PPB May 2018

FIVE MINUTES WITH Julia Rasmus Keller Williams Realty Over the next few months, “Five Minutes With” will feature Q&As with industry buyers, to learn how they use promotional products and why. This month’s Q&A is with Julia Rasmus of Keller Williams Realty in Winter Haven, Florida, who has worked with Chris Stumpf, MAS, CEO and managing partner of Stumpies Marketing Group (PPAI 654377) in Winter Haven. PPB What were your impressions of promotional products before you began working with your promotional consultant? Rasmus Having attended many trade shows over the past 25-plus years, I’ve picked up a lot of promotional products, some of which I still have today. When I told Chris what I was looking for, in the beginning I was overwhelmed by the options available and the quick turnaround time to get those items. PPB What have you learned about the impact of branded items in delivering your message? Rasmus In the real estate industry I have to set myself apart from everyone else, so I was looking for ways to do that. Referral business is very important to me, so I need to be memorable and I need my branded goods to be as well. If it’s useful and innovative they will hold onto it and, in turn, see my name every time they use it. It amazes me how the [promotional products] industry has excelled at bringing so many new and innovative products to the list of branded items. PPB What are some of your favorite products to receive, and why? Rasmus Because smartphones are so important to daily life, I love the products designed to be put on phones. For me, receiving a business card holder for the back of the phone is invaluable, and a lot of people love the pop-up stand/holder as well. And, a pen is probably another favorite—I might not still have your business card, but I probably still have and use your pen. My bank has had these odd- shaped pens for years. They are my favorite pens to “steal” when I go in because I love the way they write. The other great thing about a pen is if you leave it behind somewhere, someone else is going to pick it up and use it. PPB What kinds of items do you like to give to your clients? Rasmus I like my items to be memorable and useful, and I always get great feedback when I’m handing them out. Also, when I close a sale I like to give a branded gift such as a cutting board, knife set, etc., that they will use often and hopefully be reminded to refer their friends and family to me. PPB What advice would you give to another organization or business that’s considering working with a consultant? Rasmus I have ordered from online companies, and their service is fine as long as you are certain of the quality of the product you are ordering or already have your logo set to print. However, if you want to touch and feel some of the items, working one-on- one with someone—going to your local promo products consultant—is the way to go. I work with people every day, and when I am the client I want to work with people who are caring and knowledgeable about their products and their customers. In this digital world we live in, if I need help, support or have a problem with my order I want to go directly to the source … that source is my consultant. I know him, I’ve been to his shop and I’ve worked with him. He’s going to always take better care of me than a person on the other end of a phone in a call center. In Praise Of Customer Service Realtor Julia Rasmus appreciates a personal touch when selecting promotional products for her business. | MAY 2018 | 59 THINK