.
Ha !
... I hear so many of you right now !
"I wouldnt be caught DEAD wearing my REALTOR NAME TAG !!!!!"
OK ! No problem from me ! If it's not your thing, then I'd never rib you for NOT wearing your badge, but I OFTEN get people snickering at me because I wear mine ALMOST EVERYWHERE ! ... especially during my workday ! (... I would not wear it to my sons soccer match for example, but to drop him at school ? ... sometimes ;o) lol !!!)
Anyway, I'm so excited I can hardly speak type ... hold on, let me catch my breath !!!!
I stopped by last night to put a lockbox on a brand new CO-OP listing of mine in a Luxury High Rise in my region, AND I WAS WEARING MY NAME TAG !
In the elevator, a sweet older lady 'looked at my badge' ... (as everyone does if you are wearing it, whether you are in the post office, grocery store or bus stop or wherever !).
She immediately said "Oh you're a Realtor? are you showing a unit here?"
I told her I was actually just about to list a new 1 bedroom unit in the building, when she replied:
..."Oh a 1 bedroom ! I am looking for a 1 bedroom ! I live on the 19th floor in a 3 bedroom unit which I want to downsize from and get a 1 bedroom. I love this building so do you mind if I take a look at the one you are about to list ??"
Do I mind !?!?!?! Well heck of course not !!!! Come right in !!!!!!
To cut a long story short - she LOVED the 1 bedroom I'm just about to list, AND HERE'S THE CHERRY ON TOP ...
SHE WANTS ME TO IMMEDIATELY LIST HER 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN THE SAME BUILDING !!!!
She he wants me to sell that one, and buy the 1 bedroom I'm about to list !
THINGS ARE JUST NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN THIS WAY !!!
... unless of course you are wearing your MAGIC NAME TAG !!!!!!
.... if you are, then anything is possible
Go ahead and chuckle at my name tag ! ... I'll smile right back atcha while I'm signing my new listing, and likely getting two new sales from wearing it !!!
Cheers !!!!!
Follow Sheldon on these sites below !
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Awesome!!! I wouldn't take it off if I were you. Congrats!!
In these crazy real estate times it pays to not be a 'secret agent' and your story is a perfect example why. :0)
I haven't had a name tag for years. I won't tell you where I lost mine because it's very embarrassing, but never bought a new one. I've been wanting to buy a new one, but just haven't...
Sheldon, that is AWESOME! I'm sure your 1 bedroom sellers are ecstatic, as well! Congrats all around and good luck on your 3 BR listing!
Sheldon, I wear mine all the time, too. I also decided not to wear it when I go to my daughter's game, I just feel there is a time and place for it sometimes. But I wear it all the time!! It does help to get "attention" many times. Congrats.
Sorry...I cannot help it but I am still laughing...You my friend can pull that off> Me..I would be distracted by someone who came up to me and asked, "so...you are a Realtor? I would probaly respond, "well, yes..why do you ask?
;-) Have a great Labor Day weekend!
well, if I could find a "magic" one, like you have... I'd wear mine too. I'd wear it to the grocery, to the beach, the library, out to dinner.... why I might even wear it later in the evening... you know... it might give me some extra... well....
ouch.
Amen Sheldon! What good fortune and opportunity for you :)! Just from wearing a name tag :)! I don't have one, so...I guess maybe I should get one :)!
Sheldon, Hey, you could cause a "run" on name tags........I can see it now, back orders of six weeks or more! Seriously, this story is super! I would pinching myself to see if I were awake!
I wear a "Business is Great" tag and people ask questions. But if I get bad service and how do I say this... "show my fannie" they don't know who I am... so I'm in the middle of the street on this one.
There is a new agent at my old office - I noticed she was wearing her name tag all the time.
She's been doing really well for a newbie.
Putting 2 and 2 together, I might have to dig up mine!
Sheldon, if this doesn't get most of us to sport ours, then nothing will. Congrat on the fast sale and the new listing. Let's hear it for little old ladies ready to downsize!
Joe ! I wear it everywhere :o)
Martha ! I got a buyer last year while I was at the car wash because he saw my Realtor badge and started a conversation !
Donna ! Oh come on ! Now I GOTTA know how you lost it ;o)
Sharon ! Pretty exciting !
Rita ! Yup - you never know who you will run into each day !
Russell ! Haha ! Yes you and many others ! For me - it fits me - and I'm chatty !
Alan ! ... you need more than a magic name tag my friend ;o)
Brenda ! It's worth a shot !!!
Deborah ! It never happens this way ! ... although I guess there's always a first time :o) Cheers !
Tammy ! ROFLMAO !!!!!!!!
Margaret ! Some people think it's CORNY - but they are entitled their opinion ! Me - I can seem corny to them, if I'm getting new business from it ! :o)
Leah ! Ha ! Excellent ! It doesnt take much to clip that little guy on, and you just never know who may see it ! Cheers Leah !
Sheldon - Wow! That is an AWESOME story! I just put mine on...hopefully it will work some magic for me today :-) Congratulations and thanks for the reminder! (hopefully that 3 bedroom will sell super fast too!)
Howdy Sheldon-You my friend are such an awesome realtor and have a winning personality so I am happy that you were in the right place at the right time. CONGRATS!!! Have an awesome weekend.
Sheldon..You go BOY !!! Nice name tag !!! I should but I don't ..Shame on me ....
HelpfulHannah
Sheldon way to go. You're no secret agent! Some trainer told me years ago 'DON NOT BE A SECRET AGENT'!!! I wear a name tag almost all the time during the workday - and people always ask me questins etc. I too have obtained clients from the magic tag. It's only magic if we wear it!!
Jeanna ! Ha ! Good luck today and all the days you wear the Magic Badge !!
Sharoney ! How are you !!! Thank you for the kind comment, and I hope you have a super weekend too !
Hannah !Now you would be one person who I would have thought wore it all the time ! You can pull it off easily :o)
Anna Banana ! Haha !Well if there was one person outside of me that I KNEW would wear one, it would be YOU ! ...along with your banana stickers, and hats etc !!! :o)
gosh I need to find mine... It is not shiny silver... it is yellowed plastic...
perhaps I can afford a new one...
Sheldon...
I wear mine all of the time ... and people are ALWAYS asking me" "How's the real estate business?" It's a real icebreaker.
Sheldon - Congrats!!! The first brokerage I worked for made us wear name tags, at the time it seemed to be one of those "old school" things since nobody else really did it, but it works.
Sheldon - BAM! Way to work it brother, thats how its done. Oh and by the way, I do wear my badge everywhere. It gets me tons of leads and even a few deals...
That's great, good for you...exposure is exposure, no matter how you go about getting it...I would say the name tag is an incredibly effective marketing tool that costs nearly nothing...I have the "R" on my vehicles but haven't purchased a tag yet.
Sheldon......Congratulations on getting a new client! Another testimony for name badges - a form of non verbal communication!
Oh man! So now I'm totally holding you responsible for making me an official Realtor Geek! I've often snickered at my Tuesday sales meeting when I see fellow agents wearing their traveling billboard and have thought that I'd never wear the darn thing unless it was a DRE requirement.
Kudos to you!
I digress....
I wear a magnet name tag as well so I don't punch holes in my clothes. Recognition Express I think is the name of the company that makes the best looking name tags. Here is mine:
That's awesome! I haven't had a badge for years - but I do proudly go the extra step in branding, with t-shirts, umbrella's, etc. with my logo & contact info. It's brought a lot of business in. Congrats ;)
Maureen ! LOL ! I think you can spring for the $15 for a shiny new one ;o)
Richard ! Yup ! I get that question every day at some point wearing it "So hows the market???" !!!
Michelle ! Ha ! Lots of 'young bucks' think it's Old School - but some things from back then are still worth using ;o)
Brent ! Nice ! Thats what I'm talking about ! I'm actually kinda proud when I wear mine !!!
John ! You are exactly right ! It costs less than $20 and pops right on your shirt or lapel for free advertising !
Carra ! I'll take it from anywhere I can !
Sheila ! HAHAHAHA ! I'm gonna keep on you now until you buy one and WEAR one !!!! LOLOL !
Jim ! There you go my man ! Awesome ! Mine is the Magnet-Back kind too !
John ! Branding is KEY !! Cheers !
I'm certainly not going to laugh at new business, Sheldon. Reminds me of the advice of our former team leader - "Don't be a secret agent."
I have something thats rare in the mortgage world, a name tag. I usually wear it to appts or events, and you just inspired me to wear it more often, thanks!
I wear mine all the time, its a conversation starter. sometime I might tell a little white lie and say, I forgot to take it off, or I just showed a house...
Name tages are GREAT!
In place of a nametag, I wear my shirts with my company logo on it - And just met a guy who asked me about real estate because he saw me in my comapny shirt and we just wrote a property on a property - So they do work.
Way to go Sheldon, I wear mine most of the time when I'm out. Now I just need some of your magic to transfer to my name tag!
Sheldon - I have to hop on this name tag train...I wear mine all the time, too!!! Drives my daughter crazy because I will put it on to go to the grocery store (...if I'm dressed professionally, that is...) And I have been known to have it on at her soccer games...I mean, if I've just come from an appointment with a client and have rushed to the field, what else am I supposed to do with it??? One of the very first things my mentor told me when I started in real estate was WEAR A NAME TAG!!!!
Mine's a magnet too.... :D
Sheldon: OK, here I am. Laughing at your name tag. No amount of clients could make it worth wearing one! =)
To funny! I used to wear my name tag everywhere until I lost it. Definitely need to get a new one. I always had other agents poking fun at me for wearing it. LoL! But, everyone I met knew what I did for a living.
Great story. Did you ever see this guy? He calls himself the Name Tag Guy and has made a living just waring a name tag (obviously there is more to it so here is a link to his site)
http://www.hellomynameisscott.com/
I prefer the tank top look with my Realtor tatoo on my arm showing. That has worked well in getting me clients! :-)
John ! ... nope, dont be a Secret Agent in Real Estate - which is hard for me because I'M REALLY SHY ;o) LOLOLOL !!!!!
Phil ! Good for you my man ! I always read name tags, and if I'm at a happy hour or an industry function, I rarely see mortgage tags, but I think they are professional when I do !
RE/MAX Today ! HAAHAHAH! Love that ! "Oh darn look at that....I forgot to take it off !!!!" LOL
Rick ! Same concept ! Nicely done !
Phil ! OK, I'm sending some Magic your way for this weekend ;o)
Lisa ! LOLOLOL !!!!! You are funny ! But I have been known to do exactly the same thing ;o) I love wearing it to places like the grocery store where there are lines, because people are always peering around looking at everyone around them ... and their badges !!!!!
Sheldon, I'm not laughing, because I'm a believer! My wife and I do extensive marketing in our area, as well as being extremely active in our community, so much so, that we get mentioned in the local paper on occasion. I can't tell you how many times we've been approached by someone who says, "I've heard of you, it's nice to put a face with the name" and off we go! Best 7 bucks I ever spent! Great job!
Aaron ! See ! There are plenty like you out there ! No problem from me :o) Ha !
Ken ! Thats exactly why ! I'll take the ribbing ! No worries !
Josef ! Ha ! That guy is great ! What an entrepreneur !
Simon ! HAHAHAHA ! Great visual !!!
Chris ! Fantastic !! Love that story !
Hi Sheldon, What a great story about why you should always wear your name tag! I myself don't like to wear it, but after hearing other agents say they're getting recognized as Realtors(R), I then started to wear mine. It is a conversation piece...you never know who you might 'run into'! Congrats on your listing(s)!
Sheldon - your post was wonerful - congratulations on finding an awesome marketing strategy that we all have at our fingetips! Enjoy your weekend.
Glad to make you laugh today Sheldon. Oh and for the very same reason... I drive an "unmarked" car.
Good stuff Sheldon. I've had several clients over the years because of a name tag.
A few years ago, I started putting my name and my website on the badge and I've had several people that didn't talk to me when they saw me but went to my website because of my namebadge too!
That's great!! At first, when I read the title of your post, I thought the "tag" was your "That British Agent" . . . and that's a good tag too!!
Sheldon, I'll have to go find mine now, maybe I get get another one for my hat and another one for my golf bag, and maybe I can talk my wife into wearing mine as well. the list goes on. Well done
I prefer the term name badge. Gives the lowly name tag more prestige. I also have a name bag for shopping. Plus I bought a coffee cup with my logo for the wife to take to work.
Sheldon - No snickering from me, I wear mine also. You are absolutely right that everyone looks at it and it does start conversations. Now, if you also SELL the 3 bedroom, then that would be a HOME run!!! Way to go. Congratulations. ;-)
Many years ago, I dealt with this issue.....I reached the point where I could wear it or no wear it.....all is well. But listen to me, I have a license plate holder that reads Realtor.........
Amanda ! Thanks and I know people are looking at it ! And the more times they see me wearing it - the more likely they will think of me if buying or selling comes up in conversation !
Peggy ! Pretty Simple Right ! Cheers and enjoy your weekend too :o)
Tammy !!! Yes ! You dont want Lane Realty on the side of your car if a punk driver causes you to flip them the bird now do you !!!! lol
Ron ! Great point ! I need to add my website to my name tag ! Cheers !
Carla ! Many people know me from that moniker too ;o) Thanks and Happy Weekend !
Ed ! Yes yes yes !!!!! Maybe even on your dog's collar too ! Any way you can my friend !!!! lol
Jeff ! Excellent ! Brand that puppy wherever you can ! Coffee mugs are great too !
Judy ! Oh that would be phenomenal !!! :o)
Richie ! Ha ! Then you are a believer for sure !!!!!!
Go ahead wear that badge! That is a great story.
Laughing all the way to the bank Sheldon!
Yes, Sheldon, I wear mine nearly every where except church. I have a rhinestone lapel pin in the shape of a house that I wear to church occasionally. Both the name badge and the rhinestone pin have brought me business. Of course, the "pin" only starts the conversation. The "real me" has to kick in and get the client. The purpose of the pin is to make me more approachable and to make everyone remember that I am a real estate agent!
Nice change of Story blog. Maybe I should start it back up out this way.
Wow, congrats! That makes a little ribbing from your colleagues well worth it. I am going to go order a badge now...
Awesome news Sheldon! Everything counts and it is fantastic that you broadcast yourself always no matter where you go. It is paying off now!
Ok, I had to laugh because my team was having a day at the local semi-pro baseball game w/ our clients. Our team leader asked us all to get a badge. A couple of the guys were saying how dorky they were gonna look. But I really feel it does make a difference. You will be laughing all the way to the bank!
There was a post here not too long ago about this and I was surprised at some of the negative comments...tacky...never....no way...but I like mine and wear it every time it's appropriate. Maybe I don't mind it because it's new and shiny;). Congrats Sheldon!
Branding, no matter how you do it, is the key to success. Congratulations on your new client acquisition Sheldon!
That's awesome! I used to wear mine and then started to get lazy, maybe its time to shine it up and put it back on!
Right about now I would be calling Graphic Engraving or whomever and orderiing a stash to put everywhere. Great going!
Gordon here for Cherise. Congrats on your double-dipper, listing and selling, due to the name-tag. I can't see Cherise wearing one with her outfits.
Sheldon....I wear my name tag all the time. I have a license plate frame also.
Sheldon, I have SAME EXACT BADGE as you do (well, same design, I wanted to say, there's MY name on it...) And I have no problems wearing it, yet since nobody really does it, I thought I'd be a show off... No! I will do what you do, and hopefully some of your success rubs off on me.
if someone asks me if I'm a REALTOR after looking at my badge - I'd be delighted!
what a great story! Double congrats on double deal!
And thanks for the kick.
Erica ! Wearing with pride !
Matthew ! Amen !
Liz ! Oh absolutely ! The badge will only start the conversation, you've gotta take it from there ;o)
Victor ! If you're the only one wearing one - they WILL remember you ! Even if they giggle a little !
Coral ! Ha ! I can take a little ribbing !!!
Eileen ! Yes indeed ! And now more than ever you cant miss any opportunities !
Brooke ! Ha ! They can call me dorky, kooky, freaky whatever they like ! I'll be happy to smile back as I write another listing agreement !
Barb ! A nice shiny one is even better than an old faded one ;o)
Craig ! Merci beaucoup !
Erika ! Shine that baby back up !
Cheryl ! Terrific ! Good luck :o)
Gordon ! HA ! Cherise's outfits are way to classy for a name tag me thinks !!!
Susan ! My kind of approach too !
Anna ! You're welcome, and thanks for stopping by here again ! Good luck :o)
Your shiney credentials landed you two possible transactions, this is SWEET!
Renee ! Very sweet ! Hope you and you 'man pal' have a great holiday weekend !! ;o) LOL !
Congrats on your success...I just can't bring myself to wear one...but hearing your story, who knows what I've missed out on. but then again, some of my clients say they like working with me because I "don't look like a Realtor" (whatever that means), so maybe it all evens out. But if it works for you (like it apparently does), go for it.
Sheldon - I take that back.... comment #50....it would be a GRAND SLAM! Can I have your autograph? :D
Rob ! It's funny, but it doesnt suit everyone's style ! And there are things that other Realtors do successfully that I would never see myself doing - but wearing the name tag, I can pull that off no problem, and start up conversations in a flash, so it works for me :o) Cheers !
Judy ! Ha ! NOW we're talking !!!! ... I'll autograph the HUD statements when they close and send them over to you ;o) LOLOL !!!
Good discussion, Sheldon. Have to admit I'm one of those badge-shy folks who takes mine off, especially if I'm not looking too lovely on the way into the grocery store. You may have made me reconsider!
Congrads! Sevral agents wear one just for this reason! I guess I should too..
Well, I think that is FABULOUS! Way to go! I wear my badge all the time; got used to it after I worked for Honeywell for 10 years before Life As A Realtor. I've only been embarassed by it one time - when I rushed to a wedding BBQ after a long day of appointments....and I forgot to take my badge off! How tacky! LOL!
And then...there are the times I have it on at the store and people start asking me what aisle the toothpaste is in - now that is a great conversation starter!
(Think it's time to get a new one!)
I have blogged about this and while i do not wear my name tag I often wear my Realtor pin and have liked you been stopped and asked things
Nancy ! HAHA ! I wont wear it to the grocery store if I'm wearing my sweatpants ! lolol ! But anytime I'm business dressed or business casual, I'll clip him on !
Scott ! It's worth a shot !
Carole ! HA ! To a wedding !?!?!?!?!?!! Thats hysterical :o)
Charlie ! Yep the Realtor pin can have the same effect ! Cheers !
Congratulations, Sheldon, but must I admit I'm still laughing at your pin. ;)
OH MAN was I embarassed....TOTALLY forgot I had the thing on me. Note to self: Make sure badge is disengaged before party time!!!!
Love this post!
Hi Sheldon, Congrats on the feature and forgive me if this is redundant - I admit, I didn't read all the comments.
Wearing your name tag is a good idea - My old boss used to say: "you are either visible or invisible" -- wearing our name tags keeps us visible! Congrats on your new client!
SlayBells !!! Anytime I can make you laugh my day is complete !!!!!
Carole ! Too funny ! Did someone mention to you that you were wearing it, or did you catch it yourself !!!! LOL !!
Mary ! Thank you and I think your old Boss was right ;o) Cheers !!
Great news. Congrats! Now you have me thinking.
Sheldon, Good for you!!! I don't wear my nametag ALL of the time but I do wear it most of the time. I've never gotten business from it yet but as the Great Gretzky says, 'Every shot you don't take doesn't go in the net.' Sooner or later it has to pay off. I admit that there have been a few times when it has taken me a couple of blinks to figure out how this stranger can be calling me by my name...
BTW, I've got a good friend who makes the name tags so anyone who wants a great deal, give me a holler.
don't you love it when a plan comes together. Congratulations, keep wearing the name tag, it doesn't hurt does it?
Thank you
Sheldon, I have a nametag for my car too! (a magnet-can take it off and put it on just like a nametag!) It's amazing how many people stop to tell me where they've seen me! And it gives me extra visibiltiy, which as an independent surely helps.
Sheldon, it wasn't the name tag.
It was the pecs.
Sheldon - First off, congratulations! Second, I completely agree with you. I have had friends 'helpfully' point out that I forgot to take off my badge but I like to wear it. I have no problem with people seeing my affiliation to my company. Worst case is that it sparks a conversation.
Lisa ! Excellent ! That was the goal !
Bob ! Great quote, and good to know about your friend :o)
Scott ! Cant hurt at all ! Cheers !
Lisa ! I have a RE/MAX Balloon magnet for my car too ! Haha !
JP ! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA ! ... you're probably right ;o) LOLOLOL !!
Dee ! Yep ! You and me both :o) I like any conversation starters ! Cheers !
Congrats, such a great story! I'm putting my name tag on NOW!
Lisa, I've thought about a car sign but decided that I don't really want to call too much attention to my driving. That could work out to be more of a negative than positive. Basically, my driving philosophy is Always Drive Just As Fast As You Possibly Can. That Way You're Never In One Place Long Enough To Have An Accident. Not sure everyone would understand...
I wear it much more recently because I'm on site and when I go to the grocery store they all look at it and only one has the ba$#s to say, David!!
Ha, Ha, the joke is on us. Of course we should always wear our nametags. Ok, I'm going to get mine out of the glove compartment and dust it off. Great end of summer experience. Congratulations!
Sheldon - It wasn't the pin it was the accent. They just cant resist that accent.......lol
Amy ! Perfect ! Good luck !
Bob ! Interesting driving philosophy !
David - Ha ! Over time you'll get more ! I got a buyer client from a grocery line, and one from a car wash last year !
Marie-Denise ! Aha ! Thats what I like to hear ! :o)
Lisa & Bob ! Maaaaybe ! ;o) ... And I thought it was you who had the accent !!!! lol
Sheldon that's great! It's how things are supposed to work out in the real world. We wear ours everywhere. No one has ever grabbed us and said they wanted to buy or sell anything....YET.... But one of these days someone will and that will make it all worthwhile!!!
Congrats to you! Think how many transactions could possibly come from just the one contact in the elevator! I don't wear my name tag often, although I know I should, but I have some "nice" shirts that have the Keller Williams logo on them, and I do wear them casually (i.e., grocery store, etc.). I haven't picked up any clients that way, yet, but I'm hopeful I will!
You so want to show off your chest hairs!
Great idea! I love that she noticed your name tag....I need to practice this more often like you....It's a spectacular idea not to be an undercover agent!! THanks for the reminder Sheldon!
Jeanne & Ralph - Keep at it !
Katherine ! People are always watching people, especially if they are wearing name tags or logos ! It will happen if you keep wearing it ;o)
Greg ! Hahaha ! I wondered if anyone would pick up on that !!! Might have known it would be you !!! HAHAHAHAHAAH !!!
Kristin ! I'm so happy you are back playing in the rain :o) And if you want success especially now, you're right, you simply CANT be an 'undercover agent' !!! Cheers Kristin !!!
Sheldon, wearing a name tag for me is much like having on other essentials. It can be 9 pm but until I begin to get ready for bed, it is still on my shirt. The other thing I do is put my Realtor pin above it so they will only have to glance to know what I do. Who cares that my name is Tonia since that won't grab their attention faster than my "magic R"? Great post...
Tonia ! Love it ! You obviously 'get it' ! ... and use it to you advantage ! ... like I do :o) Cheers !!!
Sheldon, there was an old Saturday Night Live fake commercial that reminds me of this post. It was Gilda Radner doint a thing for "Hey! You!". The perfume for those times when you don't want to be subtle. I think of name tags, baloons on Open signs and all that stuff as, well, good stuff.
Great story...I am a believer in wearing a name tag too.
I've got to break mine back out now. It's laying on my desk and I haven't worn it in years. Thanks for the encouragement.
I'm with comment #87, lol. It was the pecs :) That's a great story and reminder to all of us. I used to wear mine until I lost the magnet on the back...A YEAR AGO, ha ha ha. Guess it's time to find it our buy another one. I have a "realtor" sweatshirt that I wear in the winter and I"ve snagged more than one client while shopping with that crazy thing on.
That's great that you get to list AND sell and list again! Yee haw!
Sheldon ~ You know...I have gotten out of the habit...but maybe it is time to find it.. :)
Great story. Thanks for sharing.
Congrats-I used to wear one years ago.
Sheldon, I've got to start wearing my nametag more often.
We had them at KW, and I would not be seen dead wearing it. But my tiara nameplate, that's a different kettle of fish. Congratulations. That is a fabulous story.
Hi Sheldon - I try to remember to wear mine. Especially the Google Me badge. I know that people don't necessarily Google an agent unless they want to know about them - but if you have a unique name - Google Me is a great conversation starter. I wrote a blog last night about a neighborhood I work, back in April 2008 I had my first listing there. Was with my optometrist whom I had seen the year before and she liked me and kept my card. However, I was competing for the listing with 2 other agents. When I had a second meeting with her, I said, why don't you Google me? She said, "I already did. You were everywhere. I couldn't even find the other agent's website." Now, that may not be the way most consumers look for us, but, that was the first listing in a line of 11 listings and sales in that neighborhood! The magnets are easier on the clothes too.
Sheldon I suppose you will never take that name tag off again. I am now inspired to wear mine more often.
This is an amazing story and I sure hope you get her unit sold quickly. Sounds like a sort after complex and a 3 bedroom must go quickly.
Now when the transaction is completed you should ask her to do a video testimonial.
Good for you. Never know what will work. That is why we try any and every thing.
Hi Sheldon - Name tags can be a great way to generate more real estate business.
I wear my name tag and people love it that I do. Clients feel I'm a professional and are instantly more at ease because they don't have to try and remember my name. It helps start conversations when I'm in a crowd too. It's like wearing a little sign that says - I'm happy to talk real estate with you!
SOLD! I am going to get a name tag designed today. Good Work!
I know a waitress that has her name tattooed on the back of her neck. A customer asked her if it was in case she gets lost? I digress... sell that 3 bedroom and finish the story with a check in hand. Love your name tag, I think I'll try wearing mine for a few days.
Sheldon, a great story that resulted in some business. The power of the name tag. Thanks.
I love this blog. I agree with whole-hearted. I wear mine all the time, it is part of my daily wear. We need to be proud of what we do, and who we work with. I love when people ask me questions, call me by my first name---they will remember me. I too have received phone calls from people that I have chatted with in the grocery store, gas station, etc. It's up to you whether you wear it or not....but for me there is no decision.
Thank you.
Glenda Merrill
The Lori Bowers Group
I am so into wearing a badge! People ALWAYS look at a badge when a peep is wearing one. By nature, we're a nosy bunch and they can't help but look down and see "what and who you are." Great post, buddy!
I just got mine in the mail yesterday. I plan on wearing it most of the time. Wish me luck.
Thanks for the great post.
What? Do you mean to say that you're NOT a Secret Agent, Sheldon? Hmmmm. Really? Good post. I don't think anyone is laughing at your name tag now!
Sheldon - I normally wear mine adn often get questions, but can't say a direct hit like you...yet. Gotta order a new one now that I can't find the other. Let us know how it all turns out.
Jeff
Lightning struck and I am happy for you. Congratulations!
Cool Sheldon- direct hit from badge - i like it...
Sheldon I wear mine everywhere except church and to parties at a friend's home. First, that would be rude, but equally important everyone there knows I am a REALTOR
We think nothing of spending BIG $$$ on advertising but don't consider a $10 name badge? It's one of the more effective, inexpensive forms of advertising available to us.
The name badge does not sell property - but it IS an icebreaker conversation starter. And it doesn't matter where the conversation starts - ball game, grocery store or wedding, as long as the conversation ends with a closed deal and happy client!
Whooo Hoooo Sheldon! I wear mine on occassion but guess I need to dust it off and start wearing it more. Congrats...
You are so right! People always notice. Mine too is a little dusty. Thanks for the inspiration to get it back on.
We LOVE our name tags too and although I have not yet had the 'Name Tag Success' story as you wrote above, it has inspired many questions from people and a snicker at the soccer fileds when I forget to remove it. ;)
HI Sheldon, From reading the comments it seems like quite a few either seldom or never wear a name tag ! Huh !
Great Post, they do make us money if we wear them. I just signed a rental agreement that will make me $900 because I had my badge on and someone approached me about renting houses. $900 won't make me rich, but is is a nice return on investment of $8.00. I wear mine all the time.
It seems so obvious, yet i haven't done it for years. I will be starting now. I knew it worked before, just got complacent. Thanks for the kick in the butt.
I'm a fan of advertising. I have polo shirts with my logo on them, I also have T-shirts, and I often wear them with my shorts and capris in the summer time. I get business, need to do it more often, though.
YES!!!!! Congratulations :)
No laughing here!! Got a listing a few months ago by wearing mine too! I can't say I wear it all the time, but I try to. A few months ago, in between appointments, I stopped to have my oil changed and while sitting in the waiting room, an older couple came in and they noticed my name tag. We started talking and I found that they were getting ready to sell their home, but were not quite ready yet. I gave them my card, got their information, and sent them a nice follow-up letter. A few days later I received a call from the wife telling me they were ready to list w/me. Met them to sign the listing agreement a few days later.
Congratulations! That is a great example of creating the opportunity.
Opportunities like that are made, they don't just happen. Let the others laugh at you while you are depositing those checks!
Perfect... The name badge did exactly what it was ssuppose to do!
I learned very early on that the name badge works, and is probably the cheapest advertising investment one will make. I wear mine (not as often as I should) quite a bit and it is a conversation starter. I actually picked up a listing from the grocery store checkout clerk where I stopped off one time, who just happened to need an agent to sell her mother's house.
My favorite story, however, is when I was a rookie, one of my fellow agents was sitting in a burger joint with our office manager and a man approached her because of her name badge. He saw her name on a sign for a parcel of land. He engaged her in conversation, and she sold him the parcel. Within 12 months, she had also sold some of his properties and he used he used her to buy more.
Total value of all properties that changed hands with this buyer/seller totaled over $7 Million. I watched in disbelief, yet became a huge believer in the power of name tags.
When I share the story, my agents become huge believers.
Congratulations, just a reminder to us all to wear it everywhere, everyday!
Sheldon,
Thank you for the validation. I wear mine all the time. I loved Gary's story in comment #142. Congrats on the new listing and the well deserved feature.
Congrats, great success story! I wear my as often as I can. It really does work. People are always curious about real estate.
SHELDON~
WHAT a Great Reminder to all of US!!!
CONGRATULATIONS to You. I was just with a mentor of mine who has been in the business for 30+ years and telling her about starting to sell in Palm Springs (new territory for me) and that I was going to be hanging out at a coffee shop that is super busy doing my work (including contributing to AR,of course) and she said, "Wear Your Name Tag."....as a matter of fact, that was the FIRST THING SHE SAID. That happened just yesterday....so WOW, Great timing for me to open up AR and see your Featured Post.
GREAT POST & CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING FEATURED!!!!
Have an awesome weekend!
Okay, your blog and all these comments have convinced me that it is TIME to get that name tag! My broker was cleaning out her desk a few years back and turned up her yellowed tag and told me how in the "old days" she used to wear it everywhere. We had a good laugh. Now it's time to rethink. Many people recognize me from my website, but often people just stare and can't place the face--this might just help them do it! Thanks for a great idea.
congratulations! I wear my name tag everywhere too, so people know what I do for a living!
An odd thing that I notice is that most of the agents I see wearing a name tag are successful agents. What a coincidence.
Sheldon, that is great and puts a smile on my face. Good for you!!!
So I wear my name tag everywhere that's appropriate and have often found it starts conversations, especially when I put it on upside down! Try that sometime! Also have found when shopping in stores, that other shoppers often think I work there because I have a badge on. Now that's funny, but you never know who's shopping for a Realtor!
Laura Jaffe, Broker Associate REALTOR®
You know I have been meaning to get one and now you are motivating me.
I love to wear my name badge when I go to HomeDepot or Lowe's...people think I work there and want to know "where the paint is?" I reply that I don't know because I'm a REALTOR but I could help them find the houses that are for sale!
Yes sir, absolutely. It's a "wear-on" business card, it's part of your advertising and.... it works!
We all know this. Go to a cocktail reception, go anonymous. At some point in time, someone is bound to ask you what you do for a living. You know the conversation will switch to real estate and you will be asked questions, even on your day off, imagine that.
And you would be surprised home many people I have met in the driveway if a listing as I am making notes from a preview.
So do wear your name tag. The next person you meet could be your next client.
Love it Sheldon, I am ordering mine ASAP, you just never know, good for you and Happy Labor Day!!!
For those times when you feel your name tag is inappropriate, that little "R" pin on your lapel also serves to attract attention. And for the ladies, those decorative pins with a house and a sold sign do the same. They both start conversations and keep you from being a Secret Agent.
I forgot to mention... once when I went to the Realtor convention I came home with pretty red and white rhinestone pins for all my lady agents... they simply said SOLD.
One agent was wearing hers and ran into an old acquaintance. He asked why she would wear a pin like that. She asked why, and he told her because it said she was...
S' Old.
Everyone had a good laugh, but it still started a conversation about real estate.
You have inspired me to dig my name tag out of my desk drawer... or it is in my basement? I will make a point to find it and wear it! Thanks!
Congrats. That's awesome. I'm not a realtor...I do flooring (hardwood, carpet, tile) and I get some of my leads in the oddest places - several in the elevators while I'm carrying my flooring samples. I've gotten some in my car w/ my little magnet and some in Starbucks w/ my laptop which shows pictures of flooring.
Good thinking. And, keep on wearing it.
I have a collection of name tags...I'vegot on that more or less matches just about any outfit I might be wearing. I treat it like a wristwatch...it goes on every morning and off when I get home (or not, if I'm going out that evening). I get a lot of questions, and chances to introduce myself. It's a great lead-in to a conversation!
LOL @ Carole getting asked where the toothpaste aisle is! Too funny!
Thanks for the reminder, used to wear mine out (mostly by accident, forgot to take it off) But had many people start conversations with me...so why did I stop wearing it??? Good question, I'm looking for it as soon as I finish typing.
Thanks for reminding me!
I don't have a name tag, but i do wear my Realtor pin ALL the time! I've heard of stories like yours. I also have the Realtor Stickers on my car - yea it may be cheezy but what if that person loading up their car next to mine at target notices it and has a home to sell?
Great idea. I think its great to wear at least your name if not the fact that you're a REALTOR or sell Real Estate Investments.
Great blog.
I'm a huge fan of not only name tags but company logo shirts. I bought a half dozen sleeveless polo shirts in April, had them emboridered with my company logo and that is ALL I've worn almost all summer long. Here in Florida it is just too hot to be all dressed up so I have several pairs of nice walking shorts that I wear with my polo shirts. I'm always "representing" and while I can't name a deal yet that has come of it, it is definitely a conversation starter.
Great story so keep wearing that badge, and maybe I'll dig mine out too or maybe it's time to get new name tags for my new business.
Congrats and I think we all owe you a thanks for reminding us to do something that is simple & virtually free. It's similar to email signatures which is one of my pet peeves, also free advertising.
SHE WANTS ME TO IMMEDIATELY LIST HER 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN THE SAME BUILDING !!!!
She he wants me to sell that one, and buy the 1 bedroom I'm about to list !
What a wild story, Sheldon!
This is the first time I've ever seen anyone top Greg Nino. :)
Hi Sheldon
Good for you! I wear mine every day and it's become a part of my jewelry that I put on every day!!! We all have those success stories...congrats!
You are so "Right On". Ralph and I wear our name tags wherever we go and get stopped and asked "Realtor Questions" which always leads to the next thing we do is to give them our business card. We have been accused of wearing it on our pajamas. Ha!. The one place we don't wear it is in church becaus I tell Ralph, "God knows who we are".
Wearing your name tag is a great way to engage with others. Everyone always wants to know what you think of the market. In this instance, it was a profitable benefit to wear it. Congrats!
Like a lot of agents, we thought it uncool to wear our badges. But, I too. am re-thinking it and bought a back-up at the FAR convention in Orlando. During the day, hey, that is who we are. Can't hurt in this market.
Good Job! I wear my name tag everywhere except church. How else will people know what you do? I catch alot of grief from friends etc. when we are out to lunch or at the mall, but you just never know where your next client is going to come from. Congratulations!!
Good Job! I wear my name tag everywhere except church. How else will people know what you do? I catch alot of grief from friends etc. when we are out to lunch or at the mall, but you just never know where your next client is going to come from. Congratulations!!
Sheldon, great story! I guess I should wear mine more often!
Wearing your name tag gets attention. Standing in lines people will look and start a conversation, restaurants, whereeve/whenever you are out and about in the public domain!
Sue of Robin and Sue
Right on! My little name tag has brought me much business over the years! (Of course, when I'm in a store, customers want to know which aisle the toilet paper is in!LOL!)
My car signs are another successful marketing item!
Sheldon - you are so right! It is important to be visible and availalbe, so that you can help the people who are seeking your services. CONGRATULATIONS, man!
Sheldon,
I'm with you, I ware mine all the time, except on the tennis court or when I am weight training. Was taught early on not to be a "Secret Agent". I actually have 2, one on my night stand, but sometimes I forget but that is OK because I have an extra one in my car. My badge and plenty of business cards is the way I start each day.
Tammy, Have you considered crossing the street now?
I wear my company logo on my shirts, ball caps, etc., but not the name tag. The name tag could cause an invasion of privacy in my opinion. Even more especially so on a pretty woman Realtor. I'd rather just have them know I am in real estate, then let every stranger know my name.
It is amazing the number of listings and sales I have received from wearing my name badge. It is certainly a "Don't leave home without it!" . Thank you for reminding everyone of its importance!
I have a RE/MAX badge just like that. I should just where it everywhere.
Do you take it off when you go to bed?
I always wear my name tag on work days too. you never know who might see it and be a prospecive client.
Sheldon,
Great post in my opinion. I was given a badge when i joined our office in 2005 - my previous brokerage didn't have them at all...
I started wearing it all the time when appropriate, Not to soccer games or parties, but yes when I'm at school with my daughter because I'm either going to or coming from work. I wear it when I go to Vons and Starbucks or out to lunch. I have to shop and eat (often during my work day) and I often see the same people over and over at these places because I'm consistent. I consistently wear my name badge (and have magnets on my swagger wagon, too).
Because I'm not shy about wearing my name tag, lots of people know I'm in real estate, they see me a lot and they feel comfortable asking me questions. Eventually we develop that essential rapport between agent and client. Drip marketing...
If I wasn't wearing my name badge, I'd just be another woman anonymously going to work after Starbucks or worse - I'd be a secret agent.
I think new agent are better at wearing their name tage. I try tyo ware my all the time.
I wear my badge everywhere. I take it off going into Church and put it on after coming out. It has gotten me several sides in my career. I will always wear it.
Hooray for you, Sheldon!
I have a silver one and a gold one (depending on my jewelry that day). I wear one all the time during work hours. I am often asked how the market is, how I am doing, etc. so I know people pay attention.
One day I will run into a sweet little old lady like you did! LOL
Way to go!
I don't have one, but after reading this story I'm going out and getting one.
Congratulations! I LOVE it when it works!!
I wear mine faithfully. I attend a lot of "after 5:00" political fundraisers where they hand-write name tags. I say "no thank you - I'm already wearing one."
Sheldon: What a great reminder!
I just dug mine out of the drawer and will put it to use!
Great badge story. Can't say I'm as zealous as you BUT people DO notice. Now that it's Fall I will begin to wear my Coldwell Banker windbreaker with the Realtor pin and my badge. Too much??? LOL
Sheldon: People cannot work with you if they do not know who you are. Good point to wear a name badge consistently.
Ty
Awesome! What a great story! Makes me wish I had a name tag with my company's logo. From here on out I am wearing my Realtor pin. Thanks!!!
This also illustrates the wisdom of just listed post cards or flyers hand walked around the neighborhood. You never know where your next client is coming from!
Keep the lessons coming Sheldon! I work with my husband and I harrass him for wearing his nametag all the time. Guess I need to start wearing mine more often!
Sheldon - I used to wear mine everywhere I went. It did not give me the success you have had but a couple years ago when I went on a very large listing appointment another agent said that the high priced home was not the place it is accepted.
Bamm, I stopped wearing it entirely for some reason but just this weekend I pulled it out, before reading this, for a couple of my appointments. It still did not give me your success but it got me noticed. Especially the woman that wass waiting for me at Starbucks. We were both there for 20 minutes before we asked eachothers name.
I get a kick out of the times that we stand in front of a starbucks or a fast food isle and the person behind the counter says "Your name please"? DUHHHH...THAT is why you are behind that counter.
Sheldon, I have to admit I stopped wearing mine, but after reading your story will definitely reorder one and get back to it. Congratulatons!!! That is awesome!
Sheldon:
I never, I said never wore one. Most likly I will never, I say never will.
That's just me. I tell everyone else to wear it however.
Richard :)
Hi All ! I cant believe this post got 200 comments but I'm so glad that it may have nudged a few more peeps to wear their badge !!! I'm telling you it works !!!
I read every comment, and some of them require reply so here you go - to the others, thanks so much for coming by and adding your piece to this puzzle ! Cheers !
E-Coop ! Rock the sweatshirt too !
Jane ! Gotta get me a tiara nameplate !
Angela P - Awesome story !
Margaret O ! Yup - I think it gives a professional appearance from the get-go too !
Bea ! Definitely an ice breaker - but thats all I need ;o)
Gary S ! Nice ! I'll wear it to get $900 any day ! Good job !
Linda Z - Woot Woot ! Great stories !
Gary F ! - OK that might be the best name tag story ever !
Don H ! Coincidence ?!?!!? lol ;o)
Marte ! Ha ! Nice story and a rhinestone tag will get even more attention !!!
Tina G ! Virtually Free is great in this economy right !!!
Bruce ! Lol ! First for me too !
Ralph and Elynn ! Too funny - and yes I think God knows what we do ;o)
Mary L - Great approach! And I'm not shy either - can you tell ;o)
Ken ! There are only a few situations where I might not wear mine, but I wear it to $1M+ listings all the time, and it never seems out of place for me or to the sellers who hire me :o)
I love it!! Stories like that just make the career more fun!! Good for you, and you badge!
Sheldon: I have a nice name tag that I wear to other real estate functions but rarely do I wear it in public. My loss. I totally applaud you. In this business, a name tag is free advertising and I'm so glad you got a listing this way! Best of luck on both transactions!
I have always worn a nametag. I wear it all the time! Love it, love it, love it! I love to hear how other people's name tags work for them because mine works very well for me. I have several buttons that I wear off and on as well that draw attention to what I do. T-shirts during the summer with cute, catchy sayings on them that attract people to talk to me.
Whatever works but it's definitely worth it - as you've seen! Congratulations, Sheldon!
~Renae
Linda ! Thank you ! And yes, our career CAN be fun !
Cari ! Free advertising = always good !
Renae ! I Always look at anyone wearing a badge ! ... so I may as well have some look at me !!! Cheers !
I will sheepishly admit I have cracked a smile or two.. Great blog, I reblogged as this is a great topic!
I wonder if I can find mine?
Being a secret agent is never the way to go. Good work and I will never laugh.
Colleen ! :o) You are too kind :o)
SCA ! Ha ! I forgive ya ;o)
Debbie ! Ha ! Good luck !
Elite ! Excellent ! All the best :o)
Good for you Sheldon! You're right, I wouldn't be caught dead in my name tag, but I know it would probably produce a few leads here and there. I certainly don't fault you for going the extra mile to grow your business.