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Shame on Me, I Was Carded

By Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties

Managing Real Estate Broker with Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 TN Broker: 208698

September 11, 2012 09:53 AM

Shame on Me, I Was Carded .

Yes, shame on me I was carded this weekend and I don’t mean by a bartender but by a buyer. While working an open house in a new construction home I had several groups come look through the home. I engaged each one of them in conversation so as to evaluate their interest and urgency for buying.

I was so involved in the process I forgot to pass one of my business cards to an interested buyer. The buyer had to ask me for one. Yes, I had their contact information already and lots of details as to what they were looking for in a home. But shame on me, I was carded.

Shame on Me, I was carded but it taught me a valuable lesson. I will focus better and try not to get out of my routine. I will still be attentive but offer my business card early in the conversation.

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Roy Kelley

Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

We can not afford to miss handing out business cards.

Today, Dolores and I visited the National Museum of the Marine Corps and toured the special 9/11 exhibit.

Have an outstanding week and be sure to have your camera in hand to capture the special moments.

Sep 11, 2012 10:15 AM

Patricia Kennedy

RLAH@properties - Washington, DC

Home in the Capital

Debbie, I went to three different social funcitons this weekend without a single card with me! Yikes!

Sep 11, 2012 10:17 AM

Donna Foerster

HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO

Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Debbie~ It's a good sign of interest when the buyer asks for your card. Good luck with your new prospects.

Sep 11, 2012 10:38 AM

Joanna Cohlan

Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY

Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

You had me there for a minute Debbie but I love the punchline here-yes we all must be prepared with cards but it's particularly nice when someone asks for one!

Sep 11, 2012 11:34 AM

Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties

Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN

The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Bill, We have a condo we own with friends in Destin. Nothing fancy but we have owned it for 18 years in Crystal Village. I know what you mean about vacationers. They are plentiful down there. We don't get down there very often because of this thing or that thing. But we love it when we do.

Jeff, I usually ask if I may give them a card sometime in the early stages of the conversation.

Michelle, You can't give out any cards if you have run out. Better get them on order.

Hella, It does show interest and makes me look like I'm not pushy. But I still need to stick to my routine and spiel.

Roy, Giving out cards is an essential step of prospecting.

Sep 11, 2012 12:00 PM

Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties

Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN

The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Patricia, You didn't! What if someone wanted to buy a house? I guess you could write down their information on a napkin.

Donna, I think it is a good sign so maybe these folks will work out.

Joanna, I had you didn't I? It is not good to forget to give out your card but good if the buyer asks for one.

Pam, I try to keep mine on me at all times but sometimes I get caught unprepared.

Sep 11, 2012 12:06 PM

Mike Warren

Real Estate - Colorado Springs, CO

Lesson learned. Don't ever forget that. And this is a very good reminder for all. Enjoy the rest of the week!

Sep 11, 2012 12:33 PM

Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties

Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN

The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Thanks Mike, I have learned to always be ready with card in hand. Have a good rest of the week too.

Sep 11, 2012 01:29 PM

Tiffany Sniezek

RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring, TX 713-594-9639 direct, - The Woodlands, TX

Tiffany Sniezek 713-594-9639 RE/MAX Woodlands TX

Catchy title and great reminder to hand out those business cards!I have had the same happen to me! Lesson learned. Hope you have a great week Debbie!

Sep 11, 2012 01:41 PM

John McCormack, CRS

Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM

Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Debbie.... so it's not only me! My Debbie is always groaning that I'm the only REALTOR on planet earth that doesn't have cards with them and shoving them into peoples hands 24 /7. I can't wait to tell her there is another one walking the earth...LOL.

Sep 11, 2012 02:54 PM

Joe Petrowsky

Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT

Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Most business cards are thrown away, so I put together a message about my referral practice on the back of my card. When I meet anyone and offer them my business card, I ask if they would read the back of my card, no one says no. I always get a positive comment, they then turn it over and look at the other side. I have a lot better shot at them keeping my card. The back of a business card is valuable real estate.

Sep 11, 2012 07:56 PM

Dianne Goode

Raleigh Cary Realty - Raleigh, NC

Realtor/Broker

Hi Debbie. At least you had one! I am mortified -- and annoyed! -- to think of all the times I've needed a business card and didn't have one on me. Whether or not business cards are effective, they're certainly better than nothing! And it just looks unprofessional not to have one on hand.

Sep 11, 2012 09:03 PM

Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties

Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN

The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Tiffany, Keep those business cards handy and don't forget to give them out.

John, I had no idea I was in such fine company. Have a great rest of the week.

Joe, That is a good idea. It puts more value into your card and they will remember it is different than the others.

Dianne, That is a good debate. But I would rather pass them out than not.

Sep 11, 2012 11:01 PM

Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional

Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL

Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

Guilty as charged, I have forgotten that as well once or twice............it happens! Love that card though, great photo!

Sep 11, 2012 11:35 PM

Chris and Dick Dovorany

Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL

Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

I don't blame you for forgetting. We usually have to carry (along with maybe a purse), supra or whatever kind of key opening device you have, cards, clipboard with MLS listings or comps, pen, phone, IPad etc. We need more arms or fanny packs should come back.

Sep 12, 2012 04:06 AM

Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties

Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN

The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Barbara-Jo, It happens way too often. I need to stash some in my car, purse, pockets, portfolio, iPad, etc.

Chris and Dick, We have so many things we need, hopefully when I move to more paperless transcations there will be less.

Sep 12, 2012 04:51 AM

Bob Crane

Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI

Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Hi Debbie, its good to have someone who is interested enough to ask for a card, rather than someone who is just taking a card because one is forced into their hand.

Sep 12, 2012 11:21 PM

Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties

Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN

The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Bob, I agree totally. I guess it just surprised me a little and caught me off guard.

Sep 13, 2012 01:59 AM

Donna Foerster

HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO

Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Debbie~ I was carded today! UGH! We have clients that were having an estate sale today (we have the house under contract). We went by to meet the gal who runs the service. Wanted to get her card (we have some other clients that might also need her service). I also wanted to talk to her about joining my leads group. She asked for my card and I didn't have one. Had to give her Rich's card! UGH!

Sep 16, 2012 09:28 AM

Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties

Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN

The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Donna, You got caught. I am glad I am not the only one that gets caught unaware. At least you had one of your husband's handy and I am sure he would share the lead. :)

Sep 16, 2012 09:53 AM