Cruise Control Marketing
How to Creating a Powerful Marketing Calendar That Works for You




I have always dreamed of a marketing system that worked on its own. Something I didn't even have to think about. It used to be that I would just wait until I was "out of the weeds" to be intentional about marketing. Mid September I would start to think about the newsletter that was supposed to go out in 2 weeks. I felt like I was up against a constant deadline.

Well - I finally got tired of it and quit resisting the planning and discipline it takes to keep your marketing consistant and in motion. Here are some useful things I came up with to help keep me on target.

1. Set a Master Marketing Calendar

• I created an excel spreadsheet that organized each month and what the major marketing components we have every month. I was able to space out newsletters, postcards, deliveries to clients etc. appropriately to have a balanced and comprehensive marketing plan. I then color coded it for me to be able to read with ease. I even made columns to include notes about the project/marketing piece. I put this schedule next to my desk so I can see it daily.

2. Break Down EVERY Marketing Item

• It is very important for me to break down every marketing action item on a timeline. I find I often don't realize how long projects will take, so spending 5-10 minutes to break out every idea proves VERY valuable. I am already starting on the May newsletter based on a timeline I created well in advance. Having a colleague to help you with this project breakdown can provide insight and actions you wouldn't have considered otherwise. Jan often reminds me to add in a minor detail for her to order paper for my project well in advance so I can print the project. I sometimes miss these "small" details ;)

3. Block Out Time On Your Calendar

• As SOON as I have a project, a deadline, and a timeline, I block time on my calendar so I can TRUST it can get done. I even color code things on my calendar so I can see when my non-negotiable time is. I often shut my door and let colleagues know what I am working on so I can have un-disturbed time to work on it. 

4. Practice Makes Perfect

• I didn't come up with this system over night. It has come from experience and practice and is in constant motion. I am working to refine it and learn from each experience but I get better and better all the time. 

If you are interested in any of my templates I have created, email me at michelle@hometeam-lending.com and I am happy to share!

Go forth and prosper!

The Copy Cat
A fun easy way to stay connected


So about a month ago I found the following FUNNY picture on Facebook about social media explained:

I then decided to take that idea and use it in my industry (Real Estate) and used it in our monthly newsletter publication. Here is what I came up with:

You don't always have to come up with the next best thing, sometimes being a copy cat is just as fun and is very relevant. 

How would Social Media be explained using your industry? 

The Follow Up 
Making an Impression Before You Deliver the Goods




I am headed to Los Angels for a leadership conference this weekend.

Let me preface this entry by pointing out that I don't  go on a lot of vacations that require a hotel reservation. My trips USUALLY involve a 2 person tent and a campfire, so making reservations and staying at a hotel will be a luxury and something I am not familiar with.

I made my reservation about a month ago at the Westin (where the conference is being held) and immediately got a follow up email with a note from the General Manager and a photo of the beautiful hotel:

Your reservation is all set - we're excited to welcome you to The Westin Los Angeles Airport. If there is anything you need as we prepare for your arrival, please just ask. Stay Well, Chris Lorino General Manager

That got me excited. The note was a nice touch. But what REALLY impressed me was the note that I got  this morning in my in-box:

Greetings Michelle, Your stay is just days away and we're ready for your arrival. We hope you're looking forward to a great night's sleep on our Heavenly Bed® and to the many delicious choices on our SuperfoodsRXTM breakfast menu. We've tried to make it convenient to keep your routine with WestinWORKOUT®, so remember to pack your gear. We want to help you be at your best, so if there is anything you need, please just ask. Stay Well, Chris Lorino General Manager

Why did this capture my attention? "We want to help you be at your best" was the statement that did me in. It has never occurred to me that the hotel would in any way shape or form be committed to me being at my best. I just assumed they would want to make sure my stay was enjoyable, not really interested in what I may be "up to" that they could assist me with. PLUS reminding me to throw my tennis shoes in my bag because I could take advantage of their work out facilities was quite nice. A the subtle reminder that I don't have to sacrifice my normal routine while I am out of my natural habitat was cool. 

The other thing this email included was the weather. I haven't really started to think about packing but now I am in packing mindset a few days early and am thinking about the 74 degree weather I can expect!

What did I take away from this? It is the small things that count. Taking the time to anticipate my needs whether it is a automated email or not is huge for me. Also, putting it out there that you are committed to me as an individual was high touch - they could have phrased it any number of ways OR could have just even sent me a reminder of my reservation. 

Put yourself in your client's shoes and be on their team. Be committed to their success and them being at their best. Think about what tools you already use that you could tweak the language that might make a difference. Most of us in business have automatic emails or form letters we send out. Take some time to review them and match them with your values and purpose as a company. 

As always, have fun with it!

Paperclips Are The New Candy
Getting creative with pop-bys

Once a week I spend a good chunk of the day out visiting clients and fostering relationships. We call them "pop-bys" in my office. I usually like to have some sort of snack for them when I stop by - it brightens and fuels their day.

While at the store sifting through all of the valentines candy, I got a bright idea. With everyone's healthy New Years resolutions, why not do something different today? I ran straight over to the office supply section and started to sift through the Post-Its, Sharpies and push pins. I love office supplies and I love when my friends give that to me as gifts (weird I know). I found these cool paperclips ($3.49 at Walmart) that came 100 to a box. BINGO! I spent the rest of the afternoon handing out these circular wonders and they did indeed bring joy to people's stacks of paper.

So I am here to tell you to think outside the box. Don't go with your normal stuff, start walking down different isles at the store. Challenge your creativity. HAVE FUN! You may be surprised what you can do for under $5.

Oh and feel free to drop Sharpies, Post-Its or cool notepads by my office anytime.

Best Free Web Tools

I wanted to share some of my favorite free websites/programs that are useful for marketing and business. 

Feel free to contact me with questions. Have fun!

Jing – http://www.techsmith.com/jing.html

Jing is a simple way to share your screen with others or make a video of your computer. I use it all the time to make training videos for software, but you could easily use it to make a short video tour of your website or even go through an electronic document.  

Jotform – http://www.jotform.com/

Jotform is my favorite website to make online surveys. It is really easy and efficient. We use it to create an online order form for Realtors to order open house flyers.

YuDu – http://free.yudu.com

YuDu is a website that takes a PDF document and turns it into an online magazine. This is what I use for the eScreamer every month. It takes a simple document and makes it look really professional!

Blogger - http://www.blogger.com/

I love Blogger. It is one of the most popular blogging portals and is simple to use.

I also like it because you can brand yourself and design custom templates. 

Wordle -  http://www.wordle.net/

Wordle is a fun site I use to make word art for my clients and friends. Just type in at least 25 words and Wordle will make them into a beautiful picture. Have fun adjusting the color, font and layout. I have a friend who writes children’s books, she typed an entire book in this program and created a beautiful masterpiece.

Dropbox - http://www.dropbox.com/

Drop box is the perfect way to share large files with people. It also keeps large projects organized easily. Say you have a bunch of people working on a project. You could create a dropbox that everyone on the team has access to. Plus, sharing and organizing documents is a breeze. 

Pixlr-o-matic - http://pixlr.com/o-matic/

This is a really cool website similar to one of my favorite iPhone apps “Instagram”. It takes ordinary pictures and adds vintage filters to enhance photos. I use it all the time for marketing or to add special touches to photos of my friends for gifts. 

Work on Your Man Tan
Raving Fan Service - Keeps Them Coming Back!


I was craving margaritas the other night. So we ventured out to a new Mexican restaurant called Castillon's in Fort Collins, near my office. Loved the atmosphere, food was awesome and the margs were great but the service was "Raving Fan" worthy.

1. Things came promptly
2. Server was very nice
3. Other servers checked on our table when necessary and dropped stuff off

So that is a great base, here is where it got interesting.

On their table was a standing flip photo book with tidbits about the restaurant. It was quite comical and after reading it, I felt more aquatinted with the restaurant, but more importantly, I felt at home.

Here were some of the highlights:

 We want to make sure your dining experience at Castillon's is exceptional!!! If you need anything, have any questions, or just want to know more about what Castillon's can do to make sure you are having a great dining experience...ASK FOR JOHNNY! or you can email him!

Want a Great Meal And Work On Your Man Tan? The Patio is Now Open...

We heat our plates so your first bite is just as deliciously hot as the last.

Don't worry, we'll warn you, "Be careful, the plates are hot."

And we know you'll suddenly have this strange urge to touch the plates anyway...What's up with that?

Have your next fundraiser at Castillons!

Every Monday Castillon's sponsors a local fundraiser. 25% of total sales for that day goes directly to the fundraiser organization. Organizers must promote their event and have participants bring in a cupon in order to qualify. Please ask Johnny for more information if you would like to hold your next fundraiser at Castillons.

(I love the fundraiser idea!)

Don't be afraid to be personal, authentic and have fun. People respond to that. Our company has a scrap book in our lobby inclusive of our baby pictures (yes, I was cute) and our family stories. People LOVE to look through it while they wait! 

Make Your Boring Business Fun
5 Things I am going to do to spice up my business

1. Find a New Story. The "story" of my company lands a little dull with people. I am putting together an "our story" project to find a NEW and fun way to describe who we are and what we do. My goal is to let our clients be a part of "our story." Stay tuned on this project.

2. Change My Voicemail. My voicemail box was boring. So I changed it. Now it is a little bit more fun. Sorry, you will have to call to see what it is. (970) 225-4707. If you call please leave a FUN message. I could use a laugh :) (maybe tell me a joke or a riddle or something. You could also do your best Chevy Chase impression)

3. Add Stickers to My Notes. Remember when you were in kindergarden and you always got a sticker on your paper? Why not try adding stickers to your notes?!?! Watch out HTL...stickers are coming!

4. Weekly Chalkboard. One of my favorite creations in my office is the Home Team Lending Weekly Chalkboard. It is a fun way to communicate news to the team instead of a boring email. Wanna see it? You can mention that in your voicemail when you call and I will send it to you.

5. Sock Monkey Madness. Well you already know that I carry that cute little guy around with me everywhere I go...but I usually stick his rear end or little face out of my purse so it is a conversation starter with people. This is a FUN way to spice up my business. I will take the sock monkey on a field trip each week...stay tuned!

Have FUN! PLEASE let me know what you are going to do to spice up your business!