California built a strong personal brand by placing a fresh ad in a popular local magazine each month, usually wearing a funny costume that evoked a movie star role or other pop culture icon. A humorous tagline that tied in the lending theme always was included. It seems like everyone you talked to in her marketplace knew her and looked forward to seeing the next installment.

One brand that exemplifies this approach is Altoids who has successfully sustained visibility over time by repeatedly coming up with new slogans and taglines. Their original slogan was "The Original Celebrated Curiously Strong Mints". To differentiate itself from its competitors in the breath mint category, Altoids has relied extensively on very funny puns. Here is an example:

The latest TV commercial from Altoids introduces their small mints. A nervous woman in an elevator talks about an upcoming “big day, a big opportunity.” To calm herself she stretches, takes deep breaths and consumes an Altoid. The slogan appears, “Are You in Mint Condition?"

Check Out Personal Branding Case Studies

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE OF LUXURY GROUP ON:

Proxio, BrokerAgentSocial, Plaxo, Linked In, ActiveRain, RealTown, Facebook

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: LuxuryMarketing

COMMENTS? Please use form in left column