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Cross Marketing with another home business

By
Real Estate Agent with Acquire Real Estate

Before I became a Realtor (6 whole weeks ago),I started a home business with Usborne books At Home (I'm like the Mary Kay or Tupperware lady of children's books). Starting with Usborne was actually an accident when going to real estate licensing school 2 years ago didn't work out. Now it has provided the funds for me to go to school and get started in real estate this summer.

I have a great customer base with Usborne and addresses of over 300 people. When it was time to announce my real estate venture, that is where I started. I sent out a letter announcing that I was going into real estate and how I was not abandoning my Usborne business. They are also all on an 8x8.

The results have been quite good - for real estate and Usborne.I have 2 people that want to list their homes with me as soon as they finish preparing them. Several people have just called or emailed to wish me good luck or tell me that they think I will do well. Plus I have received several book orders and a new team member for Usborne. When I did a booth on the 4th of July, I had a sign about being in RE and got a few contacts. But the best thing is that my team members are very supportive of my new career. I was afraid that some would feel like I was abandoning them, but it has been quite the opposite. I have taken good care of them and now they want to repay me. One is telling as many people as possible about me. One is doing my design work, including a great customer logo.

So if you are a mom that has another home business, I highly suggest that you prepare special announcements for your customers that include real estate. If you send out a real estate newsletter, include a small ad for the other business. Plus if you have other mom friends with businesses, ask if they would like to include an ad for a nominal fee. Moms love helping other moms! Even if you have stopped working with that home business, don't forget to contact those old customers. You already know them and I am sure they will be thrilled to help you.

So get out there and make the most of being a Mom - cross market yourself!

And if you want to check out Usborne - www.books4thekids.com

Show All Comments Sort:
C Tann-Starr
Tann Starr & Associates, Inc. - Palm Bay, FL

Hi Kiri, I loved your post. I think you are just awesome! Welcome to Club Chaos. Just dropping you a quick hello to wish you the very best with your career and blogging. Enjoy your day. Regards, C.

Jul 31, 2008 12:46 AM
Paddy (Patricia) Pizappi
Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty - Pine Bush, NY
Real Estate Associate Broker Hudson Valley NY

Welcome Kiri, I used to buy Usborne books when the kids were small Great product.  Welcome to real estate and to Club Chaos.  Enjoy

Jul 31, 2008 01:26 AM
Lindsey Hasford
Edina Realty - Elk River, MN
Bringing you home...

Kiri - Until my first son came along I did Avon and real estate. A lot of agents in our office bought stuff from me totally making it worth the effort. You are right that it can be advantageous to do both businesses. Right now I'm just too busy with my kids and the real estate! Congrats on the listings from your client base.

Jul 31, 2008 04:26 PM
Chip Jefferson
Gibbs Realty and Auction Company - Columbia, SC

Great post Kiri. Keep up the good work and keep building that sphere of influence. Good Luck!

Aug 01, 2008 12:49 AM
Lidia Griffin
Suwanee, GA
Real Estate Virtual Assistant

Kiri - congrats on your marketing success!

Cross marketing is a a great way to take two complimentary products/services and introduce them to an audience you already have credibility with.

Have you thought of giving one of your books as a gift at closing (e.g in a gift basket, etc.)? That might be an interesting way to introduce your real estate clients to your Usborne business.

Aug 01, 2008 01:06 AM
Kiri Rawson
Acquire Real Estate - Lexington, SC

Lidia - Yes, we have a great book called "Moving House" which was recently featured in Parents Magazine. I plan on giving that to all my clients with children when they start the buying or selling process. I also plan on using the books for other gifts to keep in touch.

:) Kiri

Aug 01, 2008 02:33 AM
Lidia Griffin
Suwanee, GA
Real Estate Virtual Assistant

Is that the First Experiences book? Looks like  great gift for people who are moving with kids.

 

Good Luck!

Aug 01, 2008 04:46 AM
Anonymous
Anonymous

Yes, it iis the First Experiences book. It has 2 reading levels and a little duck for children to find on every page. it is a GREAT book for any family with children moving. I really should market it to other real estate agents, but that would be just one more thing to add to my plate.

Kiri

Aug 01, 2008 06:43 AM
#8
Mary Thomas BH,MB,HB, PV, Estates LA+
Remax Estates Properties - Los Angeles, CA
Mary C. Thomas Your Agent around the Globe

Great information, I hope you keep up with your continued success. It looks good.

Aug 03, 2008 05:06 PM
Pam Pugmire
Silvercreek Realty Group - Meridian, ID
Meridian Idaho Real Estate

Great success story!  I also have another business that I have received clients from as well. 

Sep 11, 2008 05:01 PM