Missed marketing opportunity or too much? You be the judge

I vote for #21 Julie.  A nice card....  How smart of you to take a "poll".  Good comment string here!!

 

I'd say no on the chemo caps but yes to the others.  Whatever gets people's attention and you're not being pushy.

I agree with Kunni's comment #63. I don't think it's tacky to include your card on the chemo caps. To me it's saying you cared enough to make them, and perhaps it may bring hope to the recipients, and the hat is not from an anonymous blank slate. When we buy caps isn't there a label in it that says who made it and how to care for it? I don't think it's any different. 

No matter what, what you're doing is VERY thoughtful! It seems like a great idea to include a business card while making sure it's clear that what you're contributing is handmade.  Give yourself credit where credit is due.  Your top agent is right, this is an excellent opportunity for you to get your name out there in a nice way.  People who receive a gift are not normally offended by who made, or gave, it regardless of how that's announced to them.  In fact, people actually really like seeing "faces," that's why we like social media so much.

Maybe not put your info in with the caps, BUT, use the fact that you do this in your promo material. I've always been in some type of Service organization/club, from Boy Scouts to Kiwanis to VFW & American Legion. NOW, I promote that fact. A little self-pat-on-the-back doesn't hurt.

I agree with most everyone else. Do not utilize the chemo caps.  You had a feeling about it not being the right thing to do and you were absolutely on target.  You are so kind and generous to do what you do.  God bless you.

Juli, I'm baaakk!  I've read all the comments. It seems to me that those who have had cancer or a loved one had cancer, (#63, 75, 77 and me) we all agree, we would want to know who made the caps. The card you made with all of the cancer colors ribbon is the way to go.  

It also seems to me that the balance of folks who say yes to the other charities but no on the chemo caps may be viewing cancer patients as something other than what we are. We are still people. We are still living our lives. Would it be any different if you were a nurse?  Would it be perceived differently?  Because real estate agents already have a bad reputation, and certainly being tacky is part of that bad reputation, maybe, just maybe, showing that not all agents are tacky, and some actually are caring people, may help raise the bar on the reputation of the profession.  

This has been a very interesting discussion indeed!  I am so glad it as Featured and it generated a lot of responses.  That is what you wanted!!! 

Dear Juli,

My vote is like that of some others here: don't put your business card, but do put a label that says who made the item and how to get in touch. No pictures, just plain text. If someone is interested, they will call or email, which may be the start of a wonderful friendship and may eventually lead to some business. Do not hide your good deeds. You may just inspire others.

Juli, I didn't read all the comments, but am siding with Steve Thayer #70...just level with yourself why you are doing it. Personally I would consider it tacky and would not include a card, but that's me.

Nancy Laswick, #77, has a great response from someone who sees this from the recipient's side. I'd follow her suggestion.

Juli,

I think you should do what you feel comfortable with.  I think it is a good idea.

It depends solely on how you feel about using your business card as a marketing tool with your charity work. You have many excellent comments from a diverse group, so do what ever you think is best and may God Bless you for your compassion and selfless acts of kindness and charity.

Hi Juli, I have to add my 2 cents here as I also make things for various charities.  I can see both sides to this and must say a very creative idea from that top producer, always looking for an opportunity. 

I feel that giving anonymously feeds the soul of the person giving in a way that giving publicly and with marketing cannot.  

If you use a label for marketing I like your soft sell marketing approach. I would suggest trying it with the great label you created and wait to see how you feel over time. It would be interesting to see if you get any sort of feedback, like thank you notes! Sometimes ideas and reality are two different things. Your true feelings on this matter may not become apparent until you actively engage in using a marketing label.

Wonderful that you make so many items for charity!!

Gloria

Great idea, Juli.  And the card you designed is wonderful. Am looking forward to our partnership in the hats...makes me feel better when I can do something for someone.  My Dad had cancer; lost his hair; and never went without his hat (which he called a "boggin").  Have a GREAT day!

I see nothing wrong with including your contact info.  If more consumers realized just how giving the real estate community really is perhaps it would go a long way in public relations.

 

Hello Sweet Friend: Here's my vote. No to the chemo caps, yes to the doggies. :) 

Ok...checked back here for the final tally.  What are you feeling led to do, Juli?

Juli  I got here from Kathleen Daniel's blog about who she would like to meet.  Fantastic blog and great question with many great answers.  I really don't think there is a right or wrong answer for something 'handmade'.  BUT, I miss the days of "Calling cards"...just your name.  Let them find you if they want.  Pure class.  In today's world with Google, anyone can be found starting with just a name.  If they want to know you let them find you!  Thanks for all you do!

I feel about the chemo caps and real estate promotion the same way I feel about the agent who wrote about using an Affidavit of Death as a marketing tool. It's just not a good idea. It sounds like a good idea on the surface but it's really unacceptable.

You should poll somebody other than agents who make their living promoting themselves. Try some neutral source.

And, I, too, came over here from Kathleen Daniel's blog. I do not know what a chemo cap looks like, so I was curious. Is that what the chihuahuas are modeling?