20 Ways to Touch Your Database This Year!

Don’t lose another opportunity to touch your database this year. Trying figure out how to keep your database thriving? Use these great holidays as a chance to stay in front of your clients all year long!

Call AnotherMe Virtual Assistants today to find out how we can help you with marketing!

New Year’s Day – January 1st, 2018                    Independence Day – July 4th, 2018 

Valentine’s Day – February 14th, 2018               Halloween – October 31st, 2018 

Daylight Savings – March 11th, 2018                   Thanksgiving – November 22nd, 2018 

Memorial Day – May 28th, 2018                           Christmas – December 25th, 2018 

Tired of the traditional holiday postcards & emails? Here are a few interesting  and fun holidays that your clients will enjoy! Get specific- if you have a client who loves beer, send them something funny they will relate to and remember. Not creative? Let AnotherMe help you design a postcard/email!

National Margarita Day – Feb. 22nd, 2018          National Dog Day – August 26th, 2018

Pi Day – March 14th, 2018                                     Drink Beer Day – Sept. 28th, 2018 

Earth Day – April 22nd, 2018                                  Make a Difference Day – Oct. 27th, 2018

Cinco De Mayo – May 5th, 2018                            Veteran’s Day – November 11th, 2018

National Donut Day – June 1st, 2018                  Small Business Saturday – Nov. 24th, 2018

National Ice Cream Day – July 15th, 2018              Ugly Sweater Day – December 21st, 2018

Want more holiday ideas? Check out http://www.holidayscalendar.com/

What are you waiting for? Your clients want to hear from you!

Don’t have the time? Call today!

Happy Thanksgiving from AnotherME

Happy Thanksgiving  2011!

Back in the ‘old days’ before Facebook, Twitter and email, people used to send postcards to their friends for every holiday, event and trip!   The recipients would save and organize their postcards in elaborate scrap books.  These scrapbooks were then shared when friends came to visit and displayed with great pride.  The more postcards you had, the more popular you were! Some things never change !  These scrapbooks could be considered something akin to an old fashioned Facebook page!

I am so lucky to have my Grandmother and Great Aunt’s collections from the very early 1900’s!!  I have to admit, some postcards seem a little odd and some are downright politically incorrect!  (will share some more on another occasion)

However, most of the designs and pictures depict a simpler way of life and provide a glimpse into the history of our country and traditions. I hope you enjoy them!



Social Networking + Real Estate Industry = Big Change!

I honestly think the Real Estate business should be the Poster Child for change!   Quick –  what are 4-5 big changes you can think of right now?

We’ve seen changes to Contracts, Marketing, MLS’s, Brokerages, Short Sales, Mortgages, Associations, websites, and of course “the market!”   And Social Media has been a big part of that change!

Over the last 2 years, I’ve heard so many real estate professionals say things like; “I don’t have time for Social Networking”, “How can you get business from social media sites?”, or “I have a website, why do I need a Facebook business page?”

However… in just the past 6 months, I’ve been to 2 REbarCamp’s and a RainCamp and attendance is up!  Agents and Brokers have realized since the downturn in the industry they must use their offline real estate marketing skills through social media online.  Now, real estate pros are building their brand and generating interest in their listings though the use of online platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, ActiveRain, Trulia and Zillow. Interest is growing, Realtors® are finally recognizing the value of this new way of doing business!

So if you’ve been dabbling with Social Media and trying to understand how to implement Social Networking into your business, consider this:

• If you’re a numbers person, the statistics are staggering.

• If you’re a people person, it’s the easiest and fastest way to network with folks right in your community or across the US.

• If you’re budget conscious, it’s free!  That’s F-R-E-E!

• If you’re technology challenged, it’s much easier than you think!

The following video was created by Erik Qualman of Socialnomics in late 2009, so imagine what the numbers will be for 2010!

What are you doing to keep up with the rate of change?

In 2011, make a resolution to get on board and get started with this new way of doing business!  Call AnotherME to find how we can take you from zero to hero with Social Media.

Photo Image – TheLogoRunner.com

Wordless Wednesday – Fans!

Ceiling Fans, Hand Fans, Window Fans, Cooling Fans; I think fans are Fantastic! fansblue fan

But I’m really talking about a different kind of fan… a Facebook Fan! Facebook Fan Pages are hot!

We need more fans for our Fan Page – AnotherME Virtual Assistants! On a mission to hit the magic number of 100 fans – to get our custom URL!

Takes 5 seconds!  Click here: http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/pages/AnotherME-Virtual-Assistants/106351018440

Facebook Fan PageThis is our Fan Page on Facebook – info on our VA’s, services, products, tips and hints, events and more!  Just click on the image below!

Want your own FaceBook Fan Page? We can help!  Email me at patty@anotherme.com

DIY-ers …Check out this great tutorial from CyberHomes!  http://snurl.com/leb5g

Become a FAN today –  AnotherME Virtual Assistants!

Are you LinkedIn… with the leading Social Networking site for Business?

This week I had the opportunity to attend a class for real estate professionals on using LinkedIn and how to “data mine” for new business with this Social Networking site.  I was surprised to see that out of 25+ agents in the class, only 7 or 8 had set up a profile!

The instructor was Richard Kirby, a recruiter who has developed a network of over 3500 connections!  He has successfully used LinkedIn to meet new clients, make connections with Corporate HR contacts and develop his business!

Here are some eye-opening facts about LinkedIn:

* There are over 40 million business users on LinkedIn, including managers and executives at virtually all major employers.

*LinkedIn is the leading online Social Networking website for Business.

*LinkedIn is a giant database of members who are relatively open to networking and inquiries.

*Nearly 60% of the members have incomes over $93,000. (based on a study done by Anderson Analytics)

Are you on LinkedIn?  It’s easy to navigate and set up a profile.  You’ll get the most visibility on your profile when you complete each section: Photo, summary of current position, email address, website links, interests, previous jobs and work experience.  Then start connecting with colleagues, old friends, new friends, past clients, etc.

Join a few groups: college alumni association, sorority/fraternity, special interests, employer groups, and of course, there are lots of real estate groups to join!  Once you have made connections, ask for recommendations.  Richard Kirby recommends getting 5-10! This will complete your profile and give you more visibility!

Start today using LinkedIn to find and develop new clients, connect with clients who aren’t on Facebook or MySpace, share updates, and establish yourself online!

And while you’re there – connect with me!

What's in your Mailbox?

Peanuts Mail

Sending a birthday card; is it Social Networking – IRL? (in real life)

When was the last time you sent someone a real card in the mail?  Did you get any actual “Paper” cards on your last Birthday?

Remembering someone’s birthday is an easy, personal way to stay in touch with your past clients.  Everyone loves getting a card on their birthday. Recently, I had a client call and thank me for sending her a Birthday Card!  And just last week, a friend at church came up to me and thanked me for her card!  Imagine that…A simple little card!

Today’s technology has made it so convenient to post a short birthday message to clients and friends on Facebook or send an e-Card via email.  Now, I’m not knocking those methods… they’re great and more than most folks do!

However, a card sent through the mail clearly demonstrates that you took the time to be thoughtful and shows how much you care. When you remember your clients, they will be more inclined to remember you… when it comes to referring your name to  their friends and associates!

But, I don’t have my client’s birthdays, you say? Here are 3 tips for building your birthday database.

1) For those who attend closings, ask the closing attorney or title company for a copy of your clients driver’s license for your closing file.  Closing attorneys and title companies always get a copy of the driver’s license!

2) Use Facebook to find friends birthdays! Depending on how many friends/clients you have, you just might need a Virtual Assistant to help you with this project.  It’s on-going, so remember to go back each month to find “recently added” friends.

birthday cards

3) Have your Seller’s and Buyer’s fill out a New Client Information Form that includes a section for birthdays.  Add children’s birthdays and pets, too… Talk about making a good impression!

Whatever method you use to build your Birthday Database – Start sending Birthday Cards and see what kind of reaction you get!

P.S. Send me your birthday and address, I’ll send you a card!

Reflections on attending REtechSouth 09

What’s the best investment you can make? Is it Real Estate?  Is it in the Stock Market or Bonds? (not today, that’s for sure!)  Nope – it’s an investment in Yourself!  You will always get the highest return when you make an investment in your business and YOU!

That’s exactly what I did last Friday (and Thursday evening) when I made the investment of time and money in attending REtechSouth 09!  It was priceless!         

A one day event with great speakers(Jeff Turner- RESpres, Dave Jenks) fantastic classes(Social Media 101, Twitter, LinkedIn, SEO) an opportunity to network with some of the best in the industry (Missy Caulk, Jim Crawford, Debe Maxwell, Connie Harvey, Lane Bailey), and learning about some great new technology companies!  (RealtyVid, ViewThisHome)

Let me tell you…this was not your regular real estate conference.  It wasn’t a sales pitch, or a big rah-rah event!  It was all about sharing technology, sharing information.  Matt Fagioli and Brad Nix did a phenomenal job of creating an environment where learning was fun… and real!

Lots of Ah-Ha moments, ideas and technologies that I can start using in my Virtual Assistantbusiness, today!  (I’m updating my website and profiles this week!) And I have some cool ideas that I can share with my clients to help them incorporate these new technologies into their real estate business!  Who knew that Flickr was a Social Network? And it’s free!  (Jeff Turner, I guess!)

Start investing wisely… Make an investment in yourself!  The dividends are high and the payoff is endless!  Attend REtechSouth next year!  See you there!

Patty Keller, AnotherME Virtual Assistants

Giving and Appreciation – The Pop By!

The holidays are almost here! What a great time to “Pop By” your A-list clients and prospects in your database with some holiday cheer and good tidings!  According to Brian Buffini, a small token of appreciation or “item of value” can go a long way in building strong relationships and generating referrals.  Just remember – appreciation wins out over self promotion every time!

Here are some simple, cost effective gift ideas:

  1. Holiday Ornaments: you can purchase plain glass balls in bulk at CostCo or Sam’s Club, tie it up with some lovely ribbon add a simple card and you have a great gift!
  2. Something that will last all year long – A household tool or measuring tape is useful and most people keep them in the “catch all drawer” in the kitchen where it’s handy.
  3. Small magnetic calendars that you can personalize with your business card.  These are very inexpensive and everyone can use a 2009 calendar!
  4. What about a set of holiday return address labels for your client.  A sheet of printed labels costs about 50 cents.  (And we can help you format, design and print them!  Yes, it’s a shameless plug for our services)
  5. Coupons. Negotiate with a neighborhood store or restaurant for a free appetizer or dessert or a 10% discount on certain items.  Most businesses are agreeable to offering joint coupons, because you are giving them free advertising!
  6. Candles are always a great idea – as a decoration or when/if the power goes out! Check out the deals at the Dollar Store and stock up.
  7. If you are somewhat capable in the kitchen, there are some great recipes for homemade Spiced Tea, Hot Chocolate and easy Candy recipes!  Just wrap them up in some green or red plastic wrap or a small mason jar with a pretty bow!  (I have all of those recipes if you need them!)

And don’t forget to include a simple note with your name and number.

No matter what “item of value” you choose for your “Pop By” this season, remember the purpose – to build and cultivate client relationships that will last throughout the year!

present

My First Launch into the Blogosphere

Finally, I am starting my first blog! Let me introduce myself – I am Patty Keller, founder of AnotherME, a real estate virtual assistant company offering Listing Coordination, Closing Coordination, Marketing Services, and Real Estate Administration. My company of 14 talented and experienced Closing Coordinators, Virtual Assistants, and Marketing Assistants has been supporting real estate professionals for more than six years. Now that we are an established business, we are establishing our “voice.” So naturally, I decided to start blogging.

Everyone should aspire to have an assistant, someone to take care of administrative tasks so you can have more time. This time could be more profitably spent finding new clients, selling property, and other tasks that increase productivity, resulting in a more successful business.

I know what you are thinking, “I can’t afford to hire someone now.” AnotherME saves you money because you only pay for the services you need when you need them, without the obligation of full-time employees. My virtual team is dedicated to customer service and making you look great. Each “AnotherME” has at least three years experience in supporting real estate professionals and has closed hundred of contracts. We work with clients from Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Keller Williams, and RE/MAX, to boutique real estate companies.

Thanks for reading my first blog. Stay tuned for more. I’ll be staying away from political and religious topics and focusing more on how to help out the real estate agent. Check out our website between blogs at www.AnotherME.com.