Hero and marketing genius
Mad props to Craig Smyser at RE/MAX Capital City, newly minted marketing genius. Congrats, Craig, you’re my hero now. After the Steiner Ranch HOA sent an email to residents telling kids to stop playing in the cul-de-sac, Smyser posted an extremely helpful video to his Facebook page (see below).
He explains to viewers that the HOA email sparked a debate among residents in the Texas neighborhood. “On the one side of the debate, we have folks who want their kids to be able to play in the cul-de-sac. And on the other side, drivers who want to practice for the Indy 500, and therefore want the kids to play inside”.
Signs for both parties
In a truly bipartisan move, Craig offers help in the form of free signs to those on either side of the debate. For those with kids, he will provide signs alerting drivers to slow down. For those on the “get out of my cul-de-sac” side, he made signs that alert “children to get away, informing them that they, and their expectation of fun are not welcome.”
No, really. He actually made signs and handed them out to any resident of Steiner Ranch who called and asked for one. He warns that posting unapproved signs will further invoke wrath of the HOA, but I’m pretty sure it’s worth it.
I want a sign, and I don’t even live in Steiner Ranch or a neighborhood.
He concludes the video saying, “If these signs don’t resolve the problem, let me know and I will be happy to sell your house.” This is a genius marketing move on his part. Internet gold:
[clickToTweet tweet=”A witty response not only addresses the absurdity of the problem, but is also genius marketing.” quote=”Tapping into a relevant problem with a witty response not only addresses the absurdity of the problem, but also gets his name out there.”]
Going viral
We reached out to him while he was about to deliver signs, and he told us he already ran out of the limited run.
“We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the response,” Smyser told us. He says the spoof video has received over 12,000 views across social networks. Right now, there are over 4K on Facebook alone.
“Other agents across the nation have commented to us saying that it’s a neat thing,” he noted. They may be printing more signs due to demand. According to Steiner Ranch residents we spoke with, this guy’s a friggin’ legend now.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Cheers to you, Craig, and please print more signs. I want one.” quote=”Cheers to you, Craig, and please print more signs. I want one.”]
