Q:  Denise, I need a better way to connect with my database. I don’t want to do a client appreciation event but I think I should try to connect in person. How do I reach out without making it look like I am fishing for referrals?

A:  Easy – don’t fish for referrals! It makes everyone uncomfortable. Instead, consider contacting your database to offer to do a market review of their property. This could be a CMA, something more in-depth, or even just informing them about the market.

Each year, your doctor will likely send you a reminder to come in for an appointment. My insurance agent contacts me once a year to review what things have changed regarding my property or my vehicles. Consider offering this same type of service to your clients. Referrals will come naturally when you provide this type of service when you are not getting paid to do so.