My Reconnection Letter Let Me Know What You Think

[Jessica Bigger]

Dear Friends,

I look forward to 2009 with great excitement and eagerness.  It is not only a year of new beginnings, but also one filled with opportunities.

I realize how life gets in the way of staying in touch and I continue to strive to do better at communicating with all of you.  Running into old friends who I haven't seen for a while often comes with looks of concern and questions such as "How are you doing?" which really translates into the secret burning question "Oh my gosh, I know you make your living in real estate, are you absolutely DYING in this economy??!!"  They are often surprised when I say I’m having a good year so far.  You just have to seek out the opportunities in this business, move forward and never look back in the rear view mirror.

On the home front, life has mellowed out quite a bit for Dave and I since he started working for Humboldt Redwood Company as one of their research scientists.  Being stressed out all the time got old real quick.  Thank goodness the environment over in Scotia is much more positive and Dave’s definitely keeping busy over there.  He’s even started his own statistical consulting company called Ferret Analytics recently and is working on building that business up, as well as get more involved in our community.

As for me I’m working with Women Entrepreneurs Institute to promote their upcoming event in April.  The theme this year will be focused on helping women business owners make adjustments in this down economy as well as seek out opportunity. 

Also I’ve changed real estate brokers.  I’m now working with RE/MAX Humboldt Realty over in the Eureka office.  I’m really excited about the move.  More resources available to help me grow my business as well as help my clients through their next move.

So, with great change comes great opportunities.  I hope that all of you are doing good so far and wishing you a fabulous year of endless possibilities and opportunity regardless of what’s happening around us.

If we haven't chatted for a while, I'd LOVE to hear from you and see how YOUR life is going now that I gave you a quick glance into mine!  My cell is 707-496-5770, don't be a stranger!

With kindest regards!

Jessica Bigger

[Chuck Capan]

That is a great letter!

[Susan Haughton]

I love it!  I think you struck exactly the right tone...it kept me interested all the way through. 

The only thing I may suggest would be to take out your last paragraph, hand write it as a p.s. to be sure it stands out. 

[Ed Schneider / DC]

Once again, my colleague from the other side of the river hits it out of the park.

[Jennifer Allan]

Wonderful Jessica. How do YOU feel about it?

[Jessica Bigger]

I feel pretty good about it.  I was worried that I didn't do enough of a recap of my year personally, but for the most part real estate has been a major part of it and Dave's job being the other.  I wanted to keep it positive and wish others the best, especially in a time when we're in such a crazy economy.  So I feel pretty good about it.

[Jennifer Allan]

If you feel good... then it's right! I like it a lot!

[Jessica Bigger]

Ok I've tweaked my letter a little bit, but it's still along the same lines.
Now I know Jennifer you have occasionally put at the bottom a "IF there's anyone you need you needs real estate assistance...keep me in mind kind of line"

Can you and others come up with a soulful ending (not begging) but just reminding people to keep me in mind if they have friends or relatives who need a Realtor.  Any help would be great!

[Jennifer Allan]

Jessica - I just don't think it's necessary, but lemmee give some thought to a way to say it that doesn't sound needy...

[Jessica Bigger]

That was my gut feeling, but getting some pressure from the RE/MAX crew.  I thought it might be better to just send the letter as is (with the few tweaks - and write in that I'm enclosing 2 of my new business cards with updated info added at the bottom).  Then I can call all the folks I'm comfortable calling several days after I know they've received my letter just to be proactive about catching up with them. How does that sound?

[Susan Haughton]

 

How about "I'm never too busy for your referrals?"  

ROFLMAO

All kidding aside, I re-read your letter and I think adding anything more about real estate might turn this perfectly wonderful catch-up letter into something that slightly tilts toward a business letter...how about holding off on that idea and maybe incorporating it into a follow up letter?  Let this one serve as a way of truly and genuinely catching up...not a pitch for referrals, no matter how soulful.  I'm just afraid it may cost you a response or two if they think you are only getting in touch because you want their business.  My $.02, anyway.

[Susan Haughton]

Easy answer.  Add a p.s. and show it to the Re/Max crew, then soulfully delete it from the letters you really send out. 

[Ed Schneider / DC]

Once again, Susan from across the Potomac nails it.

[Susan Haughton]

(blushing) Why, thank you, kind sir.  Just trying to stay one step ahead of you on occasion. 

[Susan Haughton]

I just opened an email from an agent in another brokerage - so help me, at the end of his email was this:

"Oh, by the way ... Don't keep me a SECRET! I'm not too busy for your referrals."