Every week, we ask a real estate professional for their Short List, a collection of tips and recommendations on an essential topic in real estate. This week, we talked with Kevin Palmer, the CEO/founder of PalmerHouse Properties, who shared with us his best places to find new clients.

Far too often, real estate agents are secret agents. If someone you know has to ask “what do you do for a living” then you aren’t marketing yourself. Finding new clients doesn’t have to be that difficult.

3. Sphere of Influence – The best way to gain clients is by communicating with your personal sphere of influence. Start by writing down a list of all the people you know, family and former co-workers – and don’t forget your doctor and dentist.

Tell them – or better yet remind them – that you are in the real estate business and are accepting new clients. When was the last time you reached out to your previous clients? If you haven’t stayed in contact with them, you are missing out on your warmest market! You did a great job helping them sell their home or buy their dream home. Eventually they will want to sell and buy a new home or have a neighbor or friend looking for a new home. Stay top of mind!

2. Social Media – This one is tricky, but social media is very important in our current culture. There are many social media outlets – Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram – the list goes on and on. If you are new to social media, pick one or two to start. But whatever you do, stay consistent and stay connected with your social media contacts.

It’s also important that you don’t make it all about business. You are a well-rounded individual with hobbies, activities and the like. People want to do business with individuals where there is connection.

1. Networking – If you don’t have a large sphere of influence or a broad social media connection, then get out there and make contacts. It is important to set goals or daily requirements, such as giving out five business cards a day or adding five people to your database. Still need some suggestions? Get involved in charitable organizations or other community activities like the PTA. This may mean getting outside your “comfort zone,” but the question is – do you want to be comfortable or successful? It’s your choice.

What are YOU an expert in? Take a look at our list of currently available Short List topics, and let us know what you’d like to share your thoughts on!