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My Best Business Branding Ever: The Notorious Happy Go Lucky Lars

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker

I still get a good feeling when someone is looking at me in a convenience store, or gas station and they say "Do I know you?" My general reply is "I have been in Real estate for awhile." The next thing after they either look in my car, or they hesitate for a moment is the ever so spoken words "Your the guy with the great big dog", or "You have the dog in all your pictures, I have seen him on websites" Funny, I was in the picture as well. I thought I knew a lot of people, but it actually is Lars that knows a lot of people. He has become a brand for me that I think would be hard to ever replace. Sure I always use the sayings "See you at closing" or "We look forward to shaking your hand at closing.", but through thick and thin it has been a 120 pound German Shepherd that has become my greatest name recognition and business awareness. I actually have people that always look forward to Lars updates, him coming to, or going to appointments with me, and the general consensus is they remember Lars a lot faster than they recognize me. The other day I saw someone I had not seen for awhile and the first thing they ask is, well, you guessed it "How is Lars?" Who would think that my little Mr. Moose would turn out to be memorable to thousands of people. I'll take that, after all, he is my side kick, my colleague, he is my friend. I used to laugh about the bumper sticker I had on the back of my Volvo S90 that said "My German Shepherd is smarter than your honor student." I look at Lars sometimes and I think about that sticker just a little bit harder. Do you think I rather favor my dog, and love the little guy like no tomorrow?

Thanks Lars

See you at closing!

Tom Braatz 

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Comments(15)

Steve Mattison
Canyon de Chelly National Mo, AZ
Vietnam Veteran

Lars, good of you to remind us about your best friend Tom.  Even nicer that you put him in your photos too, you sure treat him good for a human pet.  Anyway, always enjoy your posts, stay warm.

Jan 28, 2009 12:31 PM
Mesa, Arizona Real Estate Mesa Arizona Realtor
Homes Arizona Real Estate LLC - Mesa, AZ
AzLadyInRed

Lars, is a good "hook" Tom. He helps people remember you... Plus dog lovers will really remember and like you 'cause you have a dog. ;-)

Pepper

Jan 28, 2009 01:11 PM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Teri

I am rather honored that people love my dog so much

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

Jan 28, 2009 01:15 PM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Steve

Lars treats me pretty good

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

Jan 28, 2009 01:16 PM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon

I would use my dog like that, but I'm not sure I could get that dumb little puppy to sit long enough for the picture.

I bought her because she was dumb, I love dumb animals, they always seem to be the happiest.

Todd Clark, Helping Families Home - www.IFoundYourNewHome.com

Jan 28, 2009 05:54 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

It's like my tiara....People always know the Princess and bow and scrape accordingly....If Cosmo and Magic weren't so camera shy we would add them too....maybe you should use him on your voice mail instead of the tooooo long message....Woof !

Jan 28, 2009 10:28 PM
Jo-Anne Smith
Oakville, ON

Tombo,

You're a very lucky guy to have such a fine business partner and companion.....I greatly miss the days when Sheba used to go everywhere I went and it often felt like we were one creature taking in life together.

You and Lars suit eachother perfectly.....

((-:

Jo

Jan 28, 2009 11:02 PM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

I agree Tom!  Lars is a sure bet, he is so cute! Let me know what your plans are for him OK?

Jan 29, 2009 12:45 AM
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

Lars is so adorable, Tom, how could people not gravitate toward him? I'd use my cats as mascots but they refuse to do what I say.

Elizabeth Weintraub Land Park Real Estate Agent in Sacramento

Jan 29, 2009 02:29 AM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Todd

Lars is a smart doggy

Sincerely

Tom

Jan 29, 2009 07:15 AM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Sally

I think your cats are excellent marketing tools; I know they sure are wonderful pets.

Sincerely

Tom

Jan 29, 2009 07:16 AM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Jo Anne

Thanks fopr the kind words; that dog has certianly got me through some times.

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

Jan 29, 2009 07:17 AM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Kristin

Lars does not know he is a dog

Sincerely

Tom

Jan 29, 2009 07:18 AM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Elizabeth

I like your cats; they are so pleasant and happy in your home. Lars looks forward to meeting you one day. For now, we have to work through somethings, but the sun will shine again.

Sincerely

tom

Jan 29, 2009 07:20 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Tom,  I know you and Lars make a great team and I love his "baby' photo,  Karen

Jan 29, 2009 12:12 PM