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What's YOUR Starbucks Strategy?

By Bruce Brockmeier

Services for Real Estate Pros with Internet Marketing Consultant to REALTORS®

January 13, 2009 01:31 PM

2009 will be a year to think outside the box.

Do you have a Starbucks Strategy?

If not, now could be the time to start.

At least for all you Starbucks addicts! :)

Why do I bring up Starbucks in connection with real estate?

1. Because EVERYONE you meet either has an interest in real estate, or knows someone who has an interest in real estate. You can build your sphere of influence at Starbucks!

2. And also because I received a surprise email from one of my longtime clients today.

Susan Crawford has graciously allowed me to share parts of two emails with ActiveRainers.

If Susan can generate new clients at Starbucks, maybe you can too!

Something to ponder. Thanks for reading!

* * * * * * * * * *

Subject: THANKS A LATTE!!!!

Hi Bruce!! Just wanted to say thank you so much for the Christmas Card! I just picked it up at the office from my mailbox (hadn't checked mail in a while due to the trip) and there it was! You do know I LOVE Starbucks, right?? They know me by name in there!! (In FIVE different ones!!! LOL)

even picked up a couple clients in there...one employee and one sister of an employee.... :)

Thanks so much!!!!

Susan

Susan Crawford, Local Real Estate Expert in Cary North Carolina
Susan Crawford

Local Cary Real Estate Company

Keller Williams Realty

1516 E. Franklin Street, Suite 100
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

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Bill Gassett

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA

Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

I have no problems with Starbucks:)

Jan 13, 2009 01:44 PM

Debi Boucher

Real Estate Showcase Photography - Woodland Park, CO

"Realtor Showcase" - Real Estate Photography/Virtual Tours

Bruce, My Starbuck's strategy is a Skinny Mocha, no whip. Guess I better rethink that strategy, huh? LOL

Thanks again for your support.

Debi

Jan 13, 2009 04:07 PM

Bruce Brockmeier

Internet Marketing Consultant to REALTORS® - Yorba Linda, CA

Coached By Crouch

Hey Debi,

You don't have to change much. Just make that a Skinny Mocha, no whip, with two business cards on the side. Easy! :)

Jan 13, 2009 07:36 PM

Hi there Superstar Bill!!!

But do they remember your name? :)

Jan 13, 2009 07:38 PM

Debe Maxwell, CRS

Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC

The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Brotha' Bruce! I LOVE Starbuck's and it appears that you love Carolina girls too!!! LOL, JK! What a great story and you'd best believe that next time I'm in there, I'll be scoping out the potentials... ;-)

Debe in Charlotte

Jan 14, 2009 02:48 PM

Good morning Debe!

This was an idea that caught me by surprise but, after thinking it over, it makes good sense. After reading your Thinking Outside the Box post, I realized having a Starbucks Strategy is one more creative way to build your business. Since you LOVE Starbucks, then they should LOVE the expert real estate service you provide! :)

Jan 15, 2009 02:49 AM

Liz Jenkins

a fresh space :: home staging & thoughtful organizing - Franklin, TN

I've made new clients just about everywhere I go just by being open, and having a business card on me at all times. I've been in the clearance aisle at TJ Maxx looking for staging accessories and struck up a conversation - turned out to be an agent looking for a stager. I've been in line at Publix and had someone comment on my (very cool) grocery bags I had brought (www.chicobag.com) and ended up with a new organizing client. And I can't tell you how many times I've referred people I know who do "stuff" to people I run into at the dog park, gym, PTA meetings, etc. I even have a list of people I refer often on my website. I figure if the people I like, that do a good job, do well, it can only make me look good and help them out at the same time. I hang out at Merridee's - an independent coffee shop in the downtown where I live in Franklin, TN. Bring my laptop and get some work done. But, as with your Starbucks, they know me and what I do - one of the employees is even in my book club.

I think it's all about taking the opportunity to learn what others need and who they are. Sometimes it's a good fit for you and sometimes not but at least you've made a new contact - and who knows, sometime down the road the impression you've made will come back in a good way. I believe in karma - what goes around comes around.

Jan 15, 2009 05:09 AM

Hi Liz,

Thank you for your excellent observations.

By the way, after looking at my desk, I would probably benefit from your "thoughtful organizing"! :)

Jan 15, 2009 07:21 AM

Sheldon Neal

Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ

That British Agent Bergen County NJ

... I love me some Starbucks !! ... I just wrote an offer tonight for one of my buyers while we sat in the comfy chairs in the corner !!

..... and while I drank my Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte !

Jan 19, 2009 12:15 PM

Hi Sheldon,

That sounds like an excellent, and satisfying, Starbucks Strategy!

Jan 20, 2009 03:13 AM

Chuck Willman

Chuck Willman - Alpine, UT

NewHouseUtah.com

Bruce- If you want to send gift cards to any retailer or confectionery location I will gladly use it to see if I can gain any new clients in this way. Actually- I extend this offer to anyone. :-)

Mar 04, 2009 01:46 AM

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