"I keep marketing for the same reason a pilot keeps his engines running once he gets off the ground."
- William Wrigley Jr., Founder, Wrigley Company

Many companies have learned that when the economy gets bad, you can't stop your marketing. You have to get smarter, since resources are fewer.

So, how can you do more with less to continue to grow your business? Here are some success stories and advice from some Top Producers:

Consistency

Marketing consistency always wins out over brilliance (when you can't have both, that is!).

Calendar magnets are more popular than ever because of their staying power. Your calendar stays in the heart of your client or prospect's home for a year for pennies a day. (Actually, studies show that the average refrigerator gets opened over 20 times a day - that means it costs you way less than a penny a day per impression!)

Not a bad investment when you consider that the average paper business card or postcard gets looked at and tossed.

"I've been sending House of Magnets calendars for the past four years. Folks actually contact me asking for them. It's my best source of recognition, and has resulted in many listings from strangers."
- Joyce Bearse, Century21, Yarmouthport, MA

Farming

Not everyone farms, but more agents are considering it as times get harder! And House of Magnets helps you with efficient, impactful delivery of your calendar magnets by offering quality theme envelopes and doorknob bags.

Richard Grippi with Coldwell Banker in La Canada, CA credits calendars for his growing business: "House of Magnets' calendars are part of making me #1 in my real estate farm and in the top 5% of agents in the city of La Canada Flintridge."

Branding

It's critical to keep yourself in front of your clients and prospects on a continual basis.

One of our favorite stories is from a Long Beach agent. He gave away calendar magnets in his farming area last year. One day recently while going door-to-door in that same area, a youngster he'd never met answered the door. The young boy turned around and yelled, "Mom, the frigerator man is here!"

Fame on the "frigerator" is good branding.

Meaningful

Cause Marketing continues to grow as a valuable tool to connect with clients at a deeper level. Real estate agents are linking themselves with Breast Cancer Cure Research, Support of our Troops and other worthy causes that they and their clients care about. Agents have passed along great stories about creating long-term relationships with their clients as a result.

Unique

Personal Marketing pieces are showing up in a lot more places than just the mailbox and doorknobs.Many business people are placing their themed business card magnets at relevant establishments; for instance, Kitchen Substitutes and Wine & Food Pairings magnets are showing up at food stores, PGA schedule magnets at golf shops, Babysitter Checklist magnets at preschools, and notepad magnets at offices.

Sudoku, the wild puzzle craze, continues to draw unique attention to agents' business message. Agents are seeing Sudoku on airplanes, doctors' offices, and more. When clients are calling you to get more of your marketing materials, you've got a hit!

Now this is unique: "I place my calendar magnets on the back of my Hummer and have a Take One sign above them."
- Corina Negri, Prestige Realty, Glendale, AZ

Linda Bowman of Bowman Realty in Richton Park, Ill. suggests multiple venues: "I find every vendor function available to me, for instance churches, outdoor festivals, networking events. I buy the calendar magnets in different designs, attach my business cards and arrange them in an eye-catching way on my table."

Inexpensive

You have to get more bang for your buck. Check out House of Magnets' impressive line of promotional magnets now and see some of the lowest prices in the business! Here's one agent's experience:

"I've had other agents in my office approach me to place a bulk order with another magnet company, but I decline and order my magnets from House of Magnets for two reasons: One - you have more choices; Two - even with the other company's bulk rate your prices are still better!"
- Maureen Direnzo, Weichert Realtors, Monroe, NY

Action Steps

So in tough times, what do you need to do?

Evaluate how you're spending your marketing dollars and make sure that you're getting the most for your money.


Determine if you're spending enough. Top marketing consultants say that 7-10% of your income is a good investment in personal marketing.


Create a plan and do it. Procrastination is your enemy. Wise words: When is the best time to plant an oak tree? 20 years ago. When's the second best time? Now.

If you have questions about how Magnetic Marketing can make all of your Personal Marketing efforts more effective, please call (1.800.789.6247) or email House of Magnets. We love taking part in your success.