The Zebra Blog

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Time to Switch Your Elevator Pitch

Today I want to tackle something I hear a lot of people talking about: the elevator pitch. (Some people call it an elevator speech, elevator statement or elevator opening.) It’s a term that bugs me because I don’t like the word “pitch.” It sounds sales-y, pushy, and just plain aggressive. I know that if you […]

Is “Easy” Killing Your Brand?

Over the years, The Lones Group has built hundreds and hundreds of brands for agents. These brands are as unique as each and every agent they were built for. They are eye-catching, memorable, and brimming with agent personality. They do the job of talking for the agent when the agent is not in front of […]

A Little Perspective on Tax Time

This week I want to discuss taxes. Yes, it is that time of year again. Every year during this time I seem to get many calls from real estate agents that are concerned about it being tax time. This is that time of the year when many real estate professionals get nervous. Perhaps they have […]

5 Points for Long-Term Farming Success

Developing a consistently-producing farm is a great way to develop a reliable income stream. But what are the individual components that deliver the greatest likelihood of success? All too often, agents begin a farm with the best of intentions, but quickly lose momentum if that farm doesn’t produce expected results right away. Especially in this […]

Why You Need Rules in Your Business

Today I want to talk about having rules in your business and why it’s so important to stick to them in this market. I was talking with a client a few weeks ago, and they were very frustrated. This client was working with a buyer that started in one area and viewed all the listed […]

March Mailers for Your Database Have Arrived

Posted by Denise Lones on March 17th, 2021

Hey members, March content is here with three great new articles, ready-to-mail, for your prospects’ inboxes and mailboxes this month. Start your spring off strong by reminding your database of the knowledge and expertise you bring to the table! Choose from any or all of these three new, ready-to-send articles: Planning for Long Distance Relocation, Avoiding Buyer’s Remorse in a Multiple-Offer Market, or the Financial Benefits of Selling Now to Move-Up the Property Ladder. Each is fully written and ready to send, attribution free, for your email newsletter or post-office mailer. Just paste it into your mailer, add your name and contact information, and go! Get your new content here!

Not a Club Zebra member? Members get great benefits with their monthly subscription to help them thrive in every market. Benefits like:

Weekly group coaching webinars.
Mailer content for prospecting
A vast library of real estate resources
Online business discovery tools

and much more. Become a Pro member today and get 60% off your first month!

Creating a Team or Partnership? This is your MUST-HAVE!

Posted by Denise Lones on March 11th, 2021

I have worked with dozens and dozens of partnerships, teams, and businesses through the years. The vast majority of them wind up falling apart. Agents and brokers form alliances with the best of intentions – I am good at this, you are good at that; let’s leverage our time and resources – but usually don’t make it due to lack of communication up front.

Teams and partnerships are formed out of a positive moment and the expectation is that positivity will continue.

But what if it doesn’t? Read more »

Branding Spotlight: Keith Nelson

Posted by Denise Lones on March 11th, 2021

Keith Nelson recently updated his social media presence with his new Mastery branding. The result is a unified look across multiple platforms that also harmonizes with his mailing campaigns and print marketing. With tranquil sunset pictures and deep colors, his new social media covers and graphics are distinct and eye-catching. Even better, the social media module came with a tune-up to make sure the links and contact info match across every platform. Read more »

Key Communication for Finding Sellers in 2021

Posted by Denise Lones on March 4th, 2021

Hi everyone! Today I want to talk about the severe shortage of inventory in our real estate market and how real estate agents in 2021 need to go about finding sellers.

In a business where every day you are seeing shocking list-to-sale-price ratios and these really high sale prices, I’m sure there are moments where even you – the real estate agent – are surprised by what is happening. So, the key is going to be to get the right information and that feeling of surprise out to potential sellers. Read more »

Branding Spotlight: Karen Williams

Posted by Denise Lones on March 3rd, 2021

It’s a Throwback-Thursday special, and we’re highlighting Karen Williams’ brand, which is supporting her niche marketing mailers in style.

Karen’s signature teal and charcoal branding makes a splash in the mail box, but it’s the value of the content that is really making waves. From annual predictions to median sale price maps, her niche clients are staying informed on market trends close to home. She also includes a little note styled like a post-it to give insight on the how the statics change from month-to-month and year-over-year to give it a personal touch. Read more »

Motivating Sellers – Opportunity Sellers vs Life-Change Sellers

Posted by Denise Lones on February 25th, 2021

If you are creating a campaign to attract sellers, one of the elements that is likely top-of-mind is your call-to-action. A call-to-action is that piece of information that creates urgency and causes a potential seller to pick up the phone.

For example, if you have presented information on a median sales price increase in a neighborhood which has increased dramatically, there is likely a compelling reason to sell. Read more »

Branding Spotlight: Buildings in Logos

Posted by Denise Lones on February 25th, 2021

Buildings in logos are a tried-and-true staple in the real estate industry. But how do you make a classic theme mesh with your personal style? From the style of homes to location-specific skylines, there is almost as much variety in buildings as there are in people. Our team of experienced designers can help match the right building elements to your target market and branding aesthetic. Here are three of our clients who are rocking their unique building-based logos.

The Little Things That Have the Greatest Impact

Posted by Denise Lones on February 18th, 2021

When I first starting my real estate career, many years ago, a very smart mentor/trainer of mine used to tell me ALL THE TIME that it was the little things that would determine my level of success in real estate.

It took me years to fully understand the impact of what he was saying but it was through his watchful eye and gentle reminders that I was able to benefit from his wisdom.

So, what were those little things, those pearls of wisdom that he shared with me? Read more »

Branding Spotlight: Campaigns = $$$

Posted by Denise Lones on February 18th, 2021

Campaigns are key to building and maintaining relationships. Campaigns can consist of newsletters, written notecards, calls, meetings, reports, custom research, emails, and even social media. The key is to build a structure of communication so people think of you first when they need a real estate professional.

Every relationship is built on campaigns. Birthday cards, little acts of service, a phone call on Mother’s or Father’s Day, and even liking a friend’s post on Facebook is part of a campaign. You may not think of it that way, but these are all actions that are taken to keep the relationship strong. The same can be applied to your real estate business. Read more »

Facts vs the Gist

Posted by Denise Lones on February 11th, 2021

Are you a facts agent? Or are you a gist agent?

It likely depends on the situation, your personality, your frame of mind, and what the situation really calls for. How you like to receive information may also be different than how you prefer to provide information.

The gist isn’t a bad thing – you still make your point, but sometimes the gist is made much more powerful with facts. Read more »