If you have hung out around Sandra & JoAnne for any length of time, you've heard us say it again and again...it takes more than talent. The two of us were out there growing businesses long before the world even knew what staging was and before we had all the free opportunities you have now, such as social media.

After all, they can't hire you if they don't know you exist and even more, believe in your abilities. So we came up with 10 ideas, start small...pick 3 and get started.

1. Broker Open Pop-In Strategy (HIGHLY effective)

👉 Find broker opens in your area (MLS, Facebook groups, agent emails)

What you do:

• Show up (not as a stager selling)

• Walk through the home

• Introduce yourself to the agent:

“Hi, I'm a stager, can I share a couple quick ideas that would make this property show better?"

👉 Then give ONE to TWO good tips and follow through with a snail mail card reminding them of your tips and who you are. Be a stand-out and don't ask for a job, just plant the seed.

Why this works:

• You demonstrate expertise instantly to build know, like, trust

• No pressure

• You stand out immediately

2. “Fix This Listing” Content Ideas (Tag the Agent)

Check out local listings online and find a photo of a room that could be better. The caption or image title would say: "Imagine this" and share an idea to make the room stand out. With the help of Ai, you could even create an image that shows your ideas. Do NOT mention the address but do:

Keep tone:
✔ kind
✔ respectful
✔ insightful

👉 The goal is to continue planting seeds so when they need a

3. The 3-Agent Coffee Rule

Each week:
👉 Reach out to 3 Realtors-RELATIONSHIP BUILDING IS CRITICAL

Message:

“Hi [Name], Statistics show that over 90% of people begin their search for a new home online. I specialize in "stopping the scroll" (yep, feel free to use our wording) so people move from online to in-house. Can I treat you to a coffee and share some ideas you could implement in your listings, with no pressure at all.”

That’s it.

• 3 per week = 12/month

• 2–3 will convert into real relationships

4. Create a 1-Page Staging "Menu"

Make it visually interesting and INFORMATIVE. Give them a reason to keep it. Share your package options, tips, and contact info. Add a few photos that show you in action, not one of those boring headshots...but something that makes you memorable.

Create it in both Digital and Printed

• Highlight your Package Options

• Address a few Painpoints

• Show your Differentiators

Then:

• Email it

• Bring it to meetings

• Hand it out at broker opens

👉 Realtors LOVE simple, clear options

5. Realtor Talks (Don't be boring)
Start by emailing a broker:

“I’d love to come in and bring some pastries and share some quick tips they can share with their listings to improve the sales potential. Here are a few topics I could share."

• “The Buying Process Starts Online"

• “Neutral are Boring, Colors that Sell”

• "Stop the Scroll, Sell the House"

Once you get in the door, be memorable. This isn't some boring blah, blah, blah stats filled presentation but something that makes them want to work with you. Be knowledgable, social, and standout from any other boring presentations they have set through before.

For those of you who have been around The-DSA for any length of time, you know JoAnne's unique and memorable presentation ideas, including her red robe intro. If you want to know more, just email us. Our Secret: Laughter leads to Business, add some fun in your presentation.

👉 The result, You become:
the staging expert in that office

6. Before/After… But With a Twist, Online

We keep talking about stop the scroll so use this as inspiration to create an online presentation to add to your website, social media, or as a lead magnet. This isn't just pretty pictures. You want to show:

👉 “What changed and WHY it matters”

Example:

• “We added contrast here so it reads on camera”

• “We repositioned furniture to create a focal point”

This further educates Realtors (they start trusting you) If you don't have a strong portfolio yet, use Ai to create images BUT make sure you tell them in advance that you are using Ai photos to demonstrate your points.

7. “Walk & Talk” Intro Offer (Low Barrier Entry)

Create a price point for a mini-Walk and Talk to get in front of potential customers. Promote your consultation like this:

“Not ready for full staging? Start with a Walk & Talk—I'll show you exactly what to change for maximum impact. Special pricing this week."

👉 Realtors use this for:

• difficult listings

• hesitant sellers

• lower budgets

👉 This gets you in the door

8. Facebook Groups (Local Real Estate + Community)

Studies show that most of your customers are within 45 minutes of your front door. So begin by looking for groups in your area first that allow you to share without selling. Remember this is about creating awareness and building trust.

`Do a FB or Google Search:

• “[Your city] real estate”

• “[Your city] homes for sale”

• Realtor groups

Post Tips like:

• “3 things buyers notice in listing photos”

• “Why some homes don’t get showings”

👉 Keep it educational—not salesy

9. “Pre-Listing Checklist” Handout

Whether it is an online lead magnet or a checklist that you can attach to your flyer, start by creating a simple pdf with topics like:

• “10 Things to Do Before You List Your Home”

Give it to:

• Realtors

• Sellers

• Social media

👉 Realtors will SHARE this → your name travels

10. Follow-Up System (THIS is where money happens)

It is the follow up that truly matters. Don't leave them hanging but also don't over contact. Gather emails as you go, send a monthly newsletter, post to your blog minimum of 2x a month, and create an email template for each form of touch to automate. Simple messages like:

“Great meeting you—if you ever want a quick second opinion on a listing, I’m happy to take a look.”

You become:
their go-to “quick help” person

BONUS: CONNECT WITH PEOPLE, NOT BUSINESSES

The winners in staging don’t:

• wait for clients

• rely on Instagram

• hope to be found

👉 They build Realtor relationships

SIMPLE WEEKLY ACTION PLAN

Every week:

• Visit 1 Broker open

• Reach out to 3 Realtors and Tradespeople

• Post 1-2 times

• Follow-up 1-2 people

That’s it.