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A Good Promotional Item?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with The Silloway Press

Key Chain Realtors® buy lots of promotional items and gifts for clients, I know. I've often wondered whether they could track an increase in business back to the investment they made in magnets or calendars. And for a long time I've resisted buying anything more than business cards because I couldn't see the benefit.

CalculatorBut that has changed now. The trigger was a combination of two events that I wanted to support  - both organizations are raising money for scholarships – but at the same time I wanted to promote by business. They both also have a silent auction. Ah ha! Finally I could see a reason to invest in a promotional item. But what?

BooksThe first criterion was it had to be something I would like to have myself. Second, it had to be of good quality. Third, it had to be something that people would actually use in a way that others would see. Fourth, it had to have a logical connection to my business. (There are wonderful key chains and calculators, but what do they have to do with books???). Oh, and it had to display my name clearly.

Logo on PocketThinking about those silent auctions I started with the idea of a basket for book lovers. Wait! Why not a Book Lover's Bag? Yes, that was it. A nice canvas bag with dark green handles to match my website, a pocket on the outside, and my logo on the pocket. 

Tote with CatI picked them up today, and only wish I had done this sooner. They are just right. (Kira also approves, as you see.) And in a couple of weeks I'll be filling two of them with books for writers and readers, gourmet hot chocolate mix, a cozy lap robe, and a large bar of dark chocolate. (Didn't I say it had to be something I'd like to have?)

They will go to raise money for the BaHot Chocolateltimore Washington Corridor Chamber of Congress and the Business Women's Network of Howard County. I hope the people who win the auctions will enjoy the bags and their contents as I enjoy knowing I've helped deserving students of all ages get a college education.

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Comments (4)

Sharon Wilson
Free Real Estate Ads Online - Plantation, FL

Hampers always generate a lot of goodwill in my experience.

Feb 10, 2009 10:00 AM
Elizabeth Bolton
RE/MAX Destiny Real Estate Cambridge, MA - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge MA Realtor

Hi Peg, As somebody who always ends up with the big bag[s] at the bookstore I know I would like this!  Nice idea.

Liz

And a pretty kitty!

Feb 10, 2009 10:40 AM
Peg Silloway
The Silloway Press - Beaverton, OR

Sharon, I hadn't thought of something like a picnic hamper, but that's a nice variation on a basket.

Don't you love bookstores, Liz? I always come out with more than I planned - that's why I got good sturdy canvas totes.

Feb 10, 2009 12:43 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Peg, Love the promotional bags, very pretty and very useful. The winners and the charity will both be lucky! Hope you put a "Real Estate the Rome Way" in those bags. So glad Kira approves!

Feb 11, 2009 03:22 AM