Dailies Contact Lenses

Where, who, and what should I say to someone when handing out my business card ?

I am a real estate agent looking for clients. I was told that I should talk to people on a daily basis in the grocery store, etc. and present my business. I just feel awkward about talking to people out of the blue and especially giving them my business card. I am a bit shy and have a loss of words in stirring up conversation. In particular in my field of business, what are some good tips on how I could hand out my business card and present my services? Would you do business with someone in this manner?

Public Comments

1. Why not start out with a joke to break the ice. Here's one: What did one adding machine say to the other adding machine at the end of the workday? Calcu--later! .
2. You only hand a business card to someone AFTER you have established a contact. Never give a person a card and then chat. You must first have the chat, make tyhe contact and get the person interested. Once they are interested you hand them your card and say to them: Please contact me and I can show you some properties... or even.... Please contact me and we can get together for a lunch.... or If you contact me I can tell you moe about this opportunity. If someoene hands me a business card COLD (Without establishing a contact first), then i simply DUMP it. I get too many business cards. If I am extremely busy, but interested in the service that the person is presenting; then I might say :Give me your card and I will call you. GOOGLE: Elevator speech. Use that as a MINIMUM before you start handing out cards.
3. People dont buy and sell homes every day and business cards handed out by strangers often reach the bin before they get stored away. When I sell real eastate i usually go off personal recommendation, not unsolicited business cards Perhaps you need to develop your networks through the business industry, local groups in your area and the likeBuilding relationships with people will work better than one off chance meetings. Other businesses that also work in property are a good start. These might include lawyers, or development planners. Make use of your personal netowrks (P & C, service clubs etc). Build your reputation as a reputable service orientated person in your dealings with people each day. Goodluck with it.
4. The grocery store is an easy place to talk with people and would give you an opportunity to hand your card to someone. For example, visit the dairy department and ask someone's opinion regarding a particular cheese for a recipe or which brand of yogurt they would recommend then discuss the cost of the item. From here, it's an easy step into expenses and how the real estate business is faring. Ask the person if they would be kind enough to take your card in case they might now, or at some time, know of someone looking to buy or sell a house. Speaking with strangers, and finding a common ground will, definitely, improve your people skills which is a priority in the field you've chosen. Ask at the shops in your vicinity if you may leave some of your business cards as there are places which will allow you to do this. When you do your banking, become acquainted with all the tellers and, when you're comfortable chatting with each other, ask the teller(s) if he/she would, please, remember you should they know of someone who might need your services. You need to begin a list of people, and places, which afford you the best opportunity for your time investment. If the person speaking to me was someone who seemed genuinely friendly, and I didn't get any hint of a "preplanned attack", I would put the card on my bulletin board at home and, if the opportunity arose, would refer someone to them. I wouldn't, however, be impressed with someone presenting their services to me - all real estate agents provide the same services and people, also, aren't pleased with someone taking up their time with a sales pitch. If you're an independent, you can always tell a person you will discount the standard fee but that's enough information since it's only when you have a prospective client that the services are discussed. Pertinent information should be on your business card.