About Business Ideas

Archive for December, 2009

How much thought do you really put into the creation of your business cards? I’ll admit when I first started in this business I didn’t know diddly squat about marketing and I created boring business cards like everyone else. I had my company name, phone, address, email and website–that was it.

Luckily I hung around some pretty smart fellows and quickly learned the correct way to use business cards. First, I recommend having two different types of business cards. The first one is going to be a very professional card that you can hand out to sellers. This card is going to be the closest thing you have to a “boring” business card but there are still a few ways you’re going to make it stand out.

On the front of the card put some type of catchy slogan so that sellers know that you’re a real estate investor. Such as “we provide real estate solutions” or “we will buy your house in 30 days or less”. And then on the back of the card I would give the sellers a reason to pick up the phone and call you.

What reason should you give them? The most reliable reason there is: The Free Special Report. Here’s what I would do: On the back have it say Call 555-555-5555 today to get a FREE copy of our amazing Special Report “How To Sell Your House in 11 Days Or Less No Matter Your Current Financial Situation”. And then I would go on to say. “And if you happen to own a rental property make sure to ask for our FREE Special Report “The Five Little-Known Ways to Eliminate Tenant Hassles Forever. Call 555-555-5555 to get both of these reports today with no-obligation whatsoever.”

Right there you have a turnkey “professional” business card. All you have to do is “cut and paste” the above information and you will have a better and more unique card than 99% of real estate investors.

Now, on to the second business card you’re going to have. This is where you can get crazy and let your imagination run wild. This card can be ugly and doesn’t have to look professional at all. You will want to make this card bright pink, bright orange or bright yellow. You can use big lettering to let the world know that WE BUY HOUSES AND CHARGE NO FEES. Of course, on this card you will still want to offer free reports on the back. And don’t forget, these cards are for leaving at the gas station, dry cleaners and tacking up on bulletin boards. Do anything you can to have these cards attract attention.

Imagine it’s the first conversation you’re having with someone you would like to have on your side. These small steps in how you talk to, and listen to them will make a huge difference…

1. Listen well and pay full attention.

By paying attention to them they immediately feel valued and important. This is critical in them believing that you are worth the time and effort. It’s also a matter of courtesy. When someone else is speaking it’s the right thing to do to, listen patiently and being interested.

2. You are more interested in other people than yourself.

It’s almost impossible to do completely and if you do it well, showing that it’s how you are, you will make people like you more. And in the big picture, seeing this as a way of looking after your own interests is far wiser than short term actions.

3. You keep promises and do what you say you will.

By always being upfront with what you say you will do – and then delivering, you will be much more attractive to most people. ‘Dependable’, ‘reliable’ and ‘committed’, will be words to describe how others see you and the way you are.

4. You are a great friend when others are in need.

Whilst this needs some care (or you spend you life sorting out everyone else’s problems), being there for others is a great asset to have. Their needs are often to be listened to and therefore they need someone to talk to. If you are good at this, and help them find solutions to their own problems (not you finding solutions for them all the time), they will thank you and value you.

5. You share resources and put the people you know in touch with each other.

Where you can be a resource for each other, then the network builds into a shared support and resource group. I can’t think of the number of times I have been able to help someone with something that I know and can share. And I know I can now call on others to help me too!