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Two Average Joes + A Golf Course + Localism.com = Free Golf & Free Publicity

By
Mortgage and Lending with Mortgage Financial Group, Inc (NMLS 219650) NMLS #359029

With a little inspiration from Linda Davis, Nima Rezvan, and Jeff Belonger, I have put together a business plan to increase my local marketing plus enjoy a round of golf and have it all cost me virtually nothing.

 So here is the plan:  Take two averages Joes, that would be Marc Blasi and me.  Then, we go around to the local golf courses and offer to write a review on their course that will be viewed by thousands, if not millions (Localism.com). - Thanks Linda for giving us the idea of trying out for the PGA circuit (I think this is the closest that we would get).   Plus, we can start the comedy routine by sharing our wacky adventures on the course.  (Yes, that is how Marc dresses and approaches the ball when we play golf.  He would not let me use a real picture, so I had to use a clipart for illustration purposes.)

Now, if the golf course manager is smart, he will not only offer us a free round, but comp us for a second free round.  (Which of course, we will use as a promotion to draw people in... enter to win a free round of golf at XYZ Golf Club at http://www.knightlinesmtg.com/).  So now you have the average Joes out on the course.  We will review the course from that perspective, and not from that of the professional golf course reviewers.  After all, most play is done by the average golfer.  Why not have the opinion of one?

After our wonderful round of golf and a couple snapshots of the course, the review is written and submitted to ActiveRain.com and its sister site, Localism.com.  And for an added bonus, we will contact the local newspaper asking them to publish our write-up of the course for their real estate or sports section.  Hey, that's usually free according to Nima's advice.  Thanks, Nima.

 Now there is the marketing... of course we are going to throw Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC and PGA Golf Realty (Internet Realty Brokers) into the posts and articles.  Why not?  Get some company exposure.  But other than the quick blurred about the company, most of the advertising will be about two average Joes, a mortgage broker and a real estate agent, trying their luck on a course and sharing their humorous events to promote themselves. Heck, we will even throw Localism.com in there to drive some traffic to the site. - Thanks, Jeff.

So with a little luck, these two average Joes can play some not so good courses, average courses, and those courses that we dream of playing (but can't see the point of paying those kind of prices just to play) for free.  In return, we get to advertise not only the golf courses but also ourselves and our businesses.  It sounds like a win-win situation to me.  If you want to try the idea out in your neck of the woods, go for it.  Just stay out of South and Central Florida... that's our turf. J/K.  If you do write your own golf course review post, please post it at The 19th Hole group for all us AR golfers to see.

Jason Price
Mortgage Financial Group, Inc (NMLS 219650) - Tavares, FL
The Mortgage Rider
Chris, If you don't mind driving to South or Central Florida once a month, you are more than welcome to be our caddy.  We would love to have you tag along.  As for the fishing part, Madison and I went for a long walk yesterday on the Eustis Lake Walk (we stayed off the short piers).  There were probably 10 men sitting out there fishing.  We walked the thing 3 times (probably 30 minutes worth of time) and not one of them caught a single fish.  That is definitely not for me.
Jan 06, 2007 12:25 AM
Jason Price
Mortgage Financial Group, Inc (NMLS 219650) - Tavares, FL
The Mortgage Rider
Tony, Most of, if not all, of the courses now a days have websites.  In the posts and articles I would provide a link back to them as an added bonus to help with their web presence.  If they do have a link page on their site (I would know before I hit the course), I would ask for the favor to be returned with a link back to me on their site.
Jan 06, 2007 12:29 AM
Stefan Scholl
Buyer's Broker of Northern Michigan, LLC - Petoskey, MI
Northern Michigan Real Estate

Great idea.  I will have to wait until it warms up a little bit, though, in order to try this one out.  I have always thought that local reviews would be a good source of web traffic.

Jan 06, 2007 01:43 AM
Jason Price
Mortgage Financial Group, Inc (NMLS 219650) - Tavares, FL
The Mortgage Rider

Stefan,

It is never too cold to play a round of golf.  If there is snow on the ground, get a yellow ball so you can find it (ice golf)... good luck with incoperating the idea.

Jan 06, 2007 01:49 AM
joanne Douglas
Terrie O'Connor Realtors - Ridgewood, NJ
Terrific idea guys.  Not only do you get to play and get exposure while doing so...the clubs and other groups that feed off the community get expsoure as well.  Have fun!
Jan 06, 2007 02:24 AM
Jim & Maria Hart
Brand Name Real Estate - Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC Real Estate

I just love this idea.  Very creative and resourceful!

Personally, neither my husband nor I play golf, but I thougt it might work for local restaurants or parks.  Great exposure for alll involved!

Jan 06, 2007 02:46 AM
Jason Price
Mortgage Financial Group, Inc (NMLS 219650) - Tavares, FL
The Mortgage Rider

Joanee,

It is a win-win for all involved.  Free press, plus a round of golf.

Jan 06, 2007 03:00 AM
Brian Brady
Matthews Capital Markets - Tampa, FL
858-699-4590

I actually have a serious question for all to ponder.  

How long would something likr this idea to proliferate before Active Rain (and its designated contributors) is actually designated  as a memeber od the Press?  Why is that so serious?  Well, can ou IMAGINE attending the Masters as a press correspondent?

Jan 06, 2007 03:01 AM
Jason Price
Mortgage Financial Group, Inc (NMLS 219650) - Tavares, FL
The Mortgage Rider

Jim & Maria,

Thanks... but I think it will be a little difficult to get a free meal from the restaurant.  You may get a discount or coupon for your next visit.  Either way, you can still get your name out there and that is the important part.

Jan 06, 2007 03:03 AM
Jason Price
Mortgage Financial Group, Inc (NMLS 219650) - Tavares, FL
The Mortgage Rider

Brian,

I like that idea... I wonder what it would take for us to become members of the Press for not only the Masters, but several of the other tournaments out there.  I will have to adapt the plan to gaining that status.

Maybe Matt and Caleb have an idea on how to do this...

Jan 06, 2007 03:14 AM
Teri Isner
Keller Williams Realty at the Lakes - Orlando, FL
GRI, CRS, CIPS
Great minds can produce alot of fun and business here on active rain.  Hope you get the second round free!
Jan 06, 2007 04:24 AM
Jason Price
Mortgage Financial Group, Inc (NMLS 219650) - Tavares, FL
The Mortgage Rider
Me, too... it will be a give away to get people to call in.  If I can't get it for free, maybe I can get it for a discounted price.
Jan 06, 2007 04:28 AM
Christopher Walker
Mission Grove Realty Inc. - Hemet, CA
Local Broker and Realtor - Hemet & San Jacinto, CA
Jason: Outside the box for sure! Thanks for sharing.
Jan 06, 2007 05:17 AM
Jason Price
Mortgage Financial Group, Inc (NMLS 219650) - Tavares, FL
The Mortgage Rider
Christopher, Darn... I let myself out of the box again. Oh, well.  I better start running so I don't get got in it again. :) Thanks for stopping by.
Jan 06, 2007 05:56 AM
Doug Lindstrom
eXp Realty - Loveland, CO
Nice! Free golf & free publicity. Think it would be pushing it too far if you asked for a few free drinks and a cigar? Keep the ideas coming.....
Jan 06, 2007 07:51 AM
Brian Brady
Matthews Capital Markets - Tampa, FL
858-699-4590
Matt?  Caleb?  Press credentials for the cheap sports lovers?  I'll gladly cover the Superbowl.
Jan 06, 2007 08:35 AM
Jason Price
Mortgage Financial Group, Inc (NMLS 219650) - Tavares, FL
The Mortgage Rider

Doug,

Don't under estimate the ability of flirting with the cart girl to get free drinks... cigars (wife would kill me if she caught me smoking a cigar again)

Jan 06, 2007 09:23 AM
Jason Price
Mortgage Financial Group, Inc (NMLS 219650) - Tavares, FL
The Mortgage Rider
Super Bowl is right around the corner, and it's in my old neighborhood this year.  What a shame I am not closer?  You can get the football events.  Marc and I will take golf.  Now, we just need people for the other ones.
Jan 06, 2007 09:33 AM
Allison Stewart
St.Cloud Homes - Saint Cloud, FL
St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
Did you know that Chinese business students are now REQUIRED to take golf at lest one semester as a prerequisite for graduation? The reason... more business has been conducted ona golf course than in a board room.
Jan 06, 2007 11:50 PM
Jason Price
Mortgage Financial Group, Inc (NMLS 219650) - Tavares, FL
The Mortgage Rider
I did not know about the Chinese requiring golf (should have gone there for schooling).  I did know about the second though... Thanks for stopping in. 
Jan 07, 2007 12:16 AM