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Are you a giver or a taker??

By Catherine Eusea

Mortgage and Lending with Prospect Mortgage

December 09, 2008 11:18 AM

As the holidays approach and the craziness sets in are you taking that extra moment to show your client you care?

If so what are your tactics? Are you a card sender? A charity giver? A party thrower?

How do you go above and beyond to tell your past clients THANK YOU without going....please don't forget me?

I think I'm a giver, I try really really hard... I send holiday cards to past clients, I do a big coat drive and I send Wreaths to all my agents and to clients that have closed in the past three months. I don't give for the referrals or the thanks but sometimes I think it's weird that I don't get calls back saying thank you. Is it just me or is this what the world has come to?

Let me ask, if a wreath showed up at your door/office would you call the person who sent it? I sent out over 60 and nothing yet, would you follow up with a call? I even called the distributor and got confirmation numbers....they were delivered.

I really try to go above and beyond, maybe I'm not going about it the right way.

What is my great Active Rain community doing during the Holidays and is it working?

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Barb Van Stensel

Chicago, IL

First of all, I'd be inhailing that wreath with all my lung power. I'd be on the phone to thank you and write you a thank you note of appreciation.

I don't do much during the Christmas holiday season but more around "turkey time". I send gift cards to all of those who bought or sold from me including those who were buyer's from my listings. Those gift cards are for a fresh turkey that weighs beween 28 - 30 pounds as they are hard to get into the oven. The flavor and freshness beats those frozen turkeys anyday! I also send them to friends as well.

Other things that I do: I am a knitter. It relaxes me and so I knit everyday - mittens, scarfs, hats and have a collection of them for the nearby schools, for the children that "forget" to wear them to school. And because I'm an "Aunt", I knitt preemie hats for infants for unwed mothers.

It's not about taking because the little notes from children thanking you is the best gift of all for me.

Dec 09, 2008 11:30 AM

Carla Harbert

www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com - Avon, OH

RE/MAX Omega: Lorain-Medina County Area

How sad not to get a thank you - especially after receiving such a nice gift. I send out Christmas Cards with handwritten notes inside of a personal nature, letting them know I haven't forgotton them. I received a great tip that I plan to do right after Christmas...The day after Christmas, purchase holiday doormats for next year. For about $100 you should be able to pick up about 150+ doormats. Then NEXT year, on the weekend after Thanksgiving, staple a holiday christmas card to each doormat - drive to your clients that you want to remember & say special thanks to, leaving the mat on their front porch. I've always been a giver - sounds like you are my type of person too - a giver!! - Carla

Dec 09, 2008 11:51 AM

Linda Pitts

Merck Team Realty, Inc - Brandon, MS

It's admiral that you are such a giver! I'm sending cards only this year.......my heart wants to give more but my budget won't let me! I've always had a tendency to be a giver too, but I would love to be a taker just have never been blessed with that option. People will remember your generosity even if they aren't compelled to call you or send a thank you! Never stop giving!

Dec 09, 2008 11:56 AM

Catherine Eusea

Prospect Mortgage - Fort Collins, CO

Mortgage Lender

I have always been this way, every year in my business. I usually do fudge that I make my husband slave over to deliver but with my accident last month I'm not quite able to get around. I had a great coat drive during Halloween that I gave away a Wii for. We raised over 658 coats and helped keep sooo many families warm. I hope that my clients know how much I care. I'm like this at home, planning everything for my family...my husband stops me and asks what do I want and I draw blanks. Maybe this is a woman thing or I'm crazy!

Carla, I love the doormat idea...holly cow that is a good one! I have to be better about shopping after the event. I'm such a smart shopper for groceries but not for holidays....ho hum!

Dec 09, 2008 12:03 PM

Vern Eaton

Askov, MN

Realtor 651-674-7449

I am more of a prayer. I am engrained more in the spiritual end of Christmas than the commercial end!

Dec 09, 2008 12:08 PM

Randall Schrader

Competitive Insurance of Dundee - Dundee, FL

I am a giver! I do not care what others do, I may not invite them again, but I don't hold grudges or keep score.

Dec 09, 2008 12:16 PM

Denise Gray

Realty World Alliance - Wichita, KS

Realtor SRES, Wichita Kansas Homes

Carla,

What an awesome idea. Now I just have to remember to do it.

Catherine,

Maybe they are waiting until after Christmas when they sit down to do all their notes at once.

Dec 09, 2008 12:34 PM

Lela Hankins

RE/MAX UNITED - San Marcos, CA

CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI

I agree with Barb, if someone sent me a wreath, I would be SOOOOOO grateful, especially after inhaling that wonderful holiday aroma. What a wonderful thoughtful idea! If they couldn't phone, or write a note (novel concept here!), they could text, or email, or something!

Dec 09, 2008 01:14 PM

Robert Schwabe

Herron Real Estate - Orange Park, FL

Orange Park Real Estate

Catherine - Usually send out Holiday cards to past clients. The wreath idea sounds like a good one I'll have to give it some thought.

Dec 09, 2008 01:23 PM

Are you a giver or a taker??

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