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Are You in Prison?

Are you in Prison?

Prison doors by Jerimaistr in flickr What do I mean by that?

When a person is in prison, they are locked up, confined to limited quarters, food, water, cigarettes, day to day, same o same o, basically survival.

We can also be in prison even though we are FREE. Are you depending on the same o same techniques, the daily grind, confined by our own thoughts and the same way of doing business?

Rich Jacobson proposed the question in a post about Seth Godins book, the Purple Cow a few weeks back. It actually didn’t get as many comments as I thought it would. Perhaps we just don’t know what “remarkable” would be in our business so we passed it by.

I did a TEAM exercise with my TEAM, and asked “What can we do that is Remarkable?”

Silence……………………

Crowd at U of M football game An opportunity came up the other day, for the Missy Caulk TEAM to be the sole sponsor of the University of Michigan Spring Game. That is where the Michigan Wolverines play each other in the Maize vs Blue Game. This year it has to be played at Saline High School as the “Big House” is all torn up around the stadium as they install those new luxury seats.

Typically the Spring game, draws a crowd of around 20,000 people. But, this year because of the new head football coach Rich Rodrigues, they were expecting more. Everyone wants to see this "spread offense" in action.

The first thing out of my mouth was, “No”, too much money. Which was quickly over ruled by my daughter:

“Mom, we would be the sole sponsor. People from all over Michigan are going to come. We would get 50 30 sec radio spots the week before, four spots during the game and a live interview during the game.”

Stop, look, listen….

Think outside the box….

I was being imprisoned by my 13 years experience. Doing the same o same o. I needed to listen. The game will be broadcast my WTKA radio in Ann Arbor the Unofficial Talk Radio Station in Ann Arbor. There will be a lot of people listening the week before and during the game. Saline only can seat 10,000 folks, security will be tight, so why not??

Today we are meeting with the station to do the commercials. My daughter who is the football addict will get to do the live interviews and sit in the press box as she knows football as well as any guy. (((snicker)))

So out of the box, into the unknown, trying something remarkable, being set FREE from the prison of my thoughts, from the same o same o.

Wish us luck with this new marketing idea.

Go Blue….

Go Maize....

Posted by Missy Caulk-Ann Arbor- Realtor(R)- Ann Arbor Real Estate on 04/02/2008 09:46 PM

Comments (91)

ann arbor, thinking outside the box, u of m, football, marketing

Originally posted at: Ann Arbor Undressed : Are You in Prison?

91 Comments on Are You in Prison?

APR

2008

Hi Missy. Congrats. It's a big markting idea. Bold. Too bad Aaron Pryor won't be playing for the maize and blue!:)

Ken

Good luck, your posts are always fun and cool to read! Purple Cow is one of my favorite books, ever.

Missy, that is a huge number of radio spots! You and your daughter will be famous - you probably are already. You'll just be more famous!

Purple Cow is on my coffee table at work. When I need a fresh approach it is within easy reach. Way to go, and I hope it's a big win for you!

I don't like to put links usually to my own blog in other's comments but this is special. You are thinking about being remarkable...everyone can be remarkable and contribute to how remarkable the organization is: Check out the movie, then get the book too as there are SOME great examples of people EVERYONE can make a difference...the simple truths.

Good luck with your new marketing idea. I'm sure it is not a cheap endeavor...but instead of just taking on this big project, now start thinking about how you can make it TRULY UNIQUE AND REMARKABLE!

What a great opportunity for you, Missy, and what a great daughter you have for reminding you to take your own advice! Good luck!

Good luck Missy. Let us know six months from now if you can identify any business from it. My guess would be not, but I've been wrong before.

At the least, enjoy the game.

Ron, I love that movie, no problem posting the link

Lisa, yes the Gen X er in my house.

Norma, the book is so good, in fact all of Seths are great.

Pat, hardly but thanks anyway. LOL

Mike, ditto.

Ken, I think it is Tyrel Prior but yea too bad. I think he didn't want to start yet, chicken, but that's our spin. LOL

Cool, you are right thinking outside of the box particularly in this market is a good way to go. Would love to know what the outcome is and if it generates business, as I bet it will.

Wow-that's definitely a bold move. I doubt you'll see any transactions from it directly-but the branding effects will be huge-bet you'll hear from just about everyone in your sphere when the radio spots hit the airwaves.

Lenn, we are pushing my Search Ann Arbor Houses site and tying it in with new day in MI football and a new day in the RE Market. So I'll let you know as I will be able to see the stat's the week before. Yea, at least we will be one of the 10,000 allowed in the game. Yippe...

Miriam, I'll let you know.

Leigh, that would be nice. Actually hadn't thought about that. Will be pushing the above in response to Lenn.

Missy - that's fabulous! I hope that you get lots of contacts from it. Your daughter is nothing shy of genius - and she got that from her mom!

Keep us posted and let us know about the experience. I'm interested to learn how it all works out!

Missy great post. My wife and I often have a discussion about the "cost" of advertising. The only time advertising has ever had a "cost" was when we have been ripped off by two major radio stations .... I think I've blogged this before. I will tell you this - our first radio campaign cost about $65,000 and lasted 10 months. From the first add that ran we were overwhelmed. Within 2 months we had to double in size - then the inevitable happened and people started CHERRY PICKING. We needed as many closings as possible, not as many as were easy to close and that's what happened - they chose the easy ones and let the tough ones fall away. So after cleaning house and hiring a new staff we started over. I say that to say you may get exactly what you bargained for- BUSINESS. I hope you do!

Missy - Despite the expense, it should provide you and your team with some great exposure. Good luck with it!

Missy -- the title of your posts reminds me of what I read this morning from Jack Canfield's book, The Success Principles -- where he states -- early childhood programming often gets in the way of what you want. .....You started out as a baby knowing exactly what you wanted. You knew when you were hungry. You spit out out the foods you didn't like and avidly devoured the ones you did. You had no trouble expressing your needs and wants.

so yes, we are all craving to get outside the box like we use to be --- its good your daughter is around to be a part of your mastermind group.

Breaking down your personal barriers. I love it! Great post and I think you hit the nail on the head with your analogy. I am going to use it! THank you!

Missy,

Great post!!! What is remarkable are people with 'common sense' who give good old fashioned service!!! Thanks, Fran

Next thing you know you will be the sponsor of the Lions. You know they can use all the help they can get. Good luck and which team do you root for the Maize or the blue.

WOW Missy!!! I say go for it!! What's the worst that can happen.... you get flashed before thousands of people. I hope you will share the results with us. I hope it is very successful for you.

Missy, Best of luck. Why not I say. Break all barriers and try something new. That's how I run my life and business. :0)

Go big or go home, that's what they say. I think it's a great move, even if you don't get any immediate business, your future business could be huge, there will be a LOT of people who now know your name!

Best of luck with that. It could be a great opportunity. One of the things that stuck with me from an event I attented was "Why do agents go straight to where there competitors are? If everyone is advertising in the real estate section, why not go to the sports section and catch some actual attention?"

I would bet that the conversion could be almost nothing and the sponsorship would still pay...

Good luck with that Missy. Is there a way you could set up a table of some kind at a main entrance with giveaways (magnets or something)?

Way to take a chance on a new opportunity.

That's a great idea for you and your Team! I wish you the best of luck with that. You should be able to generate tons of leads from it as well as having a good time! That's one way to stay out of prison!

Missy: This will be great marketing for the Missy Caulk Team with lots of exposure. You've got a future entrepreneur - your daughter... and fast on her feet. Good luck! ...and Go Blue and Maize.

Even if you can't attract an immediate lead from this campaign, you will certainly get good exposure, and build name recognition. You my never know if this worked to get you closings or not. That's the pitfall of name-recognition advertising. I still think it's a good idea. Think long-tail.

Missy,
whether this is too expensive or not will be determine partially by the response from your promotional adds. I would try to quantify this so you have real numbers for your next opportunity. I did like the "prison" reference. I personally am in prison for how much to spend on advertising, being force to follow stick compliance rules, maybe even to take the next step in my career. Elvis's "Jail House Rock" is ringing in my ears. AJ

You go girl! You are way outta your box, great job! Let me know how it goes, and congratulations in advance. Wish there were some way I could here your interview? Why don't you do one of those tape things and put it on AR? I have not idea what I ask you so guess it could not have been too important. Keep up the team spirit, it is so important. You are a true "Rain Maker", Liz

That is for sure remarkable. Congrats on the big score Missy. I think it is a fine marketing tool. Excellent way to spend some marketing dollars.

They will love your daughter too, because who doesn't!

Missy -same old, same old certainly doesn't apply to you. every time I turn around, you are off to a new marketing idea:) Good luck with this one.

Missy, This sounds like a good opportunity for you. Great exposure!!! It's always good to keep an open mind. You just never know where the next great idea will come from. Plus I'm way to big to fit in a box:)

Good luck with that Missy! I'll bet it is costly but I hope it brings you returns many times over! You must post to let us know the outcome and take some pics too. Missy 21....Others 0. Good job. Later in the rain~Deb

Ken, I hope so !! Thanks it was encouraging to read you got that much.

Aziz, we listen to Jack's tapes all the time in the car. They are great aren't they? Yes, we pretty much get programed in childhood, by being said NO too. Just what my first thought was out of my mouth to Christa.

Casey, we do get imprisoned by our thoughts and the way we do things, so breaking out!!

Terry, the Lions?? How about the Pistons or the Tigers? LOL

Kimberly, thanks for the encouragment.

John, the crowd control is going to be enormous. The Pittsfield Township are freaking out, so is Saline and the blogs are telling people to look over the fence. Now what do they know, their is no fence. I'm going to get some video's with my flip. ( if I can even get in...so far only one person is allowed in, but we are working on it.)

Jan, Christa is my mini me. Yea, I can retire sooner rather than later and blog all day.

Lane, I think that advice is good, I mean really who opens up the Real Estate Section of the paper if they are not looking for a house? No one it is tossed aside.

Marlene, we are thinking long term name recognition like Betty Crocker. LOL

Alan, I love Elvis, hope there is not more meaning to that than what you said. I do track all my leads and will be able to see if the activity increases during the week and where the hits are coming from.

Liz, I'll try to figure out how to post it. I know Monica McGullicudy did a pod cast once, so I am sure there is a way if not I can link to it.

Karen, let me know what you think after you hear it, being a huge football fan like me, I'm sure you hear it.

Faina, The Olympics, very funny.

Debra, thanks we'll definately get pictures.

Bryant you always think outside the box ( Bertha) Now if that's not thinking outside I don't know what is.

Jason, how are you? Been thinking about you and Jan all week. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

Jimmy, I am FREE !!

Bob, I hope so trying to think Betty Crocker, Aunt Jamima.

Kimberly, hope to get lots of shots, at least one of us will.

Mana, you rock !

Missy, that is a huge opportunity to really get your name out. Congratulations on taking advantage of the opportunity!

Missy, Can you build upon this in any way? I'm thinking flyers on every seat or car???

Missy,

You started changing your box when you switched companies. That alone was huge. We all need each other tjo get us out of the box (prison). I wish a had a daughter to push me like that.

Congratulations and tell your daughter "Good Job".

Missy,

Ideas never fail if they can take a new direction.

Good luck with this venture-sounds like a winner.

Steve

Mark, cross you fingers, we see a ROI.

Gail, probably can't get too them too much security.

Steve, thank you very much.

Missy, This reminds of the loosely interpreted phrase of from the mouths of babes come nuggets of wisdom.

Missy - Good luck with your bold move. I hope it provides the results you're looking for. Please keep us posted on your successes. It's always good to hear about ideas that agents are trying and what's been working. The same o same o isn't always getting results in today's market.

WOW Missy, Good luck! I wish you the best and please let us know how it works out for you and your team!

Missy - I think this investment will payoff, what a great way to get exposure. Please make sure to do a follow up post hopefully telling us how your business tripled.

Missy,

You're team is daring. Love it. Please let us know how it works for you.

Good deal! May you receive the maximum return on your investment.

Great post Missy! We do imprison ourselves by limiting beliefs and old ways of doing things. Great way to think "outside the box."

Glad you took the STEP. I was there about a year ago. I was called up out of the blue by a local Radio Station salesperson asking me if I would like to sponsor the musician, Keller Williams' syndicated show on Saturday night. It was $200.00 for six Saturday nights. I researched Keller Williams the musician and I was not so comfortable with his style of music for me. I really didn't have the money so I turned it down. BUT the radio salesperson was thinking outside the BOX and really had a great idea.

Missy, in reply to your note,
I sometimes get tired of the corporate world. I basically work as if I am an independent contractor but then have to bow to the powers that be. The compliance police have issues with my involvement in AR though I do not mention the company or their programs at all. Se La Vi. AJ

Wow Missy - good luck with your adventure, and be sure to update us!!

Missy- Loved the analogy....and boy when you go outside the box, you go all the way :) You are right about doing different things, and your daughter sounds like she figured this out to the benefit of all of you ......

Wow! What a courageous and awesome move! Your daughter is right, what an opportunity! You have a great team and are a wonderful leader! Recognizing the need to change and admitting it and then going for it, wow! You rock Missy!

Missy, you are stepping outside the box! I wish you the best of luck; you will need to keep us posted as to how it turns out for you.

Missy... can I sit in the press box with your daughter... and utter trader into coaches headset? lol

Seriously... I agree, we need to think outside of the box more than often. Changing before we are forced to change. I basically follow the beat to my own drum and not always to the typical corporate world. Especially when it comes to mortgages and going after business.

Overall, good luck with this... sounds like a great opportunity. But it's hard to judge on how good of a business move that this would be, without knowing the cost. 20,000 to 30,000 people is a great audience, but it does come down to price... again, good luck with it..

Missy, best of luck to you. Sounds like a fabulous idea. And big kudos to your daughter for making you think outside the box!

APR

2008

Missy - I love it - great idea I can't wait to hear how it goes. I applaud you for thinking outside the box!!

Cool idea, I hope the ROI is great enough for you that it becomes an annual event! How cool would that be? I'm a little envious, my two favorite things are football and real estate, lol.

We'll be watching to see what the outcome is of your advertising in this format.Best of luck.

That is awesome and that is why you are successful! Keep looking inside and understanding that you are different and need to be different and by doing awesome things like this will make you stand out from the crowd! Good Luck from the advertising and I would be curious to know in the coming weeks and months how much business it nets you be it directly or indirectly! Thanks and good luck!

Missy - Good luck with this. Personally I think it sounds like an outstanding idea. The name recognition and brand reinforcement alone will be worth the price of admission, so to speak.

Missy:

Never be afraid to try something new. Just never fall into the prison of continuing to do something that doesn't work.

Just so you know...lots of us...myself included think you are nothing but remarkable.

Hi Missy, love your drive and 'outside the box' thinking, and it is a pleasure seeing you all over the RE blogging world. Will be looking forward to the 'rest of the story' on this one, and thank you.

Missy, had a thought. A followup with phone numbers and stuff because people may not have pen and paper, etc. "You Heard About Me at..." or some such thing.

Jill, ha ha you are right, out of the mouth of babes, willing to try new things.

Miriam, great, excellent idea for follow-up.

Jessica, thanks so much for you kind comment, I track every marketing adventure, that's why my old site is going bye-bye and so did enhanced listings.

Susie, I see YOU too.

Dave, I'll report back, promise.

Michele, I love football too and if it works we will definately do it again.

Tammy and Terry, thanks....boxes so small, time to break free.

Cyndee, we need to talk soon.

Jeff, I never mind paying for marketing and this is a new technique, right now I'm just hopping I can get in the Stadium, much less the press box. That will be Christa.

Marchel, I will let you know, hope we're so busy we have to hire more.

Vanessa, courageous might be a good word for trying anything new.

Lynn, your absolutely correct doing the same thing and not getting results is stupid, time to move on.

Donna, never heard of this show, would love to hear more about it.

Jesse and Kathy, thanks so much at this point I think it is about branding and we came up with some good ideas yesterday.

Kathy, I love working with my daughter and one of her friends just joined the team. He is also here friend and he just gave away, ( unbeknown to me, his 2 tiger tickets in our teams name on the radio, isn't that cool. I love working with younger team members, so much energy and fresh ideas.

Karen, Jennifer, Tony, ditto on letting you know and thanks for the comment. Always appreciated.

Lola, you do a lot of thinking outside the box. Your whole office is amazing with the things you do!!

Your name will surely be out if force for this! Way to go!

You go girl!! I'm thrilled and excited for you to have this opportunity. One question: How come you can't sit in the pressbox with Christa???? I'd insist on it!!

Kris, the Stadium only holds 10K, usually 20K show up so it is invitation only. As a sponsor we get one person in there, so I chose Christa. They are still working on it....but....

Evelyn, thanks for stopping by.

Missy good luck with this. I bet you do get some business out of it. Hopefully the return on investment is worth it ;)

Missy,

I always enjoy your posts. This one is no exception!

It will be fun. I'm sure that you will find lots of ways to market your real estate team with this opportunity.

It's always good to try new things and incorporate them into your business...for me it would have to be sports!

Missy--Wow! Playing in the big leagues aren't you? Sometimes you have to move outside the box and take a chance. I hope it works for you! :)

Good. We all get caught in our own box sometimes. Kick some rear end.

That IS huge. You'll have to write a follow up blog to tell us how it goes. Are you setting up a separate site to track results?

Missy, I know you will enjoy your game. I too am awaiting football season for the returning National Champs LSU!

Missy,that sounds fantastic. You are definitely NOT in prison. No meals and ciggs delivered to you...you are out there, girl! Go for it and WIN a touch down for us all even those imprisoned. We are all rooting for you!!

Missy - Now that's aggressive Marketing! I hope and believe the fruits of it will be sweet indeed.

good post I concur your thoughts Being from Michigan I believe your daughter has the right thoughts, go girls go blue

Great post. Congratulations for stepping out of the box. I am a football addict. My favorite college team is the Wolverines!

WOW .. Missy... Great idea... You will never know where this will take your team unless you give it a try.... I think this is a wonderful idea and your going to see so much fruit from this you will have to increase your team members... God Bless on your new idea...

congratulations - this does sound like an amazing opportunity. Good for you for taking the leap. I look forward to hearing more about it.

Everyone: Since most of you are wishing me luck and want to hear how it works out, I'll just say one BIG THANKS and I let you know how it goes.

Except for Frank....LOL Go blue !!

You know Missy, I read that Purple Cow Book years ago and I was truly inspired. As a real estate attorney, it is hard to think of ways to draw attention that don't seem like a cheesy personal injury commercial. But, you have got to try new things . . . I think that your game campaign will pay off. Good Luck!

Wow! That is a big deal! Good for you and you certainly deserve it. I am sure it will pay off over, and over, and over, and over ....

Missy, You are one of the reasons I am not going after Saline though I know it like the back of my hand - driving kids around for a decade or so will do that for you. You own it - take ownership and be proud! There's lots of room in Ann Arbor and elsewhere for us back-seaters! I tip my hat to you.

APR

2008

Woo Hoo Go Missy ! Great post and great way to think outside of the box !!

That's pretty sweet with the new WVU coach an all. LOL. I am sure you will get some residual business from this. Reinforce through out the year with a couple radio spots through out the year.

APR

2008

Hi Missy: I think it's a great idea. Especially with it being broadcast to your local market. Oftentimes it is hard to find such a popular broadcast that is not being broadcast nationally... so I am glad you chose to do it. Sometimes the kids know when to take a chance. Take care...

Missy, I just came across Seth Godin as an author a few months ago, and like you, trying to break out of the "same o, same o". Not because I've been in the business long enough to get trapped but because coming into the business I felt confined to a certain way of doing things. It is hard to find support for new & fresh ideas in this industry but I keep plugging along!

Missy, as I have stated before...you ar one of my favorite bloggers! Therefore, I already think you are remarkable and now so will all of Michigan!! Great post and I can't wait to hear how it goes!!

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