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Cookies with Santa in Fayetteville NC

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Select Properties of Fayetteville, LLC NC 226467

"Originally posted at "All Things Real in Fayetteville NC"

Some time ago, my AR friend Cindy Marchant (Cindy in Indy) talked about an annual event she does called "Cookies with Santa." When I found out about it, I thought it was a great idea, and purposed to do the same thing in my market, Fayetteville, NC.

Cookies with Santa in Fayetteville, NCSo, I banded together with some other Keller Williams agents (and AR stars!) Melissa McKinney, Shawna Green, Amanda Simpson and Renee Martin and we planned our very own "Cookies with Santa."

We had a great time planning, preparing and putting this event together. I really think it made all of us better marketers and agents and gave us a desire for more--more events for our clients and friends, more marketing planning, more opportunities to work together for everyone's benefit. And we have our Lessons Learned (sorry, my Army training always comes thru): make better use of email and evites, do more follow up, relax a little about it all!

If you have ever thought about doing something like this for your clients, I really recommend you do it! Cindy inspired me and I'm glad I did. My biggest fear was that it would be a bust, that no one would show up, but that didn't happen even though we didn't do the best promoting the event. There were more people to meet with than time to do it. My fears really were un-founded.

Here's what I wrote about it on my blog and website:

     "On December 4th, The Julissa Jumper Real Estate Team hosted our first annual “Cookies with Santa” event for all of our clients and friends and their children.

We had a great time!

The day started with set up and decorating, and at about 12:00, Santa arrived. The children started coming shortly after, and Santa took pictures with each child, gave them a small gift and then the children got to play with their toys, color and share cookies, hot chocolate and spiced cider.

They were all very excited, but as you might expect, quite a few of them became suddenly “shy” when it came time to climb onto the Big Guy’s lap. Still, Santa knows how to deal with children, and he had them all relaxed and smiling for their photos in no time. He did a great job! But, some of the children tested his ability to think fast. The two hardest questions: “I didn’t see it in the parking lot, where did you park your sleigh?” and “You’re supposed to be at the parade at 3:00, how can you be there if you’re here?” Turns out the sleigh was up on the roof of the 4 story building, that’s why you couldn’t see it, and yes, Santa had plenty of time to fly in his sleigh from this event to the parade.

We plan to make this an annual event, and are already looking forward to next year! But, we aren’t going to wait that long to do more–we are planning a “Spring Fling” around Easter time, an ice cream social in the summer, and a hayride for the fall! We’ll get your invitations early enough for all to plan ahead! Mark your calendars and please plan to join us. We have discovered a great way to spend time with clients, friends and their families, and are excited about what the New Year will bring.

Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!

Click on any photo below to see a slide show from this year’s “Cookies with Santa” event. Enjoy!

Comments (6)

Cindy Marchant
Keller Williams Indy NE 317-290-7775 www.marchantteam.com - Carmel, IN
"Cindy in Indy" , Realtor, Fishers Real Estate
ah, thanks for the mention Julissa! Each year these events grow so be ready for more next year. Word of mouth is the best advertiser. Our Spring Fling is about six years old and last year we had over 250 at the event. Be sure to work with your vendors to help sponsor the events...they are always happy to help. Cindy in Indy
Dec 05, 2010 03:11 AM
Julissa Jumper
Select Properties of Fayetteville, LLC - Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville, NC Real Estate

Thank you, Cindy for your support and encouragement! I was a nervous wreck, but you proved to be such a great mentor. I'm looking forward to more and more real events that make a difference in my clients lives.

Dec 05, 2010 08:39 AM
Melissa McKinney
Everything Pines Partners Fayetteville - Fayetteville, NC
Realtor, www.LivingFayetteville.com

Julissa~ Great write up, we did have a great time! Cant wait till our next big event.... Love the slide show!

Dec 05, 2010 01:46 PM
Melissa McKinney
Everything Pines Partners Fayetteville - Fayetteville, NC
Realtor, www.LivingFayetteville.com

Julissa~ Great write up, we did have a great time! Cant wait till our next big event.... Love the slide show!

Dec 05, 2010 01:46 PM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Julissa  I think your idea about follow on events is the most important aspect - keep it fresh in their mind all year long

Dec 06, 2010 01:59 AM
Julissa Jumper
Select Properties of Fayetteville, LLC - Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville, NC Real Estate

Karen: New photo! I love it!

Thanks, and you're right. I can't wait to do more events--it's a great way to be in my clients lives, not just someone who mails them stuff...

Dec 06, 2010 07:26 AM