When I first started out in this business I was eager to get my name out there but I wanted to do it in a fun way. I wanted to be unique and have people remember me beyond the marketing dollars I would need to spend.
I went to the local movie theater (Celebration Cinema in Grand Rapids) and rented an entire theater room and 
along with that, a premiere PG rated movie.At that time the movie premiering was Freeky Friday with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. It was perfect for all ages and all audiences. I also struck a deal with the manager that would allow me to include free popcorn and pop for each person that I invited. The theater allowed me to print up my own tickets with my card stapled to it. I actually went door to door through out the community, introducing myself and giving out free tickets. People were very friendly and excited to get free tickets. No strings attached. The only thing I asked is that they take the tickets ONLY if they would use them. Otherwise I just gave them my card in case they either changed their mind or had real estate needs. I also had friends and family members giving the tickets out to their sphere of influence.
I did not know if I would get anyone actually coming on the movie night. I was hoping I would at least fill it 1/2 way. It was a HUGE success. The theater was filled!!
When people turned in their tickets I asked them to put their name and contact info on the back of the ticket for a drawing. Right before the movie started I did the drawing and gave away a cool yard game. I also used that moment to thank everyone for coming and to introduced myself as a new business professional in the community eager to serve them with any of their real estate needs. I kept it short and sweet. I kept the tickets as a way to follow up with each person, find out if they enjoyed themselves and to thank them again for coming. I also used that phone call to find out if they had any real estate needs or if they knew of anyone who was in the market to buy or sell a home.
This proved to be a great way to not only target an area but it was really not that expensive for the impact I was able to make on so many people.
I spent close to $1,000 for everything from the theater, movie, popcorn and pop for everyone plus printing for the tickets. I would recommend it as it has lasting results. I have had people contact me long after and say "you were the one who had that fun movie night."
Sue Prins- Five Star Real Estate -Grand Rapids MI
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