The Mortgage Blog

Wow I just hit over 4,000 contacts in my personal database. Isn't that exciting? I must really be a mover and shaker, you should see my mailers and my postage fees and my marketing and printing costs not to mention the time to proof everything.  How about my xmas card list alone and the personnel I have to hire to get it out.  Boy that Gorilla marketing really taught me allot.  So now I joined facebook, linkedin, myspace, twitter, this blog, my website, all my emails, texting....whew, and dinner is cold again, forgot to eat lunch again, you may know the drill.

So I ask you, how is the W2 going to look this year? Did twitter actually get you a deal yet? How many out of state leads did you have to respond to just to do the right thing and say "sorry I can't help you". I am not trying to be negative, technology is here to stay but can it be possible that we are experiencing diminishing returns?

There is an old saying that keeps popping into my head "get back to the basics" but I have a different twist on it, use technology but include it with a handshake and a smile.  I did a great job building my database, I did a terrible job staying in touch with them.  I mean really staying in touch, with a phone call, or a hand written note or asking them to meet me out for coffee just to check in.  Why is it we will do all these things for new prospects but we won't do it with people that already trusted us and appreciated our services?  When I scowered my list I spent several hours of several days calling my past customers, you know, the one's that trusted me. You know what I got? A lot of disconnected numbers and people who kind of remembered me but already refinanced or bought a new house.  And the funny thing, some of them I actually remembered having a great time with 10 years ago when they bought their first house. 

Instead of a simple phone call to a past and very satisfied customer, I spent countless hours trying to figure out twitter, facebook, linkedin,etc. etc.  All this for people that have yet to experience my first class service.

Well guess what? My texting thumbs are taking a break, I'm going grass roots.  Put on the walking shoes and fill the tank. This is how I became successful and this is how I will remain successful.  I challenge you to walk with me!! Besides the Golden Rule, there is the 80/20 rule and it works.

As always, please send me your comments.