#17 - Ali Harper - Building a business by doing things better

In this episode of the Expand and Thrive podcast, Mark Buchanan and Andrew Pearson interview Ali Harper, a successful EXP agent. They discuss Ali's journey in the real estate industry and how he has built his business. Ali emphasises the importance of providing high-quality service and standing out from the competition. He shares his strategies for getting traction in a new area and attracting clients. Ali also talks about the value of floor plans and virtual tours in the selling process. The conversation focused on the importance of preparation and efficiency in the house viewing process. Mark shared a story about a wasted viewing due to a lack of floor plan, highlighting the need for proper preparation. Andrew discussed his strict 20-minute viewing slots and the importance of determining a buyer's readiness to proceed. Ali emphasised the value of doing his own viewings and only allowing procedable buyers to view properties. The conversation also touched on the power of social media in growing a business and the importance of personalizing listings with professional photos and videos. Takeaways Providing high-quality service and standing out from the competition is crucial for success in the real estate industry. Targeting properties that have been on the market for a while and offering a superior marketing approach can help attract clients. Using floor plans and virtual tours can help weed out uninterested buyers and streamline the selling process. Building a strong reputation and receiving referrals can lead to a thriving business. The self-employed model in real estate is gaining popularity as agents seek more control over their businesses. Proper preparation, including providing floor plans, can prevent wasted viewings and save time for both buyers and sellers. Efficiency in the viewing process, such as using strict time slots and determining buyer readiness, can lead to better results. Doing personal viewings allows agents to build rapport with buyers and ensure a smooth process. Mastering social media can be a powerful tool for growing a real estate business and reaching potential clients. Investing in professional photos and videos can enhance the appeal of listings and attract more buyers. Keywords real estate, EXP agent, business growth, competition, floor plans, virtual tours, house viewing, preparation, efficiency, floor plan, buyer readiness, strict time slots, personal viewings, procedable buyers, social media, professional photos, videos