Elite AgentTECH + SOCIAL

Person to Person

Remember when we were kids and we would pretend that we could talk on the phone and see someone at the end of the line? Today, accessible technologies such as Skype, Google Hangouts and FaceTime have made this a reality. Lisa Tremolada shows how easy it is to have more meaningful conversations with your customers using Skype.

Skype was first introduced back in August 2003, almost 10 years ago. According to Wikipedia, Skype had 663 million registered users at the end of 2010. Microsoft purchased the company for a cool $8.5 billion in 2011. Yet with all these users, Skype is probably one of the most under-utilised programs for business on the Internet.

I believe that Skype is a really easy way for real estate agents to build rapport and deliver information in a more personal way with potential or existing clients when they are located overseas or just too far away to see in person. Face-to- face conversations with Skype can also serve as a great point of difference.

Skype can open you up to more detailed conversations with potential sellers and potential buyers. And even better, as long as you both have Skype accounts, itโ€™s free and so easy to use.

Setting up

Most computers these days have a webcam, and reasonable sound quality microphone inputs. I would recommend buying a headset from your local JB Hifi or other retailer. Then pay a quick visit to www.skype.com and follow the easy prompts to either create or log into your account. If you are creating your account for the first time, you will have to create a user name and password. Your user name is how people will search for you; itโ€™s your reference name for others to find you, so choose it wisely!

Most smart phones and tablets will now also connect to Skype, so depending on what device you have and what operating system, you can also choose to download an app that suits your device so that you can Skype on the go.

If you want to use the video functionality, the person with whom youโ€™d like to communicate needs to have Skype on their phone or computer, as well as an Internet connection. I recommend using the test function to make sure your account is working properly and that the sound and video quality are good.

I like the premium function as you can share your screen with your contacts. (This used to be free; it is now part of their paid package, still very cheap and worth using.) With a premium account you can also place calls to non-Skype accounts, such as telephone numbers, which can save you money in telephone calls depending on the rate and where you are calling.

Benefits for agents in using Skype
  1. Calling an overseas, out of state vendor to discuss their market appraisal or their marketing plans. Instead of just emailing the report, use the โ€˜share screenโ€™ option in the premium package, and display your market appraisal on the screen to your client, talking them through the report at the same time. You will be able to physically show them the comparable properties and talk them through the whole process.
  2. Use Skype as a video walk-through to show clients the state of their investment property. Some owners remember the property better than it actually is and you can show them various aspects of the property real time. If the property is likely to be sold, you could also outline some potential improvements that need to be made by having an interactive call, rather than just sending photos.
  3. Build better relationships. Give remote owners the feedback from buyers about the property they are selling, or even show buyers a potential property that will allow them to make an instant decision or entice them to inspect.
  4. Manage your team. If you happen to take the premium option, you have the facility available to have group video calls โ€“ up to 25 people. This may come in handy to connect with your staff if you have more than one office, people are away or you are on holidays.

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Lisa B

Lisa B is a real estate coach, trainer and professional female speaker. For more information visit lisab.com.au