How does Technology Improve the Client Viewing Experience? While technology can’t entirely substitute the role of a great agent, it can meaningfully complement their role in making the home-search process faster and more efficient.One way we accomplish this is through an interactive online property selection tool. After an initial conversation with a client, our agents will spend time curating a tailored list of properties to better understand their specific needs. This list will then be used as a guide when preparing viewing options. At less technologically savvy agencies, agents will manually sort individual listings via email or WhatsApp, with sparse details on each listing, and individual property photos attached haphazardly (if at all). Or worse, they will often schedule viewings with clients and only share the listings when they meet, meaning you have no idea what you’re going to see before you go. It’s a very hit-and-miss process that wastes a client’s valuable time.At OKAY.com, we want to make the process of finding a home faster and more efficient. Our agents send curated listings through an interactive online link (our “Property Selection Tool”) so that clients know exactly what properties they will see before they view.The interactive link is sent prior to a viewing and allows clients to communicate any feedback to their agent through a customized webpage. Each property links to our website, with full details of the unit, price, layout, features, building details, map and district information. The client has the option to approve or disapprove listings with a click of a button, allowing agents to refine their search instantly. This kind of interaction allows clients to make informed decisions and eliminate properties that may not be of interest, while conversely sharing feedback on properties that they like, so agents can focus on other suitable listings to save you time.Dedicated to growing your personal success? Sign up to receive helpful articles, new listings and market updates!What is the “What Can I Afford Tool”? Our simple-to-use reverse mortgage calculator allows clients interested in buying a flat to narrow potential properties by defining how much they can afford. All they need to do is enter 4 key criteria:Maximum down payment availableMaximum monthly paymentLoan durationInterest rateBased on these criteria, we will provide a best estimate of what the maximum value of a potential purchase may be. The search results will display property results that fall below this maximum value.Note that our reverse mortgage calculator is an estimate, and subject to ongoing changes to government / banking regulations as they relate to mortgage restrictions, stamp duty, etc.What Factors Did You Consider When Developing the OKAY.com Website?We are continually looking for new ways to ensure our visitors are able to have as convenient of an experience as possible, while still garnering all the information they need about property listings. This translates to how easy it is to define search criteria, and also how much information is made available as they browse. There are three principals that we rigorously apply to the design and implementation: minimize clicks, maximize speed and ensure a rich experience. We re-designed the search experience earlier this year with these criteria in mind and have received incredibly positive feedback from our clients.What can we expect to see from OKAY.com in the future? We have implemented 360-degree tours, which have generated a lot of positive feedback from clients. Following that, we are working on enhancing our search interface with the introduction of maps and localized information. Later, we will introduce a new portal to our clients, which will help in terms of global reach. Lastly, in the nearest future we’re excited at the prospect of providing our clients with historical sales data paired with powerful data analytics tools.For our agents, we’re planning to develop the next generation of our back-end system which will be even more user friendly, faster and will include more advanced tools, data-driven insight and features that will give them a stronger edge when servicing their clients.Dedicated to growing your personal success? Sign up to receive helpful articles, new listings and market updates!

You may have heard the phrase, “Always Be Closing” -- an outdated technique focusing on pushy sales tactics. This technique was tailored to the money-hungry salesperson, with the ultimate goal of generating an income, regardless of the individual and their needs.Oh, how things have changed since its inception!As described in Forbes, today’s ‘empowered consumers’ like to take control of their decision making process as they continually educate themselves long before deciding to purchase. They are not driven by ads or assertive sales techniques but drawn to genuine and personalized experiences instead. Just consider your own skepticism when buying something – the more a salesperson is pushing you, the less you trust what they’re saying.Property agents in Hong Kong are often stereotyped as having this ‘always be closing’ mentality, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. While some may still be practicing this obsolete technique, most successful agents are shifting their focus to educating rather than “selling”.‘Always be closing’ is dead and ‘always be caring’ is the replacement! ABC: Always Be Caring1. Focus on Them, Not YouTo succeed in any market, a great property agent must provide better information, listings and services than other competing agents. Focusing on a client’s needs the way you would for a friend or a family member, helps you stand out from agents who are only focused on “closing a deal”.2. Get to Know Your ClientIt’s easy to only focus on the basic property requirements with a new client – target districts, budget, number of bedrooms, etc. But only asking these questions means you’re essentially treating your client like a checklist, not a person.Have a more meaningful conversation beyond the rental requirements. Ask more personal questions like, “Where do your friends and family live? Is it important to stay close?” or “Where have you lived in the past and what did you love or hate about it?” These types of questions allow you to find out what is fundamentally important to your client.Defining why someone is looking for a certain type of property will not only enable you to find the right property faster, but also let them know you’re trying to help them, not sell to them.You May be Interested in, ROI: Return on Interaction3. Go the Extra MileWhat does it mean for someone to go the extra mile in the property industry? Here are a few examples of consultants going above and beyond.One of our property agents Soi M Schmeelke-Puan, had magical powers, according to her client’s raving testimonial:“… I arrived with only a few days to find a place. But Soi was well organized and made me feel like I was her only client. While we were out looking, if I happened to see a house that wasn’t on the list but looked empty, Soi seemed to magically have the number for the owner.”Another great example of someone who was focused and attentive in her interaction with clients is property consultant, Louise Garnaut, who was thinking outside the box:“… I remember when my tenant brought their kids to the house in late September. After bidding farewell, Louise showed them the village environment and ended up driving back for water. Louise also refilled the kids’ bottles in case they needed water on their way home.”There are thousands of ways you can make the extra effort to help a client – the simplest of ways is to make them feel like they are your only clients.. It’s important to think about what you can do to address an uncertainty, reduce a pain point, or make a thoughtful gesture.We asked our team for a few examples of things they’ve done that helped their client, and ultimately created a “client for life” relationship:Setting up utilities for their clients and ensuring their move is hassle freeHelping them move into their home. That’s right - helping unpack and move boxesGiving a tour of the neighborhood by showing them the best shops, restaurants and activities to partake inOffering advice on schools/extracurricular activities for kidsFollowing up after they have moved in to ask how they are settling in and offer assistance for any problems that arise in the futurePeriodically keeping clients informed on property trends, prices and relevant recent transactions so that they stay informed of the market after a sale/purchase/lease.These types of commitments foster long term relationships and help you stand out in a saturated real estate market.Dedicated to growing your personal success? Sign up to receive helpful articles, new listings and market updates!4. Be Realistic & OpportunisticBefore committing to that extra mile, it is important to determine how serious your client is about purchasing or leasing a property. Since your income is driven by the successful completion of a signed contract, you must use your time wisely and focus on clients who are sincerely looking for a house now or in the near future.Don’t waste time in chasing a client that has no interest in buying property and instead save that energy for someone who is, but be mindful to discern a client’s true motivation. Some clients who appear to simply be “window shopping” may have a longer decision making timeframe, but are nevertheless genuine clients looking to educate themselves on the market.This presents an opportunity for you to become their trusted advisor by sending them a broad selection of properties on the market, complete with pictures, details and descriptions. This kind of relationship can only work if you are persistent and periodically stay in touch.Don’t be discouraged by clients that are not responsive either. Clients are busy, and in a city with so many agents, it’s hard to stand out. Agents who proactively update clients with properties of interest may end up hearing from that client months later when the timing and property is right. You just never know!Some ‘not-ready-to-buy’ signs include:No defined timeline on their move/purchaseOne-sided viewings: When the significant other (spouse or other decision maker) are not present at viewings. Couples are busy and may not always be on the same schedule, but this can turn into a warning sign when the other half is never present and offers no opinionsReluctance in arranging second viewingsHave not yet spoken with their bank about what mortgage might be possibleFinally, going the extra mile for your clients means you’ll spend more time helping each client. Don’t try to juggle 10 clients simultaneously. Focusing on fewer clients (4-6) but doing a great job will result in more successes, and many more word-of-mouth referrals.5. Be ProactiveBeing proactive involves being organized, responsive and thoughtful. Proactive agents consciously create their own opportunities and understand that their present actions dictate future outcomes. These agents recognize that the chances of closing a sale increase when the efforts are maximized. They are focused on conserving their client’s time by eliminating the “background noise” or listings that are of no interest to them.Here are some ways you can be proactive to ultimately save your client time while protecting your credibility:If you don’t know the building well, visit the property before viewing it with your client and talk to agents on your team and within your co-op networkThis saves you the embarrassment of not knowing which way to go within a complex when you’re with your client, or even worse, getting lost on the way to the propertyAlthough property number grids are very accurate in Hong Kong, some districts like Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay do not have a logical flow of the way street numbers are arrangedIf you know the building, still double-check the details of the unit before the viewingIf you’re not confident the photos and unit details in your database are 100% accurate, speak with the colleague who provided the listingYou don’t want to show up to a “3-bedroom apartment that is nicely renovated” only to find a 2-bedroom layout in poor condition. This wastes your client’s time and makes you look incompetentLook for similar units in the building to better assess value and offer even more alternativesDon’t arrange viewings for properties that don’t match your client’s stated requirements unless you genuinely think they could like it and have told them in advance you want to show them something “different but special”. The best agents know when to encourage a client to see something they haven’t yet considered, but only after the agent has built a level of trust by getting to know their clientList out property details along with a map of where the properties are locatedAsk your colleagues for ideas – this can be instrumental in finding you properties that are not on your radar‘Always be closing’ is dead and ‘always be caring’ is the replacement! Follow these 5 tips if you want to build strong relationships with your clients and ultimately become a great property agent.Dedicated to growing your personal success? 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Selecting the right property agency is key in determining the direction of your career. Agencies that appreciate their employees understand that they are their biggest assets, and will the take time to develop their skills.They will integrate numerous training and development programs to motivate, encourage and ultimately boost workplace morale. Management will also be willing to impart their knowledge to help their team members find their footing.Before making the jump from one property agency to another, make sure you consider the following 3 factors that we think will benefit both you and your career in the long run.Are You at the Right Property Agency?1. CultureHow important is job culture in the Hong Kong real estate industry? Globally speaking, company culture is becoming more important than ever. According to Harvard Business Review, cultural fit is the key trait employers look for in recruitment. Employees who fit well with their organization, coworkers, and supervisors had greater job satisfaction and showed superior job performance.It is important for Hong Kong property agents to take into consideration company values, community and culture as one of their top priorities when considering changing companies. We’ve summarized the top qualities for you to consider when assessing company culture below:Flexibility on the job: Employees of all generations are prioritizing flexibility in their jobs. Whether that be in the form of scheduling, location or even office set up. The ability to work from home prevents you from missing out on precious family moments and raises productivity should this be your preferred work environment. If this is important to you, look for companies that are equipped with mobile technology as it allows you to access the newest listings and information on the go or from the comfort of your own home.Professional development: When considering an employer, you should ask about the type of development and training that you can expect. Whether you’d like to sharpen your negotiation and communication skills, or even have the option of managing your own team, these should be viable options available to you.Diversity: In a transient and international city like Hong Kong, having worldwide awareness is extremely important. Aim to work for a company that diversifies their team and hires a range agents, with various backgrounds and experiences. This is especially important in real estate, considering the daily interactions with a range of tenants, buyers and landlords. Relying on your team members to help you transact with expats if you are a local and vice versa is extremely beneficial. It will help you become a well-rounded professional that can meet client needs regardless of their background.Ethics: There are several factors that you can use as the basis for evaluating the level of ethics practiced by a real estate agency. For a start, assessing whether an organization practices a meritocratic system is key. You should be asking yourself if the compensation is fair and if top achievers are awarded. You should also gauge whether that glass ceiling can be broken.For example, some traditional brick and mortar agencies are structured so that agents’ commissions are only given to the transacting agent, neglecting the agent who provided the listing. Although legal, it is often seen as unfair for those that took the time to discover the listing. This type of structure leads to internal competition, lack of transparency and teamwork. It causes real estate agents to work against each other, instead of relying on one another for advice and assistance.When interviewing with potential property agencies, feel free to ask about their core incentive structure. Discuss in detail what the commission configurations are like, and if they share listings. This gives insight into the core ethics of the business and how they value their employees.2. Brand ReputationHong Kong real estate agents are increasingly interested in working for agencies that are respected in the industry. There is an overarching belief that being associated with a reputable agency sets you apart and gives credibility to your personal brand. A reputable brand doesn’t necessarily equate to size or fall in the “everyone knows” category. Rather it’s what other people think of the company and the type of professionalism it holds.In addition, agents also consider the office culture as another critical component of decision making, and part of the agency’s reputation. Most agents value meritocratic systems that respect, praise and award hard work.So, how do we gauge brand reputation? Social media is a great place to start! The social era we live in allows for instant communication between consumers and the public. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to your company’s social presence, focusing on client testimonials and reviews.92% of consumers around the world say that they trust ‘earned media’ (like testimonials) above all other forms of advertising, whilst a further 68% say positive reviews make them trust a local business more.Looking through testimonial pages, Google and social reviews provides a panoramic view of client relationships while highlighting their level of service. Do you have a company in mind? Look through their pages now!Internal reputationOn the internal side, work-place reputation can be garnered by speaking with contacts already working at agencies of interest by leveraging your co-op network. Even for those that are non-office based, knowing the standards and procedures, and the competency of the back-office provides reassurance that you will be able to thrive should you decide to make the switch.When speaking with contacts already working at agencies of interest, try asking these questions:What do you enjoy most about working here?What has the overall growth of the company been like?Does the company have a strong database and leads?Is it competitive or cooperative internally?What kind of training will I receive?Is there room for growth, and what is the commission structure like?Dedicated to growing your personal success? Sign up to receive helpful articles, new listings and market updates!3. Tools for SuccessWith over 30,000 agents in Hong Kong, it’s vital that you retain your competitive edge and ensure you’re able to reach your full potential. Being a GREAT agent takes years of experience, dedication and the right tools for success. The company you work for should provide you with these tools to set you apart from other agents. Their ultimate goal should be to help you succeed! Here are some of the most important tools:Training :Teaming up with an agency that offers training is the key to becoming a successful agent.During the onboarding process, there should be designated time slots to review the necessary skills that will make you a great agent.Practical exercises on how to react in real-world situations, such as sales calls and closings, and presentations on useful skills such as using social media marketing, photography and photo-editing are some of the skills that will help you transition into your role. Onboarding aside, regular workshops should be scheduled for continuous learning and development.Client service team : A strong client service team is critical for the day to day operations of the company. They are instrumental in helping you find new listings, preparing marketing letters, arranging transportation and more. They are the first point of contact with new clients, meaning they can convert general enquiries into new loyal clients. Based solely on their efficiency, pleasant interactions and responsiveness, they can shape the overall brand perception. When interviewing with a new company, ask for a quick introduction to their client service area. Ask your employer about their overall performance and enquiry turnover.Marketing support : The marketing support in any real estate agency should be geared towards building brand awareness with the goal of generating leads for you. They should be maximizing the exposure of your properties while simultaneously helping you create your personal brand. Although most agencies have a marketing department, not all support is created equal. The differentiating factors are innovation and level of support. A great marketing team will continuously support you by helping you with your profiles, crafting social media posts, arranging press exposure for both you and your properties and coordinating printed collateral. Look at how your prospective company markets their agents, this will give you an idea of how they will support you.Technology : With technology progression at an all-time high, assessing the tech advantages in a company is very important for you as an agent. For a start, it allows you to become more efficient and more responsive. The tech advancements to consider include, website functionality, mobility, process automation, and multimedia integration.Mobile technology is the future of real estate: Most agents are beginning to understand that they don’t have to be glued to a desk to successfully perform their jobs. Ideally, your new company should provide you with database access 24x7. Having access to a wealth of mobile tools helps you respond to your clients on the go.Considering that 90% of searches start online, having an efficient, and easy to use website is critical in retaining new clients. A website that is optimized to encourage more enquiries means that the company is digitally savvy and understand the importance of user experience, especially when it comes to converting leads.The goal of process automation is to eliminate tedious admin tasks, allowing you to concentrate solely on your clients. Creating viewing schedules, utilizing email tools and preparing forms and agreements should ideally only take you a few minutes! Within a few clicks, you should be able to select your listings and auto populate a package of information that includes property details, photos, district info and even maps. Presented in a digestible way, these sorts of tools are meant to simplify the search process, saving both you and your clients time. Moving forward, always ask about the sophistication of a company’s technology.Multimedia incorporation : Staying on the forefront of technology by incorporating the latest trends is important in helping you stand out as an agent. Now, new camera and image rendering technologies are all being successfully applied within real estate to allow people to make more informed decisions about property.The sophistication of image capture, for example, has made a huge difference, with features like ‘virtual tours’ now common for property listings in many markets. This will naturally improve over the next few years through the use of 360-degree cameras, drones and 3D imaging.Is your future company only utilizing photos to market their properties, or are they expanding into virtual tours? Expansion is indicative of an agency’s effort to better serve their clients. Think about the importance of this marketing capability as you change your property agency.Feeling inspired? When you are thinking about changing jobs and considering a new property agency, follow the tips listed above! We encourage you to use them as a small guide and a form of motivation.Dedicated to growing your personal success? Sign up to receive helpful articles, new listings and market updates!

Success in life comes in many forms. Four of our agents chose to share their experiences with OKAY.com and their different journeys on finding success in their careers.OKAY.com Agents: Their Success StoriesVincent Chow started off as a property manager in Vancouver, managing a portfolio of over 100 properties. This experience showed him the importance of taking a fair and honest approach in communicating with landlords and tenants and helped him greatly when he first got into the Hong Kong market.He describes Hong Kong as a much more fast-paced and diverse market than Canada and the US. “Money flowing into the city usually ends up in the real estate sector and the stock market can affect the real estate market overnight so we have to be very knowledgeable of external factors.”Having worked with OKAY.com for over two years, Vincent says the digital tools available are the most innovative he’s seen in the Hong Kong real estate industry. “The various tools take a lot of the frustrations out of searching for listings, compiling viewing schedules and making appointments – and I can do all these tasks right from my smartphone! Because of this mobility, we can update and send listings even when we are out of the office. This leads to a more up-to-date database and increased accuracy of information. We also have more extensive coverage in the city as we can search properties wherever we are – allowing us to be more responsive to clients.”He highlights that the next few years will offer many opportunities for real estate agents. “Many rental clients have begun looking to buy and move on from renting, even with the latest stamp duty measures which don’t directly affect new purchasers. New MTR lines are opening up in different districts and a new wave of first time buyers are set on taking advantage of potential opportunities.”Vincent expresses his hopes of becoming a team leader at the company in two years’ time, fulfilling his business goals as well as helping new agents by sharing his own experiences. “OKAY.com has always had a supportive environment – whether it’s through the company's innovative brand, the support staff, or the technology, it continues to better itself in a positive direction. That’s why as the times change, the company will always be prepared to meet the challenges ahead.”Joseph Clark started in the industry with OKAY.com over a year ago and has already enjoyed considerable success: he shares the record for most transactions closed in a month and has been in the “100K Club” several times.He attributes his success to having the right support of the colleagues around him. “I think the OKAY.com team is the biggest strength of the company and the largest resource for any agent here. The wealth of knowledge that is collectively held is tremendous.”Having previously worked in a competitive environment in the UK, Clark is naturally drawn to the fast-paced property industry in Hong Kong, which gives him the drive to move quickly. At the same time, he also appreciates the flexibility and the financial rewards offered by his line of work, as well as the opportunity to meet and work with people from all walks of life.When asked about the districts he specializes in, he emphasizes that a good agent should not be restricted by the idea of “district specialization”. “The idea of finding an agent that knows a particular area restricts your access to excellent properties. It means that the agent is naturally biased in their advice to their clients, and what properties they introduce.” To him, the key is current and relevant market knowledge based on day-to-day interactions and experience.Strong mentorship has been invaluable to his success. He benefited from shadowing exercises with his team leader, where he went on client viewings with her and observed the negotiation process in action. “Mentors and team leaders are key to keeping me positive when things are tough. Starting off fresh in this industry is challenging and it can take a while to build some momentum. I’ve been given all the support and tools I needed to get out there and learn by doing. Using our technology platform, I’ve been able to respond faster to my clients, which ultimately benefits them since they are also competing with other homeseekers in the market to find the right property. If I can help them do that, I’ve succeeded.”Lily Wong is an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience. She joined OKAY.com in early 2016 as part of the senior management team. Her first impression of OKAY.com was that its unique culture set it apart from other companies in the industry – letting agents access the property database outside of the office shows the company’s willingness to build an open and trusting relationship with its agents.“Management are sincere when they say their doors are always open for us agents to go in with suggestions and discussions. They do what they say and are always willing to listen – a true democracy here!”She also says the company is more generous towards its agents than other agencies – compared to her previous companies, Lily has consistently earned more since joining OKAY.com.Speaking from experience, she says while a lot of agents aspire to become team leaders, there are also experienced agents who prefer not to lead a team and remain happy as a team member. For those who do want to lead, it’s important for them to spend more time with their team members and make sure they are happy and have enough clients to work with.Over the years, Lily’s motto has been to be honest with her clients. “I never consider a potential client to be a “waste of time”, even if they need a lot of hand-holding. It’s just not the right timing for some of them, or they need more education about the market and their options. But they will remember me when the time is right if I show patience and understanding – it’s a big decision for them. I also try to respect a client’s desire for a little distance – being friendly and personable but not overly so. Being overly aggressive is never the right way to treat a client.”Some of her client relationships go back decades. She recently helped a client sell their house, then found them a unit to rent and another to buy as an investment – all within two weeks! “In today’s second-hand market I consider myself very lucky to have clients who know me well enough to put their trust in me. I got to know this particular client 10 years ago when I found them the unit they recently sold.” Luck has a small part to play in this, but Lily’s excellent relationship with clients is evident in these memorable cases.Andrea Ott has over 10 years of real estate experience. She spent five years working as a realtor in her hometown in Richmond, Virginia, but her familiarity with the industry in the U.S. did not prepare her for her own house-hunting experience when she arrived in Hong Kong. Faced with a distinct lack of transparency and agents who just did not listen, she wanted to create a “healthy alternative” and decided to join the industry herself.After several years with another agency, Andrea joined OKAY.com in [2014] where she found significant personal and professional growth. “It has been due in part to years of service and being in the right place at the right time, but I think it is mostly due to my strong character.”Andrea explains that she has a boisterous and sometimes infectious personality that resonates with some. “My personal success was celebrated by the company and it made other agents in the office understand I meant business and knew the keys to success. This in turn made it easier to gain their following and trust when I was promoted to lead a team in 2015. My leadership style is by example. At the management level, the OKAY.com executive team have helped me go beyond my comfort zone, guiding me and encouraging me to ultimately be a stronger professional and better leader”.Her biggest challenge in overseeing the largest team at OKAY.com is to work with her own clients while managing a team. “I still love being an agent and ‘hunting and conquering’ by finding someone their home. It’s so rewarding. I feel I need to stay relevant and current with new buildings, market trends and landlord practices. The only way to do that is to keep my finger on the pulse. It is extremely difficult to be in two places at once, helping both my team and the clients but I feel that both groups don't mind a small delay for accurate advice. Our mobile platform is the key to succeeding in both areas.”Andrea adds that it is especially rewarding when a new agent she has nurtured starts to really “get it” and becomes a great agent, or when a team member breaks out of his or her comfort zone to close a significant project.Her advice to any new team leader would be to gain as much agent experience as possible, take notes on the different styles of the leaders you have known and be very organized. “Most importantly, be available to your team, be approachable, be patient and ask for advice and criticism knowing that as a leader, you are still growing and fine-tuning your skills.”As you can see, there is no defined road to success. No two paths or people will ever experience success the same way. It’s important to work towards meaningful goals while remembering to never give up along the way.Dedicated to growing your personal success? Sign up to receive helpful articles, new listings and market updates!

The topic of finding new clients is frequently discussed within the property community in Hong Kong, and because of the popularity of our first blog article on finding new clients, we wanted to give you 5 more easy ways to find new clients.5 More Easy Ways to Find New Clients1. NetworkThe most obvious of ways to find new clients is to regularly attend networking events both directly and indirectly related to your industry. Although this is an apparent option (especially in a social city like Hong Kong), you might not be going to as many events as you could, or getting the most out of them.Say yes to as many invitations as you can to broaden your social network and talk to a lot of new people whether it be through cocktails, art gallery events, yoga or muay thai classes. Sign up for networking events and cocktails (which are often free, but also worth investing in). Once you’re there, mingle! Too many people make the effort to attend an event, then are too shy to meet many people. Before going in, set a goal to meet a certain number of people (10, for example) and force yourself to do it! You’re not looking to sell anything, just meet people and learn about them and their business. Remembering to stock up on your business cards and following up is key - it’s important to remain top of mind!When you’re speaking with someone, try to find a way to help them – ideally not relating to real estate. Perhaps you can introduce them to someone who could be a potential client. Or if they’re talking about food, suggest a great restaurant you know of. You could even introduce them to someone else you just met at the event. With that simple of a gesture, you’ve helped someone and created a new relationship!2. Build Your Brand with ArticlesBuilding a personal brand is essential for the success of your career. You should be regularly finding ways to stand out among your competitors. Having a strong brand presence allows your clients to come to you rather than you looking for them.Taking the time to write an interesting article or blog post enables clients to trust you as a valuable source of information, and shows your credibility as an expert. These articles can be about a district in Hong Kong, commentary on market news, living or even moving to a big city. Set yourself apart by providing commentary that extend beyond property listings and pricing. Write about a wide range of property related topics as it will help distinguish you as an industry expert, not just another property agent. If you have a profile on your company’s website, make sure your articles are posted there as well. Utilize their daily traffic to enhance your following.3. Pick up the PhoneNobody loves cold calling, but we all do it for a (very good) reason: IT WORKS. Calling a landlord will yield tremendous success for you in assessing market availability. A quick call not only allows you to inquire about the accessibility of their current property, but it also permits you to see if they own other properties that are yet to be listed. It also lets you find out if they are looking to buy or invest in other properties that you can help with. There is always a way to find out the name of an owner. Try searching on Google, LinkedIn or even Facebook—you will be surprised at how quickly you can discover this type of information.4. Search ForumsPeople utilize various discussion forums and virtual chat rooms to discuss numerous topics with the community. They rely on each other for help based on past experiences. This is the perfect way for you to apply your expertise and join a community. For example, AsiaXpat has 33,000+ forums on “Living or moving to Hong Kong” and 3,000+ on “Hong Kong Property and Finance.”You’ll have to filter through the forums that aren’t about finding a property, but there are certainly posts from people actively looking for rent or purchase. Use this opportunity to offer your insight, and get in touch via private messages. People will appreciate your expertise and the time you took to assist.5. Win and Market Sole AgenciesSecuring a sole agency is great, it allows other landlords to take note on how you market other properties. Sole agency properties are heavily marketed whether it be through e-flyers, postcards or extra prominence on the agency website. When done in a professional manner, you have a higher chance of enquiry because of the enhanced marketing efforts. Sole agent agreements also encourage co-op agents to contact you directly allowing you to foster long term relationships with other agents. This is a win-win deal and truly benefits all parties involved.We hope these tips have inspired you to build your business and develop your personal brand. Learning from the most successful professionals in the property industry will spark some creativity and enable you to grow.Dedicated to growing your personal success? Sign up to receive helpful articles, new listings and market updates!