Had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine the other day. I was telling him about my recent Go-Giver Chronicles and interactions with Bob Burg (co-author of The Go-Giver). My friend mentioned that his first real estate agent helped him find a rental house when he moved to the area, free of charge. Just helped him. No compensation, no contracts, no obligation. Just helpful help.
So, my friend continued, when it came time for him to purchase a home in the area, he called up the agent and hired him to be his buyer agent. His point was that because the agent cheerfully gave of his time in the beginning, he ended up with my friend's business when he had business to give.
I was curious who the agent was; if I knew him or had heard of him, so I asked for the guy's name.
My friend pondered the question. Couldn't come up with a name. John, maybe? He said he'd recognize it if he saw it or heard it, but, darnit, just couldn't remember it right now.
<wheels spin in JA's head>
Obviously, my friend hadn't heard from that agent lately. I asked if he'd ever heard from the agent after the sale and he didn't think he had. That's not surprising... "they" say that the vast majority of agents do a lousy job of staying in touch after a closing and I'm certain that's true.
So, I continued questioning interrogating my friend. I asked if he had heard from the agent, say, two or three times a year for the last five years, would he have been able to recall his name?
He pondered again and said, yes, he would be able to recall the agent's name if he'd heard from him two or three times a year since the sale. But, he said: "Even once a year would have done it."
So, I asked "What if he'd been in touch every month?" My friend groaned... "That would have annoyed me to the point of not wanting to remember him!"
We moved onto a different real estate-related topic that you'll see rambled about here in a few days, but this conversation validated one of my long-held suspicions about our industry... or rather... one of the industries who SELLS to our industry.
I'll continue this soon... but any thoughts on where I'm going with this?
It is sometimes a delicate situation. You don't want to be too pushy or bug your SOI constantly as that does get revolting, but you also want to be thought of instead of the dreaded "Oh, that's right, you are in real estate ,too"
I tell everyone I come in contact on a daily basis what I do and hand them a card. Then, I do the same thing on the radio every Saturday.
You might be suggesting "out of sight (maybe) but not out of mind". When I moved to Utah from Australia four years ago, I knew nonone so my SOI was was zero (not even family and friends - just my wife - from here). Entering Real Estate two years later I had a card index of over 2,000 people who remembered me from asking genuine questions about their businesses - all of whom knew or were related to one or more agents. My cards (and their notes) are still my goldmine. My SOI hears from me at least quarterly. Consistant, persistant effort (relationship marketing).
I have been a fan of Bob Burg (Endless Referrals) for a decade. Jennifer, I shall be interested in seeing where your blog goes. Lots of activity and great followup,I hope.
It is kind of a lifestyle and identity at this point. If anyone who knows me were to say they didn't realize or recall I was in real estate I think I'd faint. Even in non- real estate matters there are too many oblique references to my self employment and type-A lifestyle.
Jennifer,
When I go to weddings, it really irritates me to have to shout down my Amway rep relatives...
I like to send a Christmas card, and otherwise incidental contact as it goes. They hired me for my skills, not for my persistence to pester.
Chistmas Cards - Don't do them any more. Years ago my first broker had us send Thanksgiving Cards and New Year's Cards in the middle of January... you would be amazed at how many people commented that mine was the first and last holiday card they received.
I was just reminded of this yesterday when I ran into a past client, she remembered me but not my name...looking forward to the continuation!
The bulk of my sphere is now on Facebook. I keep in contact by posting blog links. That way if they are interested they can click, if not at least I stay fresh in their mind.
Laura - Yeah, people aren't nearly as good with names as we give them credit for!
Suzy - I agree - once the Christmas card rush is on, a card has to be pretty darn special to stand out (which of course, it should be anyway!)
Mike - that's it exactly. People remember someone who did a good job for them and stays in touch "enough." I guess the question is - what is "enough?" I'll be exploring that next.
JP - YES! I've said for years that an SOI business model is a lifestyle, not a strategy. Some agents don't like that concept because they want to keep work and "play" separate. But I'm thinking they're missing the point.
Larry - I think once a quarter is plenty - and I'm glad you'll be following the topic!
Harry - But these aren't the same people over and over again, right?
David - It's a balancing act, for sure!
It's more of a seasonal thing with me at the end and the beginning. It's not planned, usually impromptu and almost always beneficial. Any more than twice a year and I think they'd start to get suspicious I'm seeking business. What fun it is JA.
It is a fine line between contacting them enough for them to keep you in mind and contacting them too much.
Overkill is to be avoided, as it soon develops into annoyance, especially if it is a mass blast of unimportant information.
Tough one, it depends on how you stay in touch... I have seen statistics that are over the top saying every 3 weeks, which is a bit crazy. I personally do monthly + Birthdays... and most stuff is snailmailed as a value added piece.. not a "send me biz" piece.
You would be surprised how many people call and say: "I'm glad you sent that news letter or I wouldnt have known where to find you" Even though I had sent them something Every month for 5 years, they dont register it until they have that need.
I am a newer agent and am trying to get my name out there without bombarding people with what I do. It definitely is a touchy subject just cause it seems everyone already knows an agent.
Right now I'm hitting my shere monthly with a postcard (along with half my town)...I've often wonder if this is too much contact with the people I know but I get good feedback so that's what I'm going to stick with for now...is your blog going to be about direct-mail campaigns?
I am trying to find the right balance in e-mails.
I feel once a month is not enough, but weekly might be annoying.
I have a mortgage broker who sends me e-mails way too often and I have started ignoring them - I don;t want to be that.
I have started using my real estate signature in all my emails business and personal - a more low key way of keeping in someone's face.
Interesting post..the one thing I learned early on was to keep track of my past clients..not hound them to death but touch base with them at least 4 times a year. It's worked..I just got two calls this week from past clients from a note I had sent them 30 days ago..one client wanted to list the other wanted to buy!
Jennifer I consider thspost and your observations to beone of the most important things we as Realtors can do. It is so often overlooked
Interesting question. I don't do as good a job as I should. I hate to come off pesky but would be bummed if someone forgot me!
Allan Sanchez
I agree!! Once a month is quite a bit, but every couple of months seems to be a nice fit for me.
Figuring out that contact has been hard for me. When I was at Re/Max they have a built in drip campaign. KW doesn't have that so I have to do my own. It has been hard for me to determine what to use so I have been neglectful. This reminds me to get back on track. The once a month comment did kind of shock me though.
Thanks so much for all the insightful comments and experiences! I can't wait to do my follow-up on this which may turn into (groan) yet another series. Will have to wait, though, I'll be in Destin the next two days at the Crey-Leike annual meeting talkin' 'bout SOI!
Hi Jennifer,
I'm still trying to come up with the right formula. I think its obnoxious to be in people's faces day in and day out. The question is how much is too much - how little is too little. I've decided to go by gut instinct because I don't think that the "Goldilocks" not too much-not too little formula varies with individuals. What might be "just right" for one former client might be too much for someone else. I'm thinking 3-4 times a year. I send out my newsletter every 6 weeks.
One thing I will mention - there is a lot of push-back about email and snail mail and phone numbers. It is increasingly like pulling teeth to get people to spill their information at open houses. They will often preface it by "Don't call, don't write, don't email - I just want to see the house!" Didn't have this in the past - there is a sense that everyone is inundated with sales people scrambling like sharks after chum.
Hi Jennifer,
I too am a HUGE Go-Giver and Bob Burg fan. I follow his teachings of sending out cards and notepads. Trying to give a value as well as a reminder of who I am. Hopefully then I won't be considered "annoying" :)
I don't bombard people with emails or newsletters or postcards. But I do a regular campaign to make sure they remember my name.
I don't sell or tell the fact that I am a Broker at all. However, if I am asked, I reply. Other than that, when I start talking about Real Estate, people usually tell me I am an agent at that point becasue of my compassion of the subject matter. So, it boils down to being yourself and loving what you do and for me....my ducks are obedient and respond with good quacking....
I think you're going to talk about newsletters.
It is a fine line between being annoying and staying in touch. I find that a call/e-mail once every three months or so is enough. Just to check in. Maybe have something poignant to say. But I think everyone should move away from the old, tired, cliches, (ie. Oh, and remember, I'm never too busy for referrals). I think those turn people off more than anything. Great post and best of luck to you Jennifer.
I do the monthly letter from the heart - not a news letter but just a letter. Wasn't sure what I thought of it, but, I do it and have had positive response. Last December I sent a letter with a list of my all time favorite websites which included some humor - was a big hit. If I end up sending a post card - just listed or just sold, I might skip the letter that month. In January they get a list of everything that has sold in their neighborhood with a bit of commentary.
Jennifer - I like this, "an SOI business model is a lifestyle, not a strategy." That's so true! I never bring up the topic of real estate to my SOI, they bring it up to me. I engage with them on issues in the community or their personal life. I created and sponsor a community blog. I also send out e-mail updates on various topics, including community issues, environmental issues, and real estate. However, people have to sign up to get the e-mail updates. About the only unsolicited thing I do is to send out jumbo full-color postcards to my SOI four times a year with recent sales. They like this because they are always curious about which house sold for what amount. When people approach you about their real estate needs, you are starting from a position of strength, which allows you to ask probing questions and actually provide better service to them.
At least monthly!! Change it up!! Also remember to try and meet face to face for lunch or coffee at least once a year!! It will pay big dividends!
Jennifer, I think thats the beauty of social media in todays market. I can stay in contact with my SOI without always "selling" them! I do make an effort to either email, text, Facebook, Tweet or what ever else is out there very regularly. Something to consider is that you dont always have to talk about business when you are speaking to someone, at least not everytime you arein conversation.
I had lunch last week with a former client and did not bring up the business one time. Well don't you know that near the end of lunch she mentioned she has a friend that might be interested in selling her home. Well go figure, I was more than glad to accomodate and this friend signed the listing yesterday!
There has to be a medium between being a pest and being a ghost!
thanks for the post
Jennifer,
Not often enough! (Seriously I really need to do a better job with this!)
All the best, Michelle
Just enough to be remembered but not too much to be a nuisance. But still remember that each of our contacts is an individual and may receive our contacts differently we need to KNOW them. Margaret C.
alway always always
I try four times a year including a holiday greeting. I usually put out a short 2 paragrapg news type letter. Anything less they forget, anything more you are a pest and they want to forget you.
Interesting...I have an agent in the office who does a WEEKLY email newsletter...when asked if that was to often she said she has the optout function but more importantly....people respond to her how much they love her MONTHLY newsletter....LOL so who knows how much is to often or to little...if someone can't remember their agent's name...then it is to little!
If someone is 'on the horizon' i.e. not buying or selling at this very moment but might in the next 3-12 months, I'll try to contact them once every 3-4 weeks. If it's a past client, I'll contact them about once a month for the first 3-4 months & then about every 4-5 months after that. Any more often and I think it becomes more annoying than anything.
Great work Jennifer, who would have thought to ask the client how often they want to hear from an agent???
PS Love Go-Givers
I don't believe in a one-size fits all mentality, I gauge it based on my relationship with the client. I also ask the client what their preference is.
Because I am a glutton for punishment, I do it organically...I do holiday cards, but they vary by client...for some, I drop off pumpkins at Halloween, for others, I send ColdStone gift certificates in the summer, for others, I offer tickets we have to various performances, others I take to lunch...it's more organic - and a heck of a lot of work - but it feels more natural. I keep thinking I need a "system," but this works (although, yeah, it works ME! LOL)
I try to a "tip of the month" newsletter. I don't always send out every month, but, it's interesting to see the stats on what topics of interest there are to my segmented email list. When I am consistent with my email posts, I do get more referrals and am focusing on my discipline to be more consistent ;)
Looking forward to your next post...
I use the Brian Buffini method so my staying in touch is more vocal-based versus sending out mailings.
This one very easy method of marketing is so often overlooked. Or, it is something people intend on doing but don't get around to setting up. These past clients are a goldmine.
I agree with Brian Buffini. Our clients were happy when we sold them a house so we should keep in touch with them to give us referrals.
Jennifer- I have been to many of Bob Burg's sessions. In fact, I have all his tapes:) I must admit, this is not my strong point. When I was with BNI for many years, it was easy because I saw everyone each week and I did tons of dance cards. But after I left BNI after over 20 years because I got more biz from online than offline- but the problem in our area has always been, we work with sellers, and those sellers leave Florida most of the time.
Now, Nestor is the king of follow up and SOI work. We get a lot of referrals and I must say it is mostly because of Nestor, not me.
I as well adapted to the Brian Buffini system but with many modifications and this now includes social marketing. Monthly is ideal, by every second month is more practical. BUT you have to 'provide' valuable information.
We should all contact them monthly just to touch base. A contact a ran into the other day asked if I was still in Real Estate. That was a wake up call.
Well...I have been considering what is too much or too little. One of my associated send some sort of contact every 3 weeks and other every 3 months. I would be interested in your ideas of a happy medium! Thanks!
I have tried many time lines and methods looking for what works for my folks, and found that many like it different ways - go figure. Currently working a combo of on line, mail out & live touch, done differently for each of my A, B & C lists, but would love to simplify it a bit. Looking forward to more from you and the comments to follow!
Thanks for the reminder! I used to send out several emails a year and this year I've only sent out 1 or 2.
Glad to see so many agents embracing the importance of keeping in touch with clients and practicing referral and repeat marketing!
I think there is such a fine line in between friendly reminders and annoying. I have a FB friend who is a real estate agent. She post every day that "selling is her business". We aren't slow, we all know that by now.
This is off the subject, but love your signature!
I think there is such a fine line in between friendly reminders and annoying. I have a FB friend who is a real estate agent. She post every day that "selling is her business". We aren't slow, we all know that by now.
This is off the subject, but love your signature!
I was just preaching this to a group yesterday. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING!!
Jennifer,
Thanks for the great post. Can't wait to see where this is headed??
Heck, I had to remind my mother!
I've had 3 family close family members purchase (and sell) a home in the last year. Did any of them call me? Course not. Most of the time they use the listing agent of the home they're buying. Makes me want to pull my hair out. But I won't.
I stay in touch by means of a monthly newsletter. It gets my name in front of them but does not put them on the spot.
Dear Jennifer,
Stephen's suggestion about meeting for coffee or lunch once in a while is neat too.
Great topic. Personally, I think quarterly is good. It also depends on what value you offer when touching them monthly. Your friend said it would annoy him but it wouldn't if that realtor had provided something insightful or valuable to him. Re-posting Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg or other people's info on your Facebook page is very annoying and shows you can't think for yourself. Re-write it (give credit) and add your own opinion and local info to it if needed. Newsletters with recipes, renovation tips, etc... have got to be the most annoying of all.
I put every new sold on an auto mail postcard (the personal marketing co.) they get 4x year including anniversary of purchase.
I have my sphere on my monthly enewsletter ( www.contact.com) which is a market conditions update for each town.
I have an "green conservation tips newsletter" http://www.mypersonaladvantage.com which gets mailed bimonthly
for a personal contact a do 2X /year- spring, I call and drop off "a gift of spring" potted plant and Holidays I call before thanksgiving and drop off a holiday pie ( local baker)
Thats how I stay in touch and of course the plant and pies get a lot of great feedback and I do get referrals.
John
I think it's about building relationships...constant mailings without value do not seem to have any ROI.
We run weekly reports in the MLS to track any new or sold listing in our past client's neighborhoods. When something pops up, we mail a print out of the listing with a handwritten note to keep them posted on the area.
Otherwise, they receive birthday cards, anniversary of home purchase (first 2 years), quarterly newsletter, holiday card and 4 value add marketing pieces throughout the year (battery in April for Daylight Saving), Pumpkins in October, Pies in November & 1 cent stamps each time the USPS raises postage rates.
Personal contact, no matter how often you contact your clients (not the content) is key. Keep top of mind so they know you are in real estate, but also become their first choice to contact as a professional resource.
It is really relative to the person you are keeping in touch with. I think there is no one answer. Some will get annoyed by 1 time a month, some will not get annoyed by 1 time a week. Just do what you want and let the chips fall where they may. You cannot stop annoying some people no matter what you do.
I cut my monthly postcards to quartlerly, more for purposes of economy in the current market, so we'll see if that affects future business.
Great post, Jennifer and good feedback with all the comments! I particularly liked Ann Wilkins in #29 and I'm with Stephanie - I love your signature too!
Jennifer, I read you loud and clear. Our office as well as the promo companies always seems to be promoting 'every month contacting', but I just like your friend, would make that every month contact person first on my DNC list!
I think you hit the nail on the head. But if not every month, what then? I think that depends on the client so we have to measure our client base ourselves. Personally, I contact quarterly at the most frequent, and 6-12 months for others (who I know are like me and would be bothered more often).
If you need to contact them more frequently you'd better become personal friends, but keep the business chat less frequent.
Sorry for the length. Didn't mean to write a blog on your blog :-)
Bukka
I think its a fine line between overkill and out of sight out of mind. Facebook is a great way to remind your sphere without constantly throwing real estate in their face but a few posts every now and then about a new listings, rates, recently sold, etc. On the other hand, just because someone sees you everyday or quite often sometimes they do forget that your a real estate agent, especially if (1) you never told them or (2) some people think if you don't bring it up, maybe you just do it part time or casually.
To follow on this topic, read "Permission Marketing" by Seth Godin. In my opinion the agent that gave his initial service for FREE, made a BIG mistake. Free stuff gets forgotten!
Jennifer, whenever I start my snail mail campaign I set a goal of monthly contact because that's what I've read to do. Because I write my own custom newsletters I end up falling behind and once I get busy it stops. I try again when things die down and feel guilty for straying from my monthly goal.
I'm surprised to hear anyone say that monthly contact is too much. What I was going to do was send a custom newsletter quarterly and send a letter, postcard or hand-out/magnet the other months, amounting to monthly contact but in a few different forms.
I also agree with some of the comments that sometimes even with monthly contact they won't remember you until they need you again. At least with monthly contact they'll "find" you quicker. But if I knew it would only take quarterly contact I'd be all over it.
So maybe my new goal will be quarterly custom newsletters (people actually love my newsletters and wonder when my next one is coming and some have passed them on to others) and if I have time with fill-ins I'll do that, too.
Much nicer to aim lower and feel better about it all if at least the minimum is accomplished. It's always been too much pressure to have a goal of monthly contact and feeling like a failure when the goal wasn't reached. Looking forward to your follow-up.
Jennifer, you nailed it again. Yes, we do need to stay in touch. I usually rotate through my SOI. Invitations to coffee, lunch or walks. Attend dinners and parties but I am careful to never "hard sell" myself as an agent.
I do touch base with my SOI but not regularly.I like the idea of 4 times a year.I am working on this.Great post and lot of good comments.
Jennifer - I'm amazed at the people who argue with you about this. Past clients are a rich source of referrals - IF they remember your name and where you work. One of the things I mutter about was that my first broker didn't do follow up and didn't teach it to me. It took me a few years before the light bulb went off.
Anyone who fails to stay in touch with past clients is really missing the boat.
Also amazed that you think monthly is too much of a good thing.
But perhaps the difference is what you mean by contact. When I had a real estate office we sent monthly newsletters and some people would get upset if I was late getting them out. They'd call and ask if they'd been taken off the list or something.
So - a card or letter saying "hire me" might be offensive on a monthly basis, while some news of the local market would be welcome.
I'm having a blast reading all these great comments! I'm ducking in and out between sessions at the Crye-Leike Annual Meeting, so forgive the brevity of my own comments, but it's all good stuff!
One concept that stands out to me is the quality of the content. If the quality is good, your audience will be more open to hearing from you more often. But what's ironic about that is that if the quality is good, your audience won't NEED to hear from you as often to remember you fondly!
So maybe that's the simple answer. If your communications (whatever form they take) are of real value or interest to the audience, you can do them as often (or as infrequently?) as you want, within reason. If the quality of your communications isn't of value or interest to the audience, don't bother! Too often and you'll annoy. Not often enough and you'll be forgotten!
Monthly email newsletters, fliers to my farm area every two months, post cards to selected neighborhoods every three months, letters to BdB every four months, you simply can't get enough impressions to bring attention to your business or mine.
However, the key is to provide interesting and useful information, something of value or entertainment in your marketing campaign. Setting up systems or templates are keys to making your marketing effective and efficient. Consistency is essential because your message must be seen at least nine times before it finally makes an impression.
In spite of what Brian Buffini says, I think that every month is too much just like your gentlemen said.
I'm not an agent, but this is an interesting topic from an advertising and marketing point of view in my working with clients.
First, I'm reminded of a story one (agent) client shared with me a couple years back. He told me that his own cousin told him about his experience with his agent when buying a home, and how it made it clear that the cousin had forgotten he has an agent in the family.
As far as "keeping in touch", I recommend to agents that there is no set time frame. It varies from client to client. It may be more time consuming, but it should be handled on a case-by-case basis. For example, if you sell to a family with teens, your follow up would be gradual for a couple of years until "empty nest" time might be nearing. A young couple buying a starter home might need more room for children, and you might want to follow every couple of months, and so on. An investor might be receptive to twice per month, or even whenever something of interest comes available.
There are also some strategies for keeping past clients up to date by sending them a quick note informing them about a sale in the neighborhood if the sale price is favorable to their home. It might plant a "maybe we should sell" thought in their heads.
Those who keep track of when to follow with each client (or know to hire somebody to track these things) will do better than the "once every two months" group.
Balance...do it but not to the point of pestering...definitely stay in touch...develop you own style ...so it comes from the heart and not just asking for business
We are currently doing an enewsletter once a month. I do like several of the ideas I've read here. Thanks for the discussion.
Wow crazy.. seems like lost business.. I always try to do something at least once a year if not quarterly.
Thanks for the great post!
Past clients and referrals are gold mines and should be treated accordingly. For me with my gold mine, in a year are 9 newsletters, 1 anniversary card{handwritten note) and 2 phone calls.
Ty
You're so right! Everyone seems to be preaching what you've been saying forever........work your sphere of influence and you won't need to knock on doors, call expireds or cold call.
Once a month plus holidays and special occasions.
Arrgh. I should be reminded daily. It seems so simple and yet it gets put off frequently. I am so guilty. But I am trying to improve, thanks to the frequent nudges from AR posts like this one.
Jennifer, thanks for the reminder. At remax we're drilled to maintain contact once a month or so, devising a system and just following it is so important. With a system in place it's hard to forget these things, whether email or mail campaigns, once the system is in place it's hard to fall off the wagon. Also, one less thing to think about when you know you're gonna do it consistently. Cheers for now and good luck with business. Jark.
Well 85 comments was a lot to get through, but I just have to add my thoughts. I am a 33 Touch groupee and from the comments I'm not the norm. I have a strategic methodology to my program that uses email, gifts, events, popbys (of the Buffini school), and calls. Social Media helps too. It probably isn't really 33, but it is way more than 4 or 5 times a year. This Saturday we are hosting a hayride and bonfire at one of the municipal parks here in Indy. We have over 60 clients coming; we actually send out a Save the Date postcard in January with all the dates of our events for the coming year.
Honestly I'd rather work with a referral from someone I know than a website and giving good service is job one, but having them remember you (your original post) is also important.
I spend my time on referrals and I also spend time with internet lead conversion, I think you need both.
Cindy in Indy
I have been told that once a month is the thing to do. I try to send some kind of update in post card form to my SOI that often.
I think by doing that people know in a "soft sell" way that I am still actively in business.
The people also like getting my market updates, I hope.
Once a month seems a bit much, but once a quarter seemed to few, so right now I've opted for a newletter about every 6 weeks. I'm also trying hard to call or visit once a year, and I follow that call/visit up with a market update on their neighborhood.
Great post, and I enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts!
I too follow the Buffini method. Monthly mailers to my database and calls are based on the quality of the relationship. The better the relationship, the more often I call to "check in" with them.
Also try to Pop By every quarter with a little something. Talk a little real estate, but try to keep the focus on them. People like to talk about themselves and people appreciate you taking the time to think about them.
Hi Jennifer,
A lot of comments!
So, not too little, not too much
A quarterly postcard, just to keep in touch!
Phil
So many great comments... and I'll just say that if something IS working for you and you're happy with your results, PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE (WO)MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN! In other words, keep up the good work. But if you haven't yet come up with an approach that you're happy with... read my follow-up here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1912068/so-how-often-does-your-soi-need-to-hear-from-you-part-ii-of-
I never thought that a quick email monthly would be too much contact with a past client. I guess I should pare that down to quarterly contact?
I do birthday cards for the clients and their minor children so that in of itself is maybe 3-5 "touches" (Keller Williams talk), I also do holiday cards. For Christmas I do custom handmade cards. I also do "thinking of you" notes. I don't ever mention real estate in these "touches."
I am working on getting some more face-to-face time by having coffee dates.
Over 90% of my business has been referral.
I sincerely hope once a month is not to often because I just started sending out newsletters...so far I have gotten good feedback...
~ always ~ I talk Real Estate to anyone; I wear name tags, hand out business cards everywhere I go, I keep in contact with my past clients every year with a nice calendar ... maybe a postcard or two through out the year ... I even send Business cards every month with my local monthly bills! they don't have a chance!
Jennifer,
Obviously a hot topic! I think it's important to send something of value rather than constantly soliciting business. The solicitation is where the annoyance comes in, but gifts, surprises, and relevant information are always appreciated.
I'm really bad about keeping in touch. I need to change my behavior.
EVen my own family (out of state) asks me if I am still selling real estate- sad!