“Can we send you our Top Producers’?” Of course.
“Do you use press releases?” Naturally.
“Why haven’t you done a story on our office?” Oversight, perhaps, so let’s talk.
“How much does it cost to get a profile on me?” No cost, but no guarantee we’ll do it, so let’s talk.
“Did you get my email?” “Did you get my fax?” Maybe, maybe not.
Questions. You get them in your business, we get them in ours.
But we have an advantage on you — we can talk directly to everyone who might ask us a question, because the only people who receive this newspaper are licensees in our chosen professions. Maybe someone else picks up a copy in a real estate or construction office, but there aren’t many of those.
So, every year or so, we spend a few column inches reminding you how we do things, and how you can participate.
Here’s how:
1. Top producers.We’re the only publication which makes a concerted effort to get the names from offices. We get a lot, but there are a lot more out there. Yes, we want your Top Producers, whether you’re a real estate office, a construction company or a lender. We need them by the fifth of each month (surely, you can determine your leaders within five days!) and we’ll take them by email, fax or snail mail. Preferred? Either email or fax, because of the deadline.
2. Press releases. Sure, send ‘em along. By email, please. But, I ask you to realize that we will edit your copy. We love you, but we don’t love all the fluff stuff that you insert to make a middle-range home in East Beezus sound like it’s in Ponte Vedra. You can call your kitchen counter “exquisite,” and you can call your dining room “charming,” but we won’t. If you want someone to shill for you, you have other opportunities. But, if every bathroom is “adorable” and every closet is “perfectly sized,” then no one has credibility.
3. Stories. Since we started Realty/Builder Connection about five years ago, we’ve probably done 600 or so stories on people and offices in this area. If we’ve missed you, shame on us. Give me a call and let’s talk.
4. Cost. Zero. We hope you’ll buy ads from Deborah Metzig, and lots of you do, but stories are free. However, it’s our decision, not yours, so let’s talk.
5. Did we get your information? Please don’t call and ask if we got your email or fax, unless it’s something very important. We get lots of stuff and, frankly, lots of it looks and reads the same. Yes, we got your stuff ... if you sent it to the correct address.
The correct address(es.)
• Fax: 353-2628 (we’re in Jacksonville, so add the area code if you aren’t.)
• Email: You have two choices. Our best office address is [email protected]. Michele Newbern Gillis is also at [email protected]. You can send .jpeg photos to either place.
• Mail. Please only use this for hard-copy photos and drawings. We’re at 10 N. Newnan St., Jacksonville 32202.
• Phone. I’m at 356-2466 in Jacksonville.