Marketing 101....what works best for you?

As 2008 approaches and 2007 comes to an end, how are you going to spend your hard earned market dollars?

I know every year this question comes up.....every year we ask ourselves did this year work for me in regards to my marketing efforts?  Did I get what I expected out of what I used?  Can I use it again next year and expect better results? .....Worse results?  I know I should keep better records of the source of the contact and I will.  The better question may be, isthe ground work being laid already?  Is it being laid that will benefit me the most?

I believe that as much as our national branding lays a very general ground work for our association recognition, what we do personally makes us the individual we are in our particular market.   Who exactly is Dan Brudnok?.....What separates him from other Agent?......What can I expect from Dan as my Realtor?.....and the list goes on.

I rely primarily on personal referral's for 95% of my business and I found out that in 2007 that is not what makes a Realtor able to sustain through the times like we face today.  My ties to many local and national organizations and involvement in their causes is not only personally fulfilling and beneficial to the particular organization, it too leads to enhancing your market presence. 

I will be the first to tell you that I spent very little in mailings, paper ads and the Internet for the better part of the last 4 years.  That has to change in 2008.  I have already stepped up my Internet presence with the assistance and wisdom from my Active Rain family.  I have one small and inexpensive ad I run twice weekly and I have had feedback that I am seen, so I guess that has some effect.

I met with my Broker and discussed a mailing campaign which she informed me that it takes anywhere from 12-36 months to lay the appropriate framework to be recognized for my particular market.  That has to start now and I must be aggressive....but what works best?  Do I use postcards?.....Newsletters?.....Useful household gifts?  The obvious goal is retention of the mailing as well as something worthwhile to be handed off to another that may be in need of my services.   I am also for the first time in this industry compiling a 2008 business plan as well as a 2008-2012 (5 year) business plan.  That story to follow.

I appreciate in advance any and all thought's on what is being used today by the Active Rain community that is working...even that you hope will be useful to you attaining your goal of market presence and financial stability.