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Play Your Cards Right And They'll Work For You....Business Will Find You!!

Services for Real Estate Pros with RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired 104763

October 11, 2011 10:47 AM

Business cards display our logo, contact information and our photo for that immediate recollection when all else fails!! I’ve seen cards with calendars or amortization schedules or football schedules on the backside.

Some cards have magnetic backs to adhere to everything metal; some are laminated in plastic for longevity of life; some are metal; and some are rubber and very flexible.

Business cards are a reflection of us and a reminder to the recipient that we are alive and well and ready to do business. Many times I’ve read posts that discuss the distribution of 10 cards every day. When I was actively prospecting for new business for myself, I would distribute many more than 10 cards every day.

Everywhere I went my card was placed on a table or counter. There was card slipped into every envelope, and it didn’t matter to whom the envelope was addressed. Every month there would be a card in the electric bill, gas bill, telephone bill and mortgage payment, to name just a few.

Whenever I showed a property there was a card on the refrigerator; there was a card on every bulletin board in sight; and I can remember passing out over 6,000 cards in a year. Business cards are one of the most affordable marketing tools in your toolbox. Use them generously and consistently, not sparingly. Order a box of 1000 cards and use them in less than 8 weeks. New business will find you!!

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Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Hi Judith.....buy yourself several packages of peel and stick magnets for the back of the cards and slap them on some refrigerators and other metal things.....

Oct 11, 2011 11:45 AM

Frances C. Rokicki

Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC - Bolton, CT

Broker-Mentor,CRS

Barbara, My Coach advises us to pass out five cards a day, to people that you don't already know. The bank teller, the gas station attendant, the coffee shop waitress, etc. The people that you are in contact with on that day. Let them know what you do for a living. Even if they are not looking for a home, they may know of someone who is! These basic steps can bring you more business. I agree, buy a box and pass them out to everyone you can!

Fran, Ct Broker

Oct 11, 2011 12:08 PM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Frances.....that's right.....don't count, just pass them out......to anyone, everywhere....

Oct 11, 2011 12:15 PM

Michelle Francis

Tim Francis Realty LLC - Atlanta, GA

Realtor, Buckhead Atlanta Homes for Sale & Lease

Barbara,

I give them out a lot. Am about to get a new photo shoot and new cards updated. Most of the info is the same, but picture is five years old... so want to stay current. The good news is I weigh a little less now, but not really a huge change:-)

All the best, Michelle

Oct 11, 2011 12:58 PM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Hi Michelle.....buy a big box and get rid of them fast.....the more you give out, the better the chance of getting new business when you least expect it....

Oct 11, 2011 01:01 PM

Mark Delgado

houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove - Benicia, CA

Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h

You know, in this day of blogging and tweeting it can be easy to overlook how valuable the "basics" are. Good reminder.

Oct 11, 2011 01:20 PM

Carol-Ann Palmieri

RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group - Franklin, MA

"Cal" the Real Estate Gal

Hi Barbara. I've just ordered new business cards. They are an emory board that looks just like my regular card. On the other side a mirror... I hope to stand out. I can't wait to pass them out Everywhere! :) Let you know how it works out!

Oct 11, 2011 03:08 PM

Linda Urbick

RealtyOne Group - San Ramon, CA

Selling San Ramon Valley - 925-786-5132

Yes this is an easy and inexpensive way to get our names out there. I have been remiss in doing this and now reminded will forge ahead.

Oct 11, 2011 03:30 PM

Ellen Caruso

Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty - Glen Head, NY

Barbara, looks like I'll be playing cards in my future, you give a new meaning to Business Cards and how to pass them on! I still have your calendar with your logo and ID you sent to me last year, that means I often think of you.

Oct 11, 2011 03:42 PM

Praful Thakkar

LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA

Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Used correctly, the business cards are a great asset. Though I do not use as many cards as you do, I know it works! Recently I went to an appointment where the owner had saved my old card for 6 years....I had my old picture on it and I joked about my 'hair-style' to break the ice!

Oct 11, 2011 04:15 PM

Deborah Byron Leffler BzyBee Real Estate Lady!

Keller Williams Realty Boise - Nampa, ID

Oh this is great advice....I used to do it and have gotten out of the habit! I love these ideas!!!

Oct 11, 2011 04:42 PM

Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate

John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR

"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

I LOVE business cards! I use them, I ask for them, I give them out, both mine and my lender, title gal, arborist, and I try to always give TWO of my own, with the suggestion that they have another one in case they lose one, or put it in their overhead visor, or (gosh) GIVE IT TO SOMEONE ELSE.

Oct 11, 2011 05:43 PM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Mark.....everyone does forget about the basics.....our industry started on the basics.....

Carol Ann....nice idea.....leave one on my desk too....

Linda....it's worked for millions of people since day one of r.e. sales....

Ellen....will they let you get creative with you card....most franchises have approved suppliers....not much creativity with mine....

praful....people do keep cards....

Deborah....easy to get back in the habit....

Gayle....it's a good idea to give two....

Oct 11, 2011 08:21 PM

Conrad Allen

Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA

Webster, Ma, Realtor

Hi Barbara - Following you card is the cheapest form of advertising.

Oct 12, 2011 12:43 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Hi Conrad....it sure is and so many forget to pass them out or even carry them with them....

Oct 12, 2011 01:11 AM

Rebecca Melancon

RAM Arts Photography - Lake Charles, LA

I have not done that in a while. I'm going to block out a weekend to spend doing nothing but putting out extra business cards!

Oct 12, 2011 02:45 AM

Tamara Inzunza

Realty One Group Capital - Alexandria, VA

Close-In Alexandria and Arlington Living

I never understood why people put recipes or even calendars on the backs of their cards. I have seen more creativity lately with QR codes.

Oct 12, 2011 02:54 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Rebecca.... I don't know if I'd block out a weekend for just that....I'd make sure I had a stack of cards with me at all times including some with magnets on the back....

Tamara....today QR codes are exactly what should be on the back of cards....good point...

Oct 12, 2011 03:03 AM

Doug Rogers

RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL

Your Real Estate Resource!

The cool kids here will snap a picture of your card with their Iphone and create a contact. Then hand the card back to you. One way to go green I guess.

Oct 12, 2011 03:16 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Doug.....alot of new tricks today....I'll remember that one....I love my iphone....

Oct 12, 2011 03:17 AM