matthew: Do You Want To Market Your Listing To Me? - 08/01/08 01:53 PM
The following is an exercise I often do at speeches and presentations. First, visualize all of your listings as well as your current office listings.
Now let us begin.
I am a homeowner.
Do you want to market your listing to me?
I am in the market for a home.
Do … (0 comments)
|
matthew: Nominate Your Favorite For The Gosselin List 2008 - 07/24/08 07:35 PM
The Gosselin List is compiled each year of the hardest hitting real estate blogs, technology and books in the industry. View last year's here. Sometimes these tools aren't the most popular or widely read making The Gosselin List a list aimed at finding the best content-driven tools.
Either comment … (0 comments)
|
matthew: Agents: Watch What You Say! - 07/11/08 04:49 PM
Most recently, Jesse Jackson was caught saying something he shouldn't have about Barack Obama. This was one of those 'caught off guard opportunities' that the media eats up. What's interesting about this story that nothing of what Jackson said was during the interview. It was all caught on tape before it. … (4 comments)
|
matthew: 45 Ways To Save Money - 07/09/08 04:07 PM
I absolutely have to recommend a book that I read a few years ago called Small Change by Larry Terkell. The book is how doing the little things in life add up to big results. It's the idea of the piggy bank. You're thinking, what can a few pennies and some … (4 comments)
|
matthew: Recycled 747 Plane Becomes House - 06/30/08 08:14 AM
v class="thumbnail">Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
Just as I was sitting back in my office and checking out some of the newest real estate news and winding down for the weekend, I came across a Yahoo video about a new home being built in California. Francie Rehwald has a dream that is … (3 comments)
|
matthew: Real Estate Agent In A Box, Brian Buffini May Be A Waste Of Your Money - 06/19/08 12:12 PM
There is a common myth in the real estate world. The myth seems to work this way; If I do things the same way as everyone else, I will be fine. This is why you can Google real estate education and find thousands of courses that will supposedly make you millions … (49 comments)
|
matthew: David Davis Shows Us Marketing At Its Best - 06/13/08 07:55 AM
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
One of the monthly features on the new Xpressdocs' Blog (launching July 7th) will be called Blips and Blunders. It's a section that will feature the best and well, the not so best of real estate marketing. Here's a taste of what to expect from this … (0 comments)
|
matthew: Create Content That Your Audience Will Actually Read - 06/11/08 02:33 PM
“It's no longer just enough for people to believe that your product (your services) does what it says on the label. They want to believe in you and what you do. And they'll go elsewhere if they don't.” ~Hugh Macleod
One of the biggest issues surrounding real estate marketing these days … (4 comments)
|
matthew: When It Is Okay To Lose A Client - 06/09/08 09:42 AM
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
I love reading the newspapers and online news sources to discover the new real estate deals out there in the marketplace. Everything from an Orlando developer giving away Mini Coopers to buyers to this buy one, get one free deal in California. Developers are pulling out … (1 comments)
|
matthew: Going On A Real Estate Road Show - 06/04/08 11:37 AM
After finishing a whirlwind tour of real estate conferences and events I am happy to report that my busy real estate travel season has come to an end. My travels have brought me from one end of the country to the other; from Boston to New York City to Las Vegas … (2 comments)
|
matthew: Viral Video Finds Its Place In Marketing for Century 21 - 05/19/08 08:30 PM
A few posts ago I wrote about Mike Lefebvre, a real estate agent who shows promising results as a real estate agent and a unique ability to offer his clients an edge in the marketplace. In the post I also correctly predicted Mike's winning video.
I am very pleased to inform … (5 comments)
|
matthew: Aren't We All Storytellers? - 05/13/08 04:23 PM
We forget sometimes that we are all storytellers. Even the products we are selling (your houses) tell stories. It's human nature to feel at ease when we listen to story. There is nothing better then when Evan, my 18-month-old son, grabs a book and turns around and backs up which is … (3 comments)
|
matthew: When A New Agent Finds Himself - 04/21/08 01:05 PM
In a manner of speaking, Mike Lefebvre has found himself. A short six months ago Mike entered into a very fickle real estate industry as a rookie real estate agent. I’m certain that some of his colleagues, family and friends told him he was crazy for entering an industry that was … (23 comments)
|
matthew: Where did it go? - 04/18/08 05:56 PM
Have you ever noticed how fast time seems to fly by? It seems just like the other day, I was working on New Year's resolutions, planning to run a 5K, and most recently waiting on the bluebonnets to come out. (In this part of Texas, we look forward to the blue bonnets each … (12 comments)
|
matthew: Man dying of cancer not allowed out of lease - McKinney ,TX - How you can help - 03/29/08 10:44 AM
I want to share with you here a story that hits close to my heart and the gentleman featured in this report actually has ties to the network of Active Rain.
I'll provide links here for the back story on this and his connection to Active Rain, which, the long and … (38 comments)
|
matthew: Your Homeowner Is Out of Control - 03/27/08 09:24 PM
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
Today I read that a plane's doors flew off after take off. Yesterday there was a story about a plane traveling from Miami with a hole in the bottom. The Southwest fiasco about inspections not being conducted properly. My last flight from Chicago to New Orleans which … (29 comments)
|
matthew: My Blue Goose Visits With Trulia - 03/18/08 02:08 PM
I enjoyed talking with the folks at Trulila (Trulia.com) at this year's Prudential Conference in New Orleans. Visit Trulia's blogto read about their presence at this conference.
More information coming in future blog posts about what Trulia can do to make you a standout agent.
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
… (2 comments)
|
matthew: Talk To The Shakers - 03/13/08 08:56 AM
I was getting my haircut the other day (there is much less to cut then there used to be) and a real estate agent walked in the door. They knew who she was because she gets her haircut at the same place. She spent a minute or two talking to each … (2 comments)
|
matthew: If You're At One Of These Events, Get My Book For Free! - 03/12/08 06:23 PM
Tis the season for real estate conferences! If you find yourself at the one or both of the following events, be sure to stop by the Xpressdocs booth and ask for me. Mention you saw me on Active Rain and I will get you a free copy of my book My … (1 comments)
|
matthew: The Information On Your Direct Mail Postcard - 03/12/08 12:29 PM
There is some confusion floating around the real estate industry about the definition of value as it relates to direct mail pieces. Should you send recipe cards? Should you partner with local companies to provide retail discounts? Should you stick with sending out market statistics and only marketing statistics? Here are … (20 comments)
|
matthew: Are You Yelling At Me? - 03/10/08 02:13 PM
I grew up in a small town just outside Burlington Vermont where my Uncle was the Mayor, I knew the postman by his first name, I could tell you the names of most every person on the fire department and my 5th grade teacher taught not only myself and my 3 … (26 comments)
|
matthew: What Is Your Mean Green Machine? - 03/07/08 11:34 AM
Xpressdocs has announced its aggressive green initiative, making it one of the first real estate partners to do so. As real estate’s leading print on-demand technology company it understands the importance of creating a business environment that is both energy efficient and eco-friendly. While the plan incorporates recycled papers and environmentally … (2 comments)
|
matthew: Social Marketing Stages of Intimacy - 03/03/08 12:34 PM
If you ask any serious marketer, they will tell you that real estate marketing is just as much about basic human psychology as it is about designing an advertisement. Of the many types of human psychology, social marketing is defining the way in which we conduct our business.
Social Marketing has … (0 comments)
|
matthew: Do Your Socks Match Your Marketing? - 02/25/08 08:37 AM
The year was 2002 in San Francisco, CA when four friends realized that the world was facing a crisis. People were wearing the same socks; white, black and gray. Most people stick to these colors simply because they know they eventually lose one.
So the Little Mismatched Company was formed. With … (7 comments)
|
matthew: Why A Bag of Chips Cost Me $2,000 - 02/22/08 04:24 PM
Author’s note: Hang in there, this does relate to real estate.
I have a passion for chips. Not just any potato chips. I’m on a quest to find the crunchiest chip and I think I found it. After devouring my first chip in the bag I felt a small piece of … (42 comments)
|
matthew: Direct Mail Idea #11: Never Forget A Call To Action - 02/19/08 12:03 PM
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
Keeping your targets from saying “So What?” after they finish reading one of your postcards is easy. Give them something to do. As important as it is to include your phone number, website and email address, give them something to do if they are truly interested in … (10 comments)
|
matthew: If Disney Appeals To All Senses, Why Can't We? - 02/17/08 10:01 AM
As I've strolled around the Disney parks these past few days I am reminded of my initial Traditions training when I was a Disney Cast Member. Traditions is a 2-day training that every one goes through whether you are sweeping floors or are the Vice President of the Magic Kingdom. In … (3 comments)
|
matthew: What’s My Product? - 02/11/08 10:01 AM
I’ve heard it a million times. “You are real estate agents, and you sell houses.” That is a very easy statement for someone to make when they are outside of the real estate industry.
Is that true? Do we sell houses? Yes, our ultimate objective is to match someone up … (1 comments)
|
matthew: Tips For Taking Outstanding Home Photos - 01/31/08 11:29 AM
As someone who sees literally thousands of property postcards each month, I am always surprised at how many of these cards show a photo with extensive flaws.
Here are some tips to print out and bring with you as a reminder when taking photos of homes.
Always save the original … (5 comments)
|
matthew: Creativity and The Best of ‘08 Super Bowl Ads - 01/30/08 04:02 PM
Creative inspiration for your real estate business comes in many forms from a variety of sources. This year’s Super Bowl ads are no exception.
In all likelihood you will probably never use television to advertise your services as a real estate agent but some of you may. For those … (29 comments)
|
matthew: Blog of Geese Lands In Texas - 01/28/08 10:02 AM
For those of you who read Blog of Geese on a regular basis, you know me as the author of My Blue Goose, Exploiting The Wow Factor in Real Estate Marketing. What many of you don’t know is that I work for a company called Xpressdocs, based out of Fort Worth, … (6 comments)
|
matthew: The Math of Marketing Harmony - 01/22/08 09:30 PM
There are big brands like Disney, Coke, Wal-Mart. Then there are small brands which is the same category you as individual real estate agents fall in.
Large or small, everyone is after the same thing. It’s called marketing harmony. It is the pinnacle that a company reaches when everything just … (20 comments)
|
matthew: Speak The Jargon - 01/21/08 10:56 AM
When I go to Dunkin Donuts I ask for an iced coffee with extra extra.
When I am working with a printer, I ask if they want their files in EPS and converted to outlines
While getting a haircut I tell them I want a 2 on the sides
All of … (2 comments)
|
matthew: Becoming Part of The Culture - 01/17/08 11:33 PM
A few years ago I was fortunate enough to meet a successful real estate professional who made his office the golf course. It was in Rhode Island which hosts many privately-held golf courses. I promised him I would never use his name but would talk about him often. As he put … (20 comments)
|
matthew: Do You Smell Something? - 01/14/08 08:29 AM
One of the greatest marketing stories may be something you never knew. Natural gas doesn’t smell. In 1937 in Texas, a shop instructor turned on a sander and within minutes almost 300 students in the New London, Texas school died from the explosion. The cause was a faulty and leaking natural … (4 comments)
|
matthew: Why Hugh MacLeod Could Steal Your Business - 01/03/08 09:27 AM
(if he wanted to)
Exclusive Blog of Geese interview with Hugh MacLeod
In Cumbria, England,Hugh MacLeod sits at his computer speaking to an audience of thousands all who care about what he has to say. He doesn’t hold a real estate license here in the U.S. and certainly doesn’t … (5 comments)
|
matthew: A Look At The Industry In 2010 - 01/02/08 10:49 PM
There I sat in a classroom full of fourth graders all given the task to write what the year 2000 would look like. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind. I scratched down flying cars, smell-o-vision, fingerprint scans on doors; I had it all.
It amazes me to see how many … (3 comments)
|
matthew: Social Marketing Distractions - 01/02/08 09:18 AM
Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Flickr, Pownce, Dopplr, Jaiku, Yelp, Plaxo, iLike, VodPod, Mahalo, Satisfation, Seesmic, YouTube, Google Video, Digg, Technorati, Reddit, del.ico.us, StumbleUpon, Furl, Spock…this list could go on for days. Web 2.0 has given everyone and anyone a reason to make a social website service.
Social marketing and the importance of … (4 comments)
|
matthew: No More Excuses - 01/01/08 08:01 PM
I had a professor in college who’s email used to be noexcuses@aol.com. He didn’t want to hear them. None at all. If you didn’t do something that was your fault. “Own that fault” he sometimes said.
I hear a lot of excuses from agents when I am on the road. … (5 comments)
|
matthew: With Newspapers In Decline, What Will You Do? - 01/01/08 06:24 PM
If there were such thing as a sure bet then I would put money on the fact that newspaper circulation will continue to decline. Editor and Publisher reports a sharp decline in circulation in the vast majority of the top newspapers in the country. (See the list below)
Does it … (8 comments)
|
matthew: Change Your Packaging - 12/31/07 02:15 PM
Pancakes have been around, seemingly, forever. So how could they ever get any better?
For one, the packaging could change. Pancakes are commonly a weekend food because of the length in time of preparation, unless of course you are fine with the frozen pancake thing.
One company has created a new … (5 comments)
|
matthew: Change Is Good, Goodbye 2007 - 12/27/07 03:15 PM
Author’s Note: This is my last post until 2008. I’m astonished and overwhelmed with the attention that my book, My Blue Goose and my blog, Blog of Geese have received since launching. Thank you to each and everyone of you who have read, commented, forwarded and linked my blog posts.
… (0 comments)
|
matthew: Peas. Twitter. Cancer. - 12/20/07 08:06 PM
Peas. Twitter. Cancer. These three seemingly unrelated items have been brought together in an act of courage and zest by Susan Reynolds. Together they hold a powerful and valuable mission: to bring awareness to breast cancer and to raise money for research.
Susan has captured the power of the Twitter community … (1 comments)
|
matthew: Two Words For Agents To Focus On in ‘08 - 12/20/07 01:06 PM
Hyperlocal. Def. Not just local but excessively local in subject.
Think of this word when you are planning for your blog and your website. Notice blog came before website in that sentence. There are some great blogs out there that concentrate on subjects that are very local to the area … (3 comments)
|
matthew: What Has Your Company Done For You Lately? - 12/17/07 08:15 PM
“My company is all about marketing themselves and not me,” one agent told me at a presentation recently. Like it or not, it is in your company’s best interest to market themselves before they market you specifically as an agent. This is not what you want to hear, right? Maybe not. … (7 comments)
|
matthew: Direct Mail Idea #10: Make Your Mailing Lists Interest-Specific - 12/17/07 09:52 AM
The greatest asset you have in companies like Xpressdocs who allow you to order small numbers of quality, direct mail pieces is that you can target a very select group with special interests. You are only able to take advantage of this if you have your mailings lists sorted accordingly.
… (0 comments)
|
matthew: What is this video blogging thing all about anyway? - 12/13/07 05:43 PM
I will answer this question and more in the next series of blogs, Video Blogging The REAL Way.
… (4 comments)
|
matthew: The Gosselin List, Best in Real Estate 2007 - 12/13/07 03:23 PM
Welcome to The Gosselin List 2007, this years best of the best in real estate.
Top 10 Most Influential Real Estate Blogs Inman Blog Real Estate Tomato Little Pink Houses Rain City Guide Jeff Turner/Real Estate Shows Lake Tahoe Real Estate Blog CREN Blog Real Estate Undressed 4Realz Real Estate … (1 comments)
|
matthew: VIDEO: Boston is Getting A Foot of Snow. Watch It Here! - 12/13/07 01:29 PM
Bad weather right now in Boston. How does weather affect your real estate sales?
… (0 comments)
|
matthew: VIDEO: My take on Seth Godin's Meatball Sundae - 12/13/07 01:26 PM
… (0 comments)
|
matthew: The Holidays Hit Yankee Candle Where It Hurts - 12/10/07 02:56 PM
On Yankee Candle's website they have a disclaimer that due to their high volume of orders this year they will be unable to process more orders on time to get to the destination before Christmas. This was posted a week ago. It amazes that a company like this can make … (9 comments)
|
matthew: Tis The Season For Customer Service - 12/08/07 02:03 PM
I had two opposite experiences with customer service today.
Experience #1
I walked into the ever-busy Quincy, MA Post Office today. There are two lines in this post office. One for the USPS Store and one for the tellers. It is a little known secret that you can mail packages from … (6 comments)
|
matthew: Creating Loyalty Among Homeowners - 12/07/07 08:36 PM
We should all be trying to create customer loyalty, right? This means communicating to your group on a regular basis. We all know this and we all know the benefits of doing so. Whether or not we actually do it is another story.
Putting that aside we need to look at … (0 comments)
|
matthew: Tiny URL - 12/06/07 09:43 AM
There are so many great web tools that serve a small but important purpose. TINY URL is one of those sites.
How often have you wanted to send a link to a homeowner that is way too lengthy? Maybe it looks like this:
http://homes.realtor.com/search/listingdetail.aspx?ctid=10153&mnp=23&mxp=22&bd=2&bth=2&typ=2&sid=ff4c96fa010b4555b08a5a263fce11ce&sdir=0&sby=2&lid=1091418195&lsn=10&srcnt=30#Detail
Through tiny URL, that same site … (3 comments)
|
matthew: Should Open Houses Be A Thing Of The Past - 12/05/07 09:18 AM
Dan Forbes, an Active Rain member has opened up a great debate about the effectiveness of the open house. Check out the post HERE
Here is my comment:
In the right context an open house can be a great tool. I think that is the biggest mistake agents are making. We … (9 comments)
|
matthew: Direct Mail Idea #9: Provide As Much Information As Possible - 12/05/07 07:36 AM
I’ve heard about 200 agents this year alone tell me that they will never give out the address or price of a home on their property marketing. Their rationale is that if they do, there is no reason for a homeowner to go to them directly if they are interested.
… (1 comments)
|
matthew: Direct Mail Idea #8: Make It Convenient - 12/03/07 05:27 PM
A survey conducted by the USPS tells us that 76% of respondents will take action on your direct mail only when it is convenient for them to do so.
Are you giving your readers a place where they can go to view more information about local and national market statistics on … (3 comments)
|
matthew: When you turn your computer ON, does it return the favor? - 12/03/07 02:14 PM
I hate to sound like a commercial for apple computers but if you don’t already own one, get one now. Your reason: The new Leopard operating system blows any operating system out of the water and more importantly will make you more efficient.
Apples are no longer for the young and … (0 comments)
|
matthew: Direct Mail Idea #7: Be consistent - 12/03/07 12:57 PM
If you aren’t mailing out to your blue list at least six times a year, don’t bother. Phyllis Peznik, Director of Sales for a NYC real estate company says that the secret to real estate success is “constant contact with the buyer and seller.”
Why? A Mayflower Transit study tells … (4 comments)
|
matthew: Get Me A 6%+ Response Rate On My Direct Mail! - 12/03/07 10:07 AM
Direct mail is an interesting business. It has proven effective time and time again yet according to Borrell Associates only 16% of all real estate agents use it. For the ones who use direct mail on a regular basis this is good news. It means you don’t have as much clutter … (7 comments)
|
matthew: Direct Mail Idea #6-Email Follow-up - 11/30/07 08:03 AM
Direct Mail Idea #6: Follow up with an email
In the sales world, everyone expects a follow-up. Let’s face it, as consumers we need constant reminders even when it is about something we are involved with. Any time you send out a direct mail piece, pick your top 50 most important … (4 comments)
|
matthew: Word of Mouse - 11/28/07 02:45 PM
Over and over we have heard how important it is to generate positive word of mouth advertising about our business. We have also been told that bad news travels faster and to larger audiences.
In this day and age, news travels in a viral fashion much like a disease through … (0 comments)
|
matthew: Brokers Face An Uncertain Future - 11/28/07 08:19 AM
On page 45 in Seth Godin's new book,Meatball Sundae , he says "I could talk about how the millions of full- and part-time real estate brokers are facing an uncertain future."
Does this scare anyone else? It shouldn't. We should be excited about this as long as we are willing to … (1 comments)
|
matthew: You Asked...I'm Giving Out My Cell # - 11/27/07 10:36 PM
In an attempt to become more transparent to my readers I have decided to courageously give out my cell number for those of you who may have questions about my book, what I am working on, new ideas for the next book (stay tuned!) etc. The only thing I ask is … (2 comments)
|
matthew: Tell Me About Your Company - 11/26/07 08:40 AM
After walking into a Dunkin Donuts in Quincy, MA I asked my barista if she knew where the first Dunkin Donuts opened up. Truth be told, I already knew the answer but she did not. While making my iced caramel latte, she asked a couple other people who also weren’t sure … (5 comments)
|
matthew: Direct Mail Idea #5: The Consumer Wants to Know What Is In It For Them - 11/12/07 06:38 PM
If your message doesn’t hold value to the person who is receiving it, don’t bother wasting your money. More than ever consumers need to know that there is something geared to them, some sort or payoff to take a look at your direct mail piece.
This is great news for you! … (7 comments)
|
matthew: What Happens In Vegas (at the NAR conference)...I'll Tell You About - 11/12/07 02:00 PM
If you are one of the many who have emailed me and said "wish I could be there." Listen up! Now you can be!
Log on to Blog of Geese, my blog, and scroll down to the sidebar on the right side. The area is titled "Matt On The Run" and … (5 comments)
|
matthew: The REAL DEAL Review of My Blue Goose - 11/07/07 08:59 AM
The Real Deal, the leading New York City real estate magazine has reviewed my book, My Blue Goose, Exploiting The Wow Factor in Real Estate Marketing. Check it out HERE
… (3 comments)
|
matthew: Direct Mail Idea #1 - 10/10/07 09:47 AM
Direct mail has become the standout element in the successful real estate professional’s business. According to the Direct Mail Association, direct mail spending min 2007 will pass $161 billion in U.S. spending making it one of the top mediums used by companies in the country.
Besides purchasing the right kinds of … (3 comments)
|
matthew: Websites: If You Build It Will They Come? - 10/01/07 08:26 AM
Excerpt From My Blue Goose Exploiting The Wow Factor In Real Estate Marketing
As promised, the following link will bring you to an excerpt from my book My Blue Goose about building your real estate website.
Remember, for a limited time shipping is free for all pre-orders.
The book is … (5 comments)
|
matthew: Welcome - 09/29/07 11:39 PM
Hi there! This BLOG is going to be one of the first in Caroline County, Virginia. This is a great area with lots going on and tons of promising oppotunities to discuss happenings and such. I am a licensed broker / REALTOR with Century21 Classic and I am always open to … (0 comments)
|
matthew: The End Is Near: 100 Days - 09/18/07 07:59 AM
Author's Note: This won't post on my own blog blogofgeese.com for a few more days. I thought I would give Active Rainers a chance to see it first. Enjoy.By Matthew S. Gosselin, Author of My Blue Goose-www.MyBlueGoose.com-Only 100 days until the end of the year. There is no better time to … (0 comments)
|
matthew: Hopeless In Times Square - 09/18/07 07:44 AM
Hopeless In Times SquareBy Matthew S. Gosselin, Author of My Blue Goose I’m sitting here eating breakfast and staring out into Times Square. Once you get past the initial awe of the street, the commotion and the billboards, it is easy as an advertiser, to feel a sense of hopelessness. Sean John, … (1 comments)
|
matthew: Good News About My Blue Goose! - 09/08/07 11:30 AM
Great news about the book My Blue Goose, Exploiting The Wow Factor in Real Estate Marketing. From now until October 1st, you can pre-order the book with NO SHIPPING CHARGES! The book sells for $21.95 and can be found at www.MyBlueGoose.com."Every serious real estate agent should keep My Blue Goose nearby."Barbara … (1 comments)
|
matthew: “Homeowners Brag About My Services. Here Are 7 Reasons Why.” - 09/04/07 08:23 AM
“Homeowners Brag About My Services. Here Are 7 Reasons Why.”By Matthew S. Gosselin, Author of My Blue Goose-Exploiting The Wow Factor In Real Estate Marketing So much of Blue Goose marketing is about creating unique ways to present you to the public. These remarkable methods, when done correctly will result in a … (3 comments)
|
matthew: Why Brian Buffini Could Be Ripping You Off - 08/28/07 07:00 AM
Why Brian Buffini Could Be Ripping You OffBy Matthew S. Gosselin Author of My Blue Goose, Exploiting The Wow Factor In Real Estate Marketing Yeah, I said it. Out in the real estate world, agents are craving solid and innovative information. In their quest they discover the low-hanging fruit--the companies out there that want to … (12 comments)
|
