I would recommend promoting yourself at the three best places for Buyer's Agents to get business. FIrst, I would be constantly calling my sphere of influence and past clients. They know you, like you, and should trust you to help their friends and family. For example, what if one of your past clients sent out an email to their email database promoting you and your services? Second, I would promote myself to lenders in your local market. They are a great source of leads. Finally, I would be promoting myself to buyer prospects at open houses. My buyer's agents are doing two, three or more open houses each week to meet all those buyers that are waiting for the market to turn, but are still out there driving around the areas where they are interested in living

I am not an agent, but I am looking for one.

Here's one tip - ANSWER YOUR EMAILS! You may win a customer...

I recently sent numerous enquiries about properties for sale. Most agents don't even bother to reply. One reply was so rude I don't know why she bothered. (Full text of reply "There will never be professional books on this property." No kidding. No answers to any of the other questions.)

Here's another - have all the info on the property at hand, not "I will get those figures for you..." I am talking obvious stuff like rental income and taxes.

Here's another couple - how about putting your email and better still website on the ads in Realtor.com. And more than one picture is a good idea. Taken with a camera, not a cell phone.

These are things that will show you are a professional.

Which should get you business. Mine anyway.

Answering emails, yes, of course..lots of pictures of the listing on realtor.com and your local MLS and any other websites that you can get it onto. While you're at it...get a website and promote your website on your business cards and any mailings. Use the website as a marketing tool for your services and listings. Always show professionalism no matter how hard and I know it can be at times. Also, never do anything unethical, its just not worth it. Your reputation is all you have, remember, we don't really have a product, you are selling you.

Realtor.com is a great place to look for an agent. In the search section, go to Find a Realtor and you will be provided with a number of search options.

Personally, I like the buyer's answer. Show Professionalism in many aspects of your day. Also, Network..even if it means routine type things. (Starbucks) Keeping up with past clients, FSBO's, expired's, Open Houses. It would depend on if you were asking for an experienced agent or a newer one. All of these are good though.

Do a good job and stay in touch with your past clients. It's as basic as it gets, but that is what produces repeat and referral business. And don't forget to ask for referrals! People will just not think to do it unless you ask. For brand new agents, there is no better avenue to meet prospects than open houses. As your business grows and you spend more of your time with buyers in the car in weekends, it can be difficult to find the time. I don't like solicitors calling me at home and I don't like people knocking on my door to sell me a vacuum or a religion. I won't subject others to it either. An open house is ideal because it is the softest "cold" contact you can make. The prospect actually comes to you, after all. It is also the lowest cost marketing you can do. No postcard or phone call can produce the results you get from bumping bellies with the general public. Aside from that, look for business within your sphere of influence. If you are a gym goer, let your fellow fitness freaks know what you do for a living. If you are a golfer, drop some cards at the clubhouse.

Specialization is the key. Hone down to one specific neighborhood. The leads will be most "sticky" that way. Also, as has been proven by other specialists in other industries such as "The Corvette King" - you sell a lot more of the other vehicles (or homes) too.