How the “Flower Pot Strategy” Can Turn You into the Only Realtor? in Town

What sets you apart from every other agent? Let’s say I want to sell my house and I’m looking for a listing agent. Why should I go with you? Are you better at showing a house? Driving clients to a house? Opening the door when you get there?

It may seem like a silly line of questioning, but the fact is there is only so much you can do differently to set yourself apart. That’s why I want to share the Flower Pot Strategy with you. And you don’t have to bring a flower pot to every new and expired listing in town. It can be something as simple as a flyer. But the point is that this is one thing that will really make you stand out when you meet a potential client.

The Law of Reciprocity: Why the Strategy Works

First of all, to understand why this strategy works, you need to be familiar with the law of reciprocity. When you do something nice for another person, and there is no guarantee that you will be getting something in return, that good deed builds an emotional and psychological bond.

Think about it. You love when people do nice things for you, right? It’s human nature to respond to generous acts with gratitude and generosity in return. So while you may have to put a little effort in before you meet each potential seller, and occasional it may go unreciprocated (you have to be prepared for that), more often than not you are going to get something back. You will be the agent they remember.

What the Flower Pot Strategy Entails

Okay, so here’s how you pull it off and leave the client thinking about you long after you are gone. The flower pot (or flyer, or whatever) has a link to a listing you have already created for their home. Maybe there is a text code, a QR code, anything that makes the homeowner say, “Wow, this person is really going to get out there and show my home to as many people as possible, so I can sell fast and get the price I want.”

Now, of course, the listing isn't published yet. But you can show it to the client and let him or her know that you’re one click away from making it live. So basically you are showing up and saying, “Here’s what I’ve already done for you,” and they haven’t asked you for anything. There’s no obligation to even go with you at this point. So now the wheels start turning. The psychological bond is forming. They’re envisioning you bringing in multiple offers. The rest is history.

Stand Out and Rule the Community

Less than 10% of agents are doing this, so I can almost guarantee you it hasn’t caught on in your area. Now you have the chance to stand out from the competition. And once you do something like this, it becomes even easier to get referrals of family, friends, and coworkers simply by asking.

The Takeaway:

1. You need to do something that makes you stand out as the person who will market this home the best.
2. Remember the Law of Reciprocity. When you walk in with something already in hand, your clients will feel that psychological urge to reciprocate.
3. The seller cares about selling fast and at the price they want. This is helping them to see you as the best marketer.
4. No one else is doing this, so you are setting yourself up to be the go-to agent for entire communities

2016 here we come ;) so excited!