How do you distinguish yourself from the hundreds of other brokers (agents) in your area?

There have been many changes in the real estate industry throughout the years when it comes to marketing techniques and how we get our name out there and how we distinguish ourselves from our competition.


Century 21 has those little gold name tags their brokers used to wear (actually they still wear them today but I'll never figure out why) and I've never seen one but I hear they even have a gold jacket they give you if you sell enough real estate; something I'll bet Tiger Woods doesn't have...

Re/Max has their signature hot air balloon;

and Bloodhound Realty has their Bloodhound.


Have you considered how things have changed over the years?


Then: Professional resume on company letterhead
Now: Active Rain profile


Then: Fancy marketing flyer with picture, bullet-points, logo, phone number
Now: Custom Website


Then: 1 Gallon Mums to show your appreciation to your listing clients
Now: Free Segway Personal Transport device


Then: Broadcast Faxes
Now: Email Blasts


Then: Rolodex
Now: Agent Office


Then: Open house on Sunday afternoon
Now: Occasionally an open house on Sunday Afternoon
Someday will replace the open house: Virtual Tours


Then: Television commercials
Now: Podcasts


Now: Blogging
Then: What did we do back then???


I'm sure there are others that I have missed but you get the point... And yes there are companies that are going to stick with the old ways but unfortunately these companies aren't going to make it much longer...

What are some of the other ways you see the real estate industry changing in your area?