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You Never Know When or Where You Will Meet Your Next Contact

By
Home Stager with Staged 2 Sell New York & Long Island

Every morning I have a habit of stopping into my neighborhood Deli for a 20 oz. Green Tea and 2 Hard-Boiled Eggs.  The last few mornings, I have noticed that a gentleman always comes in around the same time as I, and yesterday we shared a discussion about the virtues of bi-focal contact lenses vs. having reading glasses all over the house and in the car.

This morning he arrived a few minutes after I, and we exchanged a ‘hello'.  He immediately asked me for a business card.  I guess that my surprised expression led him to quickly explain that he is a columnist for "Long Island Business News" and that he writes about Real Estate.  He said that he would like to contact me to discuss Home Staging with relation to the Real Estate market of today.  We agreed to talk more and went our separate ways.

As I drove away, I realized that you just never know when you will run into someone who may one day impact your business.  It is so important that we always look our best and when we leave our home, we need to always launch into ‘business mode'...even on weekends!  Think about it -  you can make new contacts just about anywhere that you go!

Oh, and it goes without saying, always carry some of your business cards with you!

Staged 2 Sell NY Business Card

Comments(26)

Kimberly Uksik
Independent - Pickering, ON
Home Stager - Durham, Toronto, On.

Name Tags?  Is this something you guys use when you are out and about?

~Kimberly~

May 30, 2007 02:44 AM
Terry Haugen STAGE it RIGHT! 321-956-2495
Stage it Right! - Melbourne, FL

Oh yeah Val, I've even handed them out my car window at someone sitting next to me at a traffic light.  And in a professional setting, whether at the paint store, the furniture store or in a networking setting, I always had that person  a business card when I introduce myself.

Terry Haugen - STAGE it RIGHT!

May 30, 2007 02:49 AM
Sandi Gerrard
Toronto, ON
I hope you get a great write-up, Val.
May 30, 2007 04:04 AM
Kathy Nielsen
http://atlantahomestaging.net - Marietta, GA
Atlanta Georgia Home Stager

I just met a broker while pumping gas.  Fortunately, I had my magnet on my car and we exchanged business cards.  A week later we met at a Starbucks for coffee and lo and behold, he stops me in mid-presentation and has me follow him to his new development.  I now have a bid pending for two models and possibly a third.  You just never know......

Kathy 

 

May 30, 2007 04:14 AM
Michelle Minch
Moving Mountains Design Home Staging, Pasadena, CA - Los Angeles, CA
Home Staging Los Angeles and Orange County, CA
A man overheard me discussing the virtues of a certain home accessory at Ross Dress For Less last Friday. He asked for a business card. Turns out he was a Realtor that was shopping to accessorize a listing because he didn't know any Stagers. He called yesterday and we have an appointment later in the week.
May 30, 2007 04:15 AM
Shirley Parks
Sands Realty 210-414-0966 - San Antonio, TX
Broker, 210-414-0966, San Antonio TX Real Estate
You never know! My husband was in Home Depot yesterday shopping around the way guys can do (lol) and he noticed a lady selecting a "For Sale By Owner" sign. Since he is my assistant he ask if we should approach the lady. I said "sure" and I proceeded to introduce myself and she willingly accepted my business card. She stated she would like to try to sell on her own, but if she needs an agent she would call me since I was the first to contact her. We will see what happens. I do have her number for follow-up.
May 30, 2007 07:38 AM
Mike Berrios
Integrity Home Finance - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
CMPS, CMA, CLA
Very true.  Someones apprearance or the car they drive have no indication of who the person really is.  The secret is the Golden Rule.  You never know who can make your next payday or life term friend.
May 30, 2007 08:33 AM
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com
I agree, you just never know. Be ready and hand out those cards.
May 30, 2007 01:15 PM
Carol Smith
Casmi Photography - Mebane, NC
I have met a few investor clients in the local Lowes.  Invariably I wind up in a conversation about lumber, door types, best techniques for rehabbing, etc. and Voila! I have a new client.  But I have to admit I am not usually 'dressed for success' in Lowes.  It's usually jeans, tshirt, sneakers and no makeup!  LOL  Oh well - they need my services, not my picture!
May 30, 2007 02:23 PM
Lynette Lawson
Starlight Design - Yucaipa, CA
Inland Empire, CA Home Staging

I have found that the more you talk to people while you are out and about, the better chances of meeting your next client. I agree, always carry cards on you.

Lynette

May 30, 2007 04:49 PM
Dominick Gaccino
Dominick gaccino - Peekskill, NY

I agree you do NEVER KNOW who and where

 

I actually just wrote a similar post in past few days

 

Always have those business cards ready

 

DOMINICK GACCINO

First Suffolk Mortgage Corp

914-391-2388

www.dgaccinohomeloans.com

May 30, 2007 05:15 PM
Maureen Maureen
Orangeburg, NY
Val - This is also why you should always go out looking decent. Some days if I met someone in the AM getting my morning coffee after dropping the kids off at school they would not want to talk to me. ;)
May 31, 2007 12:08 AM
Gina Dougherty
Fusion Design Consulting - Redondo Beach, CA
Home Staging Redondo Beach, CA- FusionDesignConsulting.com
That is such a great story and a reminder that we always need to have business cards handy.  Congratulations on a great contact and marketing opportunity!
May 31, 2007 04:27 AM
Christine Craig
Designology Interior Design - Santa Barbara, CA
Allied ASID & NKBA
Congrats Val and I couldn't agree more. I actually met one of my clients in Pottery Barn. She was asking the clerk for help in chosing window covering and the gal was of no help so I offered my opinion, she asked if I was a designer and the next day I was highered to do her Bed & Breakfast.
May 31, 2007 04:33 AM
Lisa Stevenson
United Country Westmark brokers LLC. - Montrose, CO

In this business you always have to be on the look out for new clients. If you want to be successful you have to introduce yourself to everyone around you. Don't take anybody for granted either, make sure your friends and family know your a Realtor too. Your next client could be your doctor, your brother, a person who saw your name badge in the store, or the next door you knock on. Your point is very well taken always be your best! Very true in this business.

May 31, 2007 08:35 AM
Julia Fedak
Platinum Home Designs - Burlington, ON
IRIS, CSP

That's great Val....and I absolutely agree with you in regards to ALWAYS carrying business cards with you.

I have made several contacts that way.

GOOD LUCK on the article!!!

Julia

May 31, 2007 11:53 AM
Anne Hensel
South Beaches Real Estate Professionals - Saint Petersburg, FL
Realtor - Broker - St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island

I agree with all of you

That is what real estate is all about, making contacts and talking to people

I have a "name tag"  to get my new agents started that says

'ASK ME"

works great

try it

May 31, 2007 03:35 PM
Karen Otto
Home Star Staging - Plano, TX
Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes
So true Val - everyone is a potential client and you never know who you might be talking to!
Jun 01, 2007 03:58 AM
Jeff R. Geoghan
Coldwell Banker Realty - Lancaster, PA
REALTOR, Marketing Manager
It's so cool when things happen that way - so "unforced"...
Jun 01, 2007 06:21 AM
Isabel Gomes
Gomes Design - London, ON
Interior Decorator, Stager - London, Ont
Things happen when you least expect it.
Jun 01, 2007 10:53 AM