FOUR high calibre marketers were recognised at the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association (ALPA) annual general meeting in Sydney this month.
The agents were finalists for the 2016 ALPA Fairfax Media Agency Award and according to the judges of the national prize, the competition was extremely tight when it came to picking a winner.
It was innovative marketer and Wagga Wagga agent Alex Croker who came up trumps to impress the judges and be named the award recipient.
Mr Croker has worked with H.Francis and Company for eight-and-a-half years and has developed a strong client base in the Wagga region.
He said the biggest changes to the tools of his trade had been using smartphones.
“The smartphones have meant we can quickly send potential buyers details of sheep or cattle while standing with the owner in the yards.
It’s certainly made things more efficient and you don’t need to head back to the office. We use AuctionsPlus quite a bit more too, which gives our clients another marketing option.”
Mr Croker recently set up a website for the business, which had meant they could link in with the independent agents’ network, RMA, to market their clients’ stock.
“It’s really important to have a solid network of potential buyers from right across the country we can match with clients' stock.”
Social media platforms such as Facebook have also come in handy to complement phone texts and emails to promote stock coming up for sale to potential buyers.
Mr Croker was grateful to his colleagues and clients for the support and confidence they have shown in him.
“I'd encourage other agents/buyers/clients to nominate a young person in marketing who shows initiative for next years award as it’s a great way to analyse your marketing strategies and build more contacts within the industry,” he said.
As part of the prize Mr Croker won a trip to the Calgary Stampede in Canada (courtesy of Fairfax Media and Quadrant Ag Tours).
The other finalists were Samuel Hunter, Landmark Yass; Jeanette Laffan, Rodwells Ruralco Property, Kilmore, Vic; and Paul Kilby, Elders Roseworthy, SA.
