This is Part II of a series of posts that makes this assertion: Your Database (& What You Do With It) Is the Glue That Holds Your Social Network Together." It's your most valuable resource.
What if you haven't developed a database? What if you're a newbie in the real estate, lending or other sales-based profession? Some Rainers commented on Part I that they have cultivated a valuable database of contacts for more than a quarter century. What if that's not you?
How many people do you know? If you sit down tomorrow with a legal pad and start listing those people, how many pages can you fill? Most people say "not many." When I've asked this question in seminars (in increments of 10) most answer "fewer than 30."
It's no so! You know at least 100 people, and probably have access to at least 200. It's not that you haven't met them and talked with them. It's that you can't recall who they are.
Let me share a cheat sheet from my primary database (Send Out Cards) to help you compile a list of at least 100 people you know over the next seven days. It's called a Memory Jogger. This simple tool will allow you to recall the people you already know.
This doesn't have to take 7 days, but don't try to do it in a marathon. Use an Excel spreadsheet to record First Name, Last Name, Birthday, Mailing Address, Relationship to you, and (very important) who forms the "triangle of trust" with each person.
To this list, I'd suggest that you add the Active Rain contacts in your town or city. Some will be your competitors. It doesn't matter. Put them down.
The next step? What to do with them, and why you want a "portable" list that you can put on your thumb drive...
I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, Arizona mortgage lender.
Think of me as your Tucson mortgage expert.
Subscribe to my blog.
Hey Mike I love Send Out Cards It keeps me so in touch.
Marie,
Thanks for being the first to comment. We have a bunch of SOC friends in the Rain!
Mike in Tucson
I like this list as it makes you stretch and think beyond what you would without it..thanks!
Great list Mike. What also is important to me is Who Do the People I Know Know. That database just grew again with a little effort.
Cameron,
That's the next step, and my point in part one, where I posted a photo of my web designer, Donte' Ormsby, standing in the Rose Garden at the White House with then President Clinton. Thanks for commenting.
Ginger,
It does stretch your mind. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
Mike in Tucson
Mike, that's quite an extensive list...reminds me that I need to update my database.
thanks!
Sara,
My pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment.
Mike in Tucson
Mike, great list for newbies or for adding to your current database.
Hello Mike, and again thanks for the great information!!! Always a learning experience on your blog............hope that you are getting some fresh veggies and fruits in AZ!
Mike,
I'm looking forward to the next installment!
Well said Jonesy!
Hi there... great list/suggestions. I need to get back on track but am working with buyers and also on a new website.... Thank you for this list.
I've been compiling a hot prospect list recently.........you have some great people on the above list I didn't think of! Thanks :)
Hi Mike,
Great points. I just attended a Business Planning class and worked diligently on my database. I've got a database for clients, one for Sphere of Influence, and I also need to set one up for AR contacts too! Have you?
This is a great list. I will apply the list to practice. Thank you very much.
Mike - thanks for the market information and dont forget to vote on tuesday, Proposition 100 and propostion 201 are the key ballots for those that pertain to real estate. have a great and profitable week
James,
I voted early, and took careful notice of Props 100 and 201. Also Prop 102.
Huiting,
I appreciate your comment. You're welcome, and I hope to see you again soon on your blog.
Tracy,
I'll be over to your blog to hear about the business planning seminar. Thanks for commenting here. I have a group on my database called AR Friends.
Katie,
You're welcome! Come back soon.
Susie,
Visited your blog last night! Good luck with the buyers and the website.
Woody,
Thanks, bud!
Fran,
You won't be disappointed.
Julie,
It's good to see you! Thanks for being a subscriber.
David,
I thought so too! Thanks for stopping by.
Mike in Tucson
Thanks for the list, Mike .... I'm anxiously awaiting to see what to do with all these names, next. - Calie
Mike - Those are great memory joggin questions! I found several I need to put in my database, and I thank you greatly for that!
Thanks for the great list Mike, it really makes one think. I try to add to the list instead of finding people on the list. I made it into a game to see how many I could come up with.
Hi Mike,
EXCELLENT memory joggers. For me personally, my data base is like gold. Those are the people who've kept me in business for years. It's so nice to work with people you know and who know and trust you!
Lynda,
Thanks for the encouragement. You have a gift for that, you know.
Charles,
That's a great idea. Making a game out of something takes it out of the realm of the ordinary!
Karen,
You're so welcome; thanks for being a loyal subscriber!
Calie,
Thanks! Today, you're my favorite blogger!
Mike in Tucson
Mike, Going back to basics...with a superb list. One suggestion: keep this list next to your phone and add contacts daily. And...just to add one more to your list: former real estate agents.
That's a great list to really get you thinking. I think many people don't realize how many people they already know!
Hey Mike!
Thanks for the list! I'm workin' on it right now!
~ Kurt Duffeck
Kurt,
You're welcome! Stop by any time.
Rich,
True. I didn't.
Margaret,
It's good to see you. Thanks for adding former real estate agents!
Mike in Tucson
Morning Mike! I not only have "blogger's block" from time to time - but I have "Database Block" as well! Nice that you've shared this for all of those like me who need the jumpstart and a different way of looking at who our sphere and contacts are and CAN be! Hope all is well with you! -- Gabrielle PS - On the list is the pizza delivery person that I "sorta" just wrote about on a post -- although, I give a card, it had not occured to me to put the delivery person's name down on a list! Love it!
Gabrielle,
That's the power of the Rain! We find things that really work in our businesses. Okay. Now go vote! LOL
Mike in Tucson