Although I don't normally advocate the traditional loan officer schmoozing of Real Estate Agents using DRS (donuts and rate sheets)...I do happen to like this idea.

On Valentines Day (February 14th) and only on that day...your local Einstein Bros Bagels (TM) in addition to their usually round bagels...makes bagels (by special order) in the shape of hearts. Yes...I did say hearts...it is Valentines Day remember!

Now, I will add a little disclaimer here: Although I don't know for sure, this offer is probably not available at all Einstein locations. So, check it out at your local store. You'll probably need to talk to a manager to get the details. Lastly, you'll need to place an order, as well as, pay in advance for the privilege of getting your hands on these heart-shaped bagels.

The reason I like this idea is that, I can specifically target a local Real Estate Office or two, as well as, a couple of CPAs and Attorneys offices using Valentines Day as my reason. There's no weekly or monthly on-going commitment here...just Valentines Day. All of these offices do have one thing in common...they all provide me a goodly amount of referrals and mortgage business throughout the year.

Since most folks aren't even aware that Einstein's provides this kind of service, this is an excellent way to leave a positive impression and a great way just to say "Thank You." Everyone in that office will take notice. Deliver your heart shaped bagels and a couple of smears (that's Einstein lingo for cream cheeses) on Valentines morning and include a flyer (or even 8 or 10 postcard size cards) with a big red heart that says: "We put our heart in everything we do." Don't forget to place your name, contact information, and company on the flyer or cards.

To get you started...you may down load a sample flyer and postcard from my Website in a zipped file. The documents are in Doc format so you'll need MS Word to open them. You may copy them, edit them, use them and/or, alter or modify them to suit your needs.

Here are a couple of observations about using a Valentines promotion like this: First, plan on going to work early that day. Not only will you need to pick up your goodies early...you'll need to have them delivered when the offices you've picked, open for business (or, as early as possible there after). You may even want to help set-up the little treat to ensure it looks good. Check the opening times of the offices ahead of time and plan your deliveries accordingly.

Second, this won't break your advertising and promotion budget. Remember, you're being extremely selective and you're only delivering your goodies to your very best referral sources and business partners. It may be one office or half a dozen offices...either way, it's an inexpensive and outside of the box (bagel box that is) promotion. Don't miss this great opportunity to promote your mortgage business.