It's Time to Go Public...

Company Recognition...
For any new product or company, the most important and sometimes difficult thing there is to do is develop brand recognition or awareness.  The public (your future clients) need to know who you are, where you're located and what you do that is different from every other real estate company out there.  This is not always the easiest thing to do, not because you do not have anything great to offer, but because it is extremely expensive.  Some of the most effective name recognition tools are radio spots, television ads and attractive newspaper posts.  These cost a lot!  Anyone starting a new company can not be expected to shell out $12,000 for a radio commercial or $15,000 for a television ad campaign.  It isn't easy.  How can you achieve effective company awareness without spending a mint?  It's a little something called Public Relations.

Community Reach...
Some of the most profitable companies in the world have spent millions of dollars on public relation campaigns to increase company recognition, brand awareness and the public's view about the organization.  You don't need to spend millions.  Matter-of-fact you don't even need to spend hundreds.  Look into what is going on in your community.  See if there is something that you could do to help.  A little donation can go a long way.  You can submit a press release to local newspapers (FOR FREE).  Name recognition at the price of a donation, not bad huh? 

Go a step further...organize an event.  This could be a coloring contest for children, slush give-away at a youth center, a booth give-away at a community fair.  You can organize a cancer or diabetes walk.  The possibilities are limitless.  It may cost you a little bit for prizes, tee shirts, slush, etc...but you gain more brand recognition than any newspaper advertisement ever will.  Not only are you getting the press release in the paper, but you are giving something back to the community.  The parents of those kids that win the contest, or club members that eat slush or walkers who walk miles for a good cause will remember what you have done for the community and you can build your company in the long run.  It is just something to consider. 

Coming up with new public relation events is the best part of my job.  I love thinking of new ways to give back the community while building up the company at the same time.  It works.  Even if all you receive is a "thank you" to begin with...you never know what those two little words will turn into later on.  Hope this is of a help to some of you. 

Until Next Week...

Alex