Idaho Real Estate >> ID Real Estate Specialist

George....  200+ closings from handing out business cards in pretty amazing.  I am with you as far as being done w/ postcards and monthly mailings.  The response from the mailings were depressing and for the money and time that goes into it, I would rather use a different avenue.  

When I was in real estate school, my teacher told us to make it a point to hand out 10 business cards each day.  It didn't matter where you were or who you were talking to - just get that card out.  10 a day at times can be hard - but he definetly is on to something. 

Have a great day. 

Thank you Heather....I guarantee you that getting a lot of business cards in the hands of the public and Calling, Calling, Calling will do more for the average Realtor than they could ever imagine.

LOL Doug....I am here to tell yo that the Seattle Realtor and myself have profited immensely from doing this basic thig Doug.  "Cards and Calls"  I cannot over emphasize the imortance of both.

George,

Last year, the person in my company doing the highest number of transactions passed out a box of cards every week.

Thanks Gary...that is what brought him his business I am sure.

Great idea George - I love it. I hate newsletters and post cards.  I do mail 4 post cards yearly - company sponsored. Just don't think you get a return on newsletters/mailers. Will definitely try the business card hand out. There is nothing to lose.  You alway have the best ideas - keep them coming.

Sandra

Hi, George!  I haven't stopped by your blog for a while, sorry -- life has been a little insane here! 

My Dad is a big "People Person" and loves to hand out cards.  You know we're not in a densely populated area, but he ordered 5,000 business cards.  I need to share this post with him, it will make his day.  When he ordered so many cards I asked him about it.  He said we have 52,000 people in our county, so that's only enough for every tenth one.  He said he'd need more soon.  :oD

George I am a KISS principle kind of guy.  I have not passed near that many cards.  I am definitely going to improve that part of my day.  Thank you for the needed nudge.

Sandra...I am right with you my friend and thank you for always supporting me!  I hope you are having a great day!

Hi Sarah...thanks my friend.  I guarantee you this Seattel Realtor knocked the socks off of her competition with her business cards.  When I combined her idea with my personal phone calls that I do all the time my business just sky rocketed too.  I hope all is well for you my friend.

Randy...try it my friend and add the personal phone calls (a lot of them) and just watch your business grow like a good crop of corn on a hot summer day!

George,  I started my career in Real Estate by working for a Nationally known Real Estate Speaker.  He believes in systems and keeping it simple.  He is a very motivational guy but the thing I love about him most is his 2 biggest sayings and they are;

1.  Keep it simple

2.  Be consistent

My first year trying very hard to do what he said I took home almost $75,000, my second year over $150,000

Simple has a lot to say for itself

Thank yo Thesa.  I can assure you this systems has done incrredible things for me.  When I starte the handing out of thousands of business cards and added the personal phone calls (a lot of them) my business just took off and I had my best year in 2006 with 14 million in sales volume.

Wow George- 14 mil is nothing to sneeze at : ) I like the part about sending out cards in your bills. Lord knows I pay enough of those, I think I might just try this. Thanks for this post : )

You are welcome Kelli....Don't just send out the cards.  Make a habit out of calling your current and past clients A LOT.  You will be amazed by the results my friend.

George,

What a novel concept!  I'm reaching right now to grab a pocketful of cards and come home with none left!

Thanks,

Rick

 Good for you Rick...You will love it!

One of our brokers used to do this as an agent and found a ton of success too. He would always send the people he bumped into notes. He would leave appreciation notes with his grocer, his trash guy, his steamcleaner, etc. and he found people began to recognize him and they would turn their places of business into mini referral pools any time real estate was mentioned. He would even send a thank you note when he paid his bills...always with his biz card.

I haven't heard of anyone else doing exclusive biz card marketing. Sounds like a great idea. I guess sending my bills from online services can backfire. The personal touch is a good idea.

Hi Darren,  thanks for your comments.  I just feel we can get buried in all the marketing ideas and really what the public wants more than anthying is to be taken care of and be valued.  The cards gets my name in front of them and my constant phone calls reinforces that I do care about them.  Thanks again and have a great evening.

George,

I often think of leaving my card with the tip at resturants.  I wonder, what does the teenager do with my card?  I know sooner or later she/he may need a realtor but until then I guess I'll float around!  lol

Love it! I work with a lot of agents and I see many different marketing ideas and concepts.  At first it amazed me that some ideas were working great for some but not for others.  How can that be? - as a ex-rocket engineer I assumed you simply develop a formula, test its success and duplicate it - there you go money in the bank.   Doesn't seem to work that way.  I think consistency has a lot to do with it - whether you are using a business card "system" or some other marketing system.  Over-and-over I see systems that are successful are accomplished by agents that have a determined-consistency.  The type of person will set sail on a course and either find land or fall off the earth - Like you not easily distracted or discouraged - good stuff! 

So I don't know if we have gone overboard by this system or that system but we sure do get distracted by considering all these systems.

Thanks Carmen....get those cards out to everyone my friend and start replacing any post cards or newsletters with phone calls...lots of them! And just watch your world cange.

Mark...remember the KISS system my friend.  It isn't any more difficult than getting a lot of business cards out and making a ton of consistent phone calls.

I love this thread.

I know card "misers" who feel the cost of every card they give.

My two favorite real estate expenses:

Buying Cards

Buying Signs

Thank you Mike...Lets just "Keep in Simple" and watch your business grow. Have a great evening.

Hi George,

Thanks for the info.  Hard to argue with the succes in numbers.  I'll be passing this along to a couple of the newer agents in my office.

 

I love it!  I haven't passed out that many business cards but I think I am going to make a habit out of it.  I can attest to the keeping in touch with past clients though.  All of my business is referral, and I owe it all to my past clients.  You can name anyone of my past clients and I could tell you exactly what is going on in their lives within a month of today.  It may be through email, phone call, myspace...  whatever- but I am busy!  Way to call it George!!!

Thanks Lynda....believe me...this is powerful!  Lets not cloud our minds!

Thank you Shanna....I guarantee you that if you more than double the amount of cards that get in the publics hands and add to that more personal phone calls that come from your heart, you will see magical things start to happen.  I am just not a believer on all the "Marketing Stuff" that is out there.  People want to know that we are visible and that we care about them....end of story.  KISS!

Hi George.  Great concept, it's so simple we can all do it but most of us don't.  We usually over think and over analyze.  After reading this I'm going to determine a goal number of cards to put out daily.  Do you set a certain amount of past client calls to make on a daily basis or just as time and occasion permit? Thanks.

Great ideas here, George. I have started handing out more cards than I used to but it is still not a habit.  Some great comments were generated, too. Thanks for sharing.

Jeff

George, Thanks for the Marketing Insight, I am always willing to add to my arsenal. One can ever promote enough, Just today I redesigned my Postcard to be a Big Business Card, my thinking was A clean simple message with my contact Information.

Thanks Nick....I don't have any system for my calls but I guarantee you that my sphere of influence of current active clients get called every week and my past clients get called at least 5-6 times a year.  I even had one of my past male clients that I closed over 3 years ago start to cry tears of joy because I called a couple of months ago just to say hi and to see how he and his wife were doing.  He said that he never had anyone outside the family care as much as I do and guaranteed I would have ALL of thier future real estate businss.  And I didn't even ask for business when I called!

Jeff - you go dude!

Mitchell - Remember to just keep it simple my friend.  No one really cares about flash.  They just want to know that you are out there and that you care about them.  The cards are one small part of the equasion.  The personal phone calls....lots of them, are what make loyal friends out of clients.

Being a new Realtor this past  year has been a bit overwhelming with all the marketing info. Farm this, send that .. I have recently relocated to a new town and my SOI is not much to brag about. I love the concept of just passing out cards to everyone, everywhere. And following up with calls when possible, I also love the idea of personal notes for any reason. I am going to commit to this daily not only for real estate but also for my Staging business.  Thanks alot!

I never thought about sending a business card with a bill payment.  I have also been told by those who are supposed to know, that handing out business cards doesn't work either.  Maybe that's why their incomes are mostly in the five figures.  Now I'll have to really try it and see how it works.

Michelle...You are very welcome and believe that this is tried and true and brings great results.  Good night and God bless.

Its always the simple things that seem to pay off the best. Some years ago at a Mike Ferry retreat, Mike interviewed a relatively new agent in business for about a year in Canada. I don't remember the agents name just his style.

Mike introduced him to the audience and told us of his production. He then asked if what he did to create all that business. He said that in his small town ( less than 100,000 people ) he took a full page ad out in the newspaper. The first ad included a few listings from agents in his office and a lot of blank spots. Some of the spots had solds or sold pendings. All of the Blank spots said " Your Ad could be Here "

None of the agents in his town would even provide a picture ad as they thought it was to expensive. He not only provided pictures but he did it for the entire page. After 6 months he scaled the ads back as he was starting to dominate the market.

Kiss

Anyway that you can work it into a conversation and pass out a business card could pay off.  This is a great example by shear volumne what can happen.

Roger...I am a witness to this system.  My business has grown each year in 27 years.  Business cards is just part of it Roger....the followup calls to current and past clients cannot be overlooked.  It is more powerful than anyone thinks.  Good luck.

Thanks Herb...different strokes for different folks...This is what really works for me.

Patrick...thank you. Make it happen my friend.

George, Thanks You are correct. I try to stay in touch, but this night forward I will make it a Routine.

Hi George.

 Good Stuff George keep us on our toes, .....I think if I remember right, the Top car salesman for years threw hundreds of his business cards out at Sports events, I knew a Realtor Team in Calgary, his wife said her husband would always go shopping with her to the malls, he would stand at the entrance and handout business cards while she was shopping, I believe she said they went through 10,000 Business cards a year.

Another very powerful thing to get positive results is personal notes  to anyone with "Thanks" or " I was Wondering how you're doing" People remember thoughtfulness,

I'll start tomorrow with handing out more cards too!!

 "You're Right Keep it simple Stupid"

Thanks Mitchell....Go for it friend and you will see the results...Don't just focus on the cards...make sure to make a lot of personal calls.  Goodnight my friend.

Thanks Fred....I not only hand out a ton of cards in several different ways but I make a ton of personal calls and this does more for me that one can ever imagine.  I also do the hand written thank you and anniversary cards but the personal calls is the BIG ONE!

George

You have a way of getting the chaff out of the way so you can get to the heart of the matter.  It is educational, informative and entertaining.  I always get so much out of your posts.  Guess what I'm ordering this week? :)

Have a great week end!

"Guess what I'm ordering this week? :)"  Hmmm Roberta....I guess you are ordering a case of Chardonay wine? LOL

Hi George,

 I gather you're mainly calling past clients...and just say hi.

I used to tell my Realtors (when I was a Sales Manager way back in the 70's) to not come into the office for Coffee...go and have a coffee with the last person you sold a house too..they think you're wonderful and want to help you, and often tell you about someone planning of selling or buying a home"

Thanks for getting us going George...Have an awesome weekend!

Fred Carver

Thanks Fred....I appreciate your comments.  You have a great weekend as well my friend.  My new post will go up first thing in the a.m. I hope you enjoy it. Buenas Noches Amigo :-)

Sounds good to me...it's time to update my photo and get more cards.  Time to think "out of the box"  concerning where the cards need to be that is!

Sounds good to me...it's time to update my photo and get more cards.  Time to think "out of the box"  concerning where the cards need to be that is!

Yes Carl...get those cards out there and start making more personal calls and just watch your world change!

George

WEll close....Merlo!  :) You are too funny.  Thank you my friend, the order will go in this Monday.

 

 

Hmmm, "Blackberry Merlo :)"

Hello George - Interesting. As someone who spent too much money marketing on 2006, I loved hearing this simple approach to getting ones name out in the community. I love the idea of putting the card in the billing statements. I am going to see how many cards I can give out in my daily travels. I have gone away from a printed newsletter in favor of an electronic one, I agree that the phone call is the best method above all else for growing referrals.

Very helpful post!

James

Great one!  You have to be diversified and in their face with marketing and there is no better way than with a business card.  I have business cards for many different situations.  At less than 7 cents each, there is no better way to spend your money and market yourself!

Great post - you have gotten a lot of people thinking...including me.  I think I will order a whole bunch more and try the same strategy.....

This is an ancient technique that most successful self employed people use.  Several of the title companies are offering small business card size marketing materials that you can get for free with your picture and any active listings you have.  Most people don't realize they can get these and are great for your clients to pass out as well.  They are anxious to get an offer and will be more than happy to pass them out all over town.  Not only are they promoting their own property, but you as well.  Use it to your advantage, it's extremely helpful. 

George,

Thanks for the reminder - I do find when I'm in contact with those people business "materializes" - I had 2 listings and one buyer lead pop up out of my "Bible Study" this past month. Love your reminder about KISS! Thanks for sharing. 

I don't give quite that many, but I give only magentic cards.  People seem to have less of a desire to throw them away-- you know, they can act as a refridgerator anchor to hold up a brilliant watercolor from their 6 year old, genius-of-a-grandaughter-- grocery lists, whatever.  I preach magnetic business cards and as many as you can possibly give out.  Even if you only have a 10% stick-to-the-fridge rate, take it, do the math, and know the future listings will come.

I love this post!  Back to the basics is great and is perfect for one of my fav's shoe string business.  I like this because it is such an economical return on marketing dollars. 

Thank you George. As a new agent, with no real dollars in the marketing budget, it is good to hear something so simple and inexpensive can do so much.  Thanks, Doreen

Your post reminds me of all all of the title people that leave all of the cutesy stuff for all of the holidays---I barely can remember the names. Who do I remember? The ones that stop to talk and hand you a card! (We have an open office!) I have long since selected a title company that I use---just like people (hopefully) settle on "their" Realtor. I am making a sign tomorrow to put above my desk that says "Cards and Calls"---best advice I've seen in a long time.

That's an awesome story! Do you think that would work for me in front of Yankee Stadium?

I didn't read all the comments so I don't know if someone said this already.  Maybe you could supercharge this technique by making a call to action on the backside of the card trying to get them to go to your website or blog. Maybe a simple headline with your web address.

 

What a great post!  No wonder you have done so well!  I like the card in the bill technique very cool. Thanks for posting this.

Great post George!  I also believe in keeping things simple.  As if life isn't complicated enough to implement more systems?  =) 

George....  congratulations on the featured post!!

George & Experienced Card Wizards:  How about a tip for us newbies?  How do you smoothly hand a card to someone you meet by chance in your travels that you don't know?  I live in a very small town (less than 10,000 people) and there seems to be a Realtor for each one of them!  I tried just once to hand a card to a local merchant while making a purchase from them and it was so awkward!!  Any tricks to smoothly accomplish what you are suggesting?  I'm getting the feeling you mean to give one to everyone you meet...Am I correct? I am new to AR and I can't believe the wisdom everyone is willing to share. Thank  you everyone!! Diana

What a good concept....almost free really, and what better way for us newer people to get our names out there..thanks

Excellent reminder....I always hand out cards and put them in my bills as well. Very simple tips but something we need to be reminded of!

Thanks 

Old School does work, afterall it is about name recongintion and keeping your face in front of the consumer.  And being a big believer in the KISS principle I find that phone calls, and emails truly produce more sales than the drips, and post cards whcih I no longer do.

George,

This is a perfect reminder for those of us who don't do these simple steps enough.  We have to get back to basics in this business because it's so true that people are inundated with Junk Mail!  My Mother calls me daily to tell me who's mailer she received that day.  Of course they are all NUMBER ONE!  I also agree that the phone call and note cards are our best strategy for the current market.  Thanks for this post George!

 

Great story, George.  This is an area in which I need help.  I never seem to have any business cards on me.

Thanks so much George!  Way to get back to the basics.  It seems as if we get so caught up in being creative with marketing, that we forget what really works!  More people than I thought are saying that postcards, mailings, etc. don't work too well.  I've always been told it doesn't work right away, but after a few months people develop a name recognition.  What does everyone think?  Is it worth it to you in the longrun to do mailings?

Don't forget when you give a business card out to ask for one in return!  Then you get the other persons contact info and you can maybe give them referrals to prompt them to refer to you as well.

You hit the nail on the head!  I work for a small firm with a small budget. -- Phone calls and taking clients to lunch/dinner -- have served me well.  As we all know referrals from past clients are great!  I do believe in the KISS principal!  This is a good reminder that one doesn't have to spend thousands of dollars to have a good marketing plan. 

James - Go for it dude! 

Renee -  This system changed my life my friend!

Kaushik - I'm glad you like and and it works like you would not believe

Amy -  Take advantage of the Title Company offers my friend

 

Cyndee - You are welcome!

Karen - Do what works dear but I am telling you...lots of cards an pesonal calls changed my life!

Shane - Thanks for your nice comment

Doreene - Get those cards and start making a lot of calls.  You will shock your competition!

Sandra - Thank you my friend

Luke - Gor for it at Yankee Stadium and don't be shy!

Tim - Already there my friend.  Cards and phone calls (lots of them) and watch your business explode.

Allison - You are welcome my friend

Michele - Yes, keep it simple my friend, the public is not complicated! LOL

Heather - Thank you my friend

Diana - It's not rocket science dear, just give those cards out and don't forgot to make a lot of calls!  Have a great weekend!

Wally - Thank you and "Just Do It"!

Coach George..

 Now you have everyone Ear...you'll be responsible to follow up in a month and see if everyone is giving out their business cards and phoning. Being accountable is the secret to getting it done. Everyone should promise to give you a number or cards and calls they'll do every week, and report in. ...knowing they'll be accountable to some will help many to do it!

 Thanks again George for keeping us all on our toes and getting back to basics.

Fred Carver...have an awesome weekend

PS: I have a fellow Realtor struggling, so I emailed him and suggested I'll meet him at a local mall this weekend and handout 100 cards.

Monika - you are very welcome

Michael - You are way ahead of the competition.  Post cards and newsletters sent out like clock work are so predictable and stale!  They will never ever compete with good old fashioned phone calls!

Lisa & Robert - Thanks for your support as usual!  Have a great weekend.

Stefan - Put a lot of cards in your pocket, organizer, car....etc. and hand them out!  Don't forget the CALLS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENT!

Eva - You got it babe! Get those cards out and make those calls and watch your world change!

Joe - You got it my friend!

I have been including business cards in my bill paying for years. I first heard of it from Tom Hopkins. Staying in touch with past clients is what really pays of. Thanks for reminding me to pass out more cards per day. I have been slacking off!

Joan - YOU GO GIRL!

George, thanks for another amazing post. 

I was just joking the other day about how I have a box of 1,000 business cards with a picture that I absolutely hate!  I guess I just have to get rid of all of these to get some new ones!!!  :)

I really love reading your posts. Great information! 

Julie...thanks doll.  Don't forget that the cards are just a part of the plan.  Make sure and make a lot of personal calls....weekly to your current active clients and at 6-8 times a year to all past clients.  Have a marvelous day and wekend!

Wow. 88 Comments. I just wanted to say thanks for sharing her/your tip. I finally have a business card that I really like. So I will plan to hand out about 3-4,000 of them this year. I can't wait to see what the end result is. Now off I go to read all the comments.

Thanks so Debi....This is an incredibly simple and effective method and I hope you do well with it.  Have a great weekend!

You all got me motivated with such a simple step to take.  Any simple words to say along with the card that I would not trip over? 

 Thanks

Melanie

Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific

Benicia, Calif

www.MelanieRossRealEstate.com

Melanie....go for it my friend and see your world change!  No simple words my friend "Just do it"

This is a great blog to bring us back to basics.  You took taking it to the streets to a whole new level.

Awe...thank you so much Beth...have a great weekend!

I am reordering some cards right after I submit this comment. :-) Thanks George...You post some of the most informative, encouraging, and fundamental posts on this site! Thank you for another reality check!  

Awe Shekeria (beautiful name!) thank you so much for your kind comments.  What a sweetheart!  Have a great weekend.

You are welcome George...and Thank You! Keep the great articles coming. Have a great weekend!

Shekeria....you too my friend.  God bless you

Surprise, marketing works!  I think doing our job, asking for referrals and handing out business cards are basics that can ramp up our business.

Thank you Chris....I can attest that handing out business AND MAKING A LOT OF CALLS will explode your business beyond words.  Have a great weekend.

George

Its all about being consistent.   Personal contact is so important with your past clients.  They say don't reinvent the wheel.   You don't to keep finding new people to add to your sphere... just keep yourself in front of the ones that already know you.

 

Thank you Desiree... Cards and Calls....this is what it is all about and has been a hit for me.  Have a great weekend.

George,

 It's almost midnight here in Chicago and as tired as I am, your great post has me exited. 

The other day I was looking at my inventory of nice postcards.  I've sure sent a lot out, and the cost sure adds up.  I was wondering if they were helping me much, and I think I know the answer.

I'm not stingy with my business cards, but I don't pass out a tenth of what I could. 

I call, but not as much as I could. 

Personal marketing can't get more basic than this.  I love it!

Thanks so much.

George, FANTASTIC post! These are great points for everyone to consider, especially new agents. Yes, when you're new, you have to find ways to make money a little quicker just to survive, but employing this approach also will build for the coming years. Taking this approach in addition to using some of the tech tools we have today would do wonders! I have plenty of business but would always be happy taking on more and, to be honest, I probably haven't done a good enough job of using your business card approach. Imagine, I could probably increase my business by 50% if I did. Something I'll have to get to work on TODAY!

Robert - retool your systems.  Get those cards out in massive numbers, write a lot of personal notes and make A TON of personal calls that show you care and just watch your world change.

Ryan....we can all use new business. I like you have incorpated some technology with this system and my cup overuneth!

Hey George,

I love when I have to refill my business card holder that I carry around with me.  It gives me an idea of the number of contacts I've made.

Thanks Amber...I reall miss talking to you and chating with you.  I hope you are doing well and I hope you are having a geat weekend.  Be blessed my friend.

Thank You George,

 I'm working on my card now. I've tried the direct marketing approach with post cards, etc. I believe in the KISS, so it's cards and calls.

Thanks!

Ree

Ree...good luck to you my friend.

Hey George,

I think it's a great idea!  I have done the mailings...a lot of mailings and sometimes I may get a call or two but the time and energy that I put into these I could be putting into handing out cards.  Great Idea!!!  I think I'm going to try this!

Thanks Carey....Get those cards and make the personal CALLS and watch your world change.  Have a great day.

Wow George!  Great post with a ton of comments!  I completely agree with the concept of passing out cards to everyone you meet, I've just always struggled with breaking the ice so I can pass out a card.  I'll keep working at it though!

Thank you Ravi....good luck and I wish you well.

Hi George!

I've been a 'lurker' of your blog for almost a month now, and always find a lot of useful content!

Thank you for such a great piece on KISS. I know I'm supposed to hand out my business card but I hadn't thought about handing it out to 'everyone'. I think I'll have to order another thousand!

Dane Caldwell

2 Hounds Design - The idea resource for home staging.

Dane...thank you.  I assure you that not only getting the business cards out in HUGE numbers but also increasing personal phones calls to current and past clients will do more for you than you could imagine.  Good luck to you.

Back to basics!!!!!!!!! How soon we forget. Great Blog

Thanks Dianne...Yes, back to basics my friend and "You go Girl"!

Thanks for the idea.  I have started leaving my card at restaurants when I go out to eat.  I make sure I leave a good tip.  I sent a letter to all my friends and family to let them know that I was a REALTOR with a few business cards in each.  I did get a couple of referrals from that. 

Good for your Ronda!  Way to be on your toes and keeping your card in front of people!

Wow, an amazing concept!! I like it! Having recently relocated, I am starting business anew. I am doing some heavy marketing right now, and will now add this to my list! Thanks for sharing!

Good for you Paula...thanks so much for the comment and good luck to you girl!

Business cards are a great way to advertise! Quick, easy, cheap and convenient. I cannot get into the habbit of handing them to everyone YET. I'm trying to do better at that. I do leave them in businesses, gas stations, Dr's Offices, and my sphere has plenty to hand out also.

Yes Meless, this is very true.  Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Great point about the business cards.  I'm going through them quickly. I also leave them with tips when eating out + the grocery store and other regular places from day to day...whenever I get an opportunity :)  Thanks for the post!

Wow! I need to get better at handing out cards, that's for sure! Thanks for another great post!

Good luck Vickie...I have always beleived in the basics and this lady proved it.  Good luck to you.

You are very welcome Kelly.  I hope all is well.

George, I was taught this years ago and quit doing it.  It's nice to get a refresher course.  Thanks for all your great ideas.  I'll start working on this tomorrow.

Well thank you Kay....I guarantee you it works my friend.  I am proof of it.  I hope all is well.

Thanks for the advice!  I'm a newbie...had my license for not quite 2 weeks, and i'm waiting on my business cards....feeling like it's holding me back by not having them.  I'll be sure to go through them quickly!

Good for you Krista.  Good luck to you and I will help you in any way I can.  God bless

I put a magnet on the fridge of each listing and each place sold! I also give cards to all my banks and at the grocery! More places as well

Krista, welcome to AR and Real Estate!  It's so exciting when you get that first box of business cards.  I'm a newbie (since November) and I'm on my 2nd box.  Best wishes to you!!

Thanks, George! 

 

Good for you Chris...keep it going!

Vickie....that is sweet of you.  I will help you all in any way I can. Goodnight.

great Blog and great ideas. Thank you for sharing.

You are welcome Maria and thanks for taking all of my advice.  You are a wondeful lady.

Sometimes its so easy to get wrapped up in the fancy expensive stuff! I love this blog and have bookmarked it for future reference because I love this woman's story!

Thank you Yvonne....good luck to you and have a great evening.

What a great idea

Thank you Maria...have a great productive day and thank you for being a great student and friend!

It can't be that simple ... can it?  I have done the postcard thing and have seen little or no response from it.  Believe it or not, my best returns come from myspace.  I will definitely try to be more aggressive with the business cards.  Thanks for the tip!

Different things work for different folks - but I am a firm believer that business cards are great - they are inexpensive and people usually keep them around for awhile. I have done my fare share of advertising - but it seems to me the less I spend the more referrals I get! Go figure! 

Good ideas, but it would be even better implemented if you used birthday cards, etc. to reinforce your commit to your clients.

Brian - Both this Realtor from Seattle have proved it is this simple my friend when you get your card out in masses and offer incredible service.

Donna - Thank you....cards do get you noticed

Steven -  Yes sir...I do birthday cards as well 

 

Hi, George!

Wow, amazing story!  Thanks for sharing it as this is a true example of persistence, confidence, motivation, and every good quality an agent should and need to possess to make it in this industry that
can just be really lucrative!

This totally changed my notion about flyers/newsletters.  Sure, I'd continue use them for now to maintain that consistency and communication with my target market that we've already as it's just been our second month doing this type of marketing. I know for a fact though that I'd sure gradually withdraw from it as I shift towards the business card concept.  I've been enclosing business cards in my monthly bill payments already, so this confirms that I've been right on that.

 

 

 

What a great idea.  I think I will try this as well.  One thing that I have always done is made sure I wear my name tag.  I find more success in even the grocery store and have gotten business this way.  People love talking about real estate.

Emilie - Thank you and good luck to you.  This system really works.

Sybil - Right on my friend.  I wear my name tag everywhere I go.  I have one with a gold backing and black lettering that looks really classy.  Happy selling!

I also wear a name tag when every I am in Public. It is a revised version of my business card. But, I had not thought of handing my business card to everyone.

Thank you. This is great advice maybe even life changing.

 

Thanks Drew...have a great weekend and you are very welcome.

Great post!  And so opportune since I'm doing my marketing plan for next year:

1) Order more cards!
2) Set up blog(s) for real estate expertise and local niche marketing for specific neighborhoods - learn, learn learn SEO and good blogging
3) e newsletter - icontact.com
4) Just Listed cards - to sphere or specific niche area only
5) Just sold cards - to sphere or specific niche area only
6) ok, yak on the phone...

Let's see if I can start getting my business from where I want it!

 

Josette - You go girl!!!

Find a quick easy place like www.vistaprint.com to get different cards for different seasons & reasons.

I hang em, hand em and even occassionally throw em everywhere I can.

Got a fiavorite local restaurant.  Buy a bulletin board for them (2 x 3 or so) and put your sponsor ship at the top.

 

Erby - Thanks for the tip and have a great day.

That's an awesome reminder of the power of the card! I have always handed out lots of cards...

Lindsey - Good for you and keep handing them out!

Good reminder to keep in touch. I expect that 70 percent of my business comes from my sphere. Phones calls are the best method for me, but I do like the business cards.

Larry - Getting cards in the hands of the masses is Gold!  Good luck to you.

I do phone calls and emails.  My clients think I am the resource goddess here in Salem and call me for referrals for many things.  It's a great time to just touch base. I also started emailing my blogs to them if I write about something I know will interest one of them.  I don't do postcards, mailings or newsletters and never have.  No point in killing a forest.  I also give all of my clients a stack of business cards (like 200 or so) when we close a deal.  They get refreshers periodically as well.

Melina - Nice to meet you "Goddess"!  LOL

im inspired to have more cards printed, thanks

Justin - You are very welcome and go after it!

George,

Thanks for directing me to this previous article with the link in your blog today - What a great story and lesson! Everyone's always looking for the magic pill for success, but few accept the fact that consistency (and persistence - with a smile) utilizing the simple basics - business cards, phone calls, and personal notes ARE the magic pill.
Best Wishes,

Kelsie
www.TriangleChoiceRealty.com
www.TriangleBuyerAgent.com

Kelsie - You are very welcome and I wish you well.

George, I started a new campaign this year thru the office.  They are sendng out to 300 of my clients a monthly newsletter, compliments of RE/MAX.  Seems the "KISS" program is easier and more efficient.

Kay - Good for you.  I believe 100% on the KISS system and have proven time after time it works awesome. Take good care.

We knew this, then we got on the marketing train but now we will go back to keeping it simple, thanks for the reminder.

Patty & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX Equity Group Vancouver WA

 

Patty & Scott - Thanks for reviving this post and have a great day.

George:  That makes a lot of sense..............I am going to start handing out more cards too.  Hope all is well.

Great Idea !!!! Thanks for the Post

If you are going to build your business handing out business cards, Make sure that you have a well done photo on the card.  I think that having a photo of you linking your service to a face is an important feature.  If you are going to put up a billboard with out a photo I think you are wasting your time.  Great numbers though.. I wish I would have had 200 mortgage closings last year.. whoo hoo..

Hey George...I think it's time to show our Fellow AR member there is an effective and inexpensive way to market yourself in Real Estate using their Business Cards. This is such a great story of success and worth repeating to our members!

Cheers, thanks again for sharing this with us all in the Rain!

Fred - I can't thank you enough my friend!

Hey George....if we keep nogging one another here this post will get featured finally!! Oh in case the Gods are Sleeping I suggested they feature this great post, especially for the newbies.

Cheers, once again thanks!

Sounds interesting -- 200 closings sounds rather intriguing. All the best.