We got a postcard in the mail today from a John L Scott agent who obviously bought a list of homeowners in our area. It’s an awful postcard with all sorts of issues and assumptions about us. So, I thought I’d take the opportunity to share 5 reasons this postcard sucks and hopefully save you from yourself (or me judging you).

1. Spell my husbands name right. On the plus side, the address was hand written, so I didn’t just automatically throw it away. On the downside, he spelled his name wrong. I’ll be gracious this round about how it was only addressed to my husband and not me. I’ll assume it was the list he got and not that he’s stuck in the 50’s.
2. I’ve never heard of this guy before- but good news, “We (heart) referrals!” know your audience folks- don’t introduce yourself by asking for a referral, it’s tacky
3. “I HAVE SOLD NEARLY 600 HOUSES” is a good stat, but not quoted in all caps. STOP YELLING AT ME!
4. There is so much content on this flyer and starbursts and boxes, I have no idea where to start reading and what the point is (okay, I know the point, but let’s just have one please) which should be: I sell houses, I know your neighborhood because I sold a house down the street (at about $75K less than I bought my for, so thanks dude) so if you don’t know any other real estate agents, you should call me.
5. Your headshot (okay full body shot) makes you look like a used cars salesman. Just sayin. (also, maybe I just had 4 reasons…)

As you all know once upon a time I worked at the Puget Sound Business Journal. Earlier this week I was catching up with Sarah Schosboek at PSBJ and she told me about a couple of great new features that weren’t available when I was at PSBJ. If you’re looking for new places to find qualified leads on a consistent basis, you know (because I told you for years probably) that PSBJ is a great resource. And here’s 3 new things you should know!

1. Event registration contacts. If you are a subscriber and register to attend a PSBJ event you will be able to contact up to 5 attendees before or after the event. They’ll get you connected via twitter, LinkedIn or email. How great is that?
2. People on the Move –You know that section with all the faces towards the back of the paper? Now every DAY this list is updated online and available in real time. You can download a CSV file of the past years people on the move. And it comes complete with all contact information they provide (I didn’t see emails though) In the last 48 hours there were 19 new leads.
3. Read your Business Journal! Each Friday there are thousands of fresh leads and award winning content.  Although I’m no longer there, they do still teach a great FREE workshop on getting the most out of your subscription. Check out the Inside the Business Journal seminars on their website.

If you don’t have a subscription yet and need one, contact Sarah and make sure to ask for the Yellow Dog Consulting Special. It’s just $59 for a digital subscription for one year OR $199.96 for a three year subscription plus an electronic download of the 2012 Book of Lists.