Real Estate Blog - Elf Cheese...How much is too much???

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Elf Cheese...How much is too much???

Neal Elf Getting Action

Hi, my name is Neal and I'm an Elf...(Hi Neal). At least that's what I was at our company Christmas Party. That's me in tights on the right in the Duo Shots and being smooched by Santa's helpers. If you didn't notice already, Santa's Helper #1 is the legendary Leigh Brown and Santa's Helper #2 is up and coming legend Virginia Halter.

Now to my question: Leigh suggested I post this question here to get some opinions. Leigh says I should use the elf picture in an ad in our local paper and perhaps Real Estate Book. I'm wondering if I'd lose credibility in the market. Or if just the occasional bit of cheese is okay. It's just that in my eleven years in this business, I've seen agents with dogs, agents with horses, agents climbing highrises, agents dressed in kilts, agents out "standing in fields" and just about everything else you can imagine. You've all seen the same thing in your markets I'm sure. So what do you think? Put your consumer hats on and let me know what your first impression would be. Would you hire me to help you sell or buy because I was brave (or crazy) enough to run this picture? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Posted by Neal Pender CRS, CNHS, Broker in NC/SC on 12/21/2006 11:31 PM

Comments (12)

elves, marketing

Post is included in group: NCAA Basketball Tournament 2008

12 Comments on Elf Cheese...How much is too much???

I think I like the red tights, LOL. No comments from the Peanut Gallery!

12/21/2006 11:36 PM

by Blanca Cholewczynski, XCO (U)

P.S I think you need to move your pictures below each other is making the screen way to wide. It makes it hard to see the rest of the blogs.

12/21/2006 11:37 PM

by Blanca Cholewczynski, XCO (U)

ok...now I know I am up late..I am answering two of yor blogs in the same hour

anyway RUN WITH IT.. you are not making it your logo...are you?

here try this and email me back with the results:

BIG HEADING ABOVE PICTURE: Why are santa's helpers Kissing this elf?

SMALLER CASE BELOW: Because santa says this realtor has been very good this year!

Then run with some good ad copy below that AND a few testimonials (from your clients) as to "why Neal Pender made Santa's extra special GOOD list." if you want to be even more silly .. you can put something to the effect of "Lots of realtors received coal this year, but Neal Pender..."

Creative marketing isn't cheese..its what brings it home.

Merry Christmas! That's my christmas present to you. Free marketing advice...no cheese involved...lol..

12/22/2006 12:35 AM

by Cheryl Waller National Marketing Manager (Real Tour Vision)

Thanks Blanca--I moved the pics so they're not so wide...

Thanks to you too Cheryl...Great suggestions and I guess you and Leigh have a point, as long as I don't use the elf as a consistent theme I probably won't get negative effects...

Thanks for taking the time to respond!

12/22/2006 12:51 AM

by Neal Pender CRS, CNHS, Broker in NC/SC (RE/MAX GOLD)

Neal, nice legs! Just don't get TOO comfortable wearing hose!

12/22/2006 01:07 AM

by Rich Jacobson ~ ActiveRain Community Builder (ActiveRain Corporation)

Great pic Neal. I'd say run the photo, most people have a sense of humor, you'll definitely stand out and I love Cheryl's headline of "Why are santa's helpers Kissing this elf?". Just don't get too attached to the tights. Nice legs BTW. ;-)

12/22/2006 01:14 AM

by The Blog Artist - marti garaughty (The Art Of Marketing You)

I hate to say we told you so Neal but we told you so!! Besides, those Santa's helpers make you look good! How could you miss with ads looking that great. All Leigh and I ask for is the APPROPRIATE referral fee. HeeHee.

12/22/2006 05:38 AM

by Virginia Halter Broker, ABR, CRS (RE/MAX Signature Properties)

I think it would be a happily embraced marketing tool by true Southerners. Have you ever watched an episode on FoodTV where Paula Dean wasn't doing or saying something quirky? :) Fabulous food aside, Paula Dean's hometown pride personality is what sells!

When we were stationed in GA two years ago, hugs and kisses on the cheek had pretty much replaced hand shakes. So I think you have a win win advertising plan.

Hmmm... Do you think you can send the shoes my way so I can get hubby to dress up as an elf when he comes home from deployment in May? lol..he can deliver my expired Christmas present in person :)

12/22/2006 07:42 AM

by Autumn Coxe (Abbitt Realty Co. LLC)

i think we're approaching the 100% referral fee on this one. =) i still say use the photos-it will make an impression and isn't that what we want to do? get them to hear us so we can then say all of the great things that they want/need to hear.

12/22/2006 07:56 AM

by Leigh Brown Charlotte NC Broker/Owner (RE/MAX Signature Properties)

Men in Tights. Isn't that a movie?

12/22/2006 08:43 AM

by Chris Elizabeth Griffith ~ Bonita Springs Fl Real Estate (Keller Williams Elite Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)

I think you could get a great response if you did a series of 3-4 ads in November and December, preferably tied to a toy dirve or children's charity event. And think of the reaction you'd get if you wore the shoes on a listing appointment!

12/22/2006 09:00 PM

by John Novak - Las Vegas and Henderson NV Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace)

I agree with John. The charity idea is great. Do a press release in your area about the event and even call the local papers directly and see if you can get some free publicity out of it. The shoes on a listing appointment though....I don't see that....

12/23/2006 01:31 AM

by Cheryl Waller National Marketing Manager (Real Tour Vision)

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