Three-time tech entrepreneur launches Web service to help real estate professionals strengthen their reputation

For Immediate Release

San Francisco (October 21, 2010)

ReachFactor (www.reachfactor.com) is a unique new Web application that helps real estate professionals strengthen their reputation and close more business by automatically collecting, verifying and promoting reviews from past clients.

Most marketing services for real estate professionals are time consuming, complicated, and require uncommon expertise; however, ReachFactor doesn’t require an Agent to write a sales pitch or produce any content. Instead, ReachFactor leverages an Agent’s listings and past clients to help them save time, money, and sell more.

ReachFactor’s core feature allows Agents to effortlessly connect with clients to collect feedback. Endorsements are verified by ReachFactor and then, at the Agent’s option, promoted across major Web services, the Agent’s website, and social media to encourage more and better consumer interactions.

“Your reputation is absolutely critical to generate a high conversion rate” says Suresh Srinivasan, founder and CEO of ReachFactor. “Consumers have always sought the opinion of others before selecting an Agent but the Web has taken the place of the neighbor.”

Unlike anonymous reviews posted on Yelp and the Surveys that national brands and offices send on behalf of Agents, ReachFactor collects and verifies the authenticity of reviews and provides badges and widgets that make it extremely easy to market endorsements online and off. Best of all the Agent remains 100% in control at all times and can get started absolutely free.

“Agents are already strapped for time and sapped of energy. The last thing they need is something else to do,” continued Srinivasan. “ReachFactor is a ‘set it and leave it’ marketing service that we’ve seen paying for itself in the first month.”

“ReachFactor is invaluable!” exclaims Robert Diamond, Broker with Century 21 Affiliated. “It‘s an excellent tool for networking with present and future clients and offers unlimited potential for new opportunities. I’ve received terrific feedback from past clients and ReachFactor helps me get the word out.”

Real estate professionals can get started for free at www.reachfactor.com.

About ReachFactor

ReachFactor helps real estate Agents, Brokers, and Offices strengthen their reputation and increase conversion rates by collecting and promoting 3^rd party verified reviews from past clients. ReachFactor was started by three-time tech entrepreneur Suresh Srinivasan who previously ran a successful Internet marketing company that had tens of thousands of small business clients.

Contact:
Alan Meadows
ReachFactor
ameadows@reachfactor.com
888-262-6161 ext. 301

Why real estate agents should love negative feedback

There are at least 2 important values you get from negative feedback.

1. Complaints can help improve your business. How to communicate better, how to set expectations, how to provide better service, etc. You can tailor your service to what people really expect. 
2. Negative feedback is often a hand raised for help. It is an opportunity to turn people around, make them happy, or right a wrong. Only if you ask for feedback will you receive it and be able to act on it.

I've met a lot of business owners who turn sour at the thought of receiving negative feedback or complaints. Many real estate agents go to great lengths to ignore complainers or cringe at the thought of asking for feedback. I often hear the excuse that "the best real estate agents are not necessarily the most liked." I have a very tough time accepting that argument. We're living in the world of Yelp. Reviews propagate with amazing speed.

You've gotta think about your customers in either of 2 camps, Promoters or Detractors.

• Promoters = will recommend you to others
• Detractors = will tell others to not use you

There's one important lesson I learned in the last 15 years running businesses. Customers who complain care. If a customer who complains doesn't get an adequate reply and you notice the complaining stops, you can be sure you've lost at least one customer for good.

The problem in the real estate business is that transactions rarely happen with the same person more than once every few years so it's very easy to overlook the value of collecting real honest feedback. What we need to remember is that past customers are likely to be asked by friends whether they'd recommend you. You've gotta make sure the answer is always "YES."

If you're like me and you'd love to get a steady stream of new business at low cost (where new customers come to you) you need to grow your Promoter population. To do this:

1. Always ask for feedback from your clients. You may get really great endorsements too.
2. Make sure the way you ask for feedback is non-threatening and does not bias the answer. If you ask for feedback in person or on the phone - people will tell you what you want to hear, not the truth.
3. If someone complains and would like a response be sure to promptly give them a response. If you're wrong, admit you're wrong and make it right. If you're not wrong, explain why. Be professional and courteous always.

The more Promoters you have the easier it will be to grow your business. Start collecting feedback today!

If you'd like an effortless way to collect feedback and reviews from past clients just email (suresh@reachfactor.com) or leave a comment. I'd be happy to get you access to our survey tool for free.