Using Charm to Win People Over and driving your success rate higher.

What does it take to be successful?  In any business you should always put you’re best foot forward.  In the mortgage business even if you are using mortgage flyers for direct mail purposes,  it is important on how your marketing material reads and what kind of an impression it gives potential clients.  For some people having personal charm is a great way to win people’s trust, however, this may not work for all.

There are a lot of things you could debate, but what about good old charm? The definition of charming is pleasing and delightful. When you think of the people you would most want to work with, would you hope they possess these qualities? Hopefully you are saying yes. Charming people easily engage with others and tend to attract opportunity. For some, this so-called charm comes naturally, while for others, it’s a learned skill. Regardless of whether you think you already exuberant charm or not, we’ve provided you some simple direction to get you going.

Smile. Such a simple gesture can charm people instantly. A grumpy face turns people off or makes you seem unapproachable. When you communicate, be sure to genuinely smile (without over-cheesing it). If you are having a rough day, don’t force the smile, but rather focus on something positive in your day or life so you don’t come off as sad or fake. If you appear happy, others will be happy too.

Dress to Impress. People will instinctively judge you based on your personal appearance, so it’s important to carry some sense of style. Your clothes should be clean, pressed and well groomed. Your hair should also be groomed, nails clean, you get the idea. By paying attention to these details, people will know that you care about the impression you make.

Eye Contact. Whenever someone is communicating with you, you must make eye contact with them. Even if you are busy at your computer, take the time to look up at someone if they approach you. People won’t trust you if they can’t look you in the eyes when talking with you. If you give them the time, they’ll feel important and appreciated, which will speak volumes of you.
Be Clever. Expand your repertoire of knowledge and anecdotes. People love to be around others that make them learn and laugh. You can easily entertain a crowd or small group with some humor and relevant stories. Pay attention to current events or industry information to incorporate into your conversations. People will enjoy your company and appreciate the insight.

Shake Hands. When appropriate, people respond well to physical contact. Upon meeting someone or seeing someone again, make it a point to offer them a firm handshake. If you are traveling internationally, be aware of the cultural differences that exist with a handshake. Physical contact can be interpreted differently, so make sure you understand the customs so you don’t offend anyone.
Show Interest in Others. Take the time to get to know others. Asking about what interests them will make them feel important and appreciated. They will develop respect for you, which could further lead them to become interested in learning more about what you like and do.
Exemplifying charm doesn’t take charm school to accomplish. Just a little practice and common sense will send you on your way to winning more people over.

Titan List is a full service Advertising and Design agency specializing in Direct Mail, Mortgage Marketing, Search Engine Optimization and Website / Graphic Design. Titan List has been around since 1998, and has a team of highly qualified individuals with experience in the marketing trends that fit your business. Unlike other agencies that source their work out, Titan List & Mailing handles the entire campaign in-house. Looking for a special list of data for your business? We can customize any data list for your company.

Let Humor Help Drive Your Direct Marketing Sales

When it comes to doing business, there are many aspects that you need to take into account to be successful. Customer service, hardworking employees and a great product are all important aspects to regard highly. However, your sales contribute to your bottom line. Without sales, your business would be non-existent. Regardless of what kind of business you are in having stellar customer service is key.  Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate professionals and many other types of businesses can benefit from knowing how to form a strong connection to their clients.

Coming up with creative ways to reach your audience can be a daunting task. With the right tools, your sales team can close more business. With the right system, your marketing team can nurture leads and guide them to a conversion. With the right message, you can push sales. A recent study by Nielson shows that humor can help drive sales. Add this information to your toolbox to contribute to your bottom line.
During the Nielson study, it was found that humor is well received by global audiences, not just social media audiences. The study revealed that 47% of respondents say they resonant well with advertising messages that incorporate humor. In a close second place, 46% of res-ponders said real-life situations drive them to act similarly after receiving an advertising message. Tied for third place, family-orientated, health-themed, and value-oriented messages were ranked by 38% of respondents. Your message, no matter the form of advertising, drives sales one way or another. Knowing this information, don’t be afraid to add some real-life humor into your next newsletter or direct mail piece. Share light hearted experiences that your audience can easily relate to and perhaps even chuckle alongside with you.

In the mass communication web that your audiences live in, your business needs to stand out in order to close business. Adding some humor into your marketing plan can help differentiate your product and services and leave a lasting impression on your targets. The best advertising messages will, in the end, drive sales.

And don’t forget about other opportunities to utilize the effectiveness of humor. In-person and over the phone interactions also open doors to tie in some humor with your customers. Relate yourself to buyers so they feel they are connecting with a person, not just a business. Incorporating a funny anecdote or sharing a funny story can help ease the flow of conversation, especially as you are trying to build trust with your prospective customer.

Test this strategy, but do it tastefully. Not every customer takes to humor in the same way, so make sure it provides a purpose. And don’t over do it. You still want to be taken seriously as a professional, so know where to draw the line of funny verse too much. As with all advertising, make sure that you test your message for effectiveness. If it doesn’t prove to be fruitful, then move on to your next message. But if you are looking for a new way to drive sales, try hitting the funny bone of your prospective customers.

Titan List is a full service Advertising and Design agency specializing in Direct Mail, Direct Marketing, Search Engine Optimization and Website / Graphic Design. Titan List has been around since 1998, and has a team of highly qualified individuals with experience in the marketing trends that fit your business. Unlike other agencies that source their work out, Titan List & Mailing handles the entire campaign in-house. Looking for a special list of data for your business? We can customize any data list for your company.

Mortgage Marketing, Direct mail and the Death of the Mortgage Broker

 If you have survived the housing disaster and are still a mortgage broker, be proud of your efforts to stay afloat in this tough economic recovery!  It certainly has been a roller coaster of new rules and new regulations to follow.  

Most recently with interest rates still low and real estate values slowly improving in pockets across the country.  Investors from overseas still love owning American real estate!  From Canada to as far as China investors have horned in some amazing deals. Cash is still KING when it comes to real estate and if you do not have a lot of cash to purchase with or put as a down payment, what are your options?

Mortgage Brokers for years now have helped bridge the gap between retail lending and wholesale lending.  What does this mean in laymen terms? Most potential homeowners now are left to go to their neighborhood bank to get approved for a home loan.  Mortgage Brokers are able to work with a variety of programs because they simple work with more than one lender. 

So how do you attract and find these clients that really need your help? Mortgage Advertising can simple mean a way to reach out to as many clients as possible.  You can purchase data lists with specific financial information to target a certain segment of the population looking to purchase, refinance etc. 

In our experience a direct mailer campaign or marketing postcards can be a quick and effective way to reach hundreds of potential clients.  Even with social media and online advertising taking center stage these days.  Do not rule out a simple blast of mortgage mail by email or by direct mail.  Those pesky little marketing postcards we all get do still work and will make your phone ring. 

Titan List is a full service Advertising and Design agency specializing in Direct Mail, Mortgage Marketing, Search Engine Optimization and Website / Graphic Design. Titan List has been around since 1998, and has a team of highly qualified individuals with experience in the marketing trends that fit your business. Unlike other agencies that source their work out, Titan List & Mailing handles the entire campaign in-house - Data Lists, Design, Printing, Mailing, and Postage.

Rise in Mortgage Rates and the impact on Housing

The rise in Mortgage Rates and the impact on Housing

We are still ahead of the game from last year and housing has begun to recover, but we have to wonder with the increase in mortgage rates will this cause the slow warm up to slowly go cold again?  

July’s housing numbers came out August 23, 2013 and sales were down by 13.4 percent from June’s previous housing figure.  However, despite the slowdown in sales, it is still an improvement from last year.  In October 2012 the number of units sold was 365,000.00, so we are still up by a mere 6.8 percent.

Are rates beginning to impact buyers to hold tight on purchasing new homes?  The slowdown in the market was felt across the nation.  

• ·         Northeast sales were down to 5.7 percent

• ·         Midwest 12.9 percent

• ·         South 13.4 percent

• ·         West 16.1 percent 

Two regions are actually up from 2012, the Northeast was up by 10 percent and the South 16.4 percent.

Even with mortgage rates on the rise, it is still a good time to invest in real estate.  If you remember how high mortgage rates were back in the 1980’s, my parent’s mortgage on our house in Nashua New Hampshire was a whopping 15 percent!  I would take a 5 percent rate any day! 

Regardless of what you may think about mortgage rates impacting the housing, they will probably steer some people from buying and investing.  However, we have to look at the overall picture from a Global stand point.  We are becoming an ever more Global economy and while you may be on the fence on purchasing a home, despite all the news about the economy and rising rates, inflation real estate is still a solid investment. 

Don’t miss out on purchasing your dream home or investment home, because interest rates are still very low.  There is a shortage of homes on the market, but if you do wait too long you may end up regretting it a year from now. 

Still need some convincing?  The average median home sold in July 2013 for $257,200.00, the national average $282,300.00.  A year ago July 2012, average median home sold in July 237,499.00, national average 282,300.00.  Remember every real estate market is different so it is best to consult with a local real estate agent in your area. 

 

Titan List is a full service Advertising and Design agency specializing in Direct Mail, Mortgage Marketing, Search Engine Optimization and Website / Graphic Design. Titan List has been around since 1998, and has a team of highly qualified individuals with experience in the marketing trends that fit your business. Unlike other agencies that source their work out, Titan List & Mailing handles the entire campaign in-house - Data Lists, Design, Printing, Mailing, and Postage.