The 2023 Comeback Challenge
Holiday Edition Game Plan
Looking for ways to stay active during the Holiday season and continue to earn points for the Comeback and Hail Mary Challenges?
We got your back.
Here are some ideas to strengthen relationships during the Holiday season. While your competition slows down and nestles in at home, you will be laying down the foundation for a successful 2024.
STEP ONE: Create your Target List
Make a list of every agent you have worked with in 2023.
Make a list of any agent you would like to work with in 2024.
Make a list of clients you closed a loan with in 2023.
Make a list of prospects in your pipeline.
This list will represent the people you will incorporate into your Holiday Game Plan.
PRO TIP: If you do not have a large database of past clients, consider ways to grow your database by using some tips listed here.
Agent Pop-Bys
Make at least 2 pop-bys a day and earn 1,500 points a week
Holiday pop-bys can be a fantastic way for you to connect with your real estate agents. Here are some creative ideas:
Holiday Giving
Select a local charity like the Salvation Army or Meals on Wheels to give back to your community during the holiday season! You can support an effort that’s already established or create your own. Here are a few examples - canned food drive, warm clothing drive, toy drive and care packages (socks, non-perishable snacks). After you make a selection reach out to your referral partners to let them know what you’re doing and plan to stop by to receive any support. And that you would like to take a picture to post on social media.
Holiday Survival Kits
Create "Survival Kits" for the busy holiday season. Include items like stress-relief candles, small bottles of essential oils, gourmet coffee, or tea. Add a personal note emphasizing how you're there to help alleviate the stress of the loan process during this busy time and include your business card.
Personalized Ornaments
Give out personalized ornaments with your client's name or something with the real estate agent and loan officer's names or company logos. It's a thoughtful gesture that can be cherished for years. You can include a pop-by gift tag like this one.
Cookie Treats
Bake your favorite cookies and share the recipe along with the ingredients. This not only spreads cheer but also connects on a personal level. You can include a pop-by gift tag like this one and write the recipe on the back.
Coffee Treats
Include your favorite bag of coffee and coffee related treats. You can include a pop-by gift tag like this one or optionally you may consider going with a Starbucks gift card and a pop-by gift tag like this one.
Remember, personalization and thoughtfulness go a long way in strengthening relationships. Tailor your pop-bys to the individual preferences or interests of the real estate agents you work with. Adding a heartfelt, handwritten note expressing gratitude for their partnership will make the gesture even more meaningful.
Agent Workshops and Seminars
Organize an Agent Workshop or Seminar and earn up to 1000 points per event
Hosting workshops or seminars for real estate agent partners can be a great way for you to provide value, foster relationships, and share knowledge. Here are some easy and beneficial workshop or seminar ideas:
Holiday-themed Workshop
Organize a virtual holiday-themed event or workshop on Microsoft Teams, inviting both the real estate agents and their clients. Topics could include holiday budgeting tips, home decoration ideas, or even a virtual cooking class for holiday recipes.
Mortgage Updates and Changes
Organize a session to discuss recent updates in the mortgage industry, changes in regulations, or new loan products. Offer insights into how these changes might impact real estate transactions.
Market Trends and Insights
Discuss local market trends, housing forecasts, and insights into the current real estate landscape. This helps agents stay informed about shifts that might affect their clients.
Home Staging and Selling Tips
Collaborate with a professional home stager, interior designer, or real estate photographer to provide insights into staging homes for quick sales and maximizing property value.
Understanding Loan Products
Educate agents on the nuances of different loan products, such as FHA loans, VA loans, conventional loans, local DPAs, and their eligibility criteria. Offer insights into which might suit certain types of buyers.
Remember, the goal is to offer valuable information and foster a collaborative environment. In addition, in-person events require time and planning, so consider taking the event virtual using Microsoft Teams.
Personalized Communication
Reach out to at least 10 contacts a day and earn 1,250 points a week
Personalized communication during the holidays can really help you stand out from the competition. Here are some ideas:
Personalized Holiday Cards
Take the time to write personalized holiday cards or notes expressing gratitude for their business and partnership. Mention specific details from your interactions throughout the year to show genuine appreciation.
Holiday Videos
Record short, personalized holiday videos expressing your thanks and well wishes. Use their name and mention specific aspects of your collaboration to make it more personal.
Follow-Up Calls
Take the opportunity during the holidays to make personal follow-up calls. Ask about their holiday plans or if they need any assistance related to their property or finances.
Localized Recommendations
Share personalized recommendations for local holiday events, restaurants, or activities happening in their area. Show that you're attuned to their community.
Acknowledging Milestones
If applicable, acknowledge milestones or achievements of your clients or real estate partners during the year. Celebrate their successes in your communications as we wrap up the year and remind ourselves what is truly important.
Remember, the key to effective personalization is authenticity. Tailor your communication efforts to reflect your genuine appreciation and understanding of your clients and partners. Personal touches during the holiday season can leave a lasting impression and strengthen professional relationships for the future.
Networking
Organize a Networking event and earn up to 1000 points per event
You can host various types of networking events to connect with real estate professionals and others in the industry. Here are several event ideas:
Cocktail Class
Host a casual evening event where professionals can unwind, network, and build relationships in a relaxed atmosphere and learn how to make some festive holiday cocktails.
Educational Seminars or Workshops
Organize workshops or seminars focused on relevant topics like mortgage updates, market trends, or homebuyer education. Invite guest speakers or industry experts to share insights.
Community Service Events
Organize a volunteer day or community service project. It's a great way to network while giving back to the community, fostering connections through shared values.
Roundtable Discussions
Arrange small, intimate roundtable sessions where participants can engage in in-depth discussions on specific industry-related topics, fostering meaningful connections.
Open Houses or Property Tours
Collaborate with real estate agents to host joint open houses or property tours. It's an opportunity for loan officers to meet potential clients while showcasing homes on the market.
Remember, the success of networking events often lies in creating opportunities for genuine connections and providing value to attendees. Tailor the event to the interests and needs of the professionals you're targeting, and prioritize fostering relationships over merely exchanging business cards.
STEP TWO: Choose how to ENGAGE
Now that we are 5 months into this Challenge, you should have a pretty good idea of what type of marketing and prospecting activities you enjoy. We encourage you to build out a calendar between now and December 15th and choose how you will engage with your target list.
Scroll down to get some ideas on how to engage AND earn points