Admin

Database marketing - getting personal

By
Mortgage and Lending with Waterstone Mortgage - The Wellington Group

For years I sent newsletters to my clients on a monthly basis in an effort to stay top of mind.  I was constantly in front of my clients but did not do a good job of letting them get to know me personally.  One of my mentors once told me the loan officer witht the most friends makes the most money.  For too long I didn't heed his advice.

A few months ago, when my daughter was 2 months old, we had a photographer take pictures of her, my two boys, my wife and I.  She put them on a slide show and added music and send me a beautiful picture slide show.  I was so proud I sent it to my whole database, and to my surprise, I received an incredible number of responses from my clients, 135 to be exact.  Never before had I received the feedback on something I sent to my database, and in this case I wasn't even sending it for marketing reasons.  Here is what I sent:

http://bluegeniusphoto.com/smalley08/

The moral of the story is this, let your clients get to know you as a person, not a Realtor or loan officer, and they will reward you with repeat and referral business for years to come.

Mike Smalley

Comments(6)

Show All Comments Sort:
Ron Moore
RE/MAX Professionals/Regal Builders - Retired - Florence, SC
MOORE Thoughts

Fantastic, Mike!  Our business grows as we build relationships, and that envolves a "personal touch."  Great example of what can and should be done by us all.

Jul 01, 2008 11:46 AM
Brett Tousley
Keller Williams Realty - Richland, WA
Tri Cities Real Estate | (509) 420-0013

Nicely done Mike!  Almost like a virtual tour for your family.  Looks like you have a lovely family.  Great Idea. 

Watching that reminds me of how precious our little ones are.  Mine are now teenagers...I'd sell 'em if I could. LOL

Jul 01, 2008 11:47 AM
Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Michael~ Now that was PRECIOUS of your family and it shows you as a REAL person with a family  ( a beautiful family I might add) and it DOES personalize you and make you someone I can relate to and I don't even KNOW you!!

Jul 01, 2008 11:52 AM
Erik Hitzelberger
RE/MAX Alliance - Louisville REALTOR-Luxury Homes - Louisville, KY
Louisville - Middletown Real Estate

What a great way to learn a lesson!  The slideshow is fantastic.

Jul 01, 2008 11:53 AM
LaShawn Norden
Keller Williams Heritage Realty - Longwood, FL
REALTOR, (321) 377-0157, Your Real Estate Advocate in Central FL

Mike~Getting to know you has been a true blessing. I was lucky enough to be in the group of people you invited to see your beautiful family photo shoot....I agree, getting to know people on a personal level is not only more fun, but more rewarding in the long run! Thanks again for sharing.

Jul 07, 2008 11:38 AM
Paul Dunn
Tucson, AZ
former orginator

Mike the database is MASSIVELY important.  I take it one step further and use streaming video to keep in touch with my database.

Paul Dunn
Tucson's #1 FHA Mortgage Loan Originator
Arizona USDA Rural Home Loans

Aug 01, 2008 11:34 AM