Marketing/Business Tools: Biggest Bang for the Buck!
The title explains it all. I want to know! And I’m sure most of us want to know — what are YOUR current business tools or marketing ideas that gets the biggest bang for your business bucks!?
My personal recommendations:
- BNI.com - Referral Network Group $330-$430/yr. Membership
A non-compete business referral network group that physically meets at a location every week. The sole purpose of the meeting is to pass referrals to each other. You build a network of trusted professionals you can count on and also refers to your clients; and you get referrals in return. It’s a win-win.
- Digital Post-it Notes for my desktop computer - $19.99
Personally (being an organizational freak) I absolutely love Digital Post-It Notes! Especially the visual aspect of the program. I’m able to manage more details; it’s a great way to manage a lot
of small to-do’s for both business and personal items. They are currently offering a free 30-day trial.
- Starbucks Wifi - Free up to 2 hours
Still paying for their Wifi service? Or are you avoiding a meeting at Starbucks because the Wifi isn’t free? It’s now free (for up to 2 hours) if you have a Starbucks card — membership is free. Most store locations are convenient.
- Social Networking Sites (SNS) – Free, but you have to invest your time
It’s just another way to stay connected with your people. It works if you participate and keep yourself updated and "alive" online.
Dina Takai, GRI, ABR®, SRES, CIPS, TRC, is a broker associate with Park Bench Realty in Arlington Heights, Ill.
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Comments
Hi Dina,
Thanks for these really great ideas! It's always great to have Realtors sharing money-saving tips: Especially ones that they have personal experience with.
GREAT BLOG!
Jeannine Graff
Posted by: Jeannine Graff | August 11, 2008 08:18 PM
I hope self-promotion is okay as I am the founder of inboxFX Communications (www.inboxfx.com), one of the leading email stationery providers. I recommend email stationery for projecting a professional image and making your emails stand out from all of the others. The majority of our clients are Realtors so it must be working. First year is $ 199.00 including a custom-designed stationery and subsequent years are $ 150.00.
You can send unlimited emails from up to 8 email addresses and it works with all email software, webmail, Blackberrys and even your MLS. You can also have links back to your web site.
Posted by: Mike Blaney | August 13, 2008 04:21 PM
Hi Dina,
I am impressed! Your blog is informative and interesting. Thanks - Great job Dina!!!
Lally Govender
Realttor
Centurty 21 Sussex & Reilly
(630) 835 4007 Cell
Posted by: Lally Govender | August 14, 2008 11:07 AM
FYI, for anyone considering a MAC, the new Leopard OS has a built-in digital post it note feature called stickies.
Posted by: Mark Washburn | August 14, 2008 02:03 PM
Hi Dina, I love the idea of free wifi and you mentioned Starbucks, but how about Panera Bread, it is free and I haven't seen a time limit on it. It is right beside the Starbucks here and I often sit in the parking lot while working and use the service. You do have to sign up/in but it is totally free. Just thought you would want to know.
Keep up the good blogging.... :P
Carol Harris
Posted by: Carol Harris | August 15, 2008 06:31 AM
Hi Dina,
I’d like to hear your thoughts about T-ReX Global’s free Real Estate Partner Program (TReXGlobal.com/Partner), a service that helps real estate professionals increase business with investors.
Investors provide a great opportunity in the current market, but marketing to them can be difficult. T-ReX Global makes free web tools to help investors save money, and real estate professionals can sign up for the free partner program to co-brand T-ReX web tools and use them to market to investors. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Posted by: Niman Singh | August 15, 2008 03:02 PM
Hello Dina,
Great Information. Opens my eyes to new venues that are being used out there, other than your traditional open houses, farming and so forth. For me, your information has given a place to start from. Especially, BNI networking groups. I'll look into this. thank you.
Roopa Syed
Sales Professional
Tarbell Realtors
951-751-4955
Posted by: Roopa Syed | August 17, 2008 12:11 PM
Thank you, Dina, for the info regarding digital post-it notes. I am checking out the free 30-day trial!
Patty Cawood
RE/MAX Connections
423.775.4663
Posted by: Patty Cawood | August 26, 2008 09:54 AM
What are the social network sites, you recommend.
I use Facebook, but I can get business or promote my business.
Posted by: Condo King | September 20, 2008 09:28 AM