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BIG Money Ideas are ALL Around!
All yA gotta do is "BE AWARE"!
Because I have made it my business to "be aware" of things around me and have trained my mind to "be aware" of "Money Making Opportunities"...I would like to relate a recent example of how I turn my "awareness" into "BIG money". In my local shopping mall is a large Kiosk about 8 ft by 8ft....sitting in the middle of one of the aisles. A local real estate co has built a display that looks like a "Log Cabin" with a shake roof....with open sides where a sales agent can sit and around 3 sides are 2 rows of "Listing Sheets" in plastic holders...approx. 10 sheets per row. There are 20 Listing Sheet holders per side. Note: A "Listing Sheet" is an 81/2" by 11" sheet of paper with a photo of the House...a description of the property...a photo of the Listing Agent, with their address and phone...and a Logo of the Realtor Office. Now...again....because I have trained my mind to be "aware" of "things around me" ....a few weeks ago, on a Sunday afternoon, while my wifee was shopping in Macy's, I decided to sit down in one of the benches near this Real Estate Kiosk and WATCH WHAT HAPPENS (while sipping on my Vanilla Latte) Well...here comes a couple....they look at the various Listing Sheets displayed and pick one out of it's holder...look at the front...turn it over (which is blank) and look at the front again and the woman folds the sheet and puts in her purse. They walk off. Then, along comes another couple...who also look at the Sheets displayed... pick one up...look at it....turn it over...turn it back to the front...the woman folds it and puts it into her purse and walks away. Well...this SAME procedure goes on for about 10 more couples and single guys and gals....when "something clicks into my Awareness Mode"; "WHY ISN'T THERE SOMETHING ON THE BACK OF THESE SHEETS?" They are ALL being turned over and looked at! Well...I "clock this into my Memory Hook". Later that afternoon my wifee tells me she noticed a "For Sale" sign on the lawn of the house across the street. I take a look and notice a "Plastic Box" on a pole next to the curb. This box holds some "Listing Sheets" giving the photos and info about the house. I pull out a sheet and notice the recent rain has curled the top edges of the "20lb bond" Listing Sheets. The rain stops and about an hour later as I'm relaxing on my front patio...I notice a brand new Mercedes SUV pull up...a dapper gentleman gets out...goes up to the box...lifts the lid, pulls out a Listing Sheet and takes it back to the car with him....whereupon he drives off. SOMETHING HIT ME LIKE A TON OF BRICKS! WHY ISN'T THERE SOMETHING ON THE BACK SIDE OF THESE "LISTING SHEETS"? AND...WHY AREN'T THESE "LISTING SHEETS" ON BETTER PAPER? THEY ARE TRYING TO SELL EXPENSIVE PRODUCTS (This house is listed at $465,000)....ON "TOILET PAPER"????? My goodness folks....whoever came up with the idea of placing "Property Listings on Sheets of Paper and placing some of these papers in a "WeatherProof Box"...was a great idea BUT....they didn't go far enough. AND....why not make use of the backside of these Listing Sheets....by placing ADS for businesses and services interested in reaching people "Hunting For Homes"? Soooo...being in the "Ad" biz for many years....I put together a "Sample" and went to the owner of the real estate biz....showed him my "Classy Paper" and "Ads on the BackSide AND...something else I included that would really cause the "House-Hunters" to want to KEEP these Listing Sheets. He LOVED the idea and was my first participating realtor. I have since...signed up other real estate offices where I was able to put together a program where I collect $600 a Month from each real estate office....simply for providing them with MY "Listing Sheets". Your "HomeWork" is....go for a ride around YOUR neighborhood. Stop your car at some of the "Flyer Boxes" in front of houses for sale....pick up some "Listing Sheets" in the boxes....look at the backside! Are they.... BLANK? IMAGINE the "possibilities" of WHAT could be on the backside of these and how these sheets could put money in YOUR pockets. If anyone is interested in how I did this....send me an email with the heading, "Listing Sheets". [email protected] Thanks for reading, Don Alm P.S. Mark down this date... "Sept 21, 2006"..... as being the FIRST TIME you read about THIS program...so that as time goes by and more and more "Info Writers" create their own versions of "How To Make Money with Real Estate Listing Sheets"....YOU will remember WHO was the FIRST to introduce this concept. ME....DON ALM |
Jason- whatever you think of him, that IS a great idea!
Try to see that the glass is half full, not half empty. Makes no difference who Alm 'really' is -- if his ideas are good (+ can do some good for some people), I say: It's a good thing.
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Re: Jason- whatever you think of him, that IS a great idea!
TW,
Thanks for putting forth an different way to look at things. I'd like to add an additional caution, if I may... Quote:
A couple of things Stand out from this text, thanks to my Studying of Bill Myers... Thing # 1: "If his ideas are good (+ can do some good for some people)..." In some of Myers sales-letters he uses the old "If this.... then that..." logic. Such as, for example only, "If you can identify a hot market for software, then you stand to make some really Big money selling the software you create." Meaning, when stripped down to it... that simple word IF has a vast difference in meaning. IF the idea is good... and THAT is the question... is the idea Good in the first place??? Thing # 2: That is makes No difference who the person really is if the ideas are good and SOME people are done good by it. I am sure that SOME people were done Quite well by the Gestapo in Nazi Germany and Hitler. By your statement, therefore, that is a good thing. I am not saying that you condone Hitler, the Nazi party, the Gestapo, or what they did. Merely pointing out that, based on your choice of words, almost anything can be said to be good. That an idea is Good or Bad is also subjective. When Eric came up with his Pixel Site Idea, I canned it for Not being of Full Use to those who buy ads. And I say the same of this... The ads do Not enhance the sale of the home - the Primary reason for such flyers. And whether they actually generate additional business for those who take out the ads is questionable also - even if they are coupons with offers on them. In short, while the idea is geared to make money for the person selling the ad space, that is all it is truly geared to do. A small while back Gordon wrote about everything being about The Customer, not you. My understanding of this idea.. and all those Ad ideas is... they are about the Ad Seller and Not the customer. And with such sales coming from FaceTo Face selling, that it's good for the ad seller is also drawn into question - as those most drawn to such an idea cannot do face to face selling at the moment and are likely Not to make money Trying the idea. Thinking this way - as I expressed above - is not a "half empty half full" idiom. It's a statement of reality. Can Some people run with what has been presented and make some money? Yes. Can the Majority of those who are excited by it do it and make some money? No. That's not to say the idea is good/bad/otherwise. That's just the way it is. That's all. Just beware of those... If this... then that... With just... you stand to make... ...kinds of statements. They make things very appealing. While the details are always hidden behind those IF and JUST words. Michael Ross |
Knowledge is neither good nor bad, but neutral... It all depends how it's applied
Hi Michael,
I don't know if this is addressing the concerns of your post... But I'd say you CAN learn many useful things from all kinds of sources... I believe that knowledge is knowledge - no matter what path it took to reach you. I see knowledge as something neither "good" nor "bad", but neutral... Almost any kind of "knowhow" can be used for "good" or "bad" - it depends on how it's applied... For example, learning how to raise funds would seem to be "good". And it is "good" if the funds are raised for some worthwhile cause... But if this knowledge is used to raise funds for an "evil" cause, then the application of this knowledge is no longer "good". But the knowledge of how to raise funds itself, I think is neutral - it's how it's applied which can be either "good" or "bad". Also, learning how to create poison would seem to be "bad" - since it could be used to hurt or kill. But if that knowledge is used to help prevent people from being poisoned, then using that knowledge could be "good" and used to save lives. However, I see the knowledge itself as "neutral" - it all depends how it's applied. I don't think any of this changes no matter what pathway that knowledge took to reach you. Sorry for gettin' all philosophical on everyone... ;) Anyway, that's my view on that issue... - Dien |
Re: BIG Money Ideas are ALL Around!
Hi James,
My post was actually more of a reply to Michael's than to Don's, and I was talking more about general principles... However, I did my own search and I found a house which is apparently in Roseburg, Oregon, which is selling for $4.75 million. http://www.roseburgmoves.com/viewdet...ing_id=6051747 This suggests they have expensive places plus cheap places too. Maybe you were talking about just a part of Roseburg, not all of it? This isn't a comment about the worthiness (or not) of Don's idea, since I don't have sufficient business experience with real estate agents to assess that... - Dien |
Clarification
As a reply to some email questions Re: Placing "ADS" on the Back of RE Listing Sheets;
I use a marketing technique called; "REASON WHY" Besides "Ads".....I place "something else" on the back of MY.... Listing Sheets that... "GIVES PROSPECTIVE HOME BUYERS A "REASON WHY"...THEY WILL KEEP IT!! This "something else" makes MY "Listing Sheets" "valuable" to "SELLERS"...AND.......RE Agents!!!!!!!! Whereas "Sellers" and RE Agents can instantly understand that MY "Listing Sheets" will "HELP IN THE SALE OF THE HOUSE"! This ALSO brings on more RE Agents who want to use MY "Listing Sheets"!....to help sell their properties! Don Alm |
Re: BIG Money Ideas are ALL Around!
Jim,
A quick search revealed over 250 homes listed in Roseburg, Oregon: (see http://www.roseburghomes.com/localsearch_results.html) With an abundance of homes listed at $500,000 and up, an average sales price of $465,000 appears accurate, and is not uncommon in small communities throughout the Pacific NW. As far as the RE Listing Sheet Advertising idea, I disagree with the “tone” of your assessment, and don't see what good could come from labeling any ideas on this forum like that. However, without first testing it in the marketplace, my guess is that few Realtors would be interested in simply placing ads on the back, and for the reasons you state. But the back of those sheets are blank and those eyeballs can be difficult and pricey to reach. So for that reason alone, I think it would be interesting to explore what is, and what else could be done with this surprisingly wasted space. One thing that comes to mind is the way Joseph Cossman tried to include an FAQ on the back of every circular. And how he used this technique in some very creative and effective ways -- like helping store clerks to identify counterfeits by putting this info on the back of one of his product sheets to help secure more valuable counter space! And I'm wondering what other helpful information would house hunters like to receive? What type of unanswered questions do they have? What type of questions and answers could you provide that tie-in to complimentary local product or service endorsements? What are the most profitable endorsements to offer?... The way prices have jumped more people are “flipping” houses, and it seems like something like this could work with helpful ideas for “fixer-upper” listings. And I know from hosting open houses to sell an old family home how many prospects would walk through each room discussing improvement ideas. What if you could plant those seeds prior to each tour? Anyway, just a few thoughts, but I think Don's Listing Sheet Advertising idea is a very interesting one that could be twisted into other more effective and profitable sales tools then what exists. Any suggestions? Cheers, Rod Carr |
Re: BIG Money Ideas are ALL Around!
Some people focus on problems while others look for solutions and possibilities.
I still think it’s a great idea! That empty space can be put to good use. It’s the innovators and shakers that make this forum interesting. Cheers, Steve |
Re: BIG Money Ideas are ALL Around!
I really don't see why Realtors would give anyone $600 to advertise others products and services.
As someone posted, Realtors goals are to SELL houses period. |
Re: BIG Money Ideas are ALL Around!
I have to Agree...
Why not Focus more on those Empty Sheets of "HOTSHEET" Possibilities. :) What and Where... One Example... Think of where there are Lots of People Locally who just may be interested in a Proven business idea, opportunity or whatever... A Place where people are Fed up with getting up Each and Every day and going to work at a Job most Hate... Extra Money and Bills are always on people's Stressful minds these days! Yes... http://BusStopHotsheets.com Believe it or Not... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bus_stop Are a Great Place to "Personally" Market all kinds of interesting information and specialty products. Not just handing out pieces of paper... Creative ideas, like the guy who sold Thousands of Suction cup window Air Pillows so people who always like to take a Snooze on the bus Don't keep Knocking their Brains out of their Head. :) That vibration and movement on a Bus is a Dam Problem and people will pay you if you can Help them with a Solution! Just thought I throw that one out there. ;) Phil |
Re: BIG Money Ideas are ALL Around!
Hi Don,
Did my home work. Also, made up a sample Listing Sheet. Here's what I think could go on the backside of Listing Sheets. 1st. ad...7 1/2 inches long X 3 inches High (1). Mortgage co. 2 - 6 Business card size ads...below the 1st. ad. (1). Local Bank ad (2). National Bank ad (3). Loan Center ad (4). Home Finance ad (5). Home Insurance co. ad (6). Home Inspection co. ad one could also place a termite inspection co. ad. At this time, Iam thinking the next step is to determine what to charge each business? And, how many copies of each MLS should one offer? My Best 2 U, Linda Quote:
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Re: BIG Money Ideas are ALL Around!
"Realtors" get the program for FREEBIES! The "advertisers" on the back pay to be seen by prospective Home Buyers!
Don Alm |
YOU are "getting close"
No "cigar" yet BUT....shows good thinking.
Now...there are TWO other things I place here that make the "Sellers" AND the RE Agents...WANT....MY Sheets! Don Alm |
Re: BIG Money Ideas are ALL Around!
It's "interesting"....how the conversation can go from a 'Positive-Doable-Original" money-making BUSINESS idea starting with NOTHING but a 'Sample"....into....
"The PRICE of Homes in Roseburg, Oregon. Speaking of which...I can provide Links to over 20 Houses listed for over 1 Mill. Here's one for $929,000... http://www.allstaterealestate.com/vi...1&last=results Here's some for $2 Million and UP! http://www.roseburghomes.com/ in the box, type in $1 million and up....and see what comes up. Again....this program is FREE to Real Estate Agents. The "sponsors" on the BACK pay HANDSOMELY to be seen by people searching for homes to buy! And again....I am NOT "selling" this program! I thought I'd drop in here and provide a "CONCRETE" ....ORIGINAL IDEA....that maybe SOMEONE could pick up and run with.....without spending more than 50cents in paper and ink. A DOABLE program for making money from home. Just make up a Sample and go show it to some real estate offices. THEY will tell you who THEY prefer to have on the Back of their Listing Sheets. Don Alm |
Re: YOU are "getting close"
Quote:
Realtors market 2 things... Real Estate and themselves! Period! Don I mean you no disrespect with the following: What on earth could you place on the back of a listing sheet that would make it worth more that the RE broker couldn't do themselves without the ads? My friend, a Realtor TM, pays his broker 2 pennies per page (4 pennies double sided). Once you show a prospect the "2 things" that makes them ooohhh and aaahhhh over your great idea, what exactly keeps them from printing them themselves? RE agents are not interested in taking the focus off of the property that they are marketing or themselves. With this in mind, in the past few weeks that you have done this, how do you keep them from printing the 2 things themselves and skipping the distrating ads? Jason |
Well I think its a great idea.....
The thought that real estate agents ONLY care about selling the house is bull. I've sold houses. RE Agents care about relationships. With clients, potential clients, plumbers, home inspectors, appraisers, electricians, builders, landscapers, need I go on? If you get hooked up with the right people (people who could be potential advertisers on your flyer) "selling" real estate can be much easier. If you think selling real estate is just selling a piece of property then your wrong.
A REAL deal right now: A house in Charleston SC selling for $800,000 (btw about average for high end Charleston). I picked up a flyer for this house. On the front was all of the normal stuff except one highlighted line at the bottom of the flyer: "You Can Afford This HOUSE! Details on back". Well you flip the flyer over and see a schedule for an "interest only" loan. With the mortgage company's info on it. And you say to yourself "HEY I CAN AFFORD THIS HOUSE". With the way Charleston RE is appreciating, you can afford the house. SOOO.... if you utilize certain aspects of flyer production, you and your advertisers can benefit. Win-Win.... I suspect you wrote what you did because of who started this thread. Hold that grudge, it will wear your hand out. later.... Pappy |
Re: YOU are "getting close"
Quote:
http://www.sowpub.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5510 If nothing else, it certainly makes your mind work! Reading Pappy's post made me slap my forehead and think, "Yes... Of course!" - Dien |
Re: BIG Money Ideas are ALL Around!
Yes Dien you are correct. If you could/would look back at a post I posted about a year ago, you would remember that I talked about how to form this type of relationship.
As a refresher for those whom may not have seen it: The basics were..... Do 2 secxonds of research on your contacts and any BOND you can find is your way IN! Example: You see that John Doe was promoted in the ABC company and you have a widget to sell to him in his position with the ABC Company. I would do a bit of background on hinm and see where he lives now, where he grew up, where he went to school, where his wife is from....... You get the idea, form a bond with the use of the NET. This is what you all want anyway isn't it. Take this valuable seed of wisdom and turn it into something useful for yourself! I dare you!! Jason |
Re: Well I think its a great idea - Why give the secret away?
Hey Pappy, You spilled the beans. . .
Don would charge for the info because he knows how much cash it can generate and those willing to pay and act will make their money back over and over again. So many people (me included) miss the obvious. Don noticed that eyeballs were landing on the back of the flyers and that certain people would gladly pay to reach those eyeballs and Don could offer them a guaranteed way to put their ad in front of them and at the same time show the RE’s how his lender can help them sell more houses. Too many people look for reasons why something is not a good idea so for them its not. While they are hiding behind their computer monitors trying to reinvent the wheel and come up with something brand new others are out making a fortune acting on simple but old ideas that work if you work at them. Next thing you know a few mud slingers will be crying that Don stole the idea from someone else. Or that he's charging for ideas that others give away free. How dare he charge for something that can make you money. He should keep his ideas to himself but that would not be as much fun. Don just can't help being a sales shark. If he's not selling ad space to local merchants he'll take great pleasure in selling his knowlegde to others. Maybe we can stone him if he keeps it up. Just Kidding :D he's gotten my money more than once and I'm better off for it! Cheers, Steve |
Do it with FSBOs...
Get 10 sponsors (listings/ads) per sheet. Charge each one $10 per home covered. That's $100 per home. Give each home seller 1/2, you wind up with $50 per home x 20 homes = $1,000.
No need to even print special fliers -- just print all of them the same, then have the home sellers staple the sheet to their existing sheets they have in their waterproof boxes outside their homes. Just make sure their phone #'s are not ont the do not call list before you call them to pitch the idea. NOt as efficient as doing it with a real estate agent, but still. -- TW |
Re: BIG Money Ideas are ALL Around!
The only way to learn if it works for you is to test, test, test. Even if it does not work for you it does not mean it can't work for someone else. That is the way business works, my friend. That way there are not real guru's because their methods might not work for you. It depends on a lot of things they don't or can't tell you because they don't know, maybe.
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