Richard J Cyngier

Many of us are still out there running around trying to figure out how best to market to buyers and sellers, as print media is failing the grade where it once set the standard for advertising and marketing. More and more we see that prospects are shopping the Internet for information about properties and mortgage financing products.

I still find that reconnecting with my inner circle of friends, networks, and clients is still one of the most effective tools of marketing, but it cannot be a passive system most loan officers and Realtors employ, but one that is planned and deliberate, continously employed in a drip system, and value added to the prospect. I see a lot of mortgage and Realtor coaches out there with similar systems and believe they are all gravitating towards developing Internet leads, but are placing less emphasis on working your existing client base and network.

My confession is that I am as guilty as some of you out there relying on business partner referrals only, or leads generated by some website. Although this is effective to a degree, one cannot put all of their eggs in one basket as this as sole source of obtaining business.

Your soul searching begins with asking yourself when was the last time you CALLED your clients, just to catch up on what is new in their lives? Trust me, they DO want to hear from you, but not about a listing or the RATES. Strike up a casual conversation and many times they will volunteer to ask about business. I always tell them that business is Great, but I always have time for them or someone they care about most. Never complain about being too busy, or how businesss sucks. Sends the wrong message. So does asking for A REFERRAL! Really! Most clients other than those in networking groups do not truly understand what a referral is. What it isn't is someone who ALREADY made application for a loan, or someone who WROTE a bid offer on a home. Describe what a lead from them would look like, and how best to connect with that lead. Don't waste your time giving them your business card to give to them. Studies show that 1 out of 10 will actually deliver that card to the new prospect. Be creative, and have them call to introduce them to you!

Have a Happy Fourth of July!

written by Dionne Grabowski, our invited food critic for the week!

A few Friday nights ago my boyfriend and I went to the House of Hunan in Medina for dinner. It was a wonderful Asian restaurant located at 18 Public Square in downtown Medina, Ohio. The atmosphere was very inviting. the front of the restaurant opens up completely to the outdoors where you can sit out on the sidewalk in a little courtyard.

The food is authentic Chinese, with some fusion. The tables are set up with wooden bamboo placemats and chopsticks for a"real Chinese adventure in dining!". They did not serve domestic beer so I ordered Kirin Light, which tasted like Bud Light, only better. It was light and crisp and hoping to purchase some at a local beverage store.

They served us Steak Rollups for dinner. My plate had nine rollups stuffed with crabmeat, scallions, and cheese, then smothered in a brown gravy with water chestnuts. The steak was so tender that it melted in my mouth. Each bite brought out a burst of the crab/cheese stuffing, coupled with the gravy, that just made me want more.

The prices of meals are a bit higher than average Chinese eateries, but worth every penny. We look forward to returning there again and sampling other dishes.

House of Hunan

18 Public Square

Medina, OH 44256

330-722-1899.

www.houseofhunan.net

I am inviting all of my clients and friends to share their stories of eating adventures and provide me with reviews of their experiences at a favorite eatery. I hope this will help all of our new neighbors who might be looking for a place to eat near their new homes. Rick Cyngier

My wife Pam and I had the pleasure of visiting Maria's (Roman) Room in Lakewood, Ohio on Detroit Ave, just past the intersection of West 117th last weekend. I had last gone to Maria's over ten years ago, and just remembered it as a fancy Pizza shop that also had great clam fetticinne, but our recent visit found a completely remodeled restaurant, with a friendly bar welcoming you as you walk in or waiting for a set in a Roman setting and decor.

Pam ordered the veal parmasean with a side of angel hair spaghetti, while I ordered the Shrimp in a aglia-olio/garlic sauce over fettucine, along with an appetiser of fried calamari. The Shrimp was a nice size and plentiful. The veal portion my wife had was too large for her to finish. Both of us enjoyed our meals, complete with fresh garlic bread, a very nice salad, and a very refreshing Pinot Grigio, which made it a delightful and romantic dinner. Having two young daughters who were with a babysitter also helped with the ambiance, as our waitstaff was very attentive and responsive to all of our requests.

We got out with a bill under $60 dollars, and that included the wine and the tip. I would strongly recommend this family friendly restaurant, or a nice little getaway from parenthood for an evening.The restaurant is located at 11826 Detroit Ave. Reservations were not needed, but were suggested.