Ron, the people that I represent in a transaction that purchase a home, (to live in)  I purchase a gas grill for them and then we BBQ on it.  I do mostly sell land and the like.  However last year I had 24 BBQ's and this year I have had 3 BBQ's.  I try not to eat to much as my pants have grown a little.  It is amazing how many people refer me to others,  as they want to be invited to the new persons BBQ.

I live and work in an equestrian area, so I invite all my past clients to attend the local Queen's Cup Steeplechase where my company sponsors a tent, and I have the event catered.  It combines my love of horses with work, and also attracts a lucrative clientelle!  I pay for the admission tickets for 2 people, and they can request more at face value.  The advertising is also reasonable in the program, and the ad cost is donated to a local charity (this year is Make A Wish!).  It is a high class event that people want to come and the face to face time is great.   One time a year, and your done too!

One other thing my husband's company (he's a builder) did last year, was to invite customers AND agents on a first come, first serve basis for a limited number of box seat tickets at various concerts at the Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre.  Well, that kind of back fired because believe it or not, some of these people and ESPECIALLY AGENTS, would take the tickets and SELL THEM on e-Bay or Craigs List for a profit!  So I DON'T recommed that!  It really amazed me at the gaul at the expense of our generosity!   Live & learn, but I hope someone else learns easier than we did!

Good thread!

My Broker, a very "young" senior citizen is a huge music fan.  Especially, Jazz/Rock/Blues.  A few years back she began having an annual party for past and present clients (and some we hope to be "futures").  At a local club, nothing fancy as far as venue goes.  But great food, friends and live music.  She "puts out" on the music!

It's now considered an "event".  If you didn't get the invitation, you try to find someone who did and who can "invite a friend".

Great word of mouth.

Ron,

One agent in my area does an annual "death by chocolate" event at a nice hotel that has a great dessert chef. I understand that it goes over quite well and that past clients look forward to attending.

I don't have a previous client event, but would like to ask your opinions on a new client (hopefully) program I am thinking of offering. There is a young boy who is 2 years old that attends my daughter’s daycare. He was recently diagnosed with a potentially deadly disease that requires a bone marrow transplant. Central Canada (we don’t offer such a procedure in this area) is the closest place that offers this. In Canada, we do have public healthcare, but the travelling expenses and accommodations aren’t covered for the parents, and this can run into quite a bit of money. I was thinking of offering a percentage (10%) of commissions that are generated by clients who mention they want to buy for Team Josh, and give the proceeds to assist in their expenses. This offer would be open to parents of the daycare, and of course any of their friends or family who contact me to buy or sell. I don’t want to look like I am trying to benefit from his condition, which is by no means the case, but think that just a few sales could generate a fair sum of money for his family.

Any thought’s? Good idea, bad idea?

Alan your situation is some what unique but also one that a lot of us have come across in our careers. I have a good friend that does a benefit each year for Make a Wish. I think last year he raised enough to grant 5 wishes. At about $10,000 a wish that is an accomplishment. He has been doing this for over 5 years now. When you tie anything to a sale, regardless of the nobility and generosity of the effort, it will be perceived as enrichment. So, I would not present it that way. If you feel that you can donate 10% of your next sale to the cause, than say that. I will donate 10% of my next sale to…., then seek sponsors to match you.  Maybe other Realtors in your area, after all the purpose is to help that family with their expenses, not sell real estate. When you gain a reputation of helping the community, you won’t have to worry about referrals, they will come. They don’t need to be tied to anything, just done. There is some benefit in promoting the cause in this manner since you will be making other aware, however your intentions have to be the cause, not gaining notoriety or thanks for your effort. The less you promote self and the more you promote cause will come back in ways you won’t believe.

So in my opinion, it is a bad idea to offer as you described but great idea to help.  Go to the local press and sell the campaign to raise funds for this family. Be the leader that gets them the money they need and indirectly you will be rewarded because two things will happen. You will succeed in helping them and someone at sometime will pay you back for your effort. But even if you never see a referral from the effort you will be very comforted in knowing, you helped a needy family out. That in itself is reward enough.

Ron as for your topic, I have never found anything that worked all the time. Block parties, get together's all have some effect, but just maintaining a relationship with past clients seem to work the best. A simple call and asking how the family doing, did Jill get that job, is Tom still in the service, etc... makes for more referrals that a once a year event or any gift I could offer. IMHO

Gary,

Thank you for your comments. I don't want to look like I am trying to benefit from this situation, just trying to help the family in one way or another. Your points are well taken, and I will take them in consideration.