It is imperative for every real estate marketing plan to have an established business plan as well. The business plan steers real estate marketing efforts to a direction one has envisioned. Instead of vague goals and limited information, the company or the individual knows just how to get there.Before writing the contents of a marketing plan or (if it has already been set in motion) before taking it to the next level, here are a few pieces of advice to consider:Simplicity is efficiency. As much as possible, avoid getting caught up in a web of procedures, strategies and tools that are too complicated to implement. Simplicity is still the best recourse. A simple marketing plan is easy to implement because the provisions or attendant requisites are not that difficult to understand. Complicated plans tend to be ambiguous, thus causing implementation issues. It is also an advantage to accommodate and implement a plan that is simple because loopholes and other such errors are easy to spot and correct.Tie it to a goal. In the process of implementation, remember the goals originally set out in the business plan. These goals are guideposts as well as constant reminders that will help launch a set of marketing strategies. The marketing plan must always be in congruent with the business plan.Be firm and flexible. It is challenging, but if a company, an agent or a broker manages to formulate a marketing plan that is both flexible and firm, it is easier to learn to adapt. Flexibility is the ability to change with the constantly changing marketplace. A marketing plan which is flexible and at the same time firm provisions is resilient to unpredictable supply and demand patterns and can shift gears without falling prey to collateral damage.Formulating and writing a marketing plan involves a few things:First, draw out all thoughts and ideas that come to mind. Using a mind map or a concept map can be very helpful. Leave no stones unturned. Account for every perception brought forth. Even if some of these may not be of use for the present, they can always be utilized for future use. Be open to anything and everything. During brainstorming stage, all ideas are correct. What matters is that a bunch of these ideas can address present issues.Secondly, organize and select. A disorderly marketing plan is doomed to fail. Streamline ideas generated during brainstorming. Select those that are applicable to present circumstances. Do not discard those that are not applicable. Store them in an easily retrievable file folder or device as they can still be used for future brainstorming sessions.The third step is to create real estate marketing strategies suitable to identified needs. Such strategies should also be mindful of other factors like existing resources, area/s of concentration or specialty (i.e. residential homes, condominiums, memorial lots, etc.), target audience and the like. For instance, if area of concentration is residential, it is best to use a strategy that can capture the essence of a home so that it easily appeals to families or people planning to build a family. The company or individual may opt to produce real estate notepads shaped like houses. Another option would be to use real estate marketing postcards designed in such ways as to earn the sympathy and/or appreciation of homey individuals or those individuals who would rather live in houses instead of condominiums.Document. Fourth and final step, depending on preference, is to document everything. Incorporate all components of the final marketing plan in a single document. This will serve as a guidebook of sorts whenever you feel the need to revise the plan or take it to the next level.By Sara Goldman, PowerRealEstateMarketing.com

Are you planning a ski trip with your family? Then you need to choose a resort that is friendly towards families and children. There are many types of ski vacations, so you need to find one that is ideal for your needs.You can always find deals on family vacation packages online. Either go with an all inclusive ski package or pay for the expenses, such as the transportation and accommodation, separately.Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the ideal resort:Ski resorts that are friendly towards families tend to have beginner courses. They offer easy beginner slopes to make it easy for children to learn how to ski. A beginner course will have an easy mode of transport from the ground up to the ski area.
You should look for a resort that offers skiing lessons to smaller groups. That, you and your children can be introduced to the sport comfortably. Even if you know how to ski yourself, you should still consider taking a refresher course.
A family ski destination won’t have a lot of bars and clubs. Sure, the adults in your group should be allowed to grab a drink or two if they want, but there shouldn’t be so many bars in the area that it attracts party-goers.
Decide whether you want to stay in the country or go elsewhere. There are plenty of family friendly resorts in the US, so you won’t have to spend a lot of money to go overseas unless you really want to. You’ll be able to save a lot of money if you stay at a US ski resort instead of buying international plane tickets for everybody. However, going overseas might be an educational experience for your children.
Wherever you decide to go, check and see if the resort has condos and cabins available for rent. You probably won’t be able to fit your entire family in a hotel room. Condos and cabins typically have two or three bedrooms and a kitchen. If you can, choose your lodging near a parking area so you can easily carry the skiing equipment to the door from your car or rental car.
If you are traveling with smaller children, make sure to stay at a resort with good childcare services. Be sure to read reviews on ski vacations online to find out what other parents are saying about the daycare or babysitting services at the resort(s) you are considering.Keep these guidelines in mind, and you and your family should have an enjoyable ski vacation!