Sounds great, Karrie! Can't wait to join in! I just got back into town and am on my way out again for the weekend...I'll catch the NEXT one! :)

Great article and great comments! I work 100% by referral and have been blessed to not have to market myself to strangers at all, but rather to focus on deepening my relationships with a core number of clients. With a small database of relationships there is more authentic sharing, more congruence, and more time to truly be an exceptional service provider and LESS time trying to look successful by placing big ads. No disrespect meant to the agents that DO run ads, but the payback on an ad or a farm is miniscule in comparison to the payback on the deep investment into serving one's clients and continuing to stay in touch so that you may then serve the good people they know.
I joined Biznik to meet cool service providers that I can REFER TO, not looking for referrals. My ecstatic clients are able to endorse my business to their friends and family in a way that simply seems false coming from the horse's mouth.
Each year for me (this is my seventh year) has been better than the last and this year seems to be on track to be the best so far, even in this market. People will always need to buy and sell and when you become the trusted advisor to someone and show integrity by continuing to follow up, I think it really resonates with people that you truly care. In regards to specializing... I specialize in service GOOD people in the Seattle Metro area and that seems to be focus enough. Nice discussion, thank you for inviting me to chime in!

I was reading your post and thinking "Jon Taylor!" when I read Dan's response...so I second that motion. Jon Taylor, if he has the time, would be a great person for the job!