Lisa Hill personal brochureDo you have a personal brochure? Considering the fact that in my area I’ve only seen a total of about 5 in the last 13 years, I’m going to assume your answer is “no”. So my next question is, “why not”?

If you’re concerned about the expense, I can assure you, it’s less costly than you might think, considering you can create them yourself and print them on tri-fold, glossy brochure paper. (I've scanned in the front of mine to the right.)

I’ve purchased my HP tri-fold, glossy brochure paper from Office Depot and from eBay. I buy many items on eBay, but this is one I do not recommend. Several times I’ve ended up with paper that was not scored properly, or had been cut unevenly. Basically, it's defective but even the sellers don't know it. It's not marked anywhere on the box. So stick with buying it in the office supply stores. It's only $29.95 for 100 sheets.

Depending on your printer, the ink may not cost as much as you think. The printer I have now, which is an HP 7210, all-in-one printer, copier, scanner & fax, seems to use a lot more ink than my previous printer which was an HP Deskjet 950C. The Deskjet 950C could print over 100 double-sided brochures with one ink cartridge. And you do not have to use the high ink volume setting. It actually looks better at the standard setting. Since the paper is glossy, when you print with too much ink, it can bleed. As for the cost of ink, I just bought a 3 pack (1 black, 2 color) at Sam's Club for $79.95. Trust me when I tell you that Sam's Club sells the most affordable ink! Again, I do not recommend buying ink on eBay. You can't tell how much ink is actually in the container and you may get ripped off on what you thought was a great deal.

You can create your brochure with Microsoft Publisher. On my brochure, you may recognize the Publisher template, but I made plenty of changes. I get many compliments on this brochure. No one can ever believe I created and print these myself. They always think I had them professionally done. I always include them in my buyer presentation folders and I give them to potential sellers. I sometimes leave them for FSBO's too. I do not however, hand them out as much as I do my business cards. For one thing, they larger and can get ruined, since they don't fit into a wallet. I keep them in my briefcase though, which is usually in the car, so they are handy if I knock on a door.

If you don't know what to print on your brochure, just start with what you have. You're not going to create the entire project in one sitting anyway. You need to take your time, gather ideas, and let your creative juices flow. I filled mine with my photos, testimonials, company logo, web sites, experience, Lisa Hillpersonal bio, etc.... You do have a bio don't you? *sigh* That's another post.

So now let's look at the total expense. From a time perspective, yes, you're going to initially spend a few hours creating it. But you'll also be able to make changes whenever you want. That's a huge plus! As for materials, it costs me less than $1.00 per brochure. That's a double-sided, tri-fold, glossy brochure. There's no way you're going to get someone else to do this for you for less than that. And you won't have to worry about printing them in bulk, then getting a new photo, adding a new designation, changing brokerages, etc. You change and print as you go.

It’s all about finding ways to position yourself ahead of the competition. This is just one more way to do that. So what are you waiting for? Get moving!

Update: I have another post with information about HOW I use this brochure

 
Post is included in group: Gadgets, Tools, & Extras
Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You
Post is included in group: Out Of The Box!
Post is included in group: Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors
Post is included in group: Marketing for Cheapskates

111 Comments on Marketing You! Do you have a personal brochure?

AUG
14
2007
404,866 Points 21 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Lisa, Thanks for sharing.  I have been wanting to do a brochure forever and it is one of those things that I keep putting to the back burner.  I have microsoft publisher, I know my husband would help me put it together.  I just need to do it!!!

So what do you have on the rest of your brochure?  I think part of what has been stopping me is that I;m just not sure where to begin.

4:28pm • #1
1 Featured Post

Lisa,

Great Blog...I was actually thinking about doing this and working on one in Publisher.  Thanks!!!

4:36pm • #2
8 Featured Posts Outside Blog
My personal brochure, to this point, has been my business card.  Expanding upon that...not a bad idea, might have to look into it.
4:44pm • #3
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Marchel- I have a different photo of me on the inside, a couple of testimonials, my bio, our company logo, the List with Lisa house that's also in this post, my Mission Statement, a little section called Lisa's Thoughts on Marketing, my Smart Choice logo, etc.  And I know what you mean. We usually just have to get started!

Jeannette- Good luck! 

4:44pm • #4
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Kaushik- You'll be surprised how impressed your clients will be!
4:45pm • #5
477,401 Points 151 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Lisa....  that is a very well done and nice brochure. I had one from a while back. I am thinking about doing one based on this blog that I wrote several months ago.  Mortgages : How would you like your mortgage served to you?   thanks for sharing your brochure. And some good pointers....

jeff belonger

10:12pm • #7
276,988 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Lisa - Looking good! Can you share what he remainder of your brochure contains? Where and how do you distribute them?
11:00pm • #8
AUG
15
2007
257,279 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Lisa - I do have a personal brochure - it is one of those tools Rick Deluca presses to his attendees - it was one of the first things I created when I became a REALTOR® and now my need is to update it after reading your post... great info for everyone - way to go
1:19am • #9
393,080 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Lisa, Good post. I have been thinking of a personal brochure for a long time. I do have a one page resume typed in word. But never got around to making a brochure. Thanks for the tips.I will try to make it using Publisher.
5:24am • #10
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Vanessa- Glad to hear it! It definitely gives you a professional edge.

Jeff- I've had mine for several years. I just updated it when necessary.

Gary- When I meet with buyers, I give the a folder with my brochure and some other information. I may have to blog about my buyer presentation folder. I also have a seller's folder. The brochure goes into that folder, along with my marketing materials and CMA. 

My brochure also has testimonials, my mission statement, a couple of other photos of me, our company logo, the List with Lisa house logo that's in this post, a section called Lisa's Thoughts on Marketing, and my bio. 

10:48am • #11
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Thesa- Good job on having the professional edge!

Gita- Just start with what you have. I can't say that Publisher is "easy" for creating brochures, but I took my time creating mine, and tweaked it until it was what I wanted.

 

10:50am • #12
AUG
17
2007
Your brochure looks great Lisa.  I have been working on mine lately and it's almost finished.  I'll share it when it is complete.
6:44am • #13
Great ideas! I've been meaning to do this for quite a while and I think I've finally been motivated to get it done. Thanks!
8:04am • #14
Great Idea. I have a brochure that I designed and created. As a Real Estate Virtual Assistant they are quite handy because many people do not know what we do or how we can assist other real estate professionals. Brochures provide enough information about you to your clients and potential clients, without them having to go to the internet. And we all know that if for some reason, their internet is slow, they will move on to something else. Great Post.
8:51am • #15
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Karen- Thanks and I look forward to seeing the finished product.

Jeffery- Good luck!

Courtney- You should post a blog about your ability to do this for people.

12:52pm • #16
Thank you very much for sharing, I have one from my old company, but I never got around to updating it with my new info...it is now on my to do list.
11:27pm • #17
AUG
18
2007
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Shane- I hope it turns out great!
11:06am • #18
AUG
19
2007
1 Featured Post
I just redid all of my marketing tools-flyers, business cards etc.  Everything now matches. I really like the idea of brochures, I have them in my listing and buyer packets.
1:43am • #19
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Penny- I keep a common theme in all my marketing materials too. I always use the orange color, my Smart Choice logo, blue lettering or borders.
11:27am • #20

Thank you for sharing, Lisa. This is something that has been on my to-do list. Thanks for giving me added motivation.

diva sig

 

 

10:04pm • #21
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog
LaShon- Good luck. I hope it turns out well =)
10:50pm • #22
AUG
20
2007
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Courtney- It's worth it! Twice this week, I've had client's ask me for more since they had been so impressed, they gave them to their friends.
8:28pm • #24
18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Lisa,

I had brochures and used them at the Public Open houses. I saw people actually read it. I wander if they have longer shelf life then the business cards. They are larger and may be people would not through them out as easily as a card. My ols ones were done in Word with my picture, but I will re-do them based on your post. Thanks.

9:38pm • #25
AUG
21
2007
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Faina- If you give them to buyers when you first meet them, you can refer to things that are in the brochure while you're looking at houses. Sometimes they'll read it in the car while we're driving around, and ask questions about my bio. It's a way of finding some common interests and conversation points.

 

12:13am • #26
Outside Blog
I just finished mine and don't know why I waited so long. Not many agents in my area have one. And the ones that I have seen aren't that great. I hired a writer thru www.elance.com and a graphic designer then I had them printed locally and it turned out beautifully.  The brochure looks very professional and I have received so many comments and positive input. When I hand one to a potential client they are very impressed and often comment that they have not seen an agent that has a brochure.  It definitely sets me apart. Angelica Blatt
8:37pm • #27
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Angelica- That's great! I'm glad to hear about your positive responses!
8:41pm • #28
Lisa, I am working on one now.  We have to brand ourselves!! 
9:25pm • #29
SEP
02
2007
Thanks Lisa!  You are inspiring me to gt working!  Keep up the good work!
12:38am • #31
SEP
03
2007
1 Featured Post
Yes I do and I love it.  I just recently changed all of my marketing to match (I am trying to "brand" myself) and I am having a great time doing it.  I love my brochures, post cards, business cards, every thing.  I think they seem to tell people that I am professional-my marketing looks more organized.
12:16am • #33
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Penny- I agree. Professional presentation goes a long way!
11:13am • #34
SEP
08
2007

Lisa.... once again you've shown how to set yourself apart from the competition..... at very little cost.

I've been using personally produced brochures for years. Once you have completed the initial set up.... changes are easy.

If you are using MS Publisher check out all of the templates that you can use to blow your competition away.

have Fun

Alan 

9:09pm • #35
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Alan- Publisher does indeed have plenty of great templates that make it easy to get started.
9:23pm • #36

Great post!   You are so right about the importance.  It builds credibility.  Credibility is really the goal to getting the clients confidence in you as their agent.   The details including the prices of the items are also very helpful...beyond the call of duty!  Thanks for the wonderful post!

Karen Hedrick

9:40pm • #37
SEP
17
2007

I created my brochure a month ago, and I used publisher. Then I found a great printing company in my area, and they printed (100) GLOSSY, FULL COlOR, 2-SIDED, and even FOLDED my brochures for $50.

The colors are so much better on my printed ones. I scanned this in and it looks faded, Sorry.

BROCHURE

11:19pm • #39
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Nicole- It looks beautiful! Good job and thanks for sharing =)
11:35pm • #40
SEP
19
2007

The posted brochures look really great! Well done. I just wanted to let you know that RE Virtual Assistants can help design very catchy brochures, postcards, etc, as well. Lisa: I also LOVE your Meez Avatar!

 Tip: the more informative and personal a brochure is, and the more targeted to your niche and/or farm area, the better it will serve you. A few FAQs are a great idea too!

A VA can help!
7:49pm • #41
PS That previous comment on using a VA was from me :-)
7:51pm • #42
454,310 Points 50 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I was just searching this topic and this is on my to-do list. Now that I am my own brokerage firm that spells excellent quality, I feel I need a personal brochure to my collection.
9:42pm • #43
454,310 Points 50 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I was just searching this topic and this is on my to-do list. Now that I am my own brokerage firm that spells excellent quality, I feel I need a personal brochure to my collection.
9:49pm • #44

Lisa,

I"d love to see your brochure, it looks great!!!. Can you email it or scan it to me. buyandsellGOLFhomes@gmail.com

Iv'e been thinking about doing one for  a LONG time, and seeing this blog will get me to do it!!! I"m at buyandsellGOLFhomes@gmail.com Then, You can keep me accountable and I'll send you mine.
I get my business card, postcards, etc from www.vistaprint.com. Every week, they email me FREE offers, and getting 25 free brochures is one of their promotions at different times. GO to this link, and you'll get 20% off (and I get credit)..then you'll start getting ALL the promotions all the time. 

http://www.vistaprint.com/frf?frf=336282368959

THen, you just stock up...can't beat FREE!!

Jeannette Kohlhaas Keller Williams REalty

9:54pm • #45
SEP
20
2007
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Taryn- Thanks for the info. If I had to start from scratch right now, I certainly wouldn't have the time and would be looking for help.

Loreena- I feel very strongly about this one. It sets you apart from the "herd" in the most professional way. 

12:48am • #46

Getting feedback on your brochure is vital to its success.  Before you print a big batch, have a few people proofread it and give you constructive criticism.  Sometimes I am amazed by the elements that my "editors" place importance on.  I also use publisher. 

Lisa, I love your idea about marketing you in your brochure (rather than just the agency or a specific listing).  It seems that to be successful in this industry, it is all about personality and professionalism!  Your brochure certainly reflects both!

1:40am • #47
SEP
23
2007

Thanks for this post. I have been wanting to make a brochure for a long time, but didn't know exactly what I was supposed to put into.

 

10:37pm • #48
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Crystal- Publisher works for a lot of marketing.

Edith- It took me a while to figure out the program (it's been a few years) but once I did, it became a pillar of my marketing plan. 

11:25pm • #49
NOV
05
2007
5 Featured Posts
Instead of the tri-fold with filler, I have condensed my brochure to a two sided bookmark style format. Basically I used the trifold brochure layout, but copied the same information 3 times for side A and then more info for side B. Once printed I can cut one sheet into 3 brochures. Alot of the same visual effect, 1/3 the cost. Just an idea...
10:43am • #51
wow, thats great...in fact im jumping off the web and on to publisher.thanks
1:30pm • #52
NOV
12
2007
7 Featured Posts
I bought the HP Real Estate Assistant Software and I used it to make my brochures.  I love the software.  I can also plug in property information and have an instant array of marketing materials. 
5:45pm • #53
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Kim- I've won that software twice now, but never used it. I just recently won another HP contest, so I'll be getting the newest edition soon. I'll have to check it out.
9:53pm • #54
NOV
23
2007
1 Featured Post
Good post! I love Publisher and use it for all sorts of things- brochures, flyers, newsletters... I do like to use VistaPrint for my brochures too. Generally you can order 25 of them for free and just pay the shipping. It does cost a little to upload your photo but once you have it in your file, you can use it the next time with no fee.
1:29pm • #55
465,761 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog
great blog here.  I also enjoyed reading through the comments.  Thanks
3:04pm • #56
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Melissa- It's a great program!

Donald- The comments are half the fun =) 

5:09pm • #57
NOV
26
2007
Vistaprint has a special-25 brochures for free.  I'm going to try them and see if they work.  I just have to figure out what I want to put on them and find time to do it!
9:00pm • #58
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Jennifer- That was a big original problem for me too. And now I have to revamp it every so often.
9:20pm • #59
JAN
18
2008
Outside Blog
I love using Publisher and I've messed with their brochure program. I don't know why I've never created a brochure (laziness maybe?) but I'm going to put it on my list to do. Your brochure looks great and Nicole who commented above, her brochure looks great too!
11:25am • #60
JAN
23
2008
154,442 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router
Great post, thanks for sharing your tips.
7:19pm • #61
FEB
01
2008
Lisa, I think it's a great idea to have a "general services" brochure, as well as ones targeted to various markets.  I don't have the patience to print them out myself, so I upload them to Vista PrintThis link takes you to a page on their site where you can save 25% on printing. 
10:35pm • #62
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Jackie- I know about Vista Print. But I usually only need to print a few at a time. It's cheaper and easier to just do it myself.
11:16pm • #63
FEB
25
2008
3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
You read my mind. On my newest "to do" list is DESIGN PERSONAL BROCHURE"!
10:31pm • #64
MAR
11
2008
tHANK YOU FOR THE GOOD IDEA AS A NEW AGENT I NEED ALL THE HELP I CAN GET
4:52pm • #66

I am glad to see Realtors marketing themselves with a personal brochure.  Every business needs one for professionalism and credibility.  I just finished designing one for a realtor...my agency spent some time developing content and getting good pictures and graphics.  Don't underestimate the power of a professionally design and written piece...sometimes it's the extra step that sets you apart.

PS.  Publisher is a great program...highly recommended.

Chris Mitchell 

25-8 Marketing, Inc. 

6:50pm • #67
2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router
This has been on my to do list for a while now and you've now inspired me to get it on the done list. 
9:16pm • #68
1 Featured Post
Lisa - Nice post.  I have a brochure that I prepared for my personal marketing and I also created a brochure that can be used to market my listings.  I usually have them available at my open houses.  I could also attach them to property info sheets in my property brochure boxes.
10:16pm • #69
MAR
12
2008
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Dee- Congratulations! You're now way ahead of most of your peers =)

Bart- I spent a LOT of time on mine. And it still requires updating. It's on ongoing project. But everything about this business is like that.

Chris-  Be careful with your comments. You're OK here, but AR definitely frowns upon those who promote themselves in other people's comment sections.

Connie- Good luck!

Lynn- That's a great idea! If I had any extra time, I might do that. Maybe I'll shelf the idea for a later date, when I have more extra time =) 

4:22pm • #70
1 Featured Post

We have a 16 page 8.5x11 brochure (four 11x17 sheets stapled in the middle).  It allows us to say everything that we want to say about our team and what we do for both buyers and sellers.  We are really happy that we took the time to produce it. 

John H.

11:05pm • #71
APR
02
2008
I've thought about doing this before but never went anywhere with it.  A few people in my office have them, and I think I am going to make it a point to ask them how they use theirs, what's in it, and what it has done for them.  You've given me something to think about! Thanks!
6:37pm • #72
APR
14
2008
I recently attended a Hobbs-Herder seminar and they really promoted the personal brochure. I love the idea and hope to have my together in the near future. Thanks for reinforcing my belief that it is a great marketing tool!
8:41pm • #73
Outside Blog
I love my brochure and always receive nice compliments on it when I hand it out or it is picked up somewhere. I also feel that it helps me stand out in my market place and I highly recommend it. Angelica
9:07pm • #74
JUN
18
2008

I would like to look into getting some of these as well.  I don't have publisher but that is an easy fix.  Great post.

9:34am • #75
JUL
07
2008
145,922 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I used Hobbs Herder many years ago and they created some amazing marketing pieces for me including a special 7 inch by 7 inch personal brochure.  If you hire a top end firm to do your design and printing be prepared to spend some serious money but also be prepared to gain tons of new business if you play your cards right and providing you do a big promotion.  If I had to choose between designing a personal brochure or designing postcards I would select the postcards...but the power is created when you combine all marketing with a common theme.  Happy Selling!   

7:31pm • #76
Localism Sponsor

I just sprung for the Hobbs Herder Package after twenty years of designing my own stuff. I also still use Microsoft publisher 2007 prior to that I used Publisher 98 for 9 years. I have to admit I never could have written the brochure that Hobs Herder did I am very happy with it.

8:57pm • #77
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sam & Jerome- I actually used all of Hobbs Herders ideas and did it myself. I decided to save my money ;)

9:39pm • #78
JUL
24
2008
3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Great idea -- I also like the one about the "bookmark" brochure that someone mentioned.  I have a package that I pull together for new buyers that I meet with this would be an excellent add-on.  Thank you for the info!

11:50am • #79
3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Great idea -- I also like the one about the "bookmark" brochure that someone mentioned.  I have a package that I pull together for new buyers that I meet with this would be an excellent add-on.  Thank you for the info!

11:50am • #80

Thanks for posting this. Every small business owner (including Realtors) should have a brochure-- It shows professionalism.

11:59am • #81
3 Featured Posts

I bought a guillotine paper cutter on ebay, and with my Lanier 126 laser, I get GREAT printing, and clean cutting.  MS Pub is good for most people

7:50pm • #82
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Greg- Guillotine? LOL I've never heard a paper cutter referred to that way before, but it makes perfect sense! =P

9:27pm • #83
404,866 Points 21 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Lisa, I want you to know that almost a year later I FINALLY made myself a personal brochure.  I noticed I was the first to respond to this post but I only finished the brochure a few weeks ago.  It only took me one afternoon; after years of putting it off.  So how have you been using yours?

9:32pm • #84
JUL
26
2008
145,922 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Lisa - My view of Hobbs Herder is wider than simply ideas and design specialists.  The creative writing talent and their survey alone helped them tap into my market so that the marketing pieces they created tied me to my community.  I am sure there are some real estate agents who can do it but my specialty is listing and selling real estate.  My total bill with Hobbs Herder was roughly one real estate transaction but the long term benefit of their product still continues to benefit even years  later.  Dennis L was my creative designer and he is amazing.

9:57pm • #85
JUL
28
2008

I love this - an agent at my office just did one and it looks great - I will have to experiment with my Publisher program. Thanks!

7:51pm • #86
JUL
30
2008

I just made one for myself but it ended up costing more than I thought it would to print it at the store.  I took everything to them on disk and their operating system was 03 v/s 07.  As a result, they had to cut and paste to recreate the brochure and insisted on charging me a $15 set up fee.

9:43pm • #87
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Latonia- I can't believe THEY had the outdated system, so YOU had to pay more. Geez. But like I said, I print my own. That way I can tweak them whenever I feel like it.

11:13pm • #88
JUL
31
2008

OK I have put this  off long enough. I need to get my brochure done. I  am now off to look at how you use them ..

3:10pm • #89
SEP
29
2008

I know you can buy brochure not just the paper on ebay.

Nicole- I was wondering where you got the 100 brochures for $50.

Want to share?

Thanks,

Brenda

6:10pm • #90
NOV
05
2008
332,935 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I have a personal brochure.  It's actually something I went all out on and enjoy using it as a great marketing tool.

1:04am • #91
DEC
04

Lisa,

Having a personal brochure should be a necessary tool to have - just as important as a business card. Great tips and wow, look at all the comments! I'm going to revise mine shortly - Carla

11:36pm • #92
DEC
05
404,866 Points 21 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Lisa, I finallly broke down and made myself a personal brochure.  I'm pleased with how it turned out but I forget to use it.  How have you been using yours or are you still using it?

8:15am • #93
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Marchel,  I use it in my listing presentation... it gets left with the sellers since I know my competition doesn't have one.

And when I 1st meet with buyers, I give them a folder with the listings we'll be seeing that day, other listings they may want to see later, a printout of all the local phone companies, water departments (per city), electric companies, etc. They also get a list of title companies, mortgage brokers, lenders, and miscellaneous home needs, and of course, my brochure on the top of everything in the file.

9:11am • #94
DEC
21

Great ideas everyone!  I'm excited to get htis project under way and start using it!!

12:12am • #95
DEC
30

I started mine quite some time ago. Guess it's time to finish it. Thanks for the inspiration!  

8:10am • #96

I decided to do a book. I hand it to Realtors, Attorneys, Financial Planners, Appraisers, and people in my Sphere of Influence. It cost me $8 per book.

What's in it you ask  ?

1st time home buyer tips, letters to the specific person giving them tips, testimonials, flyer's, mortgage information, how my company & I differ from the competition, and finally the mission statement of my company along with my own personal mission statement. 

12:22pm • #97
JAN
19

Years ago, during the flurry of real estate, a co-worker and I decided to do HobbsHerder. Not for the faint of heart or wallet- VERY expensive.

I decided to do it because everytime I made a flyer, I was recreating myself. Everytime I made anythingprint, I was recreating myself. Also, because I am kinda a down-home professional, meaning I am just as comfortable in jeans and garden shoes as high heels and a suit, clients might find me at the store in my grubbies and assume I wasn't professional.

So I did it. After a 25 page questionaire that started with "tell me about your life starting at age 15"

(honestly, I don't want to tell anyone about my life until about 22! but I did!)

They created a great presentation of who I am. They wove my story beautifully on how every one of my experiences lead to creating a better agent in me. When I opened the final project, I truely felt they had "nailed it"

It has been the best money I have spent on my business.

2:23pm • #98
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Shari- I'm familiar with Hobbs Herder. They did a presentation at our office a few years ago. I actually used their advice and methods to create my brochure. BTW, this is an old post. I've changed a LOT of things in my brochure since I posted this. But I don't recreate myself. That was never a problem for me. If anything, I want to make sure I draw to myself, the kinds of people who will be comfortable working with me, and vice versa. So I want to be very clear about who I am =)  But you're right in your implications (I think it's what you were implying) and the amount of work invovled in diggin into yourself. As I said in the post, a friend of mine wrote the entire first draft for me. It really is hard to really "see" and describe yourself. But once I got the description from a fellow REALTOR and really good friend, (who did an excellent job of describing me!) it helped me with all future bio's.

7:24pm • #99
JAN
22

What a great way to put yourself a step ahead of the competition.

10:40pm • #100
FEB
05
117,965 Points 1 Featured Post

Lisa, I have worked with my broker on developing a brochure for our small office.  We were about 90% complete and then we all just sort of dropped the ball.  I think it's time to pick it back up again and finish the project.  Thanks.

4:51pm • #101
FEB
12

I am in the process of updating my brochure and will added to my website.  My advertisement frinzy has been keeping me motivated.

7:59pm • #102
MAR
13

I am designing mine now and using Vista Print--the prices are really good.

11:35am • #103
MAR
17
1 Featured Post

Wonderful reminder to get back to the basics.  I haven't thought about my personal brochure in years.  I really lloved Syheri Weber's comment explaining how HobbsHerder created her marketing.  Sam Miller's comments were also very informative about HobbsHerder.  What a lively post with so many contributors.  Thank you for writing this!

6:08pm • #104
MAR
20

What a great idea!  I've been making up flyers, but this is a much better idea!  And I guess it wouldn't cost me so much because I would do them in black and white, seeing as I'm marketing as RetroRealtor, and I find that black & white sort of works with that image.  (Ok, so maybe it's just me, but I like it!).  Thanks for sharing!!!

12:40pm • #105
MAR
29

And here I thought brochures were oh so 20th Century. But, maybe it is time to re-look at it, because if no one else is using them, then I'd be able to stand out from the crowd.

12:02pm • #106
APR
22

Brochures are a must have in my mind.  They might take a while to set up the first time, but after that they are great.  You can make small changes and always keep yours up to date.  I work with Professional Virtual Tours, a Real Tour Vision Client in Fairfield County CT. We make it a policy to give each one of our new Realtors a personalized brochure for them whenever they become a client of ours.  This is our little gift to them and they seem to love it.  The nice thing about these is we get to put a small little ad of ourselfs as well.  Brochures are helping get us into other realtors eyes as well as help our clients get more listings, which gives us more tours to shoot.  Brochures are a must have, especially when you need an edge over the competion.  Thank you!

7:21am • #107
MAY
08

I made a book. It has my mission statement, the company mission statement, a bio on myself, and lots of information for buyers and sellers.

Do's & Don'ts, Buying bank owned property, testimonials, and some fliers I have made in the past. 

2:18pm • #108
JUL
13
126,719 Points

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for your post and all the information & tips.  Great post!  It's time for me to start putting one together!  Thank you for sharing!

Rita

 

11:50pm • #109
JUL
14
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Rita- I've redone mine several times. I should probably update this post =/

12:33am • #110
OCT
30
Outside Blog

Hi Lisa.  With the advance of technolgy, I am moving to my personal brochure being a video that can be on my blog, on YouTube, my website, or just a link in an e-mail.  Cheap, easy, and effective.

1:42am • #111
396,955 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Rick- I already have a video on my web site, as well as several others, but in our area, I've discovered that most people will only look at what I actually put in their hands. They're often perusing it as we talk.. which gives me the opportunity to pick their brains a little bit longer ;-)

4:59pm • #112

This blog does not allow anonymous comments

 
Family_sitting4-cropped-darker Rainmaker_large

Lisa Hill (Daytona Beach Real Estate)

Daytona Beach, FL

More about me…

Adams Cameron and Company

Address: 1100 Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange, FL, 32127

Office Phone: (386) 761-6100

Email Me

Areas Served: Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, Wilbur by the Sea, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, South Daytona, Holly Hill, New Smyrna, Edgewater, Florida Shores.

www.LisaHillRealtor.com

hit counter Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape

DISCLAIMER: Lisa Hill disclaims liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect that may result from use of or reliance on, information contained in her blogs or for accuracy of comments or opinions of visitors to her blogs.

Meez 3D avatar avatars games



Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find FL real estate agents and Daytona Beach real estate on ActiveRain.