5 Highly Effective Ways to Use your Mortgage Business Card…part II
March 5, 2010
5 Highly Effective Ways to Use Your Mortgage Business Card…Part II
In Part I we talked about adding value to your card and using the back of the card to promote your mortgage marketing message. I’m sure these remaining business card tips will help you in your mortgage business:
3. Set a goal indicating the number of business cards you want to hand out each day.
If you’re a newbie (new person) in the mortgage business with a limited budget…or if you’re an experienced originator experiencing a period of very few referrals…this tip is for you. Even the best of us get back in the trenches to generate business.
Tom Domin is currently publisher of “Tom’s Mortgage Tips” a twice-weekly Mortgage Newsletter for Mortgage Professionals and the author of “101 Ways To Originate Mortgages” at: http://www.101WaysToOriginateMortgages.com/
Now here’s the deal: You pick the number and set your daily goal. The only thing I suggest is that you pick a good number…it can be three, five, seven, ten, etc.
You’ll have to meet your goal every day. Now, I don’t expect you to work on Sunday and…you can also take off Saturday…but only if you’ve reached your goal the previous five days in a row.
So…if you picked five as your daily goal and you reached your goal each day…you now have twenty five cards out there working for you. Do this for a month or two or three and all of a sudden you have three hundred cards out there working for you.
Are you going to get some business as a result…of course you are. It’s a numbers game…the more people you talk to…the greater your chance of success.
When I first started in this business, this is how I did it. I picked ten as my number and at the start of my day I set aside ten business cards. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t go home until I had handed out every one of those cards.
I did that for over six weeks straight and even worked in a couple of Saturdays. No matter what I had going that day, I made sure that I hit my goal. I have to tell you…it works. In six short weeks I had distributed over 330 cards. It wasn’t long before I had some calls coming in from these contacts and eventually loans in my pipeline.
4. Print your own cards. Even if your company supplies business cards, find a way to print a few cards.
Most employers don’t object to this. Plus, this gives you the opportunity to create an identity with your card as well as produce cards with multiple backs.
Why multiple backs you may be asking? For different sales messages of course! For example…If you spend a fair amount of time calling on Realtors, then the back of your card should relay a message geared specifically towards Realtors.
Over the years I’ve seen cards with various back designs including the following:
1. A mini-certificate good for $250 which can be applied towards closing costs.
2. A list of documents needed to begin the application process.
3. An Amortization Schedule.
4. A list of loan programs available to borrowers.
5. A special loan program like the low start rate program.
6. A statement like “I save commissions!” or “Last year we saved $146,000 in commissions.” This is obviously geared for Realtors.
7. “We offer easy Builder approval!”
8. The possibilities are absolutely endless…think about your market…and you’ll find a message.
Ok, here’s my last point on the subject of Business Cards:
5. We touched on it above…use your business card to create an identity for yourself. Printing your own card helps to do this. Personally, I don’t like the picture idea at all…I’ll leave that idea for the Realtors.
Instead, create a consumer-friendly phrase to separate yourself from other loan officers. Many loan officers use “Loan Officer for life” theme. Think original, such as; “Moving? Take me with you to finance your next home.” Spend some time on this and pick a good brand for yourself.
Introduction to Student Credit Cards
March 3, 2010
Student honor cards, particularly college scholar honor cards, are an exceedingly admired trend amid honor license companies. The scholar honor cards are on hand on college campuses around the nation state and typically show your face with a open T-shirt truly representing signing up. The major benefit to college students of obtaining a scholar honor license is to facilitate they are often pulled in with a low relevance rate a rejection fees. Furthermore, the earlier you start using a honor license, the better honor you will own by the stage you are quick to graduate. (Of avenue, having a horrendous honor total will nominate it unproblematic representing you to negotiate a low mortgage rate or car give somebody an advance of rate.)
How to Get One
It is very painless to register in a apprentice acclaim certificate predetermine. Periodically the whole time the semester, acclaim certificate companies will pose representatives on your college campus. The majority of the generation these representatives offer incentives used for signing up with their programs. Buyer beware: While enrolling used for a acclaim certificate offer sounds like a huge deal if you prevail on a unbound T-shirt, many acclaim certificate companies compel you to register and contain you fill given away lists of in sequence. They will next get rid of your delicate in sequence to companies so as to next work it used for marketing purposes. You be supposed to and be aware so as to the more you undeveloped and close acclaim certificate accounts, the greater the odds of a solid acclaim slice being compromised. Therefore, it is advised so as to you register in a apprentice acclaim certificate predetermine no more than if you are serious going on for using the acclaim certificate.
How the Credit Card Companies Benefit
Credit tag companies benefit from offering special learner trust cards on a add up to of levels. First, the trust tag companies will of stream benefit from the far above the ground leisure activity toll with the aim of many college students put on as soon as they register in a learner trust tag syllabus. Students are tended to finish and for the reason that many of them are on a fixed funds, they are not forever in a rank to forfeit inedible their trust cards correct away. Therefore, if a trust tag company can supply students with an appealing trust tag deal, they are likely to reap the remuneration of the habit. Also, trust tag companies are serious in the region of building a loyal clientele. The younger with the aim of they start with their clients, the more likely the clients will be loyal to the trust tag company and poverty to stay meant for the long-term. Therefore, you can look into how offering learner trust cards can be a lucrative and beneficial marketplace.
Where to Find Student Credit Cards
Most often, undergraduate accept cards are free on college campuses by accept certificate companies. If in attendance is not a college undergraduate accept certificate expressive on your campus, subsequently call every accept certificate company straight to come across prevented as regards on hand programs.
Using undergraduate accept cards not simply helps you to launch a line of accept on an appropriate age, but it plus helps you to build a history with a accept certificate company. By the moment in time you graduate from college, odds are well-behaved with the purpose of if you comprise several years worth of experience with a company, they will be likely to offer you a very pleasant be of interest rate in appreciation of your continued dealing. If you are a college undergraduate and carry out not comprise a college undergraduate accept certificate, subsequently it is highly recommended with the purpose of you investigate options in place of enrolling in such a instruct. After all, after it comes to obtaining a low be of interest rate, accept certificate companies bother as regards your accept history. Enrolling in a undergraduate accept certificate instruct is a utter way to start!
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A Guideline to Merchant and Credit Card Services
March 2, 2010
In today’s world of fast-paced and high-tech business, it is important that one is able to keep up with the pace. There are many systems and services that a business can pick up to maintain a level of service that can be considered high quality. One of these many services is the use of merchant services.
What are merchant services?
Merchant services are the term used for a broad category of financial services intended for businesses. It usually refers to the service that enables a business to accept a transaction payment by using the customer’s credit or debit card.
Merchant services pertains to several specific business services including credit card services like credit and debit card payment processing, payment gateway, direct mail marketing and merchant cash advances, to name a few.
What is a merchant account?
On the other hand, a merchant account is a contract wherein an acquiring bank extends a line of credit to a merchant or a business that wishes to accept payment card transactions from a specific card association brand. With this contract, a business or merchant cannot directly accept any payments from any of the major credit card brands.
Common methods of processing credit cards
There are many different ways a merchant can process credit cards. One of these methods is the use of a credit card terminal. A credit card terminal is a stand-alone electronic equipment that allows a merchant to swipe or key-enter credit card information required to process a credit card transaction.
Another method is the ARU or the Automated Response Unit. Also known as a voice authorization, capture and deposit system, the ARU allows the manual keyed entry and authorization of a credit card over a mobile phone or landline telephone.
Advantages of using credit card services
There are many advantages a merchant has when using credit card services. One of the main advantages of having credit card services is that one is able to provide their clients with several payment forms. By accepting payment through credit card, merchants are able to widen their target audience.
By using credit card services, merchants have credit card processing that is a convenient and effective payment solution that helps businesses in improving their cash flow. Also, depending on the solution the merchant chooses, they are able to accept credit card payment through different channels. Credit card payment can be accepted through the phone, on the internet, wirelessly, by fax or in person.
What are small business loans?
Small business loans are business loans that pertain to a small loan for business purposes. A merchant service provider is able to assist a merchant with small business loans.
Small businesses may apply for business loans. However, unlike a regular business loan, small business loans oftentimes are granted not on the status of one’s business but on one’s personal financial status. Small business loans are often euphemisms used in the financial world as a personal loan given to small businesses.
There is no precise definition given for a small business loan. However, the term ‘small business loan’ is often determined by the agency defining the term. There are different types of small business loans. Some are designed to assist new small businesses while others are given to existing small businesses.
To give a financial boost to a small business, it is suggested that a small business loan be taken. A business loan of this kind is often taken with collateral. A small business loan can also be taken as a temporary cash flow for occasions when there is a funding crisis in a small business.
8 Sure-fire Tips for Enticing Readers in your Mortgage Marketing Letters
February 23, 2010
Because I’m a copywriter, my opinion is likely a little biased, but I truly feel the power of the pen is mightier than the spoken word. When we listen to someone speak, the words we hear are rarely repeated – unless requested – and they don’t have the same “staying power” as a phrase permanently placed on a piece of paper.
In addition, the written word has the potential of reaching a wide audience; whereas spoken words are limited by the number of people listening to what you’re saying.
For these reasons, lending companies putting a consistent effort toward their writing often see better results with their marketing strategies than others that treat content creation as just another trivial task. When it comes to putting together ideas for creating an effectively written document, there are numerous ways you can increase the likelihood of generating your desired response.
Here are eight sure-fire tips you can use in your mortgage marketing letters to transform a reader from uninterested to enthusiastic.
• Enticing Tip #1: Offer something for free – No matter how many times you use it, “free” is the one word that will attract attention, regardless of the type of marketing letter you use it in. So offer your readers something they view as valuable as an incentive for meeting your desired outcome. For example, write a report with information on a topic your target audience would find useful. Even better, provide some type of information that would solve a common problem your potential customers can relate to (see tip #4). You can even offer a discount on a future service or a complimentary giveaway that promotes your lending company. The bottom line is that you want to make it as easy as possible for your potential clients to collect your free information.
• Enticing Tip #2: Make the situation a win-win – Stephen R. Covey summed it up in his best-selling book, The “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” when he stated, “With a Win/Win solution, all parties feel good about the decision and feel committed to the action plan.” Obviously, you benefit if a reader reacts to your call to action, but what incentives are you offering to encourage this response? Once the emotional basis for making a purchase wears off, your customer will seek rational reasons for the decision. So reward your reader with reasons that validate their choice to work with your lending company.
• Enticing Tip #3: Stroke the reader’s ego – Who doesn’t enjoy receiving unexpected compliments? This technique is especially effective when trying to attract high-end clients. People feel good when they’re recognized for achieving a special milestone or status. What makes the sensation even greater is when someone unexpectedly recognizes that feat.
• Enticing Tip #4: Offer a solution to a problem – Applying this tip involves more focus on your customer and less attention on your lending services. Any successful business item flourishes because it solves issues consumers view as important. Write your text so it focuses not on the magnitude of the problem as determined by society as a whole, but the importance of the issue as decided by an individual. Try visualizing a person’s mindset prior to using your lending services and then write your text so it satisfies that reader’s needs.
• Enticing Tip #5: Demonstrate your credibility – Not only do people prefer doing business with mortgage professionals they know, they also want confirmation that the person they’re working with has the capability of doing the job well. Validate your credibility through testimonials or your track record with similar lending jobs – and be specific. If you’re marketing a particular service, cite detailed examples of how it has benefited others. For best results, demonstrate success with something your target audience relates to. It should go without saying, but always be prepared to back up your statements.
• Enticing Tip #6: Show the value in your lending services – Just about everyone enjoys the feeling of finding a bargain. So show your reader how your lending services save time or money when compared to the competition. Your goal is to provide enough information so that your readers believe they are getting more than originally anticipated.
• Enticing Tip #7: Leave the reader guessing – Great writers know the exact statements and questions to ask so that the reader feels he or she must make a purchase to get the answers. This is another area where you want to be specific with your writing. Which of the following titles do you think would attract more interest?
7 Mortgage Mistakes that Could Cost You $50,000 …or More
or
Learn How to Refinance Your Mortgage
Most people find the first option more appealing because the statement offers a specific problem (losing $50,000) and causes them to wonder if they have made the same mistakes. Often it’s difficult for readers to ignore their curiosity, so use this to your advantage.
• Enticing Tip #8: Stress urgency – The longer you let someone wait to take action, the less likely it’ll happen. Encourage immediate action throughout your mortgage marketing letter and reiterate to the reader the importance of acting quickly in the P.S. Warning: You may have to offer some kind of incentive (see tip #1).
Avail Prepaid Credit Cards for Kids With Relieve
February 22, 2010
Do you think that prepaid cards for kids’ are necessary? It depends upon the usage of credit cards. If credit cards are used wisely, then it can be an ease for parents and children equally.
After reaching certain age, children want independency. They go for shopping center with friends in place of their parents. Nowadays, they start driving and need money for gas and other requirements related to their daily life. Unfortunately, children are expanding more money compared to their older. Parents do not have money always to fulfill their requirement that is why; we introduced an option that is prepaid credit cards for kids.
For taking prepaid credit cards for kids, parents can apply in the name of kid and deposit money for activating the account. Children can use credit cards according to their requirements and the amount electronically gets deducted from the account. Parents can reload the children prepaid card through their current account or credit card.
Kid’s prepaid credit cards are available with a number of advantages as follows:-
- This credit card is acceptable anywhere Visa or Master cards are accepted.
- In case of stolen or lost of this credit card, make a call to the credit card company for freezing the account to not be misused. The company transfers your remaining money to a new card.
- It also avails you facility of internet marketing.
- These prepaid credit cards for children are better than ordinary prepaid credit cards as there is a limit of spending money loaded on the card.
Apart from advantages, prepaid credit cards are available with some disadvantages as follows:-
- There is some activation fee depends upon the issuing authority. But, the charge depends upon the company to company as it may be one time activation fee or monthly accessing fee or some companies levy fees for loading money on the card.
- It takes couple of days to avail money for using when the money is transferred through a bank account.
- These prepaid credit cards do not help to improve your credit history as transactions are not reported to the credit bureaus.
Wisely use this credit card:
Make sure that the child’s prepaid credit card is not being misused. Teach your children its merits and demerits.
Show your child the details and remaining balance of the card. And ask them rules and regulations of using it. Also tell them do’s and don’t of the card.