There. I said it. Every year, the same real estate agent sends me a tacky “junk up your refrigerator” calendar magnet. Every year, I throw it away. I’ve never even had a conversation with this person. If she actually knew me, she would know that I am also an agent and sending me her calendar is a complete waste of time and money. To top it off, I also get calendars from my doctor, a few title companies, some mortgage lenders and a financial advisor I’ve never met. I don’t want them – they are of absolutely no use to me.
I haven’t used a paper calendar in years. Most people I know use a calendar on their computer, smart phone, etc. Send them a paper calender? You may as well send them rabbit ears for their TV….totally useless.
If you MUST send something to your SOI for the holiday season, wolkia has a few tips and suggestions:
1. only send stuff to people you know – they’re less likely to toss it
2. try something different and something that doesn’t have your mug plastered all over it – like some cool Moo Mini Cards made into gift tags
3. how about a note telling them on a certain day, you will be collecting used coats for a “Coats for Kids” program or the like? you will be helping the community plus maybe even getting face to face contact!
4. even better…”On Saturday, December 5th, I will be sorting food at the food bank with my family. Please come join us..I will be treating everyone to lunch afterward”
5. whatever you do, make it about someone besides yourself. you may just be thrilled with the results!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Great article Tina. It’s definitely time to move beyond the “PICTURE” in real estate and grow up into business and community leaders and innovators.
Amen! I am also licensed in real estate and identify and agree with your post. At the holidays I use the side of my fridge to add them all and see how many I get. Then I’ll take my favorite and maybe keep that to hold up my son’s school drawings or a pizza coupon.
Also starting to get lost are the online monthly newsletters, I think they have a great place but they truly should be personal not a canned one that they purchased somewhere. (PS If those out there insist on sending the calendars at least spell the names on the envelope right,or send a personal message. Nothing shows a personal touch like a name spelled wrong.)
Don’t worry Tina, you won’t be getting a calendar from me! Seriously, I don’t send calendars to anyone. You mean you don’t want another magnet on your fridge?
How about an “I’d Love to Be Your REALTOR” sticker like the one I saw on someone’s car the other day?
Ever seen a lawyer, doctor, dentist, or anyone else besides a REALTOR display a sticker like that?
I couldn’t stop sending out refrigerator calendars if I wanted to. I started sending out Melco refrigerator calendars in 1995. Obviously lots of people still use paper calendars since my phone is already ringing from people that want their 2010 calendar. I only send them to people that request them and who stop in the office to pick them up.
I’m pretty high tech but leave room for the high touch in my tool box.
P.S. My face isn’t on the calendar.
A mate encoraged me to read this post, brill post, fanstatic read… keep up the good work!