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My Flyers! My Expired Letter! It's ME You Want To Talk To!!!

I have a problem, and it's very perplexing. I flyer, I farm, and I send out expired letters.

There IS response. That's not the problem.

The problem is that they don't remember who I am.

The call the office or stop by. They remember RE/MAX. Most don't admit that it was a flyer that made them stop here. But as they call or come in and are describing the place, I'm thinking "I flyered them! They haven't worked with anyone, they don't ask for anyone, what am I doing wrong????"

They end up talking to whoever is on floor, which so far has not been me.

I have not gotten a single one of these leads. I hate to demand to know why they came to us, why they don't mention me or my flyer, when I know they've gotten it.

So why do they not think of ME?

Is it my name? That was a fear of mine to begin with, and this just reinforces it. "Joslyn" is not a common name. So then I begin to wonder - should I market myself as Josie, or something else? Should I change my name? What do I do? Say you see a flyer from someone. Two weeks later you stop by the office, because you remember RE/MAX, but all you remember is that there was a picture of an agent with a weird name. You don't remember that name, so when asked if you have dealt with anyone, or would like to speak to anyone in particular, are you going to go through all the trouble to figure the name out, or are you going to take the easy way out, and say "nope!".

Clients overall don't understand how this works, anyway. They don't understand that I want to work with you. Granted, I would love for the office to keep moving forward, and it's good that they are coming here, but I'm the one flyering your area. I'm the one wanted to work for you to sell your property in the current location. It's MY chicken enchilada recipe that's now in your kitchen! ME ME ME ME ME!

I begin to feel selfish. Like I shouldn't feel the way I do. The office is getting recognition. We're getting business, and that helps me.

But it doesn't help me right now.

So then I wonder if I need something more memorable on my flyers. Perhaps instead of that ol' normal agent photo, I should use something different. I love the picture of me kissing my cat - what about something like that????

Henry and Joslyn Panka

Or this one???

Joslyn Panka with goose

This morning a lady called, and she had recieved a flyer. She didn't say that up front, however, and the call went to another agent. The other agent, when talking to the client, found out that the reason she called was A flyer she had recieved. She said "Well, that is Joslyn's flyer. Joslyn and I operate the same way, and she's a super hard worker. Would you like to talk to her?"

The reply was no, she didn't want to talk to me. She didn't know me. The agent said that she didn't know the client either, and the client said "yeah, but I'm talking to you right now." Once again the other agent offered to transfer her to me. She didn't want to be transferred. She didn't know who I was. The other agent told her to give me a call then. The client wouldn't give her name or any information. She said she didn't trust REALTORs and wasn't going to give the agent any information.

I'm hearing a lot of that lately, too. "I don't trust real estate agents". But that's beside the point. A blog for another day.

So I'm back to square one. How do I make myself stand out so that when they call, they ask for me personally? Cover all my flyers in my name? Add a shocking, hilarious, or silly picture to the flyers of myself? Write an article in my newsletter about how to pronounce my name????? What do I do?

Posted by Joslyn Panka Solomon - Mora Minnesota - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! on 05/17/2007 02:12 PM

Comments (91)

real estate mora minnesota, real estate agent mora minnesota, realtor mora, kanabec county real estate, joslyn panka, pine city real estate

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91 Comments on My Flyers! My Expired Letter! It's ME You Want To Talk To!!!

MAY

2007

Hey Joslyn, I had the same problem when I started farming. I wish I could see one of your flyers. It sounds like you have too much emphasis on Re/Max and the office number. I NEVER put the main office number on my flyers. Just my cell phone. Make the Re/Max logo smaller, don't use the office address unless it's on the envelope, use your cell phone number.

It's consistency with Expired's. They want to see an agent work hard and be consistent. That's the only reason why expired's call me. "We called you because after 3 weeks you didn't stop."

Good luck!

Hey Joslyn! Embrace your name! Make it HUGE!! You have a unique name because YOU are a unique person!

I agree with Stephanie, as much as you love your office, you have to look out for yourself. I have had my same cell phone number on every sign, flyer, highlight sheet, buisness card everything! I also rarely put our office adress on anything!

YOU, took the steps to flyer! YOU took the time to share your recipe! YOU should get the lead!

The problem with that it's required to have the office name, number, and address. I have my cell number first, but then we're running into the different area code problem. For those of you who don't know, there are no local cell phone numbers where I'm at, and so I'm stuck with a 612 (metro) area code, when I live in 320. So many people don't want to call long distance. I would like to get a toll free number, but my cell service doesn't provide that feature.

Perhaps, since so many people call me Jo, I should use a slogan based on that. Like "Jo Knows Homes" or "Jo is in the know"

What to do?!?!?!?!

It's not that they don't remember your name--which is beautiful by the way--it's that they KNOW the company name so well, the brain processes that and sometimes just stop processing. SO, you have to come up with something "unique." Might take some experimenting. I started using "Kat" a couple of years ago, have it on magnets on my car, even, and people like it and many actually remember. But, in this business, who really knows. Keep trying different formulas. AT LEAST you're trying!!!

Don't use tacky or unprofessional photos. Create a marketing campaign that's professional and memorable, and make sure that it's easy to contact you. Include your email and your direct extension at the office (not the main number), and put their info in small print. I don't think you'll catch a lot of business by being known as the "cat-kissing realtor".

That's why I thought maybe the other pictures would be fun, or perhaps going by "Josie" or "Jo"

I need my own little test group. lol.

Linda- I agree with you, although I do love to kiss my cat :)

I have my e-mail, but this is a small town - a large majority of the population doesn't use e-mail up here. My direct number is on there. I think they are probably tossing the flyer, then looking us up in the phone book or something. I don't know.

What helped me was creating a brand and I stay consistent with the logo and message at all times. Most companies are ok with this as long as the company name address ect is there.

MAY

2007

Joslyn - from one goofy name (no offense intended) to another let me tell you what I did.

On my flyers I put Call and ask for Thesa Chambers bla bla bla then under I add this

do not worry about mispronouncing my name everyone does but if you would like to give it a shot it is pronounced (Theeee sa) they call now, the receptionist knows that these calls are generally for me -

All of my marketing says to call me for a free gift - I have a magnet with my name and cell phone number on it I give them that has measurement conversions for the kitchen

Joslyn I forgot to add sometimes we get calls at the office for the agent with the strange first name.... that works for me

MAY

2007

Kelly - I'm having hard time commiting to something, but I hope to have a logo soon!

Thesa - See, I wouldn't see your name as being that difficult, and what a great idea! I think the more established I get, the more they will want to call, even if they can't pronounce my name! Thanks for the idea!

Joslyn, your name is fine just the way it is, I would offer an incentive, for example a Free Appraisal or $500 rebate at closing but they must ask for you (Joslyn) to receive the offer.

Incorporate you name in the offer...for example: Attention Joslyn is Giving Away Money (Used For Rebates), or Joslyn Has Your Free Trip to The Bahamas (you can give away trip certificates at closing).

Free Appraisal on Joslyn, whatever you think your client will find appealing.

Great idea! Thanks Frank!

Hmmm.....may be that's where I am failing too. I think I am sending mine to my office. I know a few that I've sent mailers, newsletters, and flyers to have listed with agents in my office but not me. Wow.....never thought I might be promoting the company too much.

Wondeful post! I am feeling your pain and my name isn't difficult or weird (at least I don't think).

A woman in my area has the slogan "Go with Jo"...I don't know if you like that or not. I understand the issue of the names...there are three Lori's in my office (one who spells her name differently). I haven't had this problem since fourth grade!!

MAY

2007

Christy - It's something interesting to think about!

Lori - My broker likes "Jo's in the Know" but I wanted something fairly original, not made up on the fly, that I can live with and enjoy for the long (HOPEFULLY!) career ahead of me.

I have commitment issues - so it needs to be really good for me to commit to it. :)

I feel for you. I agree with all of the others thay say - NO OFFICE NUMBERS ON YOUR FLYERS! A very, very small REMAX. Hang in there, it changes.

I figure with time, they will grow to recognize me and perhaps, being a small town, find someone else who knows how to say my name! :)

Joslyn - While we're required to have the franchise name on everything we do as well, I make it small and out of the way. It didn't take me long to figure out I needed to sell ME not the company. I use my cell number, bolded, and also bold my name and make the font larger so it stands out. Your only option is to quit marketing and that's not an option!

I'm trying a different approach this time, somewhat following what you've said. I have my picture, my "specialties" and my information, all bold and large. I have my office name on the other side, with the basic info required, and my contact info again.

Hopefully it will help!

JUN

2007

Ok, you knew someone had to ask,so it might as well be me.

What the heck is on that birds beak? It's brain?? LOL

LOL

I laughed! Yay!

No, that's the way that type of goose looks.

Besides, I think it's brain is smaller than that. LOL

Josyln:

I am not sure what drives people to remember you above others in an office. An out of the ordinary name like Jossyln should work, is not a very common name. Mine is very common, in a previous positon there were 11 of us working on the floor and 10 where BOB, the other guy was TED. I have tried to strongly tie a motto wit my last, but not much luck with that either - it must ba an age think.

May this FORCE be with you in next Real Estate tranaction.

I even claim to be "The FORCE in Maryland Real Estate"; after all I am the only agents with the last name of Force licensed in Maryland.

Will be following this post to see the comments

Bob - Great input! I would sure think that my name would stand out too, but who knows?

What I do know? It's 8:30 at night, and I need to go home! :)

Joslyn - I would not change your name to jo, or anything else. Your name is unique. Personally I would remember you name over a Nancy, Lisa, or Patty. As far as the phone # is concerned try an 800# and put in front of it free recorded message, and give them a compelling reason to call you, such as a free report or something. Think out of the box do something that will be attention grabbing.

Joslyn - the toll free number is probably the most impressive way to go. I did a little searching through Google (gotta love it!) and came up with this toll free service that might be an option. I have not used them, so can't vouch for their reliability, but at least it's worth a look.

Good luck! Keep us posted on what you come up with!

JUN

2007

Dan- I'm looking into something like that right now! Thanks!

Carol - Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet! Thanks so much! I'll check it out!

JUL

2007

http://activerain.com/blogsview/134567/Secret-Identities-Do-You

Check out this blog maybe you need a gimick.

Josyln beautiful name make it bigger
we are your test group :)
No cat pictures. Leave out the unprofessional pics
Here's one for ya. I live in 989, I work in 989 however they are an hour apart different counties. creating long distance for local buyers. Reality for me is local is 810 I got a cell number in a 810 so that they don't want to call the office they call whats local to them.
Yes ReMax must be on the marketing however everything can be bigger and bolder. Call me direct at ....... not the office # make sure you get your calls not someone else
OWN that Enchilada recipe :)
Good luck it does get easier

Agenla - Thanks for your comments! I had another instance this week - UG!

I will definitely take your advice. Thanks so much!

I remember someone telling you to make sure you market YOURSELF. You work for a great company but you have to make sure that in your marketing they remember YOU first your company second. :)

I know! But I'm not memorable! How do I make myself memorable????

Josylyn

I haven't read all your responses but it seems to me you want to make your name more memorable? That's easy, You have an easy name to work with. Here are a few I thought of in the last couple of minutes.

Ask for Panka she will thank ya!

Stop by the office and have some Sanka with Panka

If you don't use Panka someone might spank ya!

My clients always say Panka very much and you will too!

Hope this helps, let me know.

My vote is If you don't ask for Panka I will Spank Ya

LOL!!!

You guys are crazy!! Thanks Shawn, for laughing at me, and Gary, you have some great ideas. I will try to figure something out!

Joslyn

Now that we are able to laugh at this, I bet you will get even more idea's. Hoping everything works well for you. Have a great day!

Thanks. I am trying so hard!

JUL

2007

I think it is the office staff ,let them know what and where you send things ,get them to ask the right question

JUL

2007

Josslyn,

In Maine we HAVE to use the office number in our ads, so I understand what you're saying. I haven't done a lot of farming or flyers in my brief career, but I do send out Just Listed/Just Sold and I do get an occasional call from them.

Branding! You have to brand your name in the brain of your farm.

JUL

2007

Keep going. Not all or even most are like the person who didn't want to talk to you. You have to become involved in your local farm. Get involved in a local group. Become part of the chamber. Get people seeing you weekly. It will take them a year to really remember you. You are just a Realtor to them. You need to be the top two they think of. and eventually number 1. You have to brand your self. Think of a catchy phrase that incorporates your name, something that will help them reamember your name and face. Just don't give up. They will know you from the community and want to have you help them, because you know the area. I believe in you and know you will be great. Earl "The Pearl" Sorrells

It's all about them remembering SOMETHING about you or your brand. Like David said, BRANDING! Hobbs/Herder has a lot of good FREE articles about this. I have chosen a little symbol/animal that means a lot to me personally and also my area: the Gamble Quail. When I was little my mom put my hair in a little curl right on top. Grandpa started calling me quail-top because of it. All of Rural Arizona you can see this pretty little quail. Do people put the quail and me together? Not right now. I have only been using it for a month or so. But do you think in two years after seeing LEXA and Quail they might start remembering? People remember the Re/Max because they have been exposed to it enough times. The little balloon and colors. Even if people didn't remember it was re/max, as soon as they saw the hot air balloon they would! Consistency is key, and work toward it little by little. Start with they flyers, and postcards, and work your way up to custom signs and business cards. Make your name stand out more than Re/Max's (Sorry re/max, Joslyn needs the money more than you right now)

Lexa Montierth

Margaret - You may have a very valid point. Perhaps I will have to go over it with them. Thanks!

Rick - It's part of my company policy, actually. Good ol' red white and blue!

David - I did get a call today! That's a good sign. I'm working on this, slowly but surely!

Earl - Patience - a virtue I don't have. LOL. I am definitely doing things like this. I've joined a networking group, participate in the East Central Arts Council, teach music lessons and perform at local recitals.... I am trying to get involved in more, too. It will all work out for me, I know.

Lexa - LOL! Joslyn does need the money! You're right. That is a very cool branding idea, and I'm sure it will work for you! I'll have to check out Hobbs Herder. Someone actually directed me toward it the other day, but I haven't had a chance to sit down and check it out. Perhaps today is the day! :) Thanks so much Lexa!

JUL

2007

Hi Joslyn,

I know people spent a lot of time trying to come up with slogans, but it's really a waste of time. Your name is unique and memorable. How many Jos, Joe's, etc are in your area? Don't go that way. You want to stand out.

If I were a consumer in your area, I would want to know how you can help me with my real estate needs. I could care less about catchy phrases. What are you offering prospects that's different from other agents in your area? What type of buyer and seller guarantees do you you offer? Check out mine at: http://www.CincinnatiRealEstateHelp.com.

I think having your own 800# or local phone number that can forward to your cell is very important. When possible, just give consumers one phone number to call, so they don't get confused and not call at all.

When you send out marketing pieces in the mail, make sure you have a certificate that they need to redeem to you in order to get it. Ultimately, any marketing piece is designed to get you an appointment to meet with them...and do that as quickly as possible before they call someone else.

I also have lots of free strategies on my agent coaching blog: http://www.AgentSuccessTips.com.
I've been a full-time real estate professional since 1985 and I love to help other agents.

If you want me to critique your marketing pieces, send them to me in a WORD or PDF format at dan@danweis.com and I'll make some helpful recommendations.

I hope this helps you, Joslyn.

To your success,

Dan

Wow! Thank you so much! Great tips! I'm going to implement these right away! We will be in touch!

Hi, Joslyn! I LOVE Gary's idea for a slogan, especially: If you don't use Panka someone might spank ya!

But SERIOUSLY...a slogan might be the way to do it - and put it on everything! Also, make yourself the brand - put your name really BIG and perhaps the RE/MAX part a little smaller. Not to disassociate because RE/MAX is a great brand, but to make your name really stand out!

Also, do you have a logo? A personal one? That might help. Have a graphic arts student design one for you - they probably come cheaper than a pro - they did for us. Put that on everything, too.

Also (I know...this is a lot of ALSOs), check your state laws. I know here in GA, if we are advertising a specific property, we have to include our company name at least as large if not larger as our personal name and our company main number at least as large if not larger than our personal number. BUT if it is personal advertising and not for a specific property, those rules do not apply.

Finally (no more ALSOs...unless I think of something else in the next minute before I type "plum" [finally a graphis I recognize] and hit "Submit Comment") don't change your name! It's really pretty! But maybe make the J stand out or something. Something simple. If they don't think of Joslyn, they'll think of the J.

Just my 2-cents. I'd love to look at your marketing stuff, if you want some better critique. You can send me a message and I'll send you my email.

~Maura Gebhardt

Oh! I thought of one more ALSO...

Maybe put a unique photo on everything. I love the one with your cat. Maybe a similar one with your cat, something to really brand you. We use Pam's Dalmatian in everything - see my post about Man's Best Friend.

That's all...no more ALSOs!

~Maura Gebhardt

LOL!

Maura, you can "also" all you want. I don't mind.

I have had some people say to NOT use that photo.

Although I have some cute ones of me kissing fish... Five Days Off - Totally Worth It

Enjoy.

Kissing fish?

Well, maybe take another photo of you and your kitty...not necessarily the smoochy one! =)

~Maura Gebhardt

JUL

2007

Maybe.... I have some others.

Henry and Joslyn Panka Joslyn Panka, Henry, Bernadette

And my favorite...

Me and Bernadette

I love the last one...just wishing I could see more of your face! Maybe get someone to photograph you and the kit-kat, so its more posed and planned? I don't know...I just love kitties! =) (Not much help today, I'm afraid!)

~Maura Gebhardt

Yeah, that would be fun! Maybe I will have to do that! Then I can wear something nicer, too!

YEAH! You can have a photo shoot day, ahve different outfits (changing as each one becomes increasingly covered in cat hair) -- your kitty can be a celebri-kitty!

cat in sunglasses

~Maura Gebhardt

Maura - Are you in the Active Rain Cat Lovers Group? You should be!

I am! I think you featured one of my posts...about June being "Adopt a Cat Month"?

~Maura Gebhardt

(my graphic is shaddock - doesn't that sound like a British slang word or curse word?)

It's not? Perhaps I should start using that instead of my favorite four letter words.

I'm going to try. What do you think it means?

And wtf is ciruelo?

I think it's like saying, Oh crap! But worse. Like when you stub your toe.

Or perhaps when someone makes you mad you can say, "Well, shaddocks to you!" =)

~Maura Gebhardt

Exactly.

I think that's what I will do.

AUG

2007

Joslyn,

This topic has been running a long time but I am new to Active Rain so I hope my reply will provide some value.

You mention you do not have a phone with the same area code because there are no cell phone numbers available in your area code. Also you mentioned you wanted a toll free number. The first thing that popped into my head was Vonage! I have had a Vonage account for a couple of years now and I must say that I have been very happy with the service. You could check to see if you could get a phone number in your desired area code. I know Vonage offers 800 numbers for a very, very reasonable rate. Then after you have the numbers simply forward them to your current cell number. Now your prospective clients will have a way to get a hold of you simply and most important, locally to them. Your costs would be very reasonable.

I have nothing to do with Vonage.... I am just a satisfied customer and think it might be something for you to consider.

Best wishes,

Scott

Josylyn

Glad you enjoyed the catchy phrases I came up with. But all kidding aside if you want people to know who you are you have to let them know YOU! Not just your a Realtor , the other you. Instead of you sending a flyer, send them a letter introducing yourself and then other follow up letters let them know how you enjoy life, things that you are doing.

Pretend you are writing to a family member, let them know the things that you have been doing or about a vacation you recently took. Tell them about the good times you are having with your kittens.

Let people see the human side of you. Once people can relate to you they will remember you and remember what you do. Read my blog WHAT DOES YOUR FORD LOOK LIKE? It has some good insight of what people want.

Best of luck!

AUG

2007

Gary, you are so wise. I will have to go and check out your blog. I have gotten a couple of people who told me that they just got my news letter this month. One of them has a daughter who is a Realtor. ARRGH. I need to get people to remember who I am and that I am a Realtor before or when they need me and not the next time they see me, after they listed or whatever. I will talk to you later. Earl

Scott - I'm dying to try Vonage. Unfortunatly, I can't get them in my area! Hopefully that will change soon! Great tips, though. Perhaps I'll check into it again today just in case! Thanks!

Gary - Awww, you drive a Ford? Really?

LOL! Just kidding. I will check it out. You have a good idea. Perhaps that is what my front page of my newsletter should be this next time! Sweet!

Earl - I agree, Gary really is wise. Except that he drives a Ford...

Joslyn

It didn't know that Ford is now making MayBach's, Holly Mackeral I have to get rid of my car because I wouldn't want to be caught dead in a Ford:( , LMAO

LOL! Okay, good.

You know Gary, you're alright. :)

Joslyn

Thanks! I noticed you made me one of your associates. Hope I don't disappoint you.

BTW: Ford has a hand in the Jaguars now. I have a jag and it better not give me problems because I will blame it on FORD! Great post and I just wish I got the call from clients - rather they remember me or not I will sure make it a point to have them remember me the next time -- hopefully by getting their business!

AUG

2007

Gary - We shall see.... we shall see. LOL!

Rosemary - You should! It's all their fault! LOL! I see it more and more lately, and I don't know what to do. I have new business cards, though, and with the new layout, it might help!

I believe in slogans - looks like you have a good start here!

Rhonda

Just Say HELP ME RHONDA for All Your Real Estate Needs!

AUG

2007

Hey

Everyone you guys should check into what Bobby & Brad Carrol are saying, they are marketing experts. And Joslyn I am sure they could help you.

Rhonda - Your slogan is really cute! I love that!

Gary - Perhaps I will! Thanks! You haven't let me down yet!

SEP

2007

Josie (and the Pussycats) may be a natural for you! Or Jo.

Or maybe something less drastic.

You say they remember the Re/Max logo? You know, you do not have to have a logo on the material. And helping your office isn't helping you very much. So: Put your office name and address on the flyer, in tiny type at the very bottom in a single line. And your phone number should be the only one they can actually read without a magnifying glass.

Don't include the phone number unless you're absolutely required to by state law (or other governing law), and do look it up to be absolutely sure. (Here in Michigan, we have to have either the office phone no. OR the address; I go for the address or my office voice mail's *extension*, since it counts as the office. So instead of dialing XXX-XXX-4900 and getting a receptionist, I use XXX-XXX-4918 Ext. XXX on my materials. Maybe you can do the same.)

As for the cell phone issue, buy yourself a Skype phone number in the area code you want, and have it forward to your cell, so that your official phone number for your materials and biz cards is the area code of most of your customers. The combination of Skype Out and Skype In that you would need would cost all of about $90 a year. And since you are only using it as forwarding, you don't even have to worry about getting it set up on your PC. You don't even have to run the software, beyond what it takes to set it up! (But if you do, you can actually make phone calls from your computer for nothing, and save on the cell and home phone bills. I use ONLY Skype at home, and make all my marketing calls from my iMac, using Skype and a Bluetooth headset. I'm hands-free, and my home phone service is $90 a year rather than $75 a month.)

The brokerage information should be the smallest thing on the flyer. Your name and number should be the largest. Get an 800 Number that is easy to remember.

SEP

2007

David - Unfortunately, I have lots of obligations as to size of office phone number and company name due to state and franchise guidelines. Skype is a good idea, though. I will look into it. Thanks for your ideas!

Adam - Any ideas where to get an 800 number? My cell provider doesn't offer one.

SEP

2007

joslyn-

I havent read through everyone elses response so i apologize if my suggestions have already been stated. I run into the same problem and no matter how much you stress your name people are still going to remember remax. I'm not sure how your office is set up but speak with a sales manager about training EVERYONE to ask "how did you get our number?" to ALL incomming calls. Ths needs to be the first questions asked right away. Before any rapport building. As long as everyone plays by these rules, you should get the calls you deserve.

Unfortunately, since we merged, the floor agents in the office now answer the calls. However, one of our lines is linked directly to the main office, so I've been handing that out lately. There's only one drawback - that number is also a different area code. :(

SEP

2007

I read somewhere (and posted awhile back) ---

It takes a Prospect at least three contacts to remember your name
Another four to put your name and company together
And 27 contacts altogether to like, trust and believe in you enough to establish a business relationship.

Consistency and persistence is the key. For target marketing, give something of value (like calendar, recipe card, local school or football schedule) that won't be tossed so quickly.

"When This You See, Remember Me"

In Buying and Selling Real Estate, Your Agent Matters!

Patsy, good reveal on that past post. I needed that info. I'm sure it's close to the real deal. Time to send out more postcards.

Joslyn, You are memorable...it's just hard out there when you have a big reach like ReMax. I happen to work for an independent company, but I have still found that making their logo as small as legally possible is the only way to avoid confusion. I also HAVE to include my Broker's number for legal reasons. This is not what I want, but what can I do? I always say Call Direct: with my cell number.

Last year, I created a brand. I'm not sure if I like it yet, but it is something that I put on everything. It's different. It's not an identity as much as it is branding everything alike. I carry the colors and fonts throughout all of my materials. This way, when my envelopes or calendars or flyers come in the mail, it's from me...they can tell before they even open it up or turn over the postcard. Those are my colors and a style all my own.

Carol: I like the info on the 800 numbers. I've been thinking of adding one myself.

Hang in there and keep posting!

If you use a "call to action" on your flyers it will definitely help. People need a little guidance every now and then and this is a perfect example.

1. Use a coupon on your flyer -- THIS REALLY WORKS!

examples: Free Home Warranty ($300 value) for all buyers/sellers with this coupon that register by xx/xx/xxx

**This shows them exactly what they will get when they work with you, show them exactly who to ask for (put Compliments of Joslyn Panka ON THE CERTIFICATE!), and gives them an expiration date to make them not put it in their to do pile of papers. A good rule of thumb for expiration dates is no more than about 2 months from the distribution date.**

2. Use a special incentive for first 5 people to contact you (movie tickets to local theater, free flowers from florist, discount on realty services, discount with loan/settlement fees)

3. Use a website/blog on all advertisements. Have a lead capture system in place such as free information to be e-mailed, free e-newsletter sign-ups, etc.

4. Have a testimonial on your flyer

5. Use bright colored paper, bright yellow works the best to grab attention. You do not always have to go with the priciest full color advertisements to get the best return on your investment.

6. Have a professional look over your flyer for typos, odd layouts, missing info. Another set of eyes is great.

7. Have your contact info easy to find! All your telephone #'s, e-mail, blog/website.

Best of luck and I hope this helps!

You might have the same kind of restrictions that we have here. I have to put all of the broker info on any advertising I do. My name and number can't be bigger than the broker's. But, there are (sneaky) ways to get around that. One thing you CAN do here is watermark the Brokerage logo, and then solid print your own. The watermarked print will be larger, but will not be as noticeable.

It might be worth it to get a professional designer, familiar with agency law there, to design your basic flyer template.

SEP

2007

You're in this game for YOU.. So put YOU on the flyer. If your name isn't catchy, make a catchy phrase, paste your cell all over that flyer. If the flyers are working, all you need is the leads to be directed to you. You need to BE SELFISH.. it's your business!

MAR

2008

Embrace your name ~ it is who you are...although I do love Rhonda's slogan in the comments above! I am an incentive girl myself. People love free anything. If you really want a catchy phrase how about a Free Java from Josyln promo? Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts gift cards, or maybe bags of coffee w/ your label on it? You could combine it with your blog, Joslyn's Java Talk, or if you are not a coffee girl, Just the Juice by Joslyn.

Just my thoughts... wish I could come up with one for my name, Nancy, but nothing goes. My friends call me Na (rhymes with hay) but nothing goes with that either. Love the cats by the way!!!

MAR

2008

Hey Nancy

There are loads of things you could use with Kent.

For a Super Job call Superman's sister, Nancy Kent
You won't get bent with Nancy Kent
If you don't use Kent you can go get bent
Clark trusts me, so should you!

These are just a few off the cuff, I could go on and on.

MAR

2008

Thanks Gary! Those are great! You have a great name by the way! I love how GaryRocksRealEstate sounds!

Nancy

Thanks for commenting, For some reason I don't like the way it sounds. Perhaps its because its my name? Do you find the same thing with yours?

That must be the case because I am rather self-conscious about stuff I do for me as well. I am great at helping others, but when it comes to myself, it is a whole different story. Don't know why I get so nervous because it definitely isn't a self esteem thing ( I really like me!) ~ I think it might be an afraid of failure thing. Or maybe I am just scared I will look like a goof?! Who knows!?

No, you don't need to change your name. You are unique... If you are worried about it, just use your first name and make it BIGGER than RE/MAX. It sounds like your advertising is company heavy. Unless you are getting the checks, I don't see how you think it benefits you that other agents are getting the business you have worked so hard for. Also, maybe try knocking on the doors once in a while instead of just dropping.

I'd recommend offering some sort of incentive if they ask for you personally. Maybe pay for a home warranty, house cleaning, or some other real estate related cost... BUT ONLY IF THEY ASK HIRE YOU AND MENTION THE FLYER... maybe they need to present the flyer to receive the benefit. Also, I'd be sure to put your PERSONAL (cell phone or desk phone) number on all your marketing materials. This way, YOU get the call. Good luck.

APR

2008

Michael - I'm going to try to rework them to be VERY selfish... hopefully it will work out! I have to work around all those franchise rules...

Nancy - I love my cats, too... and isn't Gary amazing? He should start a business helping people with slogans!

Sandra - Unfortunately, RE/MAX has to be as big or bigger than our name... I wish I could solve it that easily. I also do try some door knocking, but in our rural area, you risk having a door open and a gun pointed at your head... especially with all the foreclosures.

Katherine - I think that's a good idea... I'll have to think of something really good!

Just a quick thought after reading your post - Don't change your name, maybe just your slogan/motto to "Talk to Jo, Your One Way Ticket to Sold!" or similar BIG on your flyers/letters? Jo is quick and easy and this ties into your slogan. Then the transition to Joslyn (although it doesn't sound a lot like Jo) won't be hard and your co-agents will know it's you (fill them in on the Jo part!).

Just trying to think outside the box to get you the most follow throughs - obviously you have great marketing materials and they work (for someone in your office...!). Have you gotten any referrals from your co-agents since your flyers brought them a buyer/seller?!

APR

2008

Forget about remax and focus your efforts on you and only you. Make the Remax so small that it is not noticed, but it complies with the rules.

Nicole - You have a great idea there. I'm going to try some new stuff this summer, and that might be the way to go. I'll definitely have to see what I can come up with!

Bronson - I wish it were that easy, but it's against RE/MAX International rules... :(

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