Becky Boomsma

• Manage |RSSAlternative Business Models
• Manage |RSSCRS Referrals
• Manage |RSSReal Estate Marketing
• Manage |RSSReal Estate Marketing 2.0
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I embrace your words of wisdom, Bernice. Not only will these tips be instrumental in achieving real estate success, but in engaging LIFE success - on every avenue. If readers have not yet read Jack Canfield's The Success Principles, I reccomend they get it this weekend and emerse themselves in it's content. In all this doom and gloom that we've been surrounded with recently, I was reminded yesterday of Franklin D. Roosevelt's words of wisdom during our parent's and grandparent's difficult economic times, "There is nothing to fear but fear itself". Take these words to heart and follow your guide. Even though we may be at the threshold of another Black Friday, let's pick ourselves up and those close to us and find the light and encouragement in our lives to carry us forward, reorganize, and stay on the brilliant path to success that is under our feet and within our reach. Enlist the help of others, band together for ideas, use creativity and vision...where there's a will, there's a way - for each of us. Becky Boomsma Marketing Specialist, CRS, ePro, SRES Coldwell Banker - Franklin Lakes, NJ www.BeckyBoomsma.com

Kris, you raise many interesting points of the never-ending personal marketing challenges that we face and apply extensive consideration to with regards to budgets and time intensive efforts. We are, indeed, managing a business as professionals, and our efforts need to be measureable with return on investment. This market is very challenging and our return may not be measureable today, but it should still be measureable. I'm dealing with the same issues as you - of expense and output versus the return. However, I maintain through my personal marketing experience that consistent and systematic contact with your personal sphere of influence, a specific area/"farm" that you specialize in, and/or a niche group or area where you provide unique and compelling expertise is critical in sustaining your professional connection, reputation, and exposure in building upon your personal brand. The internet is key in providing the highest level of personal exposure to consumers and it's where I focus most of my efforts. We should all be using every opportunity in connecting with consumers and our clients through supplying high quality information with easy access and speed online through email and web presence. And let's not forget that real estate is very local and efforts should be concentrated there, as well, by connecting offline and keeping our neighbors and local connections well informed of new information that affects everyone in our area and neighborhoods. As you conveyed, we need to be cost-sensitive and cost-effective in our marketing decisions. Now is not the time to abandon the ship. After all, it's about being consumer centric - about them - and getting them to call you. Choose only those marketing opportunities that provide the highest level of personal exposure that are measurable and effective in generating positive, memorable experiences for consumers and clients so they will remember you, your name, and your professionalism when the need arises. It may not be today, but I'm sure through your consistent, high quality efforts they, or someone they know, will remember you and contact you sometime soon. It's a fabulous moment when you hear a consumer or customer say to you, "I know you from...", or "I see your name everywhere...", or "my friends referred me..." and it left a favorable impression with them to remember you, share it with you, and provide you with the opportunity to assist them. Even in the longer term, it's still measurable. Thanks for this thought provoking article...best wishes to you. Becky Boomsma Marketing Specialist, CRS, ePro, SRES Coldwell Banker - Franklin Lakes, NJ www.BeckyBoomsma.com

Kris, You portray, through your artful and articulate writing, an image of professionalism, intelligence, wit, drollery, and knowledge. Your writing style is extraordinary, which is why Inman News features your blogging so frequently. You speak to the masses, we can relate to your topics, commentary, and perspective, which is why we keep coming back for more. Blogs can be anything you choose to make them and yours is a wonderful, well-grounded editorial of your experiences and perspectives. Each one of us marches to the beat of a different drummer and we are driven by our unique chemistry within and by the many outside influences that affect us. We appreciate what you bring to the blogosphere table - your candor and reality. Keep doing what you're doing and writing from your heart, with your witty, benevolent style. Peace be with you and all of those with opposing opinions. Becky Boomsma Marketing Specialist, CRS, ePro, SRES Coldwell Banker - Franklin Lakes, NJ www.BeckyBoomsma.com