So Proud of My Friend, So Proud of My Publisher

So Proud of My Friend, So Proud of My Publisher!

Look back almost a year to December 2008 when I was celebrating the publication of my book Real Estate the Rome Way - my first book, Marti's first book cover, and the first book for my friend Peg Silloway of Silloway Press.

In just twelve months we are about to have a new celebration. In that short time, The Silloway Press has published eight books including Peg's own new book, The Cat Lover's Book of Days. I think that's amazing!

Even if you are not a cat lover, you gotta look at this book. It's creative, it's fun, and it's more than just a great book.

Peg wanted her book to last, so she made it a gift-quality hardback.

Peg wanted it to be environmentally conscious, so she had it printed on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper.

Peg also wanted it to help cats and kittens, so she's contributing part of every sale to PetSmart Charities, a highly-rated 501(c)(3) charity that supports local animal shelters and rescue efforts throughout the country.

Perfect timing, don't you think? Perfect for the holidays,

The Cat Lover's Book of Days THE perfect gift for all your cat-loving friends.

Have you noticed that many ActiveRainers love their cats? Just do a search for cats and you will see what I mean.

You can order signed copies – including free gift wrapping! – Go to CatBookOfDays.com.

Peg will begin sending out the books around December 10 when the first shipment is due. I remember how hard it was to wait. The Closer It Gets, the Harder It Is to Wait!

You can also pre order (without the signature or the free gift wrapping) through Amazon.com. But better to order them right through Peg and let her know I said so.

So Proud of My Friend, So Proud of My Publisher!

Now I am wondering whose book Peg will be publishing next year! Could it be yours?

Blog...The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Blog...The Gift That Keeps On Giving

A blog is the gift that keeps on giving!

When I write a blog article, that's not the end of that story. Whenever possible, that blog becomes a marketing piece, a thank-you note, an "I was thinking of you" reminder to a prospective client, and another opportunity to remind clients and prospects of my service and expertise.

Here's one example: There was a buyer who came to Baltimore from the British Virgin Islands to find a place for her college student daughter. She found me through the Internet and was interested in one of the condos I had listed. She was a delight to work with, and bought one of the condos for her daughter. I did a follow-up post on that which helped to reinforce what was already a good relationship. I pointed to the story again in a post that reminded folks that many young people – singles and young families – are finding Baltimore condos to be an affordable choice with great convenience features. My listing inventory of condos is at an all time high, and I find that younger buyers are looking at my high-rise buildings and thinking of buying.

Something else I do is use a blog article as a reminder gift for a person or business. For example, when I write about a restaurant like Tio Pepe in Baltimore, or a dairy with great ice cream in Harford County, I print copies of the article in color and then laminate them. I take them to the owner the next time I visit - one always goes on the wall, and the other is for them to show off. It takes just few minutes and a few cents, but the impact is huge.

Blog articles also are a source for my print advertising. When I have great feedback from a client, like the cient from the British Virgin Islands, I use excerpts in my print ads to reinforce to both clients and prospects the level of service they can expect.

And of course the great benefit of having a large collection of blog articles is that you have taken the time to think and write about many aspects of the real estate business. After a few hundred thousand words, you have the core of a book that you can publish and use to promote yourself to prospects and clients. No magnet or mug can compare with the impact of a book with your name as author when it comes to proving that you are the expert in your market.

The Best Part of My Job

Now I am really happy! Two very special people..both my friends... what pleasure getting you together. Think it was better than a matchmaker. I adore you both!

Tim, I was honored to be one to preview your future best seller, Create a Great Deal. Can't wait to get my hands on the finished masterpiece. Love your writing, you wisdom, your message, your manner of teaching, your kindness...and a fabulous book for all of us to read!

Congratulations to you both.

I remember the day 12/18/2008 when my books were delivered..your smile says it all.

Via Peg Silloway (The Silloway Press):

It's the phone call – "They're perfect!" – when an author receives the first shipment of books. It's the photographs of the justifiably proud author holding the first copy out of the carton. Writing a book is hard work and takes longer than anyone thinks it will. To complete that, and then to actually publish the book, that's something to be very proud of.

Today I'm celebrating Tim Burrell's accomplishment. His book, Create a Great Deal: The Art of Real Estate Negotiating, is one of the best I've seen on the subject. It's well written and has an eye-catching cover thanks to the design skill of his wife, Judy Burrell. It's already received a very good review by Bernice Ross in Inman News on June 1, and endorsements from many of the top names in the business.

Tim knows a thing or two about marketing in addition to his formidable negotiation skills, and I expect this book will be a great success.

Yep, it's my favorite part.