Magnets USA's Blog

Trade Show Survival Tips

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:01:31 -0700

Trade show season is upon us, and that means you’ll be leaving home and spending a few days in a constant flux between business and pleasure. Trade shows are the perfect place to connect with other real estate agents and exchange marketing ideas; however, they are also the perfect place to get totally sidetracked by fun attractions and forget why you’re there.

Don’t be afraid to be the social butterfly you are—that is precisely what trade shows are for. However, don’t forget you also need to gain some business insights on your journey. Here are a few tips to help you survive your next trade show - without sore feet, hunger pangs, or a headache.

Trade Show Survival Tips:

Have a game-plan. Print out a schedule before the show, if possible, or pick up an itinerary as soon as you arrive. Take note of any lectures or sessions you want to attend and create a schedule to have handy throughout the show (it’s easy to get sidetracked by vendors and lose track of time).
Create a mental map. Walk the show floor and take note of any vending tables you really want to visit. Knowing your surroundings will help you make beelines to what you truly need and avoid getting caught up in sales pitches you don’t need to hear.
Pack comfortable, yet professional, clothing and shoes. There is absolutely no reason to overdress. You’re dealing with other real estate agents—not clients. Ladies: while stiletto heels make your calves look amazing in that pencil skirt, your feet are going to hate you by the end of the day, and so will your walking buddy; nobody escapes the scorn of a woman with sore feet.
Bring a tote bag. You’re going to receive a lot of S.W.A.G (stuff we all get) at trade shows: brochures, pens, business cards, free samples, etc. Some vendors will supply bags as a gift, but don’t count on it. Grab a canvas tote bag that easily fits in your purse or briefcase to keep track of your S.W.A.G.
Take breaks. You’re not a superhero; you need rest—especially when you’ll be going the distance for 2-3 days. As most trade shows are a minimum of 2 days, you will need to pace yourself. Don’t be ashamed to sit down for 10-15 minutes to eat a snack and drink some water, whenever you find the time. A well rested and hydrated agent is a happy agent.
Write down any questions. If you have a question during a seminar, write it down so you don’t forget to ask when the moment arises—you might have to wait for the next day to get your chance to ask.
Use the buddy system. Find a buddy to take on the trade show challenge with you. Look over schedules together and share what booths you want to visit, that way if you get split up you’ll know where the other might be. Also, if you have to skip a booth, there’s a chance your buddy will have gotten the information for you.
Don’t be afraid to ask for samples and brochures. Vendors love giving out their brochures, cards, and samples—that’s why they’re there. Don’t worry about taking notes at booths; just ask for literature!
Take advantage of show specials. If there are products you know you’re going to need to buy eventually (like business cards, magnets, etc) take advantage of special savings vendors are offering.

Use these tips to help make your trade show experience as fun and informative as possible. Who knows, maybe if you plan your day down to a science you’ll have just enough time to hit the town with your new friends in the evening.

What trade shows will you be attending this year? Do you have any tips that have helped you survive the wild world of trade shows?

Give Your Promotional Marketing New Life

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 10 May 2013 08:28:30 -0700

By Kristen German

Promotional marketing is at a cross-roads. More than a few people have argued that the digital age has made physical marketing products seem outdated and not worth using. However, they are forgetting one very important fact. People like getting “stuff” – and that’s not going to change. What needs to change is the nature of this “stuff.”

So, how do we make that which is old-fashioned, new? First, we need to determine why traditional marketing is getting a bad rap.

Myth # 1: It is unnecessary because all marketing can be done digitally.
Fact: While we might think that the entire world has gone digital, the truth is that not everyone has embraced the latest technology. Yes, there are people who do not have Facebook, Twitter, or even an email account that gets checked regularly. Ignoring an entire population of people is not a good marketing plan.
Myth # 2: Promotional products are just clutter and are likely to get thrown away.

Fact: Although it is true that many attempts at advertising are seen as “junk,” this is not the case if you provide something of value. Make sure what you send to customers is useful in their everyday lives. Calendars and notepads are a great place to start if you aren’t sure what your audience likes. Sports schedules help you target a passionate fan base. The important thing to remember is: useful items won’t end up in the trash.
Myth # 3: Traditional marketing looks dated and are too busy.
Fact: This statement can be true -- if you let it. Even digital marketing can look dated, and it’s all too easy to create busy designs in any media. We’ve all seen websites and ads that look like they were created two decades ago. In fact, digital advertising changes at a much faster pace, so it’s more likely that digital marketing will look dated. Traditional marketing can easily be transformed with modern design and a new outlook.

How do you get a new outlook? It’s easy. Borrow ideas from other advertising avenues that still work well. Specifically, let’s take a look at billboards.

Billboard courtesy of Indulgence Salon & Spa.

Billboards are still highly effective, even though they have been around for a long time. What is it that makes them so appealing?

The message is brief. Customers don’t have time to read lines and lines of information. A billboard gives them only the basics.
There’s a clear call to action. Billboards tell the audience what you want them to do. For example: “Call me for a quote.” People respond to action-oriented ads.
They’re attractive. Billboards usually have a crisp background that’s aesthetically pleasing. Your ad has to be both noticeable and memorable to be effective.

Now that you know how to make your marketing more appealing, it’s time to put the plan into action. Get rid of the notion that marketing materials have to look like a business card. Turn your informational space into an advertising space. Take a cue from the billboard industry and adopt the “less is more” mantra.

Here are a few tips to help you renew your marketing image:

Choose a background that is interesting without being busy.
Use a photo that looks professional and modern.
Make sure your name is prominent – try using different fonts and colors with your first and last names for an added pop.
Add a slogan or a clear call to action.
Finally, only list your most important contact methods. One phone number and an email address or website will probably be sufficient. If you must list several numbers, try to de-emphasize the less important ones with smaller text.

Can you think of other ways to give your marketing products new life? Feel free to share them in the comments section below.

6 Ways to boost curb appeal

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 03 May 2013 10:38:09 -0700

April is over and the month of May is peeking a bright, beautiful face over the horizon, casting golden beams of sunshine down the block. Take this perfect moment to get a good look at the properties you’re listing and how you could improve them visually.

It’s no secret that humans yearn to look at beautiful things. Are you using your natural resources, like the front yard, to appeal to potential buyers?

If you’ve ever been to a sushi restaurant, you understand how important presentation can be, both to the chef and the consumer. Sushi may be delicious…but if it’s not presented in a beautiful way—the sushi cannot be enjoyed to its fullest extent. Looks matter (sorry, kindergarten teachers—but it’s true).

Here are a few helpful tips for cleaning up a yard, so it’s an irresistible paradise for prospective buyers:

Take out the trash—clean up any loose limbs, leaves, and grass clippings from flower beds, gardens and lawns. Also trim back and prune any plants that were dormant during the winter, so they can grow fresh again.

Weed then feed—be sure no weeds are poking out of sidewalks, driveways or flower beds. Then fertilize gardens, flower beds, the grass and perhaps even include a turf builder for a strong healthy lawn.
Check irrigation systems—if your listing has an irrigation system, be sure everything is running at tip-top shape.
Mulch—my mama says mulch makes everything better. Flowers look clean and vibrant with a fresh dusting of mulch, not to mention it smells delightfully earthy.
Have fun with flower beds—straight lines can be so boring; try adding curves to flowerbeds for more curb appeal.
Plant flowers that will survive in your area—click here to see how to make sure your flowers and plants survive. Hint: despite their name, pansies are a hardy flower that will most likely last through spring time.

You know how important appearances are when it comes to selling houses. Be sure you’re doing everything you can to make open houses and viewings as charming as possible. Don’t forget to use what Mother Nature gave ya!

Don’t forget to leave take-aways sitting out for visitors at your open house. Notepads and Bag Tags™ are always client favorites.

Do you have any trade secrets to creating an oasis-like escape right in the back yard? Feel free to leave comments and suggestions below.

Take your marketing back to school

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:44:57 -0700

By Rebecca Cranwell

Bake sales aren’t bringing in dough like they used to. Now, area schools are looking to local businesses to keep the community involved with fundraisers, sporting events, and other school events. Sponsor a local school: show support with Spirit Magnets, offer Bag Tags™ or School Calendar Magnets as event-gifts for parents, teachers and students. This is your opportunity to step up and be a hometown hero for your community.

Real estate agents are famous for finding happiness in helping people and for being highly involved within their communities. However, real estate agents are also famous for being insanely busy. Sponsoring a local school is quick and easy marketing. It just makes sense! Talk to parent-teacher organizations, booster clubs, and school administrators to decide what promotional items will make the most impact in your area. Sports magnets, Informational magnets, and Bag Tags™ are some of our best sellers for sponsorship marketing.

The beauty of sponsorship marketing is you get to show your peers what is important to you. Whether you sponsor the football team, the glee club, or the parent-teacher association, your community will see what is near and dear to your heart…all while receiving subtle reminders of your contact information and services.

If you have children, grand children, or even nieces and nephews in an elementary, middle, or high school, you have an automatic introduction! Most schools adore their sponsors and greatly appreciate any support they can find throughout the community. Don’t forget, schools need help promoting their special events, sports and organizations too!

Sponsor Sports with Spirit Magnets to give a school team, or organization. Magnets are always a big hit with parents, teachers, and students alike. Or, if your area schools are trying to raise money, donate magnets for them to sell as a fundraiser.

Most parent-teacher organizations like to give new members gifts to show appreciation; this is where sponsorship items like Bag Tags™, Informational Magnets and School Schedule Magnets come in handy. Donate any of these items, and your contact information will be discreetly passed on to local parents and teachers.

Do you sponsor a school in your area? Magnets USA would love to hear about it; feel free to share your experience in the comments section below:

How to build a fan-base with football

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:07:30 -0700

Did you know that over 200 million Americans watched professional football last year? It’s safe to say that football might very well be America’s favorite sport. All spectators aside, though, football offers you an opportunity to reach out to your neighbors and even help boost your presence in your town!

Market yourself with Football Schedule Magnets—it’s a no-brainer. People love football. They love the thrill of watching a game on t.v. or on the field. Football season brings back all those sentimental memories of scoring a game-winning touchdown. Or sitting, bundled up to a high school sweetheart, cheering on the team. You might be surprised to learn how many people in your community participated in football events: players, cheerleaders, pep squad, marching band, fans, moms, dads—practically EVERYONE enjoys the rush of the game.

So why not use the lure and appeal of football to connect with your neighbors and improve your image around town? Give out Football Schedule Magnets! They’re easy to mail and give away.

Johnny, a RE/MAX agent from Ohio, has been using College Football Schedules for years. He and his business partner feature local college teams that generate a lot of interest in their area. Last year, Johnny says he “tracked 6 sales directly from this promotion.” He and his partner achieve sales and referrals every year they distribute the schedules. This is why they purchase Football Schedule Magnets every year.

Another customer, Nathan from Florida, purchases High School Football Schedules to hand out—personally—at the entrance gate of local football games. He gives Schedules to the athletic club boosters and a handful to the cheerleaders to distribute. He states that he normally “will add two teams, so that I can walk around at the first game and give them to the fans of both visitor and home sides. It’s a great way to share what I do and connect with the community.”

These are just a few examples of how easy it is to get your name and image out in your community. Not to mention, people will genuinely appreciate your thoughtfulness.

A perfect companion product for your Football Schedule Magnets, try our newest product: Bag Tags. Create a Bag Tag that features a local team and hand them out to the players and cheerleaders to put on their equipment bags. Sponsorship marketing is a subtle, yet effective way to make your presence known throughout your community. Plus you’ll feel good about supporting your local schools.

What are some ways you have helped your community through marketing?

Pause for a Cause

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:47:41 -0700

Still considered a relatively new approach to advertising, sponsorship marketing is becoming more and more prevalent.

Sponsorship Marketing is when you or your business contributes money, time or resources to a cause or event in your community. When you sponsor an event you feel strongly about, like a 5K race for breast cancer, a golf tournament to benefit juvenile diabetes, or even school fundraisers—you are showing your community that you aren’t just a business, you’re human.

**Hint: the more passionate you are about your cause, the more satisfaction you will receive from your sponsorship.

How sponsorship marketing can help you:

Positive publicity- sponsoring an event shows your community that you truly care.
Image booster- there is no better way to promote your image or even products and services than by aligning yourself with a cause.
Drive sales and create community conversation about your business.

Goodwill Marketing: Linda Atlason, Keller Williams® agent

Linda Atlason is a Keller Williams agent from Frisco, Texas. For the past two years, Linda has been the acting co-chair for the Lil Riders Party, an off-shoot of Silver Dollar at the Ranch, a charity event to raise money for pediatric cancer research.

While the Silver Dollar at the Ranch event, is mainly for adults—the Lil’ Riders Party is specifically for the children undergoing cancer treatment, as well as their families. Linda and various sponsors treat the children to a day at the ballpark with the RoughRiders team. There, the kids enjoy a baseball game and meet ‘n greet with their favorite RoughRiders players and mascots.

“For at least a few hours, these brave kids and their families are treated to a fun-filled event away from the worries associated with their battle with cancer,” says Linda Atlason

In addition to the festivities, Linda also prepares a goody bag for each child. This year, Linda attached a Bag Tag, featuring the charity logo, to each child’s goody bag—that way nobody accidentally runs off with someone else’s goodies. Also, Bag Tags feature a ‘compliments of’ area, so anyone who uses it knows that Linda sponsored the event!

But Linda doesn’t do it for the recognition, Linda volunteers every year—not for her business—but for herself; she truly enjoys participating in organizations that have affected her and her family. Linda loves giving back to her community.

Linda also participates in the MS 150 bicycle ride from Frisco to Ft. Worth Texas—which raised over 2K for Muscular Sclerosis. She said she can’t wait to ride this year! Linda is captain for Relay for Life in her office, and she walks every year for JDRF to help find a cure for diabetes. While participating in all these activities is good for Linda’s image, the real reason she does it is for herself; she loves to give back to her community.

What better way to connect with those in your community than by actively participating in the events that matter the most!?

Have you sponsored a local event? We would love to hear about how you give back to your community in the comments section below.

Traditional marketing is SO OVER...or is it?

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:30:25 -0700

Welcome to the digital age. Don’t worry; everything will work out just fine as long as you embrace change. There is a lot of buzz going around these days saying social media will kill traditional marketing.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn—they’re just brand new baby brothers and sisters to the budding marketing family. We live in America gosh darnit! And that means we have a choice when it comes to marketing our businesses; nothing is truly black and white.

To run a successful marketing campaign you need various shades of grey; a melding of genre and medium, to maximize your reach.

We can fast-forward through commercials, and watch our favorite shows right on our lap tops. In other words, we’ve all become a little annoyed by the bombardment of advertising and have found ways to avoid it. Not because we don’t like those advertising, but because the advertising isn’t relevant. In other words—we’re not getting anything out of it, except a case of the gimme’s.

The difference between marketing and advertising is that marketing involves interaction, where advertising is a one-way street. This is where social media comes back into play. Social media is not a cure-all for your marketing, but it is a very effective tool for communication.

Interaction and relationships are what drives the modern-day consumer, so by all means—keep your Facebook account, post new listings on your pages and on Twitter. Social media is the platform you will use to create relationships with your clients and keep your audience informed. In other words: social media is your communication tool, but traditional marketing is what actually gets people to your door…or your site.

The best way to reach out to your community is with marketing that is useful. Commercials do nothing for the consumer, but make their mouths water. However, taking small steps to make your presence known in the community can do enormous things for your image and your brand.

For example, sponsor an event or spots team. Let your neighbors know that you care about your area as much as they do. Donate high school Football Schedule Magnets to area schools. Or supply the team with Bag Tags to attach to their equipment. Small, but useful gifts from a local business gets kids excited, which in turn gets their parents excited.

Direct Mail is another traditional marketing medium that often gets grumbled about or scoffed at, but is in fact, one of the most effective marketing tools. Mail Calendar Magnets to your farm areas to keep your branding prominent in the community. Tangible marketing, or marketing gifts, helps build your identity to those that don’t know you directly, and is also a reminder of your business.

Even Forbes Magazine admits that traditional marketing is not losing its flare, and probably won’t. Take a look at this informative Forbes article for tips on visual branding.

See. I told you the digital age wouldn’t be too scary. Don’t cut your traditional marketing to accommodate social media. Consumers will come to you (via social media) when they want to communicate. Of course—spurring conversation helps; however if you want to reach out to your community, the safest bet is to appeal to your audience with useful items that reinforce your brand and your image.

Happy marketing! Feel free to contact Magnets USA if you have any questions about sponsoring a local event or donating promotional items throughout your community.

Have you sponsored a local event? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

How to Flatter your Business Photo

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 09:21:13 -0800

It’s easier to remember a business by the face associated with it, than by the name alone. Everybody knows that. Why else would so many companies hire striking, young models to be the “face” of the business?

I couldn’t tell you anything about T-mobile®, but I can tell you what pops into mind: a beautifully thin brunette with legs a mile long, wearing the cutest pink dresses money can buy.

Touché T-mobile®, great marketing tactic! As for the rest of us…we can’t all be models, we can’t all be fashionistas, and we definitely can’t all afford to have a model be the face of our business for us. However, we can use what we’ve got to make our business image pop.

Your prospective clients need to know who you are: what you look like, what you do, and more importantly—that you are human.

If you aren’t already including a professional photo on your marketing, you might want to reconsider. How will your community ever recognize you, if they don’t know what you look like? You would be surprised how many people will stop you because they’ve recognize your picture.

Professional photographer, Siobhan Cline of Drumz and Space Photography, gave us some tips on taking a business photo that makes you look like a pro. Here is what Siobhan had to say:

Consider what you look like: what colors will compliment your complexion and hair color? You will want to make sure to wear clothes that don’t ruddy your skin, or blend with your hair.

If you have red/pink undertones to your skin, don’t wear red! Likewise, if you’re a brunette, it’s best not to wear a brown or black sweater because you could blend in.

See what colors look best on you
Don’t over-do it on the make-up, since most business photos are close ups, you don’t want any flaws to be highlighted. And you definitely don’t want to look like a raccoon (you know what I’m talking about, ladies).
Choose a background that compliments your skin/hair tones and isn’t too busy. When it comes to choosing a background, find a spot with good natural lighting. Take your picture outside on a sunny day, or choose an office setting. You won’t want to have to use flash, because it will under expose your photo and your face could bleach out.

Be sure the background you choose is not too exciting. Lots of color or action behind you takes away from the focal point of the photo—you. To really make yourself stand out, try using trees, a library, an office setting, or a plain wall with texturing as a background.

**Hint: texture on your clothing looks nice and brings out more quality in the picture.

Once you have taken plenty of time to think about a good location for your photo, be sure to also consider how your skin tone, hair color and outfit will react to your background. For example, if you have red/pink undertones to your skin, don’t stand in front of a red wall; likewise, if you have blonde hair, don’t choose a green or yellow background or your hair could turn green!

If you’re feeling artsy, Siobhan also recommends considering black and white photography, because looks really sharp, and hides flaws.

Check out our Photo-Tips page for help in creating your perfect marketing photo. We hope you use these tips to take an excellent professional photograph. Contact Magnets USA today to discuss creating business marketing products with consistent marketing images to use throughout your community.

Do you have any tips for taking a perfect professional photograph? Please share your suggestions and comments below.

Brand Yourself Silly!

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 09:36:58 -0800

In her book, The B.E.S.T.T Little Real Estate Book Ever, Ellen Boyle notes a moment that opened her eyes to the importance of making personal connections and branding:

. . . [While] on a return trip from a vacation in Florida, I sat next to an older lady on the plane. She noticed the pin I was wearing. I call it my “travel pin” because I wear it every time I travel. The pin is shiny rhinestones in the shape of a “For Sale” sign and says “SOLD” . . .

[the woman] told me she was moving back North to live with her son. . . and asked me if I could help her. . . I told her I was not licensed to do business in Florida; however I could help her through our relocation network. . .The referral fee to me more than paid for my Florida vacation…and…I was able to help someone.

Ellen had a potential client come to her for help—seemingly out of the blue—simply by adding a flashy pin to her lapel.

Paul J. Meyer says, “communication—the human connection—is the key to personal and career success.” It is a simple concept, and it reigns true every time. If you have a leak in your roof, you’re probably going to call the repairman you know, the repairman that has been referred to you by a friend, or the repairman who markets the best in your area.

The question is: how to be the first person that pops into clients’ minds when they need your service.

Ellen has perfected her marketing plan. We can’t share all her secrets. You’ll have to buy her book, and we strongly encourage it. However, we will share a few of her objectives a good brand should satisfy:

Deliver the message clearly.
Confirm your credibility.
Emotionally connect to prospects.
Motivate the buyer.
Cement user loyalty.

Be accessible.

Ellen recommends agents use a photo in every ad, whether print of online. And be sure you use a recent picture—you want to be recognized easily. Also, have a personal web site with all your contact information, and make sure and update the site regularly. Social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin aren’t just for teenagers, it’s FREE marketing!

Market yourself.

Set a marketing schedule and budget—10% of your income should be devoted to marketing and advertising. When planning a marketing strategy for the year, consider your audience; who is it exactly you’re trying to appeal to.

Advertise.

Advertising needs to be consistent to be successful. Offer novelty items like refrigerator magnets, calendar magnets, pens, notepads and other useful items. Hint: newspapers and real estate magazines are great for advertising, but TV and radio ads tend to be expensive and not as effective as print ads.

In short, the best way to earn new business and keep existing business is to stay connected with your community. Put yourself out there to be found and don’t forget the importance of marketing. If you need any help creating a marketing plan, or finding a promotional item that suits your needs, feel free to contact Magnets USA, your marketing partner.

A huge thank you to Ms. Ellen Boyle for the helpful tips and for allowing us to site your book! Do you have any tricks that have helped you become a household name in your area? Please feel free to share in the comments section below.

Market your Personality

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 12:36:38 -0800

Your personality is unique and special; don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise!

Your personality helps you connect with clients, your fellow agents, friends and family.

Your personality is what keeps clients coming back to you—instead of seeking out someone else to handle their estate.

As a real estate agent you probably care a lot about people. This is an important facet to your personality, because it is the reason you feel responsible for helping your clients find a home they love. You are also probably outgoing; you have to be to talk to so many people.

It is important that your marketing matches your personality as well as your service because sometimes your promo item is all a prospect knows about you…especially if you use direct mail to farm certain areas.

Whether you physically hand out promo items—or use direct mail, your clients gather important information about you from that item. Are you a planner? Are you knowledgeable? Do you care about your community? These are all examples of how your marketing can reflect who you are as a person. It is critical that your marketing truly expresses who you are, because people can smell a fake from a mile away.

How can your marketing convey who you are as a person? That’s easy…

You don’t have to use Real Estate Calendars just because you’re a Realtor. Give calendars with healthy recipes if you fancy yourself a foodie. Or if you’re somewhat of an environmental advocate, mail your clients a Living Green Tip card.

Sports Schedules, like Baseball Schedules, are another great way to connect with clients via a common interest. Not to mention it also shows support for your community.

When you use promo tools that reflect who you are—not just what you think your clients want—people will recognize that you are sharing a bit of yourself. This is how you build a sturdy relationship with your community.

In other words—don’t box yourself in. Be proud to be you and others will be proud to work with you.

How do you share your personality with your clients?

Are you Marketing Thoughtfully?

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:13:27 -0800

We’ve been watching our health this month; eating our greens and walking during breaks. But we haven’t talked very much about marketing. Spending the majority of this month focused on our health, we can’t forget about the health of the people we work for: our clients.

One way to really connect with people in your community is to show that you care. You care about their health, about their children and about the community you share. So show it! Give your clients promotional materials that mean something.

And don’ think that just because you’re a real estate agent, all you ever have to talk about is real estate. You’re a real person too, and your clients like to see the real you!

Don’t get boxed in—if anything, being a Realtor allows you to jump out of the box and run around wearing streamers. As a real estate agent, you know people. You don’t just sell houses; you figure people out and help them find a home to suit their lifestyles. And “home” isn’t just a house, home is a safe-haven; an entire community in which we feel comfortable.

Find out what is most important to your community, and tailor your marketing to fit. As with most communities, your neighbors probably care a great deal about safety, show them that you care about safety too. People flock to helpful tips when they’re available. Share the gift of knowledge with your clients.

Are they environmentally conscious? If so, do your part and encourage recycling while you promote your business. Your specialty is helping your clients find a place they will fit-in and feel comfortable. That means considering the type of community you serve. Check out all the areas that boast a community garden, do you live in one of these areas? You can appeal directly to your audience with materials they will use, like butterfly garden magnets.

Ghandi said “you must be the change you wish to see in the world,” and yes, you can help change your community—for the better—with a little bit of thoughtful marketing.

How to Eat Healthy in the Office

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 09:40:46 -0800

Magnets USA is focusing on personal health and exercise for the next 95 days. We’re walking 100 miles in 100 days. We installed a treadmill, an elliptical machine, and even brought in some hula hoops.

With all this attention on our physical healthy, it seems appropriate to take a look at how we’re fueling our bodies. Without proper nutrition, your body simply cant’ metabolize like it should. Are you snacking too much? Are you missing key nutrients in your diet? These are all things to consider when trying to get healthy.

Our eating habits have a direct effect on our health. According to WebMD, a major pit-fall to health of the average worker is desk snacking. We’re all guilty of it. I’m doing it right now. WebMD seems very concerned with bacterial issues, but all amoebas aside—desk snacking is taking a serious toll on your lovely figure.

Keep that finely tuned machine you call a body in tip-top shape:

Pack a healthy lunch. Eating out usually means eating empty calories (burgers, fries, etc). Restaurants and fast food joints tend to serve proportions that are larger than what we truly need. Packing a lunch saves you money and a pant size.
Don’t overeat. Lunch should be one of your lighter meals of the day, particularly if you’re behind a desk for hours. Eat a salad or a light, broth-based soup—just don’t eat until you’re completely full—leave a little room.
Snack smart- If your willpower is strong like bull, by all means cut the snacking. But for the rest of us “grazers” as we like to call ourselves, quitting is just too hard and snacking is just too easy. Try trading your potato chips out for carrots—it’s the small adjustments that lead to big changes.
Switch sides-While sitting at your desk, you’re more likely to look to your left for a snack. Try keeping your candies on the right, and your celery sticks on the left.
Water yourself- Ask any athlete, staying hydrated is essential to building a healthy body. If you are dehydrated, or malnourished for that matter, your body flips into “conservation mode” that means it’s retaining all the fluid/calories you take in because you have famished yourself. Switch your slow-death-soda for cool, clear water. Drink at least 9 cups a day. *Added bonus: you’ll have to use the restroom a lot more—meaning you’ll be burning more calories by walking to the bathroom: win, win!
Step away from the desk- Eating lunch at your desk is almost as bad as eating cheeseburgers in bed. Okay, maybe not that bad—but still pretty unhealthy. Get up! Eating at your desk causes you to overeat because you’re not focused on eating; you’re focused on email and solitaire. *Added bonus: your brain needs time to rest from the hub-bub of work and your computer screen, give yourself a mental health break and eat in the break room or outside.

Again, it’s the small adjustments that cause the biggest changes in your health. If you cant’ stop snacking—just start snacking healthier. Grab an office buddy and cheer each other on: eat healthy lunches together (outside if it’s nice—get some vitamin D), walk laps around your parking lot, it’s always easier to tackle an issue with a little help.

Please, don’t forget exercise! Diet is only a part of your health equation. Check out last week’s blog on some easy exercise ideas real estate agents can tackle on the job.

We’re sexy and we know it—we’ll walk 100 miles just to prove it.

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 08:27:12 -0800

Yes, you heard right: we’re walking 100 miles just to prove we can. The health benefits are a bonus too.

According to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 4 American deaths are due to heart disease. That’s 600,000 deaths per year. The main culprits being: diabetes, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol use. We all know this. We’ve known it since grade school.

And honestly, we all know how to prevent the silent killer…in theory. The problem is actually getting out of our swivel chairs to do something about it.

A healthy person is a happy person -just the same - a healthy realtor is a productive realtor. Americans are steadily becoming more aware of “health-care” opposed to “sick-care.” In other words, preventative measures to keep our bodies healthy are on the rise.

Unfortunately, not too many people are motivated by the simple desire to be healthy, so more and more employers are offering incentives and rewards for healthy employees. A health-nut couldn’t ask for more!

Since, it’s January - and New Year’s resolutions are still afoot - we, at Magnets USA, vowed to be healthier. To jumpstart our resolution, we accepted a local challenge to walk 100 miles in 100 days.

In support of our journey towards a healthier lifestyle and walk 100 miles in 100 days, CEO, Alan Turner, installed both a treadmill and an elliptical machine - in-house. Now, employees can take a quick 15 minute break to run off stagnant energy and help us toward our collective and personal goal.

Other incentives include:

50 miles= water bottle
100 miles= T-shirt
Additional miles (after reaching 100)= 1 hour of paid time off

Offering employees incentives such as these, is a great way to get butts out of chairs and onto the pavement.

Stress is a sneaky little booger and it is also one of the biggest contributing factors to heart disease. Often overlooked, stress is usually what encourages people to eat more (for comfort), to drink excessively (to forget), and to avoid exercise (“I don’t have time to exercise” - sound familiar?).

What many people don’t know - or are refusing to admit - is that exercise is essentially a cure-all. Exercise more. It’s that simple. Exercise curbs appetites by making you feel fuller longer, it helps you lose weight, and most importantly it reduces stress!

Since it’s so good for us, why is it so easy to avoid?

Because, it’s work. When you’re in the office all day, exercise turns into that family member you cant’ stand - you drink a tall one and try to ignore it. However, just like family, at some point you have to admit to yourself it plays an integral part of your well-being.

We all need exercise. It doesn’t have to be a 5 mile hike in the snow to be beneficial to your heart, health and general well being. The CDC recommends a brisk 10 minute walk, 3 times a day, at least 5 days a week. That’s just enough time to clear your mind and get your heart pumping (to work off that bag of chips).

Seriously, exercise can and will change your life for the better. Most of those who convert to a healthier lifestyle, including diet and exercise, wonder how they ever survived while living their previously sedentary lifestyle.

As an added bonus, exercise gives you a reason to be in nature too, another essential to mental and physical health. City life takes a toll on the human body. Getting out in nature to exercise - or simply to soak it all in - will work wonders on your body and your psyche. Yes, it’s the age of information, but that doesn’t mean we can hide behind our computers and ignore the world around us.

So, instead of driving to the closest burger joint for lunch - pack! Or grab a couple of co-workers and walk a few laps around the parking lot during your break instead of smoking that cigarette; you’ll be surprised how your stress begins to dissipate as you get healthy and start shedding those extra pounds.

Here are a few ways all you Realtors can sneak some exercise into your daily routine:

Explore the neighborhoods of houses you’re selling/showing on foot—it’s good for you and gives you a better idea of the area. You will probably see some great selling points of the neighborhood on your journey.
Dance. Boogie around the house while you’re preparing it for a viewing. Or, treat yourself to a 15 minute solo dance party to get rid of that excess energy you have afterwards. You might feel a little silly at first—but dancing is one of the most liberating things you can do for your mind/body/spirit.
Utilize your breaks. Sitting behind a desk all day means your body is storing excess energy (as fat, usually). You owe yourself a fifteen minute break every couple hours. Use this time to crank out some push ups or get some sunshine by walking in the parking lot.
Challenge yourself and fellow agents to a little friendly competition with a challenge like our 100 miles in 100 days.

Does your company encourage a healthy lifestyle, or do you know how to sneak exercise into your daily work schedule? Please share all stories and suggestions, so we can all get fit together.

Follow us on Facebook to see Magnets USA’s progress in our 100 miles in 100 days challenge. Or print out a 100 miles in 100 days progress sheet and see if your office has what it takes.

How to Dress for Success

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 08:59:56 -0800

So, you’ve been working your tail off to get your name “out there” in the real estate world, huh? Sending letters, handing out marketing items with your name and logo—you’re well on your way!

Now that your name is all over town, it’s time for your phone to start ringing off the hook. And since you’ve worked so hard to project an image of authority and professionalism (with your marketing) you need to be sure the person prospective clients meet for the first time is consistent with your marketing image.

That means it’s time to take a look at how you look.

I’m sorry to say that mama was wrong when she told you “appearances don’t matter.” Appearances do matter—at least in the business world. Would you trust a doctor that came into the exam room wearing flip flops and patchwork pants? Probably not, and just the same—your clients won’t trust you if the first time they meet you, if you look like you just rolled out of bed.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, clients could be uncomfortable if you’re overdressed. Most will agree it’s better to be slightly overdressed than under. In fashion, there is a fine line between flashy and trashy; it’s critical that you walk the line like a pro.

Here are a few tips to help you dress the part:

Be aware of your surroundings: dress appropriately to your region; if you’re in Texas it is okay to wear cowboy boots, if you’re in New Jersey—it’s not.
Dress for the job you want: if you want to be a manager, take a look at how your manager dresses and replicate.
Dress as you want to be seen: are you a serious person? Dress conservatively. Are you a wild/wacky person? Rock out with your bright pink sweater. Just remember how you dress says a lot about who you are.
Dress for the occasion: jeans are okay if you’re sitting behind a computer all day, but when it comes to meeting clients in person, it’s best to look as professional as possible.
Guys: you can never go wrong with a blue/white button down shirt, khakis and a conservative tie—i.e. leave the tie with a flaming baseball at home.
Gals: a conservative blouse or sweater with a knee-length skirt or dress, and slacks are always a safe “go-to” outfit. And leave the 4-inch heels at home, flats or moderate pumps will do.

Another important aspect to your wardrobe is color. It is common knowledge that colors convey messages and, yes that includes the colors in your wardrobe. What colors you can wear (tastefully) also depends on your complexion, hair and eye color. Take a look at some color recommendations based on your color palette.

For example, if you’re selling a house, it would probably be best to wear blue because it promotes feelings of authority and trust—whereas wearing a mustard shade might make people uneasy.

For the ladies, it’s important that you learn to dress for your body shape. The fellas have it easy here, because men’s clothing is pretty standard; women, however, need to flatter all the right areas. An hourglass figure would be selling herself short wearing a dress made for an apple figure. See how to dress your body shape. You would be truly amazed how many styles will complement your figure.

When it comes to fashion, you really want to be honest with yourself and wear clothes that are comfortable to you. However, don’t forget that what you wear is also a reflection of you: if you dress clean, neat and tastefully—people will assume you are. If you dress like you just crawled out of a hole in the 80’s—people will assume you’re a little crazy.

Dressing like a professional isn’t hard, just remember:

Mind your color scheme
Dress for the job you want
Dress for the occasion
Complement your shape
And stay true to yourself—if you feel uncomfortable, you probably look uncomfortable.

Do you find your clients are more comfortable if you dress casually or more professionally? Do you have a specific color you wear when dealing with clients? Share some of your wardrobe recommendations…

3 Essential Holiday Open House Ideas

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 09:17:07 -0800

It’s not always easy selling houses around the holidays. You’ve got a lot going on: buying presents, wrapping presents, baking goodies, cooking up all kinds of delectable dishes and of course…cleaning house for the in-laws (blech!).

However, with all that holiday stress swimming around in your mind—you still can’t forget the importance of hosting an inviting open house.

Home is where the heart is, so if you want your house to sell during the holidays it needs to be filled with heart. Creating a comfy environment isn’t always an easy job—that’s why you need a few tricks up your sleeve. Below, you’ll find 3 helpful tips to creating a cozy holiday open house.

Open House Tips

Decorate, decorate, decorate

Garland - wrap columns, banisters and the mantel with garland for a splendid wintery look.
Decorate outside - the front door is the iconic image of “home, sweet home”—so don’t forget to make the front door and porch extra appealing. Use garland, ribbon and wreaths for a classic touch.
Mailbox - the mailbox is the very first thing your potential buyers will see. Wrap it in lights, garland or ribbon—or invest in a holiday themed mailbox cover. Feeling saucy? Buy a personalized mailbox cover that says something like: “Open house inside” or “Welcome! Open house today”—you can use this all season long, for years!
Centerpieces and place settings - fill a decorative bowl or dish with evergreen tendrils, spray painted pine cones, and holiday bobbles for a beautiful table display.
Color coordinate - don’t get stuck in the Christmas box; you don’t HAVE to decorate with red and green—your colors just need to be tasteful and consistent. For example, this year’s hot color is turquoise: decorate with white/cream/silver and add turquoise accents that pop.

Smell ties to memory - everyone knows that the sense of smell is the closest tie to our deepest memories. You may not remember your grandpa very well, but a whiff of his aftershave will send memories careening back into consciousness. Fill a crock pot with apple cider and a few cinnamon sticks, aside from being a delicious beverage to offer-- visitors will remember this house because of its warm holiday smells.
Cookies - while this also ties into the sense of smell, it’s just nice to have something delicious to offer visitors when they come inside.

Do you have any other holiday tips for open houses you’d like to share?

What apple pie can teach you about business

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 06:31:34 -0800

It's Thanksgiving and you're too busy with turkey, dressing and your famous from-scratch cranberry sauce to make your mother's favorite dessert: apple pie. So, you hop over to the nearest chain grocery store to pick up dessert.

Making a beeline for the bakery, you see a table full of pies, 2 for $10. Heck of a deal! However, peering through the plastic covering, you see a completely generic apple pie. It looks…well…decent. It would do the trick in a fix, but it doesn't really fit in with the rest of your delicious meal. There is something about the look of that cardboard, cookie cutter crust that makes your stomach turn over. What is happening here?

Easy: you’re no fool. Your trusty senses are telling you: “these pies are cheap!” And your senses are right. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with choosing the quick and inexpensive option—your family wouldn’t judge you—and the pie would be okay, but “okay” isn’t what your Thanksgiving dinners are all about.

A plump, juicy turkey, roasted carrots, turnips and potatoes—you don’t even buy cranberry sauce in the can. It would be completely out of character for you to offer your guests a sub-par apple pie; because you pride yourself on quality.

So, you wise up and head down to your local farmer’s market. There you find a little old lady selling a hearty selection of pies. Pecan, cherry and of course—apple. Chatting for a few minutes you learn the woman made all of these pies herself, using her grandmother’s recipe. Her pies are $9 a pop. Yeah, it’s no 2 for $10—but you can clearly see (and smell) a difference in quality. Fresh fruit is snuggly baked in a puffy, yet flaky, golden crust with fingerprint fluting.

Yum. You don’t mind paying $9 for this heavenly creation—not one bit. Why? First and foremost, because you know it’s going to taste absolutely divine. Also, buying within your community simply feels better than buying from a big chain. You’re helping someone in your town and getting sweet, sweet apple pie in return. You're having your pie and eating it too.

The importance of quality isn’t restricted to food; most people who appreciate high quality food also appreciate high quality products and services as well. And as you can plainly see, most people don’t mind paying a little extra if they know it’s to avoid sub-par apple pie (or products and services).

That’s why, here, at Magnets USA we offer promotional goods that—compared to our competition—might be considered more expensive. We don’t mind being loud and proud about the fact that we aren’t cheap. People these days may not know the difference between a turnip and a rutabaga, but I’ll be darned if they can’t tell the difference between generic, machine-made pie and scrumptious, homemade apple pie.

Is your Direct Mail Piece Missing an Essential Ingredient?

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 07:42:35 -0700

I can remember walking to the mailbox one frosty December morning, as a little girl, to gather the daily mail for my mom. A bright red envelope lay inside with my name—not my mom’s name, not “to the family of”—but my name printed directly on it. I was delighted.

The red envelope shone like a giant rectangular ruby against the pale white bills and other boring mail pieces, for which I had no interest. Who could it be from? I felt so special knowing this lovely package was just for me. I couldn’t wait to get inside, so I tore into that crimson envelope like…well…like there might be money inside. Ripping through the scarlet envelope, a greeting card peeked out. Who would be sending me a card?

It was a from my 2^nd grade teacher, Mrs. Brown wished me and my family a happy holiday. As uneventful as that may seem, I—like most people—was elated to open the mailbox and see a brightly colored envelope just for me.

Eighteen years later, and I still love cracking open my mailbox to find a colorful surprise waiting for me. Your clients are no different. Your clients are people too, and people love feeling special.

Wouldn’t you agree it’s exciting to see something other than bills the mailbox? The average envelope evokes feelings of bitterness and disappointment at first glance. However, something bright, colorful and unique brings a breath of fresh air to your clients’ daily mail-box routines.

Don’t subject innocent people to milquetoast marketing. Be sure your direct mail marketing piece brings a smile from the start. “How,” you might ask? It’s really easy:

Send direct mail in colorful or designer envelopes
If sending a gift, be sure your envelope says “gift inside”
Be sure whatever message you send is friendly and personal

Don’t stop there. A colorful envelope is definitely more likely to get your direct mail piece opened, but don’t build ‘em up just to let ‘em down. Make sure your eye-catching envelope houses a gift or coupon worthy of excitement: Magnetic Calendars, Sports Schedules, coupons, or even your company holiday greeting card.

Is your gift sending the right message?

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 10:33:39 -0700

‘Tis [about to be] the season to be jolly, that means it’s time to buy holiday gifts for your clients. What you give your clients reflects directly on you and your business. There is no reason to pout and no reason to cry; because great gifts for your clients are going to be easy to come by this holiday season.

Whatever you do, don’t run to the nearest super market and buy your weight in poinsettias.

Poinsettias are great and all—aside from the whole being poisonous thing—but the holidays are an opportunity to brand your name and a poinsettia can’t do that.

You’ll want to give your clients a token of appreciation they will actually use. Here are some great gift ideas that are easy to personalize with your company name:

Magnetic Calendars
Mugs, tumblers or water bottles
Pens or stationary
Wine featuring your own company label
USB drives
Tote or drawstring bags
Flashlights or tools

The possibilities are endless when it comes to promotional items; you just need to find one that best represents you.

You might have clients that have been particularly meaningful or supportive and you should always give those special people consideration beyond that of the average client.

For those clients near and dear to your heart, you might want to open your wallet a little wider and offer:

Concert or sports tickets
Gourmet gift baskets
A modest piece of jewelry
Something homemade- fudge, hot chocolate mix, wine, or one of your specialties.

Giving out client-gifts during the holidays is excellent business practice because it reminds your clients exactly why they do business with YOU and not your competitors. Be sure to keep your gift personal—don’t forget to include a note!

What are some of the best gifts you have ever received or given to clients?

If you're not marketing--you're DEAD!

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:18:43 -0700

Our lovely and devoted sales-woman, Pam Martin was politely listening to a presentation when she was caught off guard by a pitch that stopped her in her tracks. The manager at a real estate company told his employees:

“If you aren’t marketing, you’re DEAD!”

Naturally, he didn’t really mean his agents were dead, but in a sense he was completely right. If you aren’t marketing effectively throughout the year, for all your clients know—you could be dead.

It is essential that business people—real estate agents in particular—market throughout the year. I’m not saying to overload your clients email boxes with messages, that’s just plain annoying. However, it’s a good idea to keep your name and face fresh in your customers’ awareness every season.

“But marketing takes so much time” you say. No, marketing is not hard and it doesn’t really take as much time as you might think. If you have a mailing list and a target audience, more than half of the marketing battle has already been won.

Ironically, in the digital age, Direct Mail marketing is making a comeback. Much of the world has become attached to a computer screen. However, no matter how much time a person spends on Facebook—somebody in the household still has to go get the mail each day.

The average household receives only two pieces of direct mail a day compared with 157 emails. [Direct mail] lets you incorporate coupons, reply cards, mobile barcodes—such as QR codes—URLs and other response mechanisms. Direct Mail is a workhorse for generating leads, traffic and sales.”- Tom Foti, manager of Direct Mail and Periodicals, USPS.

Mr. Foti raises a very good point: with only two pieces of direct mail a day, your direct mail piece has a great chance of being seen—or who knows—maybe even opened. It is always a good idea to make sure your direct mail piece looks different and appealing. Try using colorful envelopes or if you want to guarantee your direct mail piece gets opened include a gift.

Calendars, notepads, referral cards, and informational magnets are all fantastic gifts that:

1) Ensure your mail is opened

2) Are appreciated by clients

3) Put your name and contact information in your clients’ hands.

And if you’re sitting there saying “that’s great and all—but it sounds like a lot of work,” you’re wrong again. Mailing Services have literally taken the work out of Direct Mail Marketing. All you have to do is go online:

1) Choose and purchase a marketing product

2) Select a Mailing Services package

3) Input your mailing list and let us do the rest.

We know clients love receiving calendars and other useful gifts through the mail, what do you love getting through the mail?

Is Your Business Personality Boring? Part 2

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 07:24:29 -0700

Color

Color. It seems trivial, but don’t diminish the subtle power hue adds to your marketing.

Have you ever noticed how many restaurants have red in their logo, marketing, or decor? It’s not by accident. Red is the color of passion and instinct. Literally speeding up the metabolism, red makes you feel hungry. Restaurants use this knowledge to their advantage.

Did you know that babies cry more when placed in yellow rooms, and prisoners are calmer in pink rooms? How is this phenomenon possible and why should you care?

Color has an unconscious effect on human behavior—it’s a fact.

What does this mean for your business marketing? It means you better be paying close attention to the colors you use for your logo and promotional items.

Below is a short list of colors, symbolism and the emotions evoked (in most people) by each color. Take each color’s emotional identity and think about what it could do for your business.

Red: Physical, energy, stimulation; red literally raises the pulse and grabs our attention.

Blue: Intellectual, communication, logic, trust; blue aids in logic and concentration—it is best used to induce serenity and calm.

Yellow: Emotional, optimism, friendliness; yellow stimulates our emotions and lifts spirits (unless you use a pale shade which can make people cranky).

Green: Balance, health, refreshment; green is a very natural color that implies safety and abundance.

Violet: Spiritual, luxury, truth; purple has been the color of royalty for thousands of years. It makes people feel contemplative and introverted.

Orange: Warmth, passion, fun; orange is a stimulating color that focuses the mind on physical comfort and sensuality.

Pink: Nurture, warmth, love; pink resonates with a soft comfort everyone appreciates (even if it is a bit feminine). Pink is physically soothing, but is also known for physically draining one’s energy.

Grey: Neutrality; grey is a neutral color that doesn’t instinctively evoke much emotion. Grey, however, is a bit suppressive and is best used to highlight or accent more vibrant colors.

Black: Glamour, sophistication, security; the color black creates barriers, absorbing energy and light from all other colors. Black creates a sense of weight, seriousness and heaviness.

White: Purity, clarity, efficiency; white creates the illusion of cleanliness and sophistication. While white creates a sleek and hygienic appearance, be careful too much white doesn’t make your other colors seem too intense or dirty.

Brown: Warmth, earthiness, support; brown is the color of earth and evokes a warm sense of support and reliablility in most people. Brown is a great color to use to bring a warm neutral into your design without having to use suppressive black.

This list is just a short interpretation of each color, its symbolism and the feelings it evokes. Find more colors and meanings to use in your advertising. For example as a real estate agent, you might want to use shades of blue and or yellow to give the affect of trust, intelligence and optimism.

Now that you know what colors mean, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. For example, if you want to create an advertising piece for your business, you wouldn’t want your predominant color to be red or orange—because the colors might make clients cautious.

However, don’t be afraid to experiment or go out on a limb a little: if your business focuses on staying “green” or using local resources, it would be fine to use bright and fresh shades of green, too.

The most important factor is to be aware that the colors you use to promote your business have an effect on your customers’ emotions—whether they know it or not.

What color combinations do you use to reach your customers?

Is your business personality boring? Part 1

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 06:34:41 -0700

Self-expression—in business and particularly marketing—is encouraged and rewarded—if you do it right, that is. Wear your personality proudly, because not everyone has one. If your personality shimmers, let it shine. And if you don’t have a business personality, you need to get one ASAP.

Have you ever met someone that was happy one day, boring the next and completely confusing thereafter? If you have, you might assume the person has a personality disorder, or you might just write-off whatever he or she says as unstable.

Your business personality works the same way. If you are inconsistent, clients will pick up on it and be weary of your service or your sanity.

Can you pin-point a few adjectives that accurately describe your business personality? If not—you might be suffering from multiple marketing-personality disorder.

Multiple marketing-personality disorder is often confusing or…let’s admit it…downright boring.

It may be time to sit down and have a good, long think about how your clients perceive you and your business via your marketing:

Do you use a tone that reflects your personality positively?
Do you use colors that evoke the feelings you want?
Does your marketing product correlate to your personality or profession?

Tone:

Tone is the mood you convey to your audience based on the words you choose and your verbal demeanor. In other words: how you speak to your audience says a lot about your character.

Firstly, what is your tone? Can you think of 3 adjectives to describe your business-personality? If not, here are a few terms to consider:

Ambitious
Cheerful
Candid
Confident
Grateful
Fun
Loyal
Opinionated
Responsible
Serious
Warm
Witty

Your audience will be able to tell if you’re forcing a fake personality, so it’s best to stick with a personality and tone that flows easily.

Don’t worry; it shouldn’t be hard; the realty business allows you plenty of space to be yourself. Real estate can be exciting. Real estate can be friendly. Real estate can be organized. The key is finding and sticking to an ideal personality style. Turn your strengths into dynamic dimensions of a magnetic business-personality.

View a more extensive list of positive personality traits to help you define your business personality.

After you’ve decided on a tone your business can adhere to, you need to consider your audience:

How old is your audience?
Where does your audience live?
What does your audience want from you?

Answer these questions to decide how best to approach your patrons. Avoid trying too hard. Focus on creating great real estate service, be yourself (unless you’re a super square) and avoid trying too hard.

While significant attention should be paid to the subtle ways your tone affects your business, try not to stress yourself out by trying to reach everyone. The main point is to remain true to your values while also appealing to your clients.

We would love to hear some ways your personality shines through your marketing, please feel free to comment below.

Which would you rather own? Which would you rather sell?

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:36:19 -0700

Two high profile properties have recently hit the market, priced in the same ballpark (with appologies for the bad pun to the Bambino).

Henry River Mill Village is a 72-acre property in rural North Carolina, in the general vicinity of Hickory, about an hour and a half north of Charlotte. Until recently it was just an abandoned mill town.All that changed when megahit movie The Hunger Games made it the setting, known as District 12, for protagonist Katniss Everdeen’s slum. Buildings featured in the movie include the Everdeen family’s shack and the former company store, which in the film played the role of the Mellark family bakery in Katniss’ flashback sequences. In all, there are about 20 buildings still standing, though you wouldn’t want to spend the night in most of them.

Three additional Hunger Games movies are said to be in the works and it looks like the series is aligned to be one of the biggest movie franchises ever.

If you’re looking for something a little less rustic, Babe Ruth’s house, Home Plate Farm, in Sudbury, Mass., is also on the market. The baseball slugger lived there from 1922 to 1926, after he had been traded to the New York Yankees.

Located in a suburb of Boston, the house has been updated, though retains a lot of the marks of Ruth’s time there, including a few places where cigars were snubbed out on the hardwood floor in one room. The 5,000-square-foot house dates back to the late 1800s and features five-bedrooms and 3 1/2-bathrooms on a two-acre lot.

Both are interesting properties…and both are on the market in the $1.5 million range…so which would you rather own? Which would you rather sell?

---

Whether you're selling a modest two-bedroom starter or a palatial estate, Magnets USA has the tools to help you stand out.

The Busy Realtor's Way to New Clients

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:54:53 -0700

Great news! Take a relaxed approach to your marketing strategy. You’re never too busy to market yourself. The old proverb “work smarter—not harder” is particularly true for gaining new clients. You can gain a huge demographic of active clientele, effortlessly, by appealing to the right crowd.

Use What You Know

You know your town. You know the signature hang-out spots. You know what stores, restaurants, parks and events are best for marketing, but you might still missing an enormous local hang-out: schools. Parents with school-age children are more likely to be in the housing market than older or younger demographics.

Working Smarter—Not Harder.

Yeah, it’s cliché—but completely appropriate. The bottom line is: schools want business partners. Period. If you feature high school football schedules on your promo magnet, school faculty are usually happy to distribute your magnets for you.

Just tell the football coach or athletic director you want to sponsor team schedules. Order your team schedules here. Once your schedules arrive in the mail, drop them off with the athletic director and front office. It's really that easy.

*Be sure to coordinate with the coach so you get the right schedule printed!

Take a Personal Approach

You simply can't beat meeting people face-to-face. Creating a positive relationship with your community is the key to really having high school football work for you. Confidently greet people at the ticket booth or in the stands of the first home game; offer a handshake and a team Football Schedule Magnet.

Order your personalized Schedule Magnets online—it’s easy! Click here to order yours today

How do you find ways to meet potential clients? Please share your comments below.

Should Pinterest pique your interest?

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:57:04 -0700

Pinterest has become a social media darling, but can it help you sell more homes?

For those who have yet to experience it, Pinterest is a virtual “pinboard” that allows you to organize and share information…mostly visually…through a range of boards you create. You do have to get an invite in order to participate, but those are easy to come by…just ask a friend who is a member to invite you.

Over the past few months Pinterest has been the subject of a lot of media attention, but is it worth the effort for you?

The pros:

• Pinterest is all about the visual. Every home you sell has a visual aspect that may attract a potential buyer. It’s a great way to show off the visual aspects of your home.

• Style is a very popular subject on Pinterest and your board is likely to get some traffic.

• It skews strongly toward females.

• It is hot/hip/in. That makes you appear to be an agent who is on the cutting edge.

Disadvantages

• Pinterest is intensely personal and it is going to require your most valuable commodity…your time.

• No one knows how long it’s going to last…it was not all that long ago that FourSquare was the rage.

• If you are adding it to a social media mix you maintain personally, you have to decide if it’s right for you

Ideas for pinboards might include the community, neighborhoods, style tips, and new on the market.

If you decide to take the Pinterest plunge, we recommend you start by working with it personally first, see how you like it and if you enjoy keeping up with your boards and seeing what others post. Marketing should not be an extension of your workday; it can be an enjoyable way to connect with good people.

Find out more at www.pinterest.com

Is Magnets USA using Pinterest? Not yet. We are in the process of looking at it to see if we can find appropriate ways to use it as part of our social media, but we don’t want to “force” it. Social media, like any other form of communication with your customers, needs to be sincere and not every type of social media is right for every business.

FOOTBALL FEVER: It’s still a few months before kickoff, but check out our superstar lineup of new shapes for our football schedule magnets. It’s our most popular sports schedule and we keep upping our game.

DIRTY WORDS: Magnets USA helps customer’s message stick to dumpsters

Magnets USA (Magnets USA®) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:58:26 -0700

Magnets USA and our production team headed by Don Martin worked with a client to find an innovative answer to an odd problem.

ReStore is a retail store for Habitat for Humanity. They raise funds to build homes for underprivileged people by selling old home furnishings and construction materials that are donated, usually by people remodeling their homes. It not only raises money for a very worthwhile cause, it also keeps old materials out of landfills.

Magnets USA worked with ReStore’s adverting agency to help find that answer to people throwing away items. The result was an innovative dumpster magnet telling people, "Don’t throw it away, throw it OUR way."

This project recently earned recognition from the American Advertising Federation for creativity. The client has enjoyed the benefits of a very successful campaign that has both brought in donations and help spike sales.

That’s nice, you might say, but what’s that got to do with selling real estate in a really competitive market?

Plenty. It’s a reminder that opportunity to communicate with our customers is all around us…and even a dumpster magnet doesn’t have to be trashy. It’s also proof positive that we are more than a calendar company. We have the ability to help you think through challenges and opportunities and more effectively market your practice. We are not just a company that makes products with your name on them, we are a company that can help you make more of every opportunity.

So go ahead, get creative. And let us help you take your marketing to the next level.

Located in Roanoke, Virginia, Magnets USA is committed to helping real estate professionals build market and personal brand. Our products are made and marketed in the USA.