Real Estate is a service oriented business. Whether you are a Realtor, Mortgage broker, Stager, or otherwise, there is a certain amount of personal service that goes into the job - no matter how far removed you are from the clients themselves. I truly feel that the most successful in this field gain fulfillment from the serving of others and those who do it foe purely selfish reasons are doomed for failure. In a business such as this, trust is paramount to a successful career and trust often begins with some level of personal connection - even if it is just a word of mouth referral.
So, it only seems logical that we would seek ways to market ourselves that would do more than just serve our need for business, but also serves the interests of others and says "I care about what you care about - we have something in common" and begins to establish a basis of trust.
As an overly active parent volunteer in the Union Township Schools and a moderately active community member, I have come across some little known (or just little utilized) marketing opportunities such as these that I thought I would share with you. You may not have the exact opportunities, but I hope it will inspire you to seek similar opportunites.
1. Your Local High School Theater. Our theater program offers one middle school, one high school and one community production per year. As expected, this program is low on the funding totem pole. It was not until recently that I learned that we have a theater boosters program that offers a sponsorship plan that will place your business name in every playbill for the entire year. You can choose your level of sponsorship starting at the incredibly low rate of $15. You can also opt for a print ad (a business card size is about $25) in each individual playbill. Our shows average 275 seats sold - at 4 nights per show, a sponsorship can be seen by upwards of 3000 people and some repeatedly. Believe me, people are looking to see who contributes.
2. Community Sports Teams. My daughter plays in an 8 and under softball league. Though it is run completely 
by volunteers, there is cost invloved for the purchase of uniforms, payment of league dues, umpires, etc. Much of this cost, however, is defrayed by team sponsorship. Sponsor names are placed on the team shirts and parents and family alike see the sponsors name at every game, when the uniforms are laundered, etc. My daughters team was sponsored by the commercial company Gilliana Pools (I'd offer link love, but they have no need for a website). I do not anticipate my own future need to have a pool installed on the thirtieth floor of a high end hotel, but if I ever meet someone who does, you know I will be offering to get them in touch with BOB. :)
3. School Events. Our elementary schools hold a fun fair every year. Much of the cost of these events are offset by donations made by local businesses. PTO's seek assistance for things such as printing of raffle tickets (your business name printed on each one), raffle items (think a themed gift basket or big ticket item that boasts your name as the giver), prizes, etc. This also appplies to events such as field day (a water bottle with your logo - tshirts that bear your name, etc.) Field trips (offer a sponsorship grant for high cost overnight trips) and whatever else your schools system regularly holds for the benefit of its students. Contact your local PTO to see what you can do for them.
4. Community events. Find a local event that you like to participate in such as 5K runs, festivals, fundraising events, etc. and get your name on the t-shirts, banners and whatever else they use to promote the event. Event planners spend a lot of time seeking sponsorship. They may offer to put you higher on the list if you come to them first.
5. Your Local Soap Box Derby Association. The All American Soap Box Derby Association boasts national sponsorship from the likes of Levi Strauss and Home Depot. This is great for the national event, but little filters down to the local level. Each local event such as the Valparaiso downhill derby held each June relies on local businesses for promotional and individual expenses. Beginners who purchase a new derby car can spend upwards of $500 and much like NASCAR look for single or multiple sponsors to help them out. The great thing about this event is that it is a truly family oriented affair as most of the work is required of the child driver under the supervision of an involved parent. When they see your business name rolling down the hill on the side of a derby car, they will certainly make a mental note of it. Attending the event is also a great networking opportunity where you can meet other sponsors and talk to the participants who are truly thankful for your contribution.
These are just a few of the opportunities I have observed, but I could go on. With a little searching of your own, I'm sure you could find a worthy cause to sponsor or become involved in and show your community that you care enough to involve your own money. Market your business and do a little good for the community. Doesn't it make you feel better about dipping into your marketing budget?
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Looking to stage your listings in the Northwest Indiana area? Contact Kimberly Wester of Details Staging and Redesign at 219-241-7252.
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