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a tip for new agents....

By Melva Reid

Real Estate Agent with Exit Realty Optimum

December 05, 2008 11:05 AM

Perhaps many of you already do this but I thought I'd share......when I was at a local restaurant recently, I enjoyed the good service and told the server so. I asked if I could give her my business card and she was pleased to accept it....in fact she asked for two! So... why not start giving two cards at a time! I explain to new acquaintenances that I would really appreciate their help in growing my business....so one card is their's to keep and one is to give away.

I mentioned this to my broker.....now he is doing it too!

Cheers!

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Matt Stigliano

Kimberly Howell Properties (210) 646-HOME - San Antonio, TX

Melva - I've been told to use two in all mailings, but never thought (unless asked) about it when handing them out. I guess as long as I've got a good back and forth going with them, I would do it, but not sure if I would do it with a "total stranger" (ie, someone who I'm just giving my card to, but not really having the "real estate" conversation with).

Dec 05, 2008 11:28 AM

Richard Riley

RE/MAX Properties SW - Orlando, FL

CDPE, I.R.E.S.

If I'm not mistaken a study some time ago showed that it was more effective to include 2 business cards with written correspondence than one. Of course, most agents send postcards, flyers and such but when you actually send a letter try including 2 cards.

I use mail merge a lot to make "personal" mailings selling my wares and 2 cards go along for the ride. I'm not surprised you were asked for 2 cards. Perhaps more customers would make use of 2 if we only offered them as you suggest.

Dec 05, 2008 11:37 AM

Tim and Pam Cash

Crye-Leike (Sango) - Clarksville, TN

Real Estate Professionals - Clarksville TN

Melva, great tip. I give out cards to anyone I get the opportunity to. Call me the candy man! :)

Dec 05, 2008 11:50 AM

Christopher Bonta

The Bean Group - Londonderry, NH

Realtor, Integrity and Honesty

Melva, sometimes we all need to reminded to do something so simple, yet effective. I had forgotten about doing what you are doing and I will try to start implementing this again, telling people that you are trying to grow your business when giving them the card is geat!

Dec 05, 2008 11:57 AM

Anonymous

Melva

Hi all.....thanks for the positive feedback!

In fact, at our holiday office party tonight, a lawyer with whom I had been chatting gave me two cards. [they were stuck together] So I told him I would be pleased to accept both ......he liked the idea and asked me to join him for a business lunch next week! Yes simple gestures are often very effective.

Dec 05, 2008 12:12 PM

Patricia Aulson

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate - Exeter, NH

Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes

Isn't a business card to give out so that your name, business, contact numcer is filtered around? GIve out a card every chance you can. I went to the dentist today and we started talking about real estate in our area and she mentioned she was thinking about selling and movine to a nearby town, I said "may I leave my business card with you?" She seemed happy to get it/ Patricia Aulson/Hampton NH Real Estate

Dec 05, 2008 12:41 PM

Bob & Carolin Benjamin

Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ

East Phoenix Arizona Homes

Yes, we almost always give out 2 at a time. Never know when the person you give a card to will need to pass one on.

Dec 05, 2008 03:41 PM

Norma J. Elkins

Elite Realty Group - Morristown, TN

Realtor - Elkins Home Selling Team

I have never heard of doing this but it does make sense - I will certainly start doing it - thanks!

Dec 05, 2008 09:11 PM

Erby Crofutt

B4 U Close Home Inspections&Radon Testing (www.b4uclose.com) - Lexington, KY

The Central Kentucky Home Inspector, Lexington KY

Scatter them puppies whereever you get a chance. I go thru about 6 - 8000 a year. Don't forget the little bulletin boards in the shops you stop in at country gas stations - restaurants, etc.

Dec 05, 2008 09:36 PM

Melva Reid

Exit Realty Optimum - Halifax, NS

Exit Realty Optimum 902-403-5420

You're right!.....those bulletin boards still do exist! Thanks for reminding me.....

Dec 06, 2008 12:48 AM

Paula Paquin

Exit realty Optimum - Halifax, NS

Melva ~ I always have business cards in my left pocket (every piece of clothing) Two shakes with my right hand and two cards with my left hand..I never go looking for cards in my purse or bag. Good for you, keep doing this ~ it is a very inexpensive way to advertise.

Dec 09, 2008 06:30 AM

Anonymous

Melva

Thanks Paula.....I agree! The office Christmas Open House was a good example of how well that works! [It garnered me a business luncheon with one of the lawyers, coming up soon.]

Have a great evening!

Dec 09, 2008 06:45 AM

#12

Stacie Smith

Keller Williams Crossroads - Baltimore, MD

Hey Melva! Great idea...I'm going to have to start doing that. And to piggy back on Erby's idea...I pin my cards to those bulletins boards and recently I've received 2 calls. It may only be 2, but at least I know someone is looking on those boards so it's worth leaving my cards :-)

Dec 09, 2008 01:14 PM

Melva Reid

Exit Realty Optimum - Halifax, NS

Exit Realty Optimum 902-403-5420

Exactly Stacie.....and when you think of the networking possibilities from just those 2 calls, it's exciting!

I'm just new in this business but already I can see the importance of developing your sphere of influence....it probably beats everything else hands-down!

Dec 09, 2008 01:23 PM