What happens when radio broadcasting skills meet real estate opportunity? Dave Cole's journey reveals how unexpected pivots can lead to entrepreneurial success when you're paying attention to the possibilities others miss.
Dave's story begins in Chicago's radio industry, where a station sale forced him to reevaluate his path. This unexpected development led him to telecommunications and eventually into real estate marketing, where he discovered his talent for finding unique angles to promote properties. When an expensive real estate kiosk technology was rejected by agencies for its high cost, Dave didn't see failure – he saw an opportunity to create something more affordable using phone technology. This pivot became the foundation for his success.
Throughout his career, Dave has maintained a competitive edge through meticulous tracking. Using nothing more sophisticated than an Excel spreadsheet as his CRM for 25 years, he records every contact, conversation, and follow-up. This discipline enables him to recall specific details from conversations years earlier, building credibility with clients and keeping perfect track of who delivers on promises. Dave's approach exemplifies how simple systems, consistently applied, often outperform complex technologies.
What truly sets Dave apart is his understanding of presentation strategy. He advises treating property marketing like a process: just as a cover letter gets someone to read your resume, which leads to interviews and eventually a job offer, property marketing should follow a purposeful sequence. His practical advice includes practicing 60-second property "commercials" without notes to develop your ability to highlight what makes each property unique. For formal presentations, he recommends preparing for five minutes, then condensing to three, and finally to two – ensuring you deliver your strongest material while having additional information ready for questions.
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