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Recipe cards-Use them like your buisness card...

After posting my chocolate dipped sugar cookie recipe card I was inspired to write this,

Whenever I am holding open houses I make cookies, so I decided to print out recipe cards with the cookie recipe-what ever I am giving out- and print my information on the other side. I put them right next to the cookies, with the recipe side showing, of course, and let people know they can take one. Usually they do, and now they have my recipe and contact information. Just a cute, clever markting tip-well at least thats what I think. I am also starting to farm this way, but with the seasons I will send a recipe to match. Ex. I will send a pumpkin pie recipe in October, and a turkey recipe in November, etc. Its something different and its fun. Hey I would love to get things like this in the mail- I wouldn't throw it away, its something I would save.

I put a picture of the treat on one side and my picture on the other.
recipe recipe

Posted by Penny Florence on 09/06/2007 10:51 AM

Comments (83)

recipes, mailers, seasons, cookies

83 Comments on Recipe cards-Use them like your buisness card...

SEP

2007

Great Penny...I'm glad you posted this here!

This is so much better than those slick recipe cards that are out there. I'm sure that your contacts like the personal look of the cards and the fact that you actually baked these. Nice work.

Thanks for the great idea.

To be honest I love when my competition does things like this. It gives me the opportunity to tell them "If you would like to bake a cake call Molly, if you want to sell Real Estate call me." Not to knock on your marketing, I just find Real Estate only marketing is the best use of time and money.

Adam - I always heard "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" - or was it feed your enemy (here have a cookie)

Penny - I think if you offer food it is always good - provided the food is good - giving them the recipe card with your info on the back is a great idea. If they liked the cookies - they will keep the card and YOU. It is a memory jogger and in this busy world we often need to do an association to remember someone or something . No one ever forgets "The Cat Pee House"

Thanks Kathleen, I agree. When you really think about it how many people really hang on to just a business card you get in the mail-Don't get me wrong, I do send my business card as well and hand it out as often as I can, but I figured if they like the cookie they will hang on to the card. Thanks!

This is a wonderful idea! I am definately going to use it. Thank you so much for post it!

Penny........ any opportunity to differentiate yourself from your competition...... and to keep your name if front of people is a good thing....... keep on baking...... and giving out the recipes.

have Fun

Alan

Hi! If you were just mailing the cards out as farming pieces I'm not sure they'd have as much impact. But, since you take the time to bake the cookies for your open houses, it's a great way to capitalize on that step by having a friendly pile of recipe cards next to the plate. That way, if they like the cookie, they'll pick up the card and your contact info along with it. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to discover that when there's a "Lady of the House" she's typically the decision-maker on exactly which home is purchased for the family or couple. Welcome to AR!

Hi Penny, I love this idea for it's simplicity and usability which is why your post has been featured in the marketing group. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks everyone,

Maybe I am just thinking like a woman, but the cards are fun to make! and I always like getting something in the mail like this. Its not your typical "junk" mail.

I like the idea..........just not sure if it's me? I make a mean squash soup though! I'll think about it.

I like that idea i am going to give it a try.

I think that a great idea.. how was the feedback for the recipe cards...

I also use recipe cards instead of traditional cards. "As their Recipe Realtor I know what is really cooking in their neighborhood!" It was been a big hit in my area. I'm glad they work for you also.

I just started to do this within the last month, so I haven't had that much feed back, yet. I am focusing on a paticular farm area for 6 months to see how it goes. As for open houses people take them.

Thats a cute play on words. I like that.

SEP

2007

Good tip. I was wondering what kind of response you have received from the cards.

Great idea. This is a great way to get something in a customers hands that hopefully won't immediately end up in the trash bin.

Penny

This is a great idea! Every-one loves to cook and bake these days, hope it works well for you.

Great stuff! The great think about recipe cards is people don't throw them away. Every time that pull out that recipe, they'll see your face and contact and oh wait, "I need to sell my house, I'll call Penny".

I agree with Adam...I see post cards, and newsletters from other agents go out with recipes or the "free CMA" offer that bombard prospective clients and probably end up in the trash. I feel we are better off sending info regarding the benifits of our services, or what the market is actually doing verses how to cook something.

Our marketing is trial and error anyway, I need to stick to the business at hand: selling homes!

SEP

2007

Tom there are ways to do both. Recipes are great ways to keep your name there, but why not add something about yourself on there also? Why not send a flyer inbetween? I am more likely to through a way a card that says nothing but your "benefits" than a recipe card.

:) Lexa

Thanks Lexa

I thought I might explain this a little more, My first mailer is usually a letter to a particular farm area stating that a home recently sold and I can help them get their some sold or help them look for a new one, there is a bit more to it... I then am sending out the recipe post card 2wks later-yes I know its soon, but then will follow up each month. I am doing this to a particular farm area to see what type of response I get. I get a good response from open houses so I will continue to do that.

A few agents have mentioned useful information-like what? Do you mean statistics on their neighborhood? I can see those mailers going in the garbage quicker than a recipe-if you weren't aware, I am an agent in Utah-EVERYTHING revolves around food and cooking, baby showers, bridal shower, FUNERALS, weddings, everything, so for me this is a good marketing strategy.

I agree it as one thing to send past clients who are now 'friends' something more personal like recipes, just to keep in touch. But, I like to think if I keep putting real estate in front of them, they will continue to think of me synonymous with property.

I think for this to be effective marketing you need to qualify your clients when you first meet them to see if they are interested in cooking, if they aren't you just spent money on a card that is going in the trash. I have my clients fill out a form on our first appoitment that gives info that I can use later to market to their interests

John Thomas - Citizens Lending Group

http://www.DelawareMortgageLoans.net

The point that comes through to me in everyone's remarks is genuineness- being yourself. If you like to cook, sharing recipes is sincere- part of who you are, and your prospects will know that. If baking cookies is about the last thing you would do for fun, then, obviously sharing recipes would seem artificial to the recipients of your marketing. Building relationships with clients is just like building friendships. We each "fit" with different types of people, and we each build different marketing styles that work!

Linda Schulte, Atlanta GA

Penny I have been experimenting with mailings for 5 years. I tried the apartment complexes ( nothing), recipe cards ( nothing) turn the clocks back( nothing) , Free Cma( nothing) Just solds/ Just listed (nothing) You won't believe what your house is worth in this market Bingo I got a few listings/sales from that one when the market was hot, it won't work now in this down market. I did my homework & found the most sales at the time were condos so I sent to them. I do believe farming is too hit or miss. so now I send to expireds faithfully every day.and I do pretty good. I send a newsletter that I write monthly & receive about 2-8 calls a month to my sphere of influence ( 300 people). & yes it always has a recipe people do tell me they have to dig out my recipe so I know they are hanging around. It also contains all my listings just solds just listed ,local info, market info sometimes& tips. It has my photo & they get it every month. I love your recipe card for Open houses may I borrow the idea? thank you

SEP

2007

Thanks Karen, and yes you can, anyone who wants to use the idea go ahead.

Well said Linda! Thank you!

Penny, you are simply brilliant! What a great idea, if they like to cookies...they're going to love the agent! LOL!!! Thanks for sharing your idea.

Penny - thanks for your tip. You know your market and are testing a marketing concept -to see if there is ROI. That's how most marketing works: 1.think of an idea, 2.test it, 3. discard, modify or adopt -based on the results.

Very cool and you're one smart cookie!

SEP

2007

I have heard of people doing it, but I have also heard comments from people who find it extremely unprofessional -

What lawyer would do it???

I don't know what lawyer would do it, but as a REALTOR it is associated with the home-so as a REALTOR I would do this and being a home owner I would use the cards. This is where my thinking is.

Penny,

I think it's a good way for people to keep your info. It's just like when you send someone your company calendar. It's something that potential clients will keep around and they will probably think of you first if they need your services.

Penny, here's the reason recipe postcards are a big NO NO: (click and scroll to the bottom) http://activerain.com/blogsview/192949/When-Branding-Goes-Bad

Mizan - that is your opinion & that is cool - it doesn't work for you.

Here in MN, everybody likes to eat and at the county fair and the State fair some of things that go over the biggest are the recipe cards at the booths - soooooooo.

You have a house, a cookie ,a Realtor ,and a Realtor on a recipe card - much easier to remember than a house and a Realtor!!! There are lots of those everywhere.

Thanks Tanya and Kathleen, I am glad you like the idea, feel free to use it, its not totally my brainstorm so anyone can use it.

Mizan, thanks for the input I will keep that in mind.

Wow! I hadn't realized a recipe card could stir up so much sour milk. We all have our own niche, marketing and specific style. You just have to find what is going to work best for YOU. Thanks for sharing your ideas here. The positive thing about a recipe card is, if the recipient really likes the recipe on the card, they won't throw it away. It will be put in their folder and every time they pull it out to make the recipe, they're going to see your info.

SEP

2007

You've got quite a debate going here, Kathleen! Good for you!

Every business must find it's own niche, clientelle, and "vibe". If this works for you then God bless ya! Authenticity is they key to success in any relationship. Meaning: I'm 50, my hair is grey, all my body parts ('cept a few teeth) are original, and I'm no size two! I'm creative, spontaneous, and intense. What good would it be for me to promote myself as slick and cutting edge?

Every marketing idea is a good one. Why? Because it spurs creative thinking and gets people going on ideas that work for THEM.

Thanks for sharing, and Cheers! from DC...

Jaynee

lol...Wow... Kathleen, looks like my blog perhaps offended you by touching on some points that hit close to home. I believe the giveaway was your baseless "emotionalism". I didn't say people wouldn't be flattered; however, raised question on it's ability to motivate buyer and sellers given it's flaws, not to mention its weak appeal in an age of "instant information". Hello!!! Allrecipes.com....Foodnetwork.com. And the real estate postcards on my profile weren't of an agents in front of a homes, in as much as an agent "offering" information that speaks to the concerns and curiosity of clients in today's market. (You were much to emotional to see that). If people want to use recipe postcards, in fine, go right ahead! There's a difference between flattery and "solid offers". Example: if I have a booth at a real estate expo and offer M&M's to attendees; believe me they'll take them, however, that's not compelling enough to motivate them to do business with me. M&M's don't speak to "real service"...."recipes" don't speak to "real service"..it's flattery. WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR ME THAT OTHERS AREN'T speak of service. Remember, the Internet is empowering consumers to believe Realtors are not as valuable as they once were. This isn't 1998! Share "repoire" NOT recipes!!!

I wish all agents the best today's market and realize we all have lives to live. But we have to be flexible in thoughts.

SEP

2007

Great idea. Really love the open house part. I'm not as inclined to keep the ones sent via the mail though.

Great idea! Thanks for sharing this with all of us!

SEP

2007

Have to admit...I usually throw the ones that come in the mail to me. But I'm not a baker :)

SEP

2007

Thats a good idea. I'm always looking for new things to do to set myself apart from everyone else. Thanks

Been away from activerain for a while. Got really busy, but this post is a wonderful idea. Thanks!!

SEP

2007

Thanks for sharing this with us, I think this is a terrific idea and look forward to trying it in my market place.

SEP

2007

Penny, you are a genius. I can't believe how many great ideas keep coming up in this group. Thanks.

SEP

2007

This is a terrific idea! Especially with the hlidays coming up! This is an idea that I can see clients hanging on to! thanks for the great idea.

OCT

2007

Have you gotten this phone call yet?

"Hi Penny. We just listed our house with Agent X. Can you send me that cookie recipe? I'd like my agent to bake those cookies for the open house....they were great!!! Good luck with your cookie business!!"

I have to agree with a few of the agents that we should brand ourselves as real estate agents first.

Hi Penny,

I like this idea, it works for me, in some areas but not all. It truly depends on the neighborhood or city you are working in and the kind of property you are selling. Glad it works well in your area. I also like to cook so I keep recipes. Another idea is make sure you always choose "easy to make " recipes for new generation cooks. It will have broader appeal.

Thanks Ricki, it is working well for me.

Hey David-way to think out side the box-what are you doing that is different and makes you stand out? Please share! I like this idea and if you read where I am from or knew anything about my farm areas you would know that almost everything in Utah revolves around food.

OCT

2007

There are lots of Realtors in every town and mine is no different - what makes you different - what are you known for - what are you interested in? People want to relate to this person they choose to help them make or lose money. If you work in a more small town setting, it is even more important, because the word gets around.

With every Realtor branded as a Realtor - don't get that one, David - that is what you do - why should I pick you and how will I even remember you from the sea of agents out there at the moment? Do you fish, hunt, are you a runner , involved in a charity, Million dollar producer, wear a bow tie instead of a tie?

Just like homes today - you need to be presented as the best box on the block. We certainly don't have a shortage of real estate agents or houses that are not selling.

penny--great idea--thanks for sharing--mike

I use the same script mentioned earlier. If you want a baker hire "your name here" and if you want a realtor then you need to hire me.

Jeff, what makes you stand out then?

Last year I polled some of my friends who live in the big "Swim and Tennis" neighborhoods and lots of realtors farm their neighborhoods. And I asked them what kind of realtor marketing things did they keep and what did they trash. They keep recipe cards if they like the recipe, magnets and notepads. One even had a jar opener (you know, those rubber grippy things) from her realtor in Colorado ...and she's been in GA for 8 years! I think it's all about knowing your market. 50% will like it, 50% won't.

OCT

2007

Thanks for the comment, I am having a good time with this and I have gotten back feed back that people like them and are holding on to them.

Penny, I had two more cents to add.......I send a monthly newsletter; one of the most popular sections is the 'latest recipe'. I get calls every month from people telling me they love the recipe, we reconnect, they tell me about a family member who is thinking about selling a house, moving to the area, etc. Some people don't see the benefits of a newsletter, I do. Stick with what works for you!

Thanks Debbie, I am working on doing a newsletter myself but have quite gotten that far. I am doing a homeshow tomorrow in which I will be giving out the recipe cards in the bag of information I am giving out.

Hi Penny,

Please don't be overly critical of my opinion. I was just curious if you had gotten a call like that. I race bicycles and used to market myself that way until a member of my racing team notified me that he had just put his home up for sale. Totally depressing!! One of the things I do to set myself apart from other agents is to know every inch of RE in my farm.

At open houses I have 4 binders with properties broken down by price point. Next to the binders I have a foam board with a map of the area that has pins according to price point. I know every house that is on the market and can discuss the details with visitors to my open house. I door-knock 200 doors to invite people to my open house. Yes these are "the basics" but since most agents sit on the couch watching TV during an open house and don't know the market as well as I do, these "basics" truly set me apart.

I'm all for doing things that set us apart and make prospects remember us. Don't take my comment the wrong way.

NOV

2007

I searched on recipes this morning and found this post. What a great idea, and the cookies look great. Thsnks!

NOV

2007

Very good idea! I will bookmark this one! Thanks for sharing.

NOV

2007

Penny I like the Open House recipe card idea. Best of luck and Happy Holidays.

NOV

2007

That is a fantastic idea that I am going to copy for my mother (I'm the realtor's assistant)! lol Thanks so much for sharing it!

Hey, Miss Penny!

Tweak your idea.

Make your recipe one that has to do with the time of year, the upcoming holiday, something for the kids to have after school.

Marketing doesn't accrue full benefits unless/until it is tied together. If you're going to give out recipes, you want people to be consciously looking forward to receiving, for an example, the one for the New Year's Eve entree and the recommended wine you'd suggest accompany it.

GOD Blesses!

Billycherry

Nice idea, I usually have snacks too and I send invites before the big day, now thinking to send the recipe of what I will serve at my open houses invites and notices before hand to all the neighbors.

NOV

2007

What a great idea.

Thanks!!

JAN

2008

I love this idea. Thank you for sharing it with us!

FEB

2008

Very thoughtful, thanks for sharing the tip.

FEB

2008

Wonderful idea and really great of you to share it with others! Thanks

Patty Ledford-EXIT Realty-Blue Ridge, GA

www.LedfordProperties.com

Brian Buffini talks about the importance of regularly giving something of value. Recipe cards most certainly qualify, especially if the ones you give out were tested in your very own kitchen.

I believe the most important marketing tool there is putting your name before those who could be prospective clients, and doing it regularly and often.

There is a fellow in a town near Houston who, quite frankly, all but has the entire market sewn up. People love him because he is full of information. He's the town's concierge. Who's the best plumber? What should I serve at my Rio party? Who designed and put in Harold Smith's pool?

And with regularly frequency, he's sending something to everyone....all kinds of stuff. Maybe today it's a ball point he thinks is great. Tomorrow it's the name and picture of a new hairdresser. And on and on.

This guy does Brian Buffini better than Brian Buffini does Brian Buffini.

I've sent out recipe cards for years. I get more comments on them than anything, and it's because my recipes are good and people look forward to getting the next one and making it.

I would keep a recipe card instead of the 100's of cards just telling me what sold and for how much in my neighbor hood every week, they go straight to recycle.

FEB

2008

Penny, I love the idea -- thanks so much for the tip. The recipe looks yummy, too!

FEB

2008

Penny, I agree with Bill Cherry, it's all about getting your face in front of people and it doesn't matter how. I send these out every month, laminated and on heavy stock. Always with a quip about real estate that's relevant to the recipe in hand. I make every one of them and then call at least a dozen of the people I sent them to and briefly talk about how good this one is or how badly it sux. Either way, it doesn't matter. It's just another excuse to talk to them and get them to know you a little better. It's all about building relationships and forming those bonds. Keep it up, you rock!

APR

2008

What a wonderful idea. I love to cook for people and just like real estate people love to talk about cooking. Thanks for a great idea!!

This is a wonderful idea. How about this one. Use a house cooking cutter instead of a heart and tie it into the wording. You could even pipe on it "looking to buy?" or "Looking to sell" and watch which one they pick up. Might give you a conversation starter. I see by the cookie you choose that you may be interested in selling your home? I can help market it!

If you want to spend LOTS of time on the project, duplicate the house you are trying to sell! Just a crazy thought...

APR

2008

Great idea! Especially during holidays. You need to be really stable, as changing email addresses or phone numbers will render this a useless strategy. What a shame it would be if someone pulled out your card and called but the number was disconnected or emailed you and it bounced back to them.

If you frequently change your email and phone this great idea is not for you. This has the potential for long-term benefits.

great idea, I mioght try it my next open house.

NOV

2008

This is a great idea. Inexpensive and from the heart. Love that you give them out at Open Houses. If you could find a house cookie cutter that would be cool.

SEP

A very good idea, and it will keep your past clients remembering you.

Brenda Archambault

SEP

Great idea! Very clever! I use to send Brazilian recipes to my clients and friends in my quarterly newsletter, but I never thought about using it in a open house. Thanks for sharing. I'll try your cookies!

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