Guide to the goodies
OK, this is it - the time of year when you get a bag to fill to the brim with cool giveaways from all the local companies.
You can restock your pen and sticky note supply, grab a handful of candy or get a coozie at the Realtor Builder Tradeshow on Oct. 30 at the Osborn Center in Jacksonville. Those are staples and most everyone gives those away.
But, it’s the unique gifts that are worth searching for and if you do it right, you could come home with some real finds.
Over the years, I have acquired many useful marketing items given away at this event. My favorite is the magnetic note pad, but I haven’t seen one in years. (hint, hint!)
I still have a mini-screwdriver that has two sizes of Phillips head and flat-heads that can be interchanged. I love that thing and it’s invaluable when replacing batteries in a house with two children.
On my desk, I have at least four different companies’ sticky notes and I use them everyday. I also love chip clips; the magnetic ones are awesome for clipping notes (or art) to the refrigerator.
Insulated travel coffee mugs, mini-tool sets, sewing kits, first-aid kits and hand sanitizer are a real find and will come in handy for a long time.
How do you get the goods?
Basically, just walk up to the booth and see what they have first. It’s polite to say hello and ask a question or two about the company or the people at the booth and then check out what they are giving away, grab one (or two) and be on your way.
By the end of the event, your bag should be full of useful and non-useful things for you to sort through. Make sure you go through your bag as soon as you get home. There’s nothing worse than waiting a few days and finding chocolate candy bars melted all over your new sticky note pads.
Take time for fun
What fun things are there to do when the market slows down?
Since the market has slowed down a bit from all the craziness, in addition to going back to basics, many have taken this time as an opportunity to get involved in some new hobbies.
Wally Sears, SunTrust Mortgage: “I have joined Toastmasters to improve on my public speaking skills.”
Lisa Aimone, Wells Fargo: “Biking. We rode in the MS150 this past weekend (which actually ended up to be 168 miles). It was a great time, great people and a great cause to raise money for.”
Ben Walker, Ponte Vedra Club Realty: “Writing a novel.”
Lydia Keohane, Team Village Realty: “I’ve been extra busy setting up new technology systems to work for me for the upcoming real estate future!”
Elke W. McMenemy, St. Augustine Real Estate: “About a year ago, I was invited to substitute for a regular Bunko Babe with a fabulous group of ladies. I have since become a regular member of the group and we meet once a month, for good food, fun and laughter. We end each evening with a howling round of Left-Right-Center. Another new interest of mine came about when someone in one of my CIPS classes in Daytona Beach offered up two free tickets to a race in Daytona on the July 4 weekend. My husband and I enjoyed the evening so much that the following day we went online and purchased tickets for the next Daytona 500.”
Carolyn McMoran, National City Mortgage: “Jaguars Champions Club. We work as volunteers with the Jaguar organization promoting the Jags and the game day experience for the fans! We are involved in ‘Pack the Jack,’ which is selling season tickets for Jaguar home games. We love the Jaguars and the good they do for charities within our community. Go JAGS!”
Lori Neighbors, Assist2Sell: “Who in this market has extra money for a hobby? We have maintained the status quo of ‘still-got-to-have fun’ even in this ‘pinch a penny’ market. Thursdays have become the usual office get-togethers for the new season of “Survivor.” Each person brings a main dish and we eat together and watch “Survivor.” It is great free entertainment that will last through the fall.
“We have taken the time with the little guys (3 and 5) to figure out cheap and free things to do. So far, we have instituted the weekly family sleep over in the family room with sleeping bags and pillows to watch yet another re-run of the same ol’ kid-friendly movies. Saturdays are the typical get-up-and-go to the garage sales with the little guys. They earn a dollar through the week and can spend it how they want at the Saturday morning garage sales. To them, it’s a treasure hunt. Lots of fun and it instills the desire to earn money for the reward at the end of the week. Summer months are filled with cheap and free days at the beach. We invite friends each week to get together at the beach. We have the occasional date night with friends. We have gotten together with a group of friends to do “Game Night”. This is a blast and, more importantly, it’s free. Cutting everything that is a ‘luxury’ item out of our life was a must. However, we could not cut the fun and entertainment out! We need the break away from the daily grind of the non-business. Now we get creative with the things to do that are affordable.”
Maureen Dunn, Vanguard/GMAC Realty: “I’ve been making jewelry, including necklaces and earrings. My friend Rose McClure has provided the tools and the patience. We’ve gone to local bead shows for the real deals in silver and Swarovski crystal beads. I can’t say that it is relaxing but it is fun getting creative. I have a better appreciation for store prices!”
Pamela Anastasia, Laterra Links: “With a slow market, I become very creative, thinking outside of the box on ways to market my development. I have always been very passionate in fund-raising for a great cause. I put those talents to use by hosting charity events on site in our 7,000 square-foot clubhouse. It has been a great opportunity for all involved. Laterra Links has been greatly rewarded by helping others and showcasing our development to many new people on all the various events that we have hosted.”