After another battle between the titans in the SEC and ACC, the college football season has come to an end.

If you're like me, though, you'll still go on for months about that no-call that was an obvious past interference, or maybe you're an Army fan who will still brag to your civilian friends about the 70-point beatdown they dished out. 

But wherever your loyalties lie, we all share one common enemy (no, not the SEC): the off-season.

To get you through, I’ve put together a list of eight things you can do this off-season to keep you busy until tailgates begin again.

Guest blogger Khal Clary is a lifelong Virginia Tech football fan and a part-time business school student. He has worked at Magnets USA for three years and counting, learning the ins-and-outs of various departments.

Generating real estate leads doesn't have to a marketing hurdle. If your open houses are starting to feel a little bland, we have a couple of ideas to spice things up! This post covers easy ways to generate leads when you're feeling stuck.

Let's face it. Between helping customers find their dream home, the paperwork and the travel, your marketing strategy can take a hit. Where do you find the time to obtain new customers?

Striking a balance between selling and lead generation isn't always easy. However, these creative marketing ideas will not only help to ensure your success, but also lead to new referrals. Following are some of the easiest ways to get people excited about your open house!

Give your guests what they want — free stuff! Place a basket on the kitchen counter that's filled with small, useful gifts, like our stainless steel Box & Bottle Openers or our SuperScraper XL. They’re both extremely handy, high-quality freebies that your guests will appreciate and use every day. Plus your business gets repeated exposure in the process! 

Another useful strategy for lead generation is to host a giveaway. Have visitors sign up for your email or mailing list for a chance to win an eye-catching gift, like our LifeLong Gifts Cheese Knife or Keepsake Wine Box. (Each of these client gift ideas can be engraved with your business information). Display the giveaway piece next to tasty snack items, like cheese, crackers and fruit. 

For more great ways to grow your real estate business, be sure to check out these other real estate marketing ideas. Or browse our full line of custom promotional products at Magnets USA.

We believe our Personalized Inserts are a critical part of your marketing mail-out. Whether you're sending out calendars (all of our calendars have a matching insert!), sports schedules or notepads, including an insert is an amazing way to put a face — and a personality — to your name.

But they can also do so much more.

When done right, Personalized Inserts can connect with recipients, turn prospects into paying clients and encourage referrals. Here are a few tips to get you started: 

• Make our pre-written text your own. All of our inserts come loaded with a pre-written letter. You're more than welcome to use it, but we strongly encourage you to switch things up and let your personality shine. 
• Mention something specific to your community. You know your neighborhood better than anyone, so show it! Mention your high school rivalries, your favorite local festival, or your favorite spot to have fun with the family. When prospects relate, or get a better sense of who you are, they're more likely to reach out when they need your services.
• Let them know why you've sent this gift. This is your chance to encourage them to hang their magnetic gift on the fridge or in the office as a way to keep everyone organized and on track.
• Tell them how the local market is. The goal here is to show that you're an expert. Mentioning whether it's a buyer's or seller's market boosts credibility and may create urgency to get their home listed with you.
• Close with a friendly reminder that your small business thrives on referrals. Even if your recipient isn't ready for your services, they probably know several friends who are. You can't afford not to mention this!

Here at Magnets USA, we don't believe in just selling products. We strive to educate our customers on why and how to use them to generate more leads and foster client loyalty. In other words, we want our products to help grow your business! 

Here are a few resources to help you get the most from your Magnets USA sports schedules, calendars and more: 

Does the thought of coming up with a yearly marketing plan make your head spin? This one is for you: 
Suggested Yearly Marketing Plan

​Want to see how our Magnetic Football Schedules can boost your business? Learn more, and see which type of football schedule is right for you: 
Football Schedules 101

If you recently ordered a sports schedule from us, here are nine creative ways to get them out in your community:
Sports Schedule Marketing 101

When you're ready to design your Magnets USA product, our photo tips guide is a must-read: 
Photo Tips

It's June, which means our famous Tear-Off Magnetic Calendars are coming soon! Be ready for launch with this helpful guide: 
Calendar Marketing 101 

Have a custom design in mind? Avoid these common design mistakes: 
Common Design Mistakes