Farming can be so much more than open houses and direct mailings to a specific area or group of people. The whole idea behind the practice of “farming” is to really connect with people in a way that helps them to remember you when they have any needs with real estate matters. Being personal is the key, and here’s a great new way to keep connected in a way that is thoughtful, nurtures a personal touch and is very well accepted!

• Cruise through your local paper daily and scan the “People on the Move” section for job promotions and clip out the section, and mail it out with a short note attached that congratulates them. People love being noticed and your attention to this detail sends a message that you are thoughtful and on the ball.

• Check out the local sports pages for school sports highlights for kids in the news. While being featured in the paper is a big thrill for the kid, it is an even bigger thrill for the parents. Parents are proud of their kid’s sports accomplishments, and being featured in the paper is a parent’s dream. When others notice and acknowledge the attention to their family, they are most appreciated!

• Search for items of interest that you know are of interest to your clients and customers, like antique information, homemaking ideas, etc. Enclose a simple note saying: “Saw this and thought it might interest you,” A simple note let’s the recipient know that you are thinking of them and actually KNOW about them and their interests. The impact of this note has a much stronger response than a high priced 4-color company produced postcard with impersonal information. Be sure your note card is designed with your photo, name, address, phone and web information.

• Instead of just sending the newspaper clip in an envelope to a profiled client or family, why not send it laminated for longer endurance? To really draw attention to the feature, attach a magnet to the back of the laminated clipping for display on the refrigerator. Your business card should be attached to the clipping in a strategic spot to remind the recipient that you are the source of this nice gesture.

• The following things can be laminated with your card on the flip side to continually link you as providing a value-added service:
  • Create school bag identification tags for the kids school bags in the area
    
  • Offer to make personalized luggage tags for your farm in your newsletters
    
  • Suggest offering your services to laminate identification tags for the school’s band equipment
    
  • Set up an offering to do the Kid’s photos on key rings provided by you and your team

There are so many ways to create value in your farm while offering solid good services. Get creative and be the solution in your area!