Unique Marketing Contest, saying thank you for all those referrals from past clients & Realtors without going brook

Where to spend your advertising/marketing money to get the biggest bang for your buck?

How to say THANK YOU TO PAST CLIENTS, other REALTORS,  or anyone for those referlas WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK or going brook...great ideas for under $10

 That is the ago old question of Realtors, sales persons, and we are in sales.  I think you should spend it were you get the most return on your money...past clients.  Yes I prospect for expireds and fsbo and they amount to approximately 20% of my business, with 80% coming from past clients, past clients referrals.  I have some great ideals and have done some fun,  lavish campaigns' for my past clients, the life blood of my business, like past client parties, etc. but we are only allowed one ideal for this contest.  I have looked for years for an inexpensive way to say thank you to past clients for sending me their referrals of friends, neighbors, family, etc.  I found it, and will share it with you here, including where to buy it all for a nominal price.

A great gift and the package to present it in, which is as important as the gift, kind of like the pretty paper, and bows you put on a present, makes it look so much better.

•1 Every time a client sends me a referral they get a personal phone call from me thanking them for the referral.  The information is put into top producer my soft ware tracking system.  For the first referral the past client is made an C contact type, 2nd referral a B contact type, and for the 3rd + they are made an A contact type (this is in addition to them being a past client type too)

2 They are sent a special thank you card (the wrapping & bow) and a gift of a calculator & pen set, a million dollar bill.

You are thinking OK big deal, but it is...what do you send?  This is the best part.  The total cost for this comes to UNDER $10! TOTAL for EVERYTHING the gift, the million dollar bill, the custom thank you card, and the postage.  HOW COOL IS THAT and it is something they use all the time.  People like them so much I've had them call and ask to buy another one from me!  Of course they are given another one at no charge.

•3 The calculator & pen set that is customized with your logo, name and phone # is only $4.95 (in bulk).  Now this is not a normal calculator it rotates in a 360 degree angle when you open it and you logo/name is on one side and when it rolls to the other side your phone # is there.  They are small enough to fit in your purse or pocket, and they are fun to play with.  They are like puzzles, trying to figure out how it works since there is no hinges, it's like it has a magnet and it just keeps turning inside its self.  Hard to explain, but they are FASCINATING AND PRETTY.calculator & pen set

I paid $4.95 and ordered in bulk, I think I ordered 500, but you can order as few as one for $7.98

On the other side of my logo is my phone number & name, it looks just like this side, and the cover keeps rotating in a 360, it's like on a spring or something, just keeps going round and round, so cool! 

 Inc Harriet Carter Gifts, Inc Welcome to calculatorsonline.com Calculator/Pen (P7806)

PERSONALIZED CALCULATOR & PEN is the perfect accessory for those on the go. It's great for figuring out tips at restaurants, calculating discounts at department stores and more. Silver-tone ball point pen can also be used as a stylus to press the calculator keys. Compact so it fits into a purse, pocket or briefcase. Case is personalized with your initials. Comes with button battery. 4-1/2" L.

•2.The thank you cards are also custom made too and they are only around $1.50 each.  They are classy looking and several different styles to choose from.  I use the one with the world on it.  On the front it says "Your referrals mean the world to me", and on the inside it says, "Thanks a Million".  They also have a slot for your business card.

Go to http://www.millionbill.com/, to see the complete selection of cards, million dollar bills, and place an order

NOTE, THESE CARDS ARE OVER-SIZED SO THE MILLION BILL (WHICH IS THE SIZE OF A REAL BILL FITS IN WITHOUT FOLDINGIT...THEY ARE MADE SPECIALLY FOR THE BILL TO FIT IN, AND COME IN 4 DIFFERENT STYLES ALL WITH THE MILLION THEME...ALSO YOU GET THEM AT THE SAME PLACE AS THE MILLION BILL, www.millionbill.com.

thank you card
Million Dollar Greeting Cards Kit
Includes 100 Million Dollar Bills and 90 cards and envelopes. (15 each of all 6 styles) Only $95. A great gift idea!

These greeting cards speak for themselves.  All cards are printed on quality paper stock and measure 4-1/2" x 6-1/4". Inside of cards include insertion slots that hold your business card. Your cards are shipped with envelopes.  Get the best effect by adding our Traditional Million Dollar Bills or your own Custom Million Dollar Bill.

Use these cards to build your business with more referrals.

Inspire people to meet with you by sending a Million Dollar Bill inside this eye-catching card.

Inside copy:
Thanks a Million!

The Million Dollar Bill is of course also customized with your name, logo, etc. and cost $1.50 or less a piece.  I buy 1,000 of them at a time for $149.  I like the ones that look like a real million dollar bill, with my name and phone #S on the back side, but you can get them with your picture on the front or they have ones with Santa Clause on the picture.  I also use these at my Mike Ferry training, and everywhere I go to pass out to other Realtors, or just people I run across.  Everyone love them, and KEEPS THEM, so your odds are much better handing out a million dollar bill with your information

business care

The front looks real, back has whatever you want on it, you can also have them laminated to use for a bookmark, the kids love them too!  Use them instead of business cards, people keep them forever.  I'v had agent at Mike Ferry superstar retreats tell me they have had my million dollar bill in the wallet for years as a motivator, and guess where they send their referrals...to Liz Carter & Team Realty!

I use these gifts and cards to send to other Realtors who send me referrals also, or for that matter anyone who sends me a referral, so if you would like me to send you one to try out...just send your buyers and sellers to Liz Carter & Team Realty, 21949-D, Katy Frwy. Katy, Texas 77450.  1-800-783-4041  www.lizcarter.com, I promise to give anyone you send me 110% great, friendly Texas service.  Liz Carter

 
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31 Comments on Unique Marketing Contest, saying thank you for all those referrals from past clients & Realtors without going brook

Thanks for sharing these fantastic resources. I really need to get a follow-up program in place. I like the black & silver packaging... very classy.

03/19/2008 04:11 AM by Mara Hawks, REALTOR®, Auburn Alabama Real Estate - Lee County (FIRST REALTY)


Liz what a great idea, I usually send a star-bucks coupon, or fudge for all my referrals but I like this much better. Thanks for nifty idea. I know the people do keep the million dollar bills to as we were recently in Chicago and someone  was handing them out as tracks at the train station and yes my kids and husband kept them, thought they were great.

03/19/2008 04:23 AM by Missy Caulk Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams Ann Arbor, Michigan)


Thanks for sharing this great idea. Wish you good luck.

03/19/2008 07:04 AM by GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors)


Liz - I love the pen & calculator set!  I usually send a small gift basket or a gift card, I like the fact that they can keep this!  Where do you get your Thank You cards published at?

03/19/2008 07:58 AM by Candy Henthorne- Spring Texas Real Estate (Results Realty)


Liz - Superb! I love thanking my past clients. I have one that has "threatened" to buy twice and hasn't but she's given me three closed deals! How can you thank someone like that enough?!?!?!? It's not possible.

03/19/2008 08:10 AM by Lindsey Hasford (Coldwell Banker Vision)


Liz - Thank YOU a million for sharing this idea.  I have bookmarked this post for future reference - we've been looking fo a way to thank people who send referrals.

03/19/2008 10:16 AM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


That is definitely a different way to say thanks for the referrals!  I will have to give this one a try!  Thanks a million!

03/19/2008 10:26 AM by Naoma Doriguzzi -Wachovia Mortgage (Wachovia Mortgage, FSB)


Mara,yes I did to, my red L which is on my logo really stands out on it.  They also work very well, and it's a great gift at a small price.  Liz

Gita, thanks...I keep plugging along :).  Liz

Candy,sorry that was not clear, the card come from the same place as the million bills which are the exact size of a real bill and the cards are over-sized so the bill fits in the card without folding it.  They have four styles to choose from all this the million theme.  Liz

Hi Lindsey,just remember to keep saying "Thank You", I believe you can't say that enough.  One other thing I send in these cards is Starbucks gift certificates, and for bigger referrals or several like this lady on the 2nd or third one, I will send a $50-$100 gift certificate to a nice restaurant.  I use one that they always go out of the way when the customer comes in and they bring up my name also, and give them extra special service.

Jason, you are most welcome, and the million bills are great for your business cards too.  Liz

Naoma, you are welcome a million  Liz

03/19/2008 12:53 PM by Liz Carter,Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston) (Liz Carter & Team Realty-Top Realtor in Katy & Houston Texas)


Hi Missy, wow thats one of the things I send out in the cards too, see my remarks above.  I buy the Starbucks certificates in bulk,so I get $20 or $25 dollar ones for $5 dollars off.  The cards are wonderful, be sure to check out this web site, www.millionbill.com, he sells the cards, and the million bills both.  Liz

03/19/2008 01:08 PM by Liz Carter,Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston) (Liz Carter & Team Realty-Top Realtor in Katy & Houston Texas)


Liz, you visited my blog and asked about putting arrows on the screen captured images. I use a program called "Snag It" that allows you to capture any part of your screen and turn it into an image. Then you can add all kinds of cool effects. It will also capture video and much more, but I usually only use it for images. It's about $40.

They used to give out older versions for free when they released a newer version, but I think they have stopped doing that. You can download a trial version (21 30 days) at http://www.techsmith.com/download/snagittrial.asp

I think if you do some searching you can find some "promotional codes" out there that you can use to get the program at a discount.

Here is an old post where a $10 discount is mentioned (although the post is old).
http://activerain.com/blogsview/110013/Have-you-heard-about

Good luck!

03/19/2008 06:13 PM by Benjamin Clark - Exclusive BUYER'S AGENT - Salt Lake City, Utah (Homebuyer Representation, Inc.)


By the way, I like the Million Dollar Bill idea. Sure you have to buy in bulk, but we're talking 20-30 cents per "customized" bill. If you have been around any length of time and know you aren't going anywhere any time soon, the $200 is more than worth it. The ROI would be incredible. Imagine if you only got 1 referral from it (I would guess you would get more than 1 referral out of 1000 Million dollar Bills floating out there). The ROI on that alone is superior to the ROI for Radio Ads, direct mail or most other forms of advertising (in most markets).

03/19/2008 06:17 PM by Benjamin Clark - Exclusive BUYER'S AGENT - Salt Lake City, Utah (Homebuyer Representation, Inc.)


How much does it cost to send someone scuba diving?

I checked out your website, it looks great!

Keep up the good work!

03/19/2008 06:27 PM by Niman Singh (T-ReX Global Inc.)


Hey Benjamin, thanks so much...after I get it I will let you know if I need any help putting it together in a post. 

Glad you hit this post for you reply and found out about the million bills, they are great.  You can buy as

few as 25, and the cost is still low.  Be sure to get some of the cards (same place), they fit perfectly in for mailing.  Also LET THE JUDGES KNOW YOU THINK THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST MARKETING IDEA!

 

 

Hi Niman, I just read your profile and need to talk to you more.  I have one of the biggest groups of investors in the US.  Liz

03/19/2008 08:24 PM by Liz Carter,Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston) (Liz Carter & Team Realty-Top Realtor in Katy & Houston Texas)


Speaking of Mike Ferry....did you read this post?

 

http://www.bloodhoundrealty.com/BloodhoundBlog/?p=2807 

03/19/2008 11:56 PM by Chris


Hey Chris,who are you?  Wanted to come to your site to tell you what I think of Mike Ferry, and the guy who wrote whatever that was you sent me to.  Totally untrue, Mike has had my credit card for 16 years and done nothing but good thinks for me, I own her a great deal.  Would like to talk to you about this, if you come back, please let me know how I get in touch with you?  Liz

03/20/2008 04:10 AM by Liz Carter,Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston) (Liz Carter & Team Realty-Top Realtor in Katy & Houston Texas)


Liz - I still have the million dollar bill you gave me at the Super Star Retreat 5 or 6 yers ago. Duh!  Wonder why I wasn't smart enough to catch on then!!!  I suppose better late than never!!

Thanks

Lisa

03/20/2008 08:27 AM by Lisa Wetzel (RE/MAX Realty Affiliates)


Snag-It. LOVE-It.

Liz - free for 30 days, then you'll need to send them one of your 1,000,000 bills...includes daily "tips"... so simple & you save as jpeg or png files.

03/20/2008 08:41 AM by Mara Hawks, REALTOR®, Auburn Alabama Real Estate - Lee County (FIRST REALTY)


Hello my friend, Lisa justlike us getting 5% a year of what Mike teaches us :), glad to know you in the rain with me, I won't tell Mike on you :).  Liz

Hi Mara, well if you like it, guess I'll have to try it.  thanks my friend.  Liz

03/20/2008 12:04 PM by Liz Carter,Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston) (Liz Carter & Team Realty-Top Realtor in Katy & Houston Texas)


Liz, What great gift/advertising ideas you have shared.  I am a new real estate agent looking for anything that will get my name out there and get people to remember me.  Thanks for the ideas.  They are greatly appreciated.  I will also pass these along to my fellow agents.

Cindy Eanes, Harris & Associates, Inc., Chester, VA

03/24/2008 05:18 PM by Cindy Eanes (Harris & Associates, Inc.)


WoW Liz.... I love the Calculator Idea...  the money is really cool too... On my research list !

03/24/2008 09:11 PM by Roland Woodworth "Ft. Campbell Area Realtor" (Exit Realty Clarksville)


Hi Roland,wait till you see them!  They are soooo cool, it's like magic, no hinges and they just keep rolling over, it's hard to explain, but at that price they are a steal + your name, logo and phone #s are on them.  Happy to share, Liz

03/24/2008 11:48 PM by Liz Carter,Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston) (Liz Carter & Team Realty-Top Realtor in Katy & Houston Texas)


I get them gift certificates to Assagio's Restaurant....nice place..and everyone eats :)

03/25/2008 12:09 AM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman, (RA) Century 21 Liberty Homes, Hawaii Relocation (Hawaii Real Estate- Century 21 Liberty Homes)


Hey, Sallygift certificates to great restaurants are great, everyone loves to eat, try the cards to send them out in, they are really nice.  Liz

03/25/2008 12:16 AM by Liz Carter,Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston) (Liz Carter & Team Realty-Top Realtor in Katy & Houston Texas)


 

  LIZ: I am always trying to figure something creative to give my referrals. Do you give your past clients these gifts before you close the transactions of the new referred clients?  Thank you for your ideas. I am bookmarking this too!

03/25/2008 01:59 AM by WINDY HIXSON~Riverside Ca~Tarbell Realtors (TARBELL REALTORS)


Hi Windy, you and your clients will love them.  I also send them to agents who send referrals to me, and I keep one in my purse.  Most of the time I will also include a Starbucks gift certificate too.  The calculators come in a nice box also.  Don't forget to check out the thank you cards and million bills, they are both very nice too.  Glad you liked them.  Liz

03/25/2008 02:24 PM by Liz Carter,Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston) (Liz Carter & Team Realty-Top Realtor in Katy & Houston Texas)


These are great gifts, I would be happy to receive one! I am sure your clients really like them. 

03/26/2008 01:30 AM by Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.)


Great ideas Liz. Bookmarked you so I can investigate more deeply. Love a good bargain on good marketing materials.

03/26/2008 06:35 AM by Wendy Montoya, Waco Realtor® for Waco Homes! (Century 21® Towne Adams)


Liz, this is a fab idea!  I decided to take a walk in the rain from some of my visitors and I'm so glad I did.  Your posts are so positive overall! 

03/26/2008 10:46 AM by Natalie Langford, Winchester, VA Real Estate (Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley)


Todd & Danielle, I use one, they are great, perfect size too.  Liz

Wendy, remember I bought bulk 500 at a time, smaller quantities are higher but still very reasonable.  Liz

Natalie, glad to see you are getting you exercise :).  Liz

 

03/26/2008 01:53 PM by Liz Carter,Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston) (Liz Carter & Team Realty-Top Realtor in Katy & Houston Texas)


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Real Estate Agent: Liz Carter,Broker/Owner of Liz Carter &  Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston) (Liz Carter & Team Realty-Top Realtor in Katy & Houston Texas)
Liz Carter,Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston)
Katy, TX
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Liz Carter & Team Realty-Top Realtor in Katy & Houston Texas

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Cell Phone: (713) 824-9044
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