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The Business card strategy

By Adam Dalton

Real Estate Agent with Century 21 M&M and Associates - Turlock Real Estate

August 29, 2006 12:58 PM

What exactly is your busines card strategy? No matter how long you've been in the business, there must always be some awkward times where handing out your business card seems weird or unnatural. Then there are times when presenting your business card flows perfectly. What are your mannerisms in handing it out? I have personally always given two cards to every person. One is for them and one is for them to give to someone else. I also always try to write or mark something on them, such as underlining my cell number or email. This has always helped end conversations on a good note. I also try to have a goal of giving out 20 to 30 cards a day. Any other suggestions?

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Erick Claytor

ERA Freeman & Associates, Realtors - Gresham, OR

As far as passing out my business card, it really depends on the person and my interaction with them. I have had some people hand it right back to me and say, "No thanks!" So, for me it really depends on the person that I am talk with and our discussion. I think passing out two or three cards is a great idea... that is something that I will start doing now.

Aug 29, 2006 01:29 PM

John Novak

Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace - Las Vegas, NV

Henderson, Las Vegas and Summerlin Real Estate

My strategy is to focus on being a card collector, not a card giver. Here's why.

When you get someone else's card you have multiple ways of following up with them (address, office, cell, email). I usually ask "Would it be OK if I contact you from time to time with info about the real estate market?"

99% will say 'Yes.' Then it's up to me to implement a consistent, systematic program of staying in touch with them, starting with a handwritten 'Great to meet you' note.

If you simply hand your cards out, you're depending on others to contact you. Collect cards, and you have more control over initiating business.

Aug 29, 2006 01:32 PM

Brian Brady

Bayshore Commercial - Tampa, FL

858-699-4590

Hello Adam,

I tend to agree with John. Collecting business cards is more useful than handing them out...BUT...I've learned in the past 3-4 years that doing both is useful.

I ask people for their card and hand them mine with a little note on the back. I also tell them to put it in their wallet right away (most people lose business cards)

I ask them if I can add them to my monthly e-mail newsletter and call them a week later to ask them if they remember me.

I actually cold call businesses a lot. I love meeting new peopl and self-emplyed business owners are my favorite.

Aug 29, 2006 01:38 PM

Christopher Smith

TREGO REALTY - Cedar Rapids, IA

Adam, I like the part about passing out two cards everywhere you go. I know a Realtor in Cedar Rapids, that LEAVES two cards everytime she shows a house with a buyer. Interesting...

Aug 29, 2006 01:40 PM

Pam Hofmann

Third Tennessee Realty & Associates, LLC - Crossville, TN

Your Crossville, Lake Tansi & Fairfield Glade Specialist

Here in Crossville and I believe Knoxville too it is against the MLS rules to leave a business card at the home when you show with a buyer. Apparently they had problems with agents leaving 20 all around the house tucked under pillows and such.

In Florida it was just the opposite you were encouraged to leave a card to the owner knew that you have shown the house.

Different strokes...but I always hand out at least 2 cards at a time and tell them that they should pass the extra along to a friend.

Crossville-Lake Tansi Real Estate Lady

Aug 29, 2006 02:28 PM

Maureen Francis

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel - Bloomfield Hills, MI

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel

Wow. 20 to 30 a day! I am impressed. I dont use that many in a week, or more.

Frankly I don't get many either. All I really want is peoples phone, name and email so I can get them right into my blackberry. The card is not important to me.

Aug 29, 2006 05:28 PM

Gena Riede

Riede Real Estate, Lic. 01310792 - Sacramento, CA

Real Estate Broker - Sacramento CA Real Estate (916) 417-2699

Keep up the good work with 30! Some realtors have discount info on the back of their cards to places around their area, I have info regarding information needed for most common loan applications and tabulation of monthly payment per $1000 of mortgage. Sometimes, you need to give them something of value in order for them to keep it. How about an offer on the back of your business card for their next purchase or someone that they may know? Just an idea.

Aug 30, 2006 04:58 AM