What is the best way to lead generate?

[Dimas Espejo]

I am a new agent for Keller Williams Realty in the Fort Myers area. I also work in Lehigh Acres, FL.  As a new agent with not much of the database, what are some of the best methods to obtain quality leads?  Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

[Jake Thomas]

@Dimas Espejo I thought the same question when I first started. I hate cold-calling, I don't advertise anywhere, but somehow I have managed to close 38 properties in the last 12 months. 

These are all the places I have found leads (no specific order). 

-BP members (buy and sell)

-Referrals, few of these

-Craigslist for ads looking for agents to FSBO's looking to sell.

-Open houses, sold 3 houses last year and gained at least 2 other clients.

-Couple friends aka sphere of influence

-Co-workers about 7 of these, I still hold a full time day job.

-Cold calls (I hate it but sometimes it does work) Made less than 15 all year converted about 3. 

I don't advertise anywhere, I think zillow is a waste of money, cold calls on FSBO's work if you are truly good at what you do or can offer some sort of incentive to the seller (discount commission). They get cold calls all day every day and what makes you different?

Try to be unique and different, I think it is fun to look back and think about all the different ways I have found leads but at least I know I have several methods for finding leads. The most important though is referrals, those are what will make you last as an agent and proves that you are good at what you do or at least really helpful.