OSC of the Month: Preslee Harrald

Lasso’s OSC of the Month for January is Preslee Harrald Online Sales Specialist with Simmons Homes serving Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the surrounding areas. In this interview, Preslee shares how she has seen online home sales change, her “go-to” resources for training and support, and her advice to other new home consultants.

ECI: How long have you been in your role/or working in new home sales?

Preslee Harrald (PH): I have been an OSC for about a year and a half!

ECI: How many online leads do you manage monthly?

PH: I manage around 100 new incoming leads a month. I also manage hundreds of existing leads throughout each month as well.

ECI: How have you seen online home sales change in the last few years?

PH: Since starting as an OSC, I have seen communication methods and technology changes. When I first started, it was mostly calls and emails. I feel texting and videos have become just as important and popular ways to communicate. Potential prospects are also utilizing social media to look for answers and make connections. I am lucky enough to be the communicator on our social channels. This has created another avenue of opportunities for new appointment setting and communicating with leads.

ECI: What is your "go-to" closing technique to get an appointment?

PH: My go-to closing technique is to create a sense of urgency. Our market is ever-changing, with rates/inventory; we want our customers to know that if they wait too long, the home may not be available when they come back. I also always ask for an appointment; it never hurts to ask!!

ECI: What/Who are your "go-to" resources for training and/or support?

PH: My most utilized tool is Lasso. I use Lasso daily to keep up with new leads, follow up with older leads, and stay on track with a follow-up process. I work with Do You Convert each month. They have trained me on how to serve our leads best. I can’t thank Simmons Homes enough for providing me with continuous opportunities for training, resources, and support. I also work with a former OSC who was in this role for eight years. I get to pick her brain for ideas too! Having a community of people I can turn to in this role is important, and I believe it’s a game-changer for me as an online sales counselor.

ECI: Do you have any specific successes you'd like to highlight?

PH: I work with an awesome team of on-site sales executives. It is always so rewarding when a lead turns into an appointment, and then they decide to purchase a home.

ECI: Any tips or advice for fellow online salespeople and marketers?

PH: Enjoy the process and appreciate the market you are in because it’s the only one we have! Be yourself, be passionate, and let your personality shine. I also think building connections with your on-site sales executives is SO important. On-sites are great supporters of an OSC, and together, you can create the best possible experience for a potential buyer.

ECI: What are your favorite activities to do outside of work?

PH: My favorite activities outside of work are spending time with family, trying new local restaurants with my husband and taking our dogs on a walk.