Frances C. Rokicki, Broker~Mentor,CRS

Last weekend, we held a client event at the Bria Day Spa in Glastonbury. I provided delicious cupcakes, champagne, orange juice and a fruit bowl. The owner of the spa offered my clients a discount for their spa services on that day.

Needless to say, we had a nice day chatting, laughing and, of course, relaxing. The spa was lovely and, so were, the staff. We left that event feeling renewed, refreshed and ready for the weekend. My attendees liked it so much, that we are planning another spa day event in the fall.

The massages were welcomed and so were the gathering of friends in the waiting area. My clients are really amazing. They really have become more like family and friends. than, clients. Thoughtful to include a new face in their conversations and to share funny stories about house hunting with Fran to them:)

It's a Good Life,

Fran

Help with Zipforms Online. After much trial and error, I found a laptop for my business. After signing up for the registration and making sure that my new settings were truly mine, I started to load the important stuff:) You know, the mls, NAR, CRS, ABR, local real estate sites, etc.

Here it comes, my newest problem. I cannot email my zipform online forms. The printer pdf will not download. Believe me, I tried, for hours. I did have this issue with my last laptop, but, the tech's at the zipform company, were able to show me the Mozilla site which did allow me to at least print out the forms. If I never had the email service, maybe, it wouldn't matter. But, I have had it. I liked using it and find it to be most helpful and convenient for my clients.

So, has this happened to you? I now have Vista Windows, 64 bit. I know that the zipform online does not work with any window product of 64 bit. Who knows if they will ever upgrade to the real world.

Any suggestions or tips would be very much appreciated. I do not look forward to having this conversation with zipform online. On the phone for an hour is just, nuts! I need to be out selling homes!

It's a Good Life!

Fran

The market has changed, we could all agree on that. To make your income and your business continue on a positive mode, you must go after more business.

Join your local communities in everything that you can. Volunteer more, be present and be active. The more that people get to know you, the more likely that, they will trust you with their purchases or sales.

Have more face to face meetings. With your vendors, your clients, past clients and your friends. Meet for coffee, lunch or host a gathering. You can host an event about wills, estates, or trusts. Maybe, an event about an automobile maintenance program. Whatever it is, invite everyone that you come in contact with on a regular basis.

Stop by your clients & customers with a small gift. It can be inexpensive, but, meaningful. The gift isn't the prize. The face to face meeting is. Showing you care enough to take your time to stop by, is very powerful.

Know what your clients' favorite prize is. Do they like coffee? Maybe, a golf or ball game. Send out a questionnaire and ask what their favorites may be. Then, when you do stop by, you'll have the appropriate small item for them. If you're not into mailing this out, give them a call and record the information in your file about each client.

Attend those town meetings. Volunteer for local charities. It's a win win. You'll be helping others and meeting new opportunities to gain more business.

The weather is improving, warmer every day! Take a walk. Start in your own neighborhood. Meet your neighbors. Then, start taking walks in your local parks and visiting local attractions. Remember, bring your business cards! You never know when you may have the opportunity for new business!

It's a Good Life!

Fran

I delivered, thirty-nine, beautiful, Easter lilies over the last three days. I almost went to our local candy store, Munson's. When I saw how lovely and fragrant that the lilies were, I had to give those out instead. On the first delivery day, I passed out eight plants. Yesterday, I passed out twelve. Today, I finished up and the remaining nineteen plants were successfully delivered. Some of the clients/friends/relatives were home. Others were not.

I had no tagline. I was assuming that I would greet most of them at their door. For those who were not home, I did enclose a business card or and Easter card.

It was a beautiful, spring day today in Connecticut. Finally! We have had an unusually, long winter this year. People were at the carwash, playing outdoors with their children and working on their yards. Yes, the grooming of our yards will need to be done. The grass is turning greener and there are buds on the trees.

I chose the Easter lilies, to be sure that I would have them all delivered before Sunday. I challenge myself to do more. By delivering more plants, I had to meet with more people, face to face. Yes, it takes time. My day flew by. In between deliveries, I was negotiating a contract with one agent and helping another agent with her showings tonight. My clients call me with any questions that they may have, also. My children check in throughout the day, too.

As Zig Ziglar says, my office on wheels came in very handy today! I will track the business that comes to me for the next few weeks. I can promise you, some good business will come to me as a result of my Easter popby deliveries.

You still have time! If you purchase plants or candy, there are two days left to popby your clients/friends/relatives for Easter!

Happy Easter & Welcome Spring!

It's a Good Life!

Fran

Hoping to meet some of my active rain friends in Boston. April 16th. I'll be there! I found out a few days ago that there, actually, is a commercial bus that leaves from different spots in Connecticut and delivers you to the train/bus station in Boston. Wait until you here this! Fifteen dollars each way. How good is that for the budget? It would cost you more to park your car overnight!

For those of you who cannot stay overnight, this is an excellent option. You would have to Google, what buses travel to and from Boston, Massachusetts. Sorry, I cannot remember the name of the company. If I find it, I will come back and repost it for you. It just sounded so good, to me.

I am thinking of wearing a ribbon on my lapel so that you can find me. Orange? You will find me, easily. LOL! I will be sitting in the front row! Let me know if you will be at the Boston Convention Center on April 16th! I would be thrilled to meet you in person. So good to network! Love the rain friends! Whoo Hoo!

It's a Good Life!

Fran