Bliss Sawyer's Marketing Blog

Fishbowl Friday - Last Edition

Happy Friday!  This will be the last week of my Fishbowl Experiment.  I hope you have enjoyed tagging along as I have worked to build a new origination business.  I will continue to share my ideas and marketing strategies.

The accountability factor of this has been a huge part  of the motivation I've felt when things were discouraging.  Thanks for letting me share!

Here's how my tasks ended up this week.

Phone core group of Realtors to wish Happy New Year.  DONE!

Realtor to lunch.  Appointment was rescheduled for next week.

Mastermind conference call.  This one is on social networking, so I'm excited!  DONE!

10 personal notes.  Half.... only sent out 5, I'll continue this with a goal of 8 a week.

Find new lunch place for networking group.  DONE!

Read 4 Hour Workweek.  Ordered.

Utilize time blocking more effectively.  I did this and felt things went a bit more smooth.

Drop-in to two members of networking group.  DONE!

I hope you have enjoyed my fishbowl series and I REALLY hope that it has been motivating.  

Click here to see all fishbowl assignments.

Fishbowl Monday

I'm definitely hoping the second week of 2011 goes a tad smoother than the first week.  I was pleased to get a few referrals last week from a variety of sources; which is a direct result of the marketing and networking I've been working on.  So I guess this stuff works.  Go figure.

Here are my assignments for this week.  What does your marketing look like this week?

1. Phone core group of Realtors to wish Happy New Year
2. Realtor to lunch
3. Mastermind conference call.  This one is on social networking, so I'm excited!
4. 10 personal notes
5. Find new lunch place for networking group
6. Read 4 Hour Workweek
7. Utilize time blocking more effectively
8. Drop-in to two members of networking group

I hope you are enjoying my fishbowl series and I REALLY hope that it has been motivating.  Here's a suggestion:  Do it with me!!!  Pick what is applicable to your business each week and add it to your task list for the week.  if there is a task that doesn't apply to you, modify it into something that fits your business.

Click here to see all fishbowl assignments.

 

Fishbowl Friday - NOT a great way to start the year!

Last Thursday my computer crashed.  And burned.  I have a great computer guy, but he was out for the holidays... Monday, Tuesday and half of Wednesday this week were spent in crisis mode.  I was really excited to hit the ground running this week with my big ol' list of IMPORTANT things and instead focused primarily on the urgent.

But all is well now and I actually have a few more bells and whistles to my life that I'm loving!  

Here's how my tasks finished up for this week:

 

Continue work on networking group to weed out those not dedicated.  DONE!  We had a great meeting this week and I'll be sharing some ideas over the next few weeks.

Attend Realtor luncheon - make at least 5 new contacts and follow up.  I connected with three new people.  Not fabulous, but I was feeling a bit scattered with the computer issues.

Two other lunches.  DONE.  Got one new loan out of it :)

Phone core group of Realtors to wish Happy New Year.  NOT DONE.  next week :)

Calendar in database mailings for the year with date to prepare and date to mail. DONE!

Send thank you cards for December closings.  DONE!

Look for opportunity to do a presentation w/ Chamber or Realtor office.  Reached out to Board, but not Chamber

Find The Ultimate Sales Machine.  Finish reading.  Pick 3 things to implement.  DONE!

I hope you are enjoying my fishbowl series and I REALLY hope that it has been motivating.  Here's a suggestion:  Do it with me!!!  Pick what is applicable to your business each week and add it to your task list for the week.  if there is a task that doesn't apply to you, modify it into something that fits your business.

Click here to see all fishbowl assignments.

 

 

Fishbowl Monday

Welcome to the New Year!  My calendar is filling up and I'm feeling motivated.... Even when I take off my rose-colored glasses, I still think it's going to be a GREAT year.  Hopefully, the networking and relationships I've been working on all fall will start to pay off with referrals.  People with excellent credit scores would be nice, thank you very much.

Here are my assignments for this week.  How's your task list coming?

1. Continue work on networking group to weed out those not dedicated.
2. Attend Realtor luncheon - make at least 5 new contacts and follow up.
3. Two other lunches
4. Phone core group of Realtors to wish Happy New Year
5. Calendar in database mailings for the year with date to prepare and date to mail
6. Send thank you cards for December closings
7. Look for opportunity to do a presentation w/ Chamber or Realtor office
8. Find The Ultimate Sales Machine.  Finish reading.  Pick 3 things to implement.

I hope you are enjoying my fishbowl series and I REALLY hope that it has been motivating.  Here's a suggestion:  Do it with me!!!  Pick what is applicable to your business each week and add it to your task list for the week.  if there is a task that doesn't apply to you, modify it into something that fits your business.

Click here to see all fishbowl assignments.

 

Fishbowl Friday - Tubing in OK edition

There is no snow and no visible hill from where I'm standing in Oklahoma (well, I'm sitting and inside, and I don't recollect any hills OR snow outside my home-sweet-home.)  But we are going tubing for New Years!  It's kind of like a Christmas miracle... someone must have know how much I LOVE sledding and how much my daughter LOVES snow because somehow they turned the baseball field into a sledding hill.  Oklahomans are amazing.

Here's how my tasks finished up for the last two weeks:

1. Complete 2011 business and sales plan/goals.  DONE.
2. Finish reading The Ultimate Sales Machine.  I almost finished but then I lost it.  Maybe at the dentist?
3. Networking Goal - Week 4.  DONE.
4. Reach out by phone to networking group members that aren't active.   Look for replacements if necessary.  Mostly done.
5. Work on social networking for networking group.  Started
6. Make at least 2 lunch appointment for first week of January. DONE.

How are you doing??? Are you accountable to someone... are you creating a list each week that is helping you move your business forward?  I hope so!

You can read all of my fishbowl experiment by clicking here.

Have a great holiday!

Fishbowl Monday

Happy Holidays!!  I'll be working on these assignments for the next two weeks... since I've determined family and eating are more important to me.  I plan to be ready to get intense the first week of January so the planning time listed below is vital.

What are you doing for the next two weeks??

Assignments:

1. Complete 2011 business and sales plan/goals
2. Finish reading The Ultimate Sales Machine.
3. Networking Goal - Week 4
4. Reach out by phone to networking group members that aren't active.   Look for replacements if necessary.
5. Work on social networking for networking group
6. Make at least 2 lunch appointment for first week of January

I hope you are enjoying my fishbowl series and I REALLY hope that it has been motivating.  Here's a suggestion:  Do it with me!!!  Pick what is applicable to your business each week and add it to your task list for the week.  if there is a task that doesn't apply to you, modify it into something that fits your business.

Click here to see all fishbowl assignments.

 

Fishbowl Friday - Do what I say, not what I do

I wasn't planning on slowing down until next week when my two college babies come home for the holidays, but things got a bit hectic this week and work took the back burner.  So as I report on my tasks this week, remember that I always recommend that you do what I say, not what I do :)

Here's a recap of this week's assignments:

1. Networking lunch.  DONE!
2. (2) weekly networking goals.  I spent just a few minutes on this one, but plan to spend more time over the holidays
3. Finish reading The Ultimate Sales Machine.  Not even one page.
4. Realtor office presentation.  Follow up after.  DONE!
5. Reach out by phone to networking group members that aren't active.   Look for replacements if necessary.  NOPE.
6. Spend one hour learning Google Calendars.  NOPE.
7. Touch base with prospects to wish Merry Christmas.  DONE! 

You can read all of my fishbowl experiment by clicking here.

Have a great weekend!

Fishbowl Monday

 Happy Monday!  I hope you are staying focused and diligent with your marketing.  It's easy to get off track and I understand that it takes extra-effort to work hard in December.... I'm right there with you!  If you aren't sure what to be working on, scroll through the archives here and pick a few things.

This week's assignments:

1. Networking lunch
2. (2) weekly networking goals
3. Finish reading The Ultimate Sales Machine.
4. Realtor office presentation.  Follow up after.
5. Reach out by phone to networking group members that aren't active.   Look for replacements if necessary.
6. Spend one hour learning Google Calendars. 
7. Touch base with prospects to wish Merry Christmas

I hope you are enjoying my fishbowl series and I REALLY hope that it has been motivating.  Here's a suggestion:  Do it with me!!!  Pick what is applicable to your business each week and add it to your task list for the week.  if there is a task that doesn't apply to you, modify it into something that fits your business.

Click here to see all fishbowl assignments.

Fishbowl Monday

Welcome to a new week!  I know it can be difficult to stay motivated with your marketing and networking during the Holiday Season, but it is absolutely necessary to reach out to your referral partners and let them know you are available.

This weeks Assignments:

1. Realtor to lunch
2. Order/purchase Christmas gifts to "A" Realtors
3. Christmas cards to "B" Realtors
4. Weekly Networking Goal (I'll keep this on for a few weeks while I get in the habit of it)
5. Reach out by phone to all agents.
6. Set up "Friday Status" email template
7. Finish reading The Ultimate Sales Machine.
8. Analyze time management and work on time blocking (I've haven't been as effective as I feel I can be, so want to look for ways to improve)
9. Mentor group call. 

I hope you are enjoying my fishbowl series and I REALLY hope that it has been motivating.  Here's a suggestion:  Do it with me!!!  Pick what is applicable to your business each week and add it to your task list for the week.  if there is a task that doesn't apply to you, modify it into something that fits your business.

Click here to see all fishbowl assignments.

 

Fishbowl Friday - Christmas Party edition

Over the next couple of weeks, we have a variety of parties with tonight's being the first.   Let the eating continue....

These tasks were started two weeks ago, but I have to admit that I wasn't very productive as we went out of town for Thanksgiving and I've been playing catch up all week.  Not a great excuse.  But it's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

Assignments:

1. Thanksgiving email out to Realtors.  DONE!
2. Realtor to lunch.  Not done... but scheduled for next week!
3. Increase database by 7.  DONE!  Actually did 10
4. Attend two Chamber of Commerce meetings and follow up with five people.  Only went to one and followed up with three people.  I'm on the Educational Opportunities Committee and am excited to work the group.
5. Review Goals and Sales Plan.  DONE!  Very valuable... everyone should have a review and revise time each month!
6. Purchase microphone and start using Jing.  DONE!  Love this technology. 
7. Weekly networking goals. DONE!
8. Decide on Christmas gifts for Realtors.  DONE!
9. Read at least half of The Ultimate Sales Machine.  DONE!

You can read all of my fishbowl experiment by clicking here.

Have a great weekend!

Fishbowl Monday

I'm on a two-week schedule and will be working on the same tasks listed last week.  Hopefully I find more motivation this week to work.  I certainly don't need to eat for about a week so I'm thinking that frees up quite a bit of time.

Assignments:

1. Thanksgiving email out to Realtors
2. Realtor to lunch
3. Increase database by 7
4. Attend two Chamber of Commerce meetings and follow up with five people  
5. Review Goals and Sales Plan
6. Purchase microphone and start using Jing
7. Weekly networking goals
8. Decide on Christmas gifts for Realtors
9. Read at least half of The Ultimate Sales Machine.

I hope you are enjoying my fishbowl series and I REALLY hope that it has been motivating.  Here's a suggestion:  Do it with me!!!  Pick what is applicable to your business each week and add it to your task list for the week.  if there is a task that doesn't apply to you, modify it into something that fits your business.

Click here to see all fishbowl assignments.

 

Fishbowl Monday

Welcome to a new week!  Every Monday I will be sharing my task list for the week as I work to build a new origination business in a new state.  On Friday, I'll report back with what worked, what didn't and where the referrals came from.  Feel free to comment, question or suggest below each post.

Due to the holiday (and the fact that I am only working two days this week) these tasks will be for the next two weeks.

Assignments:

1. Thanksgiving email out to Realtors
2. Realtor to lunch
3. Increase database by 7
4. Attend two Chamber of Commerce meetings and follow up with fivepeope
5. Review Goals and Sales Plan
6. Purchase microphone and start using Jing
7. Weekly networking goals
8. Decide on Christmas gifts for Realtors
9. Read at least half of The Ultimate Sales Machine.

I hope you are enjoying my fishbowl series and I REALLY hope that it has been motivating.  Here's a suggestion:  Do it with me!!!  Pick what is applicable to your business each week and add it to your task list for the week.  if there is a task that doesn't apply to you, modify it into something that fits your business.

Click here to see all fishbowl assignments.

Fishbowl Friday - back to work edition

I am back after almost a week... but so grateful I was able to help my mother and she is doing fabulous!  I had very limited computer and cell phone access and read five books - one over 800 pages.  Only one was business related so I really let myself go.  Lived on the edge.  Party-animal.  That's me.

So now I am back and finishing up my tasks from two weeks ago. 

1. Call all new Realtors to introduce myself.  Actually changed this to calling brokers in my area to see if any were interested in the 2011 marketing presentation.  Lots of no's but one yes for a presentation in December.
2. Follow up w/CPA to schedule presentation.  Sent  a follow up email but haven't heard back 
3. 2011 market presentation to Realtor office.  DONE!  went well... I highly recommend this to all!
4. Postcard mailing to sphere of influence.  DONE! 
5. Mentor group meeting. DONE!  more to follow...
6. Read The 29% Solution.  DONE!  Hope you are following my series.
7. Realtor to lunch.  Done!  Had a great lunch with two Realtors. 
8. VA training session.  Had to miss it when I went out of town.  Broke my heart.

I really have to say (even though I've said it before!) accountability is key to getting things done.  If you truly aren't happy with your production and are ready to move your business up then consider a personal coach or find an accountability partner.  It works!  Simply knowing that I am reporting back, to all on this blog has kept me focused when I really haven't felt motivated or focused.

You can read all of my fishbowl experiment by clicking here.

Have a great weekend!

Fishbowl Monday

Welcome to a new week!  Every Monday I will be sharing my task list for the week as I work to build a new origination business in a new state.  On Friday, I'll report back with what worked, what didn't and where the referrals came from.  Feel free to comment, question or suggest below each post.

This week's assignment:

1. Call all new Realtors to introduce myself
2. Follow up w/CPA to schedule presentation
3. 2011 market presentation to Realtor office
4. Postcard mailing to sphere of influence
5. Mentor group meeting
6. Read The 29% Solution
7. Realtor to lunch
8. VA training session

I hope you are enjoying my fishbowl series and I REALLY hope that it has been motivating.  Here's a suggestion:  Do it with me!!!  Pick what is applicable to your business each week and add it to your task list for the week.  if there is a task that doesn't apply to you, modify it into something that fits your business.

Click here to see all fishbowl assignments.

Fishbowl Friday - Flat tire edition

I was a bit short on time this week as I was on the road for two days.  The highlight was the blown tire on the freeway when I was only 10 minutes from the airport.  What did I learn from this?  I love roadside assistance.  I hate things that throw a wrench in my schedule and I REALLY love coming home to my family.

I hope you have been having success with your marketing efforts and that you are staying visible!  Here's how my tasks ended up this week:

1. Follow up with Board office to get new Realtor info.  Send intro email and call all agents.   All done except the calls... I will make those next week.
2. Call/email CPA I met at Chamber event to schedule a presentation.  We discussed a presentation but it hasn't been scheduled yet.
3. Work on 1 minute commercial for networking group.  DONE!
4. Add networking group to sphere of influence database.  DONE!
5. Add 5 additional names to sphere database.  DONE... actually did 8 names!
6. Look into postcard mailing to sphere.  DONE!

You can read all of my fishbowl experiment by clicking here.

Have a great weekend!

 

 

Fishbowl Monday

Welcome to a new week!  Every Monday I will be sharing my task list for the week as I work to build a new origination business in a new state.  On Friday, I'll report back with what worked, what didn't and where the referrals came from.  Feel free to comment, question or suggest below each post.

I am out of town part of this week, so I'm keeping things simple! 

This week's assignments:

1. Follow up with Board office to get new Realtor info.  Send intro email and call all agents.
2. Call/email CPA I met at Chamber event to schedule a presentation
3. Work on 1 minute commercial for networking group.
4. Add networking group to sphere of influence database
5. Add 5 additional names to sphere database
6. Look into postcard mailing to sphere

I hope you are enjoying my fishbowl series and I REALLY hope that it has been motivating.  Here's a suggestion:  Do it with me!!!  Pick what is applicable to your business each week and add it to your task list for the week.  if there is a task that doesn't apply to you, modify it into something that fits your business.

Click here to see previous week's fishbowl assignments.

Fishbowl Friday - Halloween edition

Halloween is in full force here in Oklahoma... and I love everything about it.  The fun decorations, the excited kids and  all the traditions.  I know I complained quite a bit about the weather after moving here in August (but what sane person moves to Oklahoma in August?!) but I have to say that the fall weather is fabulous!   Cool and crisp in the mornings and in the 70's during the day.  I must be getting old, talking about the weather makes me happy.

I hope you have been having success with your marketing efforts and that you are staying visible!  Here's how my tasks ended up this week:

1. Talk w/board office to get new agent list for marketing.  I've emailed twice so hopefully will still be able to get this info. 
2. Send intro email and call all new agents.  Need the list first :) 
3. Chamber breakfast.  Collect at least 7 business cards.  Follow up.  DONE!  This went well.  Found one person for my networking group and met the owner of a small CPA firm that I'll be following up with.
4. Market property flyers to Realtors.  Sent out a couple of emails and took one to a lunch meeting.  Not sure how interested they are in having me provide them, but I'll keep plugging along on this one.
5. Read More Leads.  Done, but I didn't care for the book.  I've got another one I'll be reading that seems to be more applicable and usable.
6. Reach out to recruit additional professionals for networking group.  DONE!  I searched the Chamber of Commerce member directory and reached out to about 30 people.  Four have said they will come to our next meeting.
7. Two lunches.  I wonder if I will ever succeed at this.  I think I'll put zero for next week just so I can say I did it.  Only had one this week.  People keep cancelling on me.  Do I smell?
8. Presentation scheduled.  DONE!  Nov 9 I'm speaking at a Realtor office on interest rates and the market.
9. Review budget and adjust.  DONE! 
10. Eat the stash of candy I have hidden from my kids then buy more for Halloween.  DONE.  Of course. 

You can read all of my fishbowl experiment by clicking here.

Have a great weekend!

 

 

 

Fishbowl Monday

Welcome to a new week!  Every Monday I will be sharing my task list for the week as I work to build a new origination business in a new state.  On Friday, I'll report back with what worked, what didn't and where the referrals came from.  Feel free to comment, question or suggest below each post.

This week's assignments:

1. Talk w/board office to get new agent list for marketing
2. Send intro email and call all new agents
3. Chamber breakfast.  Collect at least 7 business cards.  Follow up
4. Market property flyers to Realtors
5. Read More Leads (networking group book I just picked up)
6. Reach out to recruit additional professionals for networking group
7. Two lunches
8. Presentation scheduled
9. Review budget and adjust
10. Eat the stash of candy I have hidden from my kids then buy more for Halloween (it's a tradition)

I hope you are enjoying my fishbowl series and I REALLY hope that it has been motivating.  Here's a suggestion:  Do it with me!!!  Pick what is applicable to your business each week and add it to your task list for the week.  if there is a task that doesn't apply to you, modify it into something that fits your business.

 

Fishbowl Friday - rainy edition

 We got a storm in last night and I've been enjoying rain most of the day... which is my type of favorite weather.  Baking cookies is on the agenda for tomorrow!

I've been busy with coaching and training this week, but was able to work on the originating side of things as well.  Good thing I like to be busy! 

Here's how my tasks ended up:

1. Refinance postcard out.  Done but they haven't been received yet.  500 went out late this week.
2. One title and two Realtors to lunch.  Not great... only one lunch this week.  Others were cancelled.
3. Schedule one presentation.  Still working on this one
4. Agenda and forms for first networking meeting on Wednesday.  Went great.  Only had 8 people, but we are off to a running start.  Will continue to recruit.
5. Get set up with Mortgage Coach and spend 1-2 hrs learning.  Done.  Will share my thoughts next week. 
6. Follow up with 4 agents to schedule meetings/lunches.  I keep pounding the pavement... will hopefully have a few more lunches next week.
7. Start reading Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port.  Started, but going to take a break and read a new book on networking I just got.
8. Get involved with community.  DONE!  Will be on the board of my homeowners association.   Helping with the social committee :)
9. Review Goals and Sales Plan.  DONE
10. Start teaching my 15 year old to drive.  Wish me luck!  Not dead yet.

Have a great weekend!
 

Fishbowl Monday

Welcome to a new week!  Every Monday I will be sharing my task list for the week as I work to build a new origination business in a new state.  On Friday, I'll report back with what worked, what didn't and where the referrals came from.  Feel free to comment, question or suggest below each post.

This week's assignments:

1. Refinance postcard out
2. One title and two Realtors to lunch
3. Schedule one presentation
4. Agenda and forms for first networking meeting on Wednesday
5. Get set up with Mortgage Coach and spend 1-2 hrs learning
6. Follow up with 4 agents to schedule meetings/lunches
7. Start reading Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port
8. Get involved with community
9. Review Goals and Sales Plan!
10. Start teaching my 15 year old to drive.  Wish me luck!

I hope you are enjoying my fishbowl series and I REALLY hope that it has been motivating.  Here's a suggestion:  Do it with me!!!  Pick what is applicable to your business each week and add it to your task list for the week.  if there is a task that doesn't apply to you, modify it into something that fits your business.