Next week I was asked to give a presentation on Section 184 loans at a local Realtor meeting. The Realtor setting it up said I should bring Donuts and coffee? Janet Guilbault wrote a blog http://activerain.com/blogsview/526954/Why-I-Think-Realtors on not kissing up by bring Realtors food all the time. That service and closing the loans is more important. Do I really need to bribe Realtors by bringing them food? It does seem kind of shallow to me. Will this really bring me more business and is this what realtors really want, or is it only the Realtors that need a free lunch?
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The Adam and Eric Group - Fullerton, CA
The Adam and Eric Group, Fullerton's Finest
If they are coming strictly for the food you don't need them. Refreshments are nice - but they should come for the content.
May 29, 2008 05:49 AM
Keller Williams Realty Waterside - League City, TX
Bringing food is a nice gesture, but your services as a professional are all that really matter. :0)
May 29, 2008 05:54 AM
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
Chuck - It doesn't hurt to bring something, but it definitely won't make a difference with regard to the business you generate. We did have an insurance guy who used to bring a basket of cookies (individually wrapped) for a long time to my previous office, and he did generate business because we all got to know him as the "cookie guy". I still refer business to him today.
May 29, 2008 05:56 AM
Realty Texas - Round Rock, TX
GRI, E-Pro, SRES, SRS, ABR, CNE, REDS, CPS, WCS
Are the cops coming - that cracked me up!! I am like Adam and Jenni - your service/s are much more important to me than the food, but try and tell that to the men in my office. They are like vultures!! Thanks for making my day.
May 29, 2008 05:59 AM
First Mutual Mortgage - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Donuts do not equal loans. Save your money for after your presentaion. If you develop a potential referral source from it, then take them out to a breakfast or lunch strategy session and begin to develop a long term referral relationship.
May 29, 2008 06:04 AM
Myrtle Beach Homes Blog - Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach REALTOR®- myrtlebeachhomesblog.com
If you are bringing the donuts make sure they are fresh....honestly, I could care less if someone brings food to a meeting...i care about their knowledge skill and ability to close my loan. Period.
May 29, 2008 06:11 AM
ERA Henley Real Estate - Cabot, AR
If you do bring food, do something different. Forget donuts, bring a fruit basket/bowl. People will thank you later.
May 29, 2008 06:16 AM
McNally Engineering, LLC - Oakland, NJ
LLC
Donust is a nice gesture. It shows that you care. That does not mean that you'll get business out of it nor should you expect it. It's just a matter of saying thank you for attending and listening to you. Believe me a noce gesture speaks for itself. A cheap & greedy person does it as well.
May 29, 2008 06:35 AM
Your Financial Coach - Bellingham, WA
Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts.
Jason I do understand advertising myself, I did it for 9 years. I use to wear really loud ties and was know as "the guy with the fancy ties".
Darin Yes I do get it. But I was asked to come give this presentation. No Realtor in this group has ever sent me any clients in the last 2 years. I debated whether I should even bother. So why should I try to kiss someones butt that I feel isn't really going to send me any referrals. As in Janets comments of her blog, should the Realtors want to come to learn the content. If I am just their to bring donuts, are the only ones showing up are the donut eaters?
Dan I like your suggestion....send me a client and then I will thank you. That to me is a sign of mutual respect.
McNally I think we should all care about giving the best service we can to our clients....the buyers and sellers.
May 29, 2008 06:52 AM
Lake in the Hills, IL
I think if food is a way to a man's heart, well then when selling a product...why not? Don't break the bank, but just do something to make everyone comfortable.
May 29, 2008 09:49 AM
Broker Associate PenFed Realty - San Antonio, TX
You Deserve The Best
Food always helps. I am with Lynn on this one. It doesn't have to be super classy, just well presented.
May 29, 2008 09:55 AM
Your Financial Coach - Bellingham, WA
any suggestions on other healthy things to bring? Donuts to me seem like giving a sugar high and then causing a crash looses the enthusiasm.
May 30, 2008 09:06 AM
Your Financial Coach - Bellingham, WA
Ok, I did break down and picked up about 3 dozen assorted mini-fruit filled bear claw type donuts. At the end, there was only a few left. My presentation on Section 184 loans went well.
Jun 03, 2008 06:57 AM
Your Financial Coach - Bellingham, WA
I guess if that keeps me in their heads...and hopefully they will send me some clients...it's a good thing!
Jun 18, 2008 09:25 AM
RE/MAX Top Properties - Coal City, IL
Grundy/Will County, IL REALTOR
In general I feel that if you're selling REALTORS something (your services) you probably should bring something. Chances are if there's 50 in the office, 48 already have someone that they refer their lending needs to....You're just an extra guy wasting their time unless you make it worth it. Buy them lunch and work your "real job" (convincing them you're worthy of business). You're trying to build relationships- which are often built over food, right?
However, if you were ASKED to come present something to help educate them...THEY should provide you with breakfast or lunch- it is YOU doing the favor in this case...
Jun 18, 2008 09:52 AM
Your Financial Coach - Bellingham, WA
Jim They did invite me and told me to bring something....I just figured that most of them were starving and needed it.
Times are changing though...and people are getting more educated.
This past month all the clients (except for one referral from a realtor) have come to me for a pre-approval first. some have already got a Realtor in mind. But I have given 6 customers a few Realtors cards and recommended them. I think the media has helped to educate people and so they come to me first to get pre approved to see what they qualify for, and then they do alot of shopping online.
What I have a hard time with is deliberate stearing. The Remax office here is part owner of the Mortgage Company in the same building. They won't let me in the office to see any Realtors. I can only talk with their realtors outside the office. Thay don't let me drop off any business cards or flyers. The lady at the front desk even tells me...we only use (there Mortgage Company).
Jun 18, 2008 11:17 AM
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