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EYES AND EARS

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Midamerica Referral Network

 

 GOT CARDS

 Do you always have some of your business cards on your person?  I have to admit that I frequently run into a store around Shell Knob,  clutching only my debit card and shopping list.  This was not the case earlier this week and I was extremely glad I had mine with me.  We need to be aware that eyes and ears of potential clients are always around us.Business Cards

I had to retake  the Realtor Ethics Class at the board's office in Branson, MO this week, as I had changed brokers and this class is required to join Tri- Lakes Board.  Many participants of the class converged on an adjacent  BarBQ place for lunch.  Three of us shared a table and of course talked business as we consumed some excellent food.

 

We were nearly done when a couple approached our table.  Apologized for overhearing our conversation, but said they were visiting Branson from Wisconsin and were interested in investing into some waterfront property.  They asked for our cards, but I was the only one with business cards available!

 I spoke with them briefly about some waterfront lots I had listed.  I fully expect tocard

hear from them, but  what if I hadn't had my cards on me?

 

Have you had any unexpected requests for your cards?  Share the incident with me. 

 

Comments(12)

Rob Robinson- Lehigh Valley PA
Bertrum Settlements (Title & Abstract) - Allentown, PA

I don't leave home without them.  I don't think I've been anywhere at all without a few cards on me. I'm surprised that ANY Realtor would not have them (I'm in Title).

I met an Insurance guy who was having a discussion with my owner just yesterday.  Something about Cyber Insurance.... (not sure, he couldn't give me an example of a claim......like, huh?)...just sounds like more FEAR selling for a few bucks.

ANYWAY........ I gave him my card and said if he ever considers buying or a re-fi, or knows someone that is...I have EXCELLENT contacts on the Realtor and  Mortgage Broker side.... he said (and looked totally embarrassed).. "I don't have any cards with me" .  An Insurance guy........go figure.

Jun 08, 2007 06:48 AM
Debi Braulik
www.roundrealestate.com - Maple Valley, WA
Selling Maple Valley to Fife WA Homes For Sale

I have! Just last night I was at the Police concert and ran into a previous co-worker and his wife. We made small talk and when he asked what I was doing now, and I said I was an agent. His wife asked for a card! Aggh! Never thought to take my business cards into the concert with me!! All I had was my driver's license and debit card. :( 

Congrats on the new propects!

Jun 08, 2007 06:50 AM
Joan Snodgrass
Midamerica Referral Network - Kimberling City, MO
Insurance agent with no cards on him on a business call?  Yeah - go figure.
Jun 08, 2007 07:36 AM
Joan Snodgrass
Midamerica Referral Network - Kimberling City, MO
Thanks Debi.  You know, after I wrote this I got to thinking that the reason so many of us women may not have cards on us at all times, is that we may not always have a purse with us.  Like you last night.  Men always have pockets in their pants or shorts!
Jun 08, 2007 07:38 AM
Rob Robinson- Lehigh Valley PA
Bertrum Settlements (Title & Abstract) - Allentown, PA
COme on Joan...a woman without a purse at all times? :^)
Jun 08, 2007 08:04 AM
Jim Little
Ken Meade Realty - Sun City, AZ
Your Sun City Arizona Realtor

I can't imagine being anywhere without cards. It is like going to a gunfight without a gun. I bet your friends felt like fools.

Jun 08, 2007 08:19 AM
Joan Snodgrass
Midamerica Referral Network - Kimberling City, MO

Rob:

There are those of us who do not delight in lugging things around with us, and I'm one of them.  Drives my husband nuts sometimes. 

Jun 08, 2007 09:07 AM
Joan Snodgrass
Midamerica Referral Network - Kimberling City, MO

Jim:

I like your example of gun to a gunfight,  These were not friends, just new acquaintances from the class.  One was an appraiser, and the other fellow had just confessed to me that if his sales didn't pick up he was going to go back to Chicago where he has an electrician's license. 

Jun 08, 2007 09:10 AM
Jim Little
Ken Meade Realty - Sun City, AZ
Your Sun City Arizona Realtor

Joan, encourage him to go back to Chicago and do electical. It is nicely paid, skilled work, and he knows what he is doing. BTW, about the gunfight, I think the same about agents who don't have a pen and paper at all times. In AZ an agent is legally authorized to write a contract, but how could you do it with nothing to write with?

Jun 08, 2007 01:36 PM
Sue Riley
RE/MAXPrestige - Van Alstyne, TX
GRI

I always carry cards. However, I have heard a theory that you should not carry cards but instead have a notebook and pen. Then when someone asks for your information you take theirs instead and then you have the contact info and can keep intouch with them rather than waiting for them to call you.

 

Jun 08, 2007 02:43 PM
Joan Snodgrass
Midamerica Referral Network - Kimberling City, MO

Jim:

This electrician was at this last week's final class and told me that he was leaving today for Chicago.  He has a contract for a six month construction job.  And by the way, the people who took my card that day called me yesterday and I showed them some lake lots! 

Jun 17, 2007 03:05 AM
Steven Shewell
Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. - Ephrata, PA
The Mortgage Maverick

I never leave without my business cards!  Additionally, I have a supply in my wife's purse in case I happen to run out.

You can never have enough cards handy.  They are an incredibly cheap form of advertising.

Jun 17, 2007 04:17 AM