Yes, you read that title right.  I have a very powerful tool in my arsenal and yes I can get 8 of them for $1.  They are not hard to find, they can be located at just about every turn in the road.

What is this magical tool that I have that I get 8 of for $1, you ask?

A simple thank you card.

In today's world of fast paced impersonal contact we often do not take the time to do the little things that make a difference.

Sure, you can send out an email to 100 people at the time telling them thank you for something they did or said but it takes time and personal commitment to ACTUALLY send someone a thank you card.

I know that when I receive a small envelope that it is not the usual "junk" mail that arrives in my mailbox everyday and you can bet that I am going to open it quickly.

This is a simple way to help you stand out among all the other real estate professionals out there that are mailing the junk letters and the recipes.  People will at least take the time to open the small envelopes and read what is inside.  By writing a short message and affixing your business card to the inside you are much more likely to be remembered than the recipe card people...how do I know this?  I get recipe cards from real estate people and if it doesn't catch my eye it goes in the trash.

But, a thank you card, well thought out and tastefully done, can be a memorable impression.

It doesn't have to be for something huge, it can be for a small gesture, the parking attendant, the guy at the grocery store, the friend who helped you in your time of need, etc.

Just open your mind's eye and you will see many possibilities to use this "secret weapon" and maybe even gain from it's use.

 

26 Comments on One of the most powerful tools in my arsenal...and I get 8 for $1

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

NOV
28
2007
183,371 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Don't forget other agents, loan officers, attorneys, home inspectors, etc.  Everyone who helps us get that final paycheck deserves a thank you as well (and are a great source of referrals!)
9:59am • #7

The world has lost the personal touch, great post
10:27am • #8
231,723 Points 3 Featured Posts

Jeff, and I thought you were talking about bullets...

I couldn't agree with you more, "thank you" cards, or any kind of greeting cards will go a long way and have a positive effect.

Sandy
10:51am • #9
NOV
29
2007
162,021 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Jeffery,

I love thank you cards, they do stand out from the crowd especially if they are handwritten. :)
6:49pm • #10
263,465 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Good reminder Jeff, I make my own thank you cards being an avid card maker.  I have gotten calls from my handmade thank you cards, its a great touch.  I realize everyone doesnt have the wantto to make their own cards and this sets me apart.  I premake Thank You cards and have them with me at Open Houses and fill them out in the extra time there.  That way I dont forget and can add a detail about the persons visit to the Open House, then the next open house in that neighborhood I send out Invitations to those people.  Its a great circle and brings back repeat visitors.  Yes I am working with a couple of buyers I generated from this method.
7:01pm • #11
411,385 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Just imagine, writing 5 notes a day, 5 days a week.  Our Buffini systems encourage us to do this.  It is a large part of my continued success.  You have taken your time to write it, short and handwritten, yet, a very valuable tool:) You can write them to anyone you know, or who you have met that day.  My family especially appreciates them:) They know how busy I am, yet, I write each of them notes.  It is equally nice, to receive a handwritten note.
7:14pm • #12
DEC
09
2007
 Thank you so much for the reminder that simple, old fashioned things, like godd manners and please, and thank you are still so important, even in today's fast paced world.
1:41pm • #13
1 Featured Post

Thank you cards really do make a difference. I know when I receive one, it brightens my spirits for quite some time. I received one for a little presentation that I gave recently and it makes me eager to help this person out whenever I can.

Ken Tharp, Iowa Equity Exchange

3:24pm • #14
133,345 Points
Excellent point - low cost, high pay off.
4:24pm • #15

Handwritten "thank you's" are the best way to keep you in a potential clients mind.  I always write them out before I leave an open house or just as I get home so I have them postmarked by the next day. I have also used them for expired's and fsbo's. It's better than Spam!!!
5:31pm • #16
108,754 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp
Nice to be reminded of this and I agrre 100% with you.   thanks for the post
7:09pm • #17
FEB
05
2008
157,290 Points 8 Featured Posts Hit Router
Great reminder, thanks for the post.
8:58pm • #18
459,700 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp
Sometime a phone call out of the blue just to say thanks,, works well also.
9:04pm • #19
I agree, and thanks for the reminder!  I sent an agent friend a card once to thank her for something, and she said she felt special all day because she got a card...needless to say, she sent cards to people that evening!  I really like Gail's idea of handmade cards....I had a friend in college who made cards for special occassions and she still comes to mind when I see a handmade card.  Art isn't my strong suit, though, so I will stick with regular cards.   Cheers, Harley
9:49pm • #20
FEB
06
2008
316,997 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
I agree.  A great idea.  I have been sending thank you cards to my co-broke's for the past couple years, now I guess I need to expand that a little more!
10:01am • #21
Localism Sponsor Hit Router
Like Fran stated above, I also took the Buffini course where we were taught to send out 5 personal handwritten notes a day.  The people receiving the card, knowing you took the time to write it out, deeply appreciates receiving your thoughts- knowing you didn't "mass mail the card to everybody in your database.
12:46pm • #22
438,013 Points 79 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Hey Jeff, You're right. No doubt. As busy as we all are these days we tend to overlook the "little" things. This should be considered a "mandatory" thing. Thanks for the reminder. Deb
6:42pm • #23
FEB
07
2008
 Jeff you are right.  Personal notes do work and I need to take sometime today to write some.
9:55am • #24
FEB
08
2008
645,238 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jeff,

I think it is harder for a guy to remember to send these notes. My wife is really good at it and sounds like these ladies commenting are as well.
6:27am • #25
1 Featured Post
Good job Jeff!  Although may "know" that writing a simple note is powerful & useful...few ACTUALLY take the time to make it happen.  Keep up the good work & those cards will pay off!
8:50pm • #26

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"JT" Prevatte

Fayetteville, NC

More about me…

Century 21 Family Realty, Relocation/Recruitment Director

Address: 2653 Hope Mills Road, Suite 9, Fayetteville, NC, 28306

Office Phone: (910) 321-1002

Cell Phone: (910) 494-5570

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A place for my rambling's, thoughts and maybe even a few views on life from my prospective. Hang on because here we go...this could be a bumpy ride!


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