Ever "Google" someone? While not quite the same thing as ogling, it is a trick that can help you learn a bit more about your online prospects. "Googling" refers to the practice of searching on someone's name (usually in quotes) using the Google search engine. If something on line has been written about them, Google will probably find it for you. 

For example, if you put "Michael J. Russer" (yours truly) in to the Google search field (be sure to use quotes), Google will find over 8,000 Web references about me.  Now try putting your own name in and see what comes up.

You can also use Google to find out information about someone even if you don't know their name. For example, let's say you received an e-mail inquiry about a listing that doesn't give the sender's full name (they often lie about their name in the first contact anyway). You can do a Google search on their e-mail address, and if it is referenced in a Web page somewhere, chances are Google will find it, likely revealing a lot more about them than just their name! (Try Googling "judy@dallashomes.com" and you will see what I mean...)

Of course, any additional information you have about a prospect is useful when you finally do make contact. As a matter of fact, one of my staff used this technique to track down a broker who had sent an important e-mail message to us but didn't include his name or contact information (unfortunately, a rather common occurrence in the industry). She found him instantly this way and we made a nice sale as a result.

Obviously this will not work with every e-mail address. This is because the address has to be published somewhere on the Web for Google to pick it up. However, it is always worth a try since it only takes seconds. And, a little online prospect "due diligence" can go a long way towards converting an anonymous inquiry into a client.