Business Planning With My New Assistant
Billy and I put our heads together the other day to brainstorm about our marketing activities for 2012. He was excited because he had an idea to share with me. I asked him to 'hold on' while I finished something first. I was focused on social media and blogging as I have a 'talk' with the Salem County Chamber of Commerce coming up at the end of this week, I was in the midst of preparing the outline for my presentation.
Billy was insistent that I slow down and hear him out. I found it interesting that after only one project as my new assistant he was not hesitant to voice his ideas with such force.
In fact, he was a downright nag!
Billy led me outside, down the steps and out into the street before he would share his idea with me.

It was cold! As you can see, Billy was dressed in his finest, again. I really like the fact that he is taking his job seriously by 'dressing for success'. His new quilted jacket was not only in a vibrant, fresh color -- it shielded him from the crisp air.
I have to give my assistant his due. The fresh air cleared my mind. Social media and blogging would have to go on the back-burner for a bit.
After several deep breaths, Billy finally spilled the beans. He excitedly shared his thoughts. Billy wants to go back to the basics and market our services in our own neck-of-the-woods. He pointed out that the folks on our street already know us......they are our neighbors......they are our friends. (He also reminded me of a year, not all that long ago when The Team of Chris Hooks had seven settlements on this very street.) I am not sure how Billy discovered this fact. "We should add them to our database and send out some postcards to say, Happy New Year!", said Billy.
As he examined my neighbor's yard, I mulled over his plan. It wouldn't really take that much time, effort or money to put together his 'Happy New Year' postcards. Maybe I should consider it?
Just then, my neighbor who lives three doors down rode by in his pickup truck. While Billy continued to sniff the bushes, I smiled and waved.

All I can say is that maybe Billy's on to something!
(or has he found a way to motivate me to take him on more walks?!)
Chris Hooks, Broker Associate
Coldwell Banker Pino Agency
70 North Broadway
Pennsville, NJ 08070
856-628-2710 (cell)
856-678-4663, X211 (office)
888-936-0505 (toll free)
AskChris@ColdwellBanker.com
www.PinoRealty.com
www.SalemCountyRealEstateBlog.com
Find me on Facebook! ChrisScruggsHooks
Follow me on Twitter! @ChrisHooks
Connect on LinkedIn! Chris Hooks
"Helping You Make Good Real Estate Decisions"


Nice one, Chris. You pair are certainly onto something. My cats seem to occupy my keyboard (the thin monitor does not have the attraction of the older, more comfortable one) to impart their comments and wisdom.
Good morning, Chris....I think you should follow Billy's lead and add those neighbors to your database..... back to basics always works well....
Chris, You did well to hire that one! I have been thinking along the same lines with marketing to folks in the neighborhoods where I have recently done loans. I need an assistant! Does Billy have a brother? Back to basics=big bucks!!
Maryland Mortgage Mama
Good morning, Larry. I think you should listen to your kitties! I bet they have quite a lot of ideas.
Barbara, today's the day to tackle Billy's project! Thanks for stopping by.
Hi, Bridget. Billy has lots and lots of cousins who are in need of rescue. Just google 'rescue dachshunds' and you'll see. You can't go wrong with a wiener dog.
Maybe he should run our training program?
He would need a suit for that assignment!
Hi Chris, Happy New Year, Well, it looks like you have a great assistant and I will bet that his price makes his service a real bargain. Perhaps I need another assistant that thinks like this. :-) Great story and with just a couple revisions, this would be the marketing piece to send all the neighbors. They love it when little ones write to them, :-) I know that because I have done that before.
hmmm...now you've got my wheels spinning, William. I'll have to talk it over with Billy and see what he comes up with! Happy New Year to you, too. May it be truly wonderful!