Brainstorming for Dollars!

I am often called upon to brainstorm on new and different ways to market the business of a former student. Let me share a great brainstorming idea I shared a while back. This new decorating professional had a part time job and wanted to let it go and devote all her energy on her redesign and staging business.

My 1st question to her was, "How much money do we need to replace so you can let go?" She responded with the answer, "$1000.00 per month." I told her that was easy to accomplish, let's just map out how.

We discussed developing a solid marketing strategy, but the core of the plan was to begin with just one Real Estate office. I encouraged her to seek out a small to medium real estate office and offer to be the staging professional of record. I encouraged her to ask to be put on retainer to satisfy their staging needs. When they asked what the retainer would be, she responded with $1000.00 per month. This would entitle them to 2 staging consultations and one physical staging of a property of their choice. She also offered to do a monthly in-house webinar for sellers. This added credibility to her business and also helped her to reach the financial goal she needed. After submitting her verbal proposal in writing, they hired her and put her in a position to leave her job.

Now how can you make this work for you? Follow these simple steps.

· Find a medium to small real estate office

· Discuss their staging needs

· Share with them a few options, small, medium, and large

· Put your proposal in a professional written format

· Only talk with the decision maker i.e. owner, manager

· If they need your services more than the contract, then charge your hourly rate

· Be flexible and accommodating

· Suggest they give you as a gift for the new buyers

· Create your own sales package

The idea is to get your foot in the door and make yourself invaluable and show them how they cannot do business without you. You will have income you can count on and they know they can count on you.

Create your own win-win.