Joe, thank you for inviting me to chim in. I am a realtor & love what I do! It is important to distinguish yourself. Let people know who you are & what you do. Referals are the best compliment for us doing business and to have our name stand out. It is important to me that each of my clients receive that outstanding service with integrety, hard work and trust. In the market today, there are still people buying and selling for whatever reasons. Marketing is just one way to get the word out, but who likes to cold call when this is one of the biggest purchases or sale that one makes? Most people want to be referred to someone who will get it done. Handing out business cards is a great opportunity. Who did you meet today? I once gave my card to an old friend at a red light going the opposite way. The next person wanted my card too. Have you lost contact with someone in the past year, 2 years or 5 years? Send them a note or email. Volunteering shows that we (in real estate) are not just after the money. Although that is what we want. Volunteering gives back.
Alot of wonderful people posted great comments on your aticle. With marketing, do you re-invent the wheel? I think one should clean it up and make it shine. Work with the basics and make it better. Someone said "It's Great in 08"