Rich,
 
I just found out I received our company's top award for the top 15 agents in the company, plus top award in my office. 
My question is this:   What's the best way to capitalize on this?
I would like to send out a postcard to my sphere of influence -- any specific suggestions on how to announce it without sounding too "bragging?"
Although I guess I am bragging!   You know what I mean!   Also, do you think it's worth an (additional) ad in the local newspaper?

Diane in Dearborn

Diane,

CONGRATULATIONS!
I am not a big fan of general ads. I see very little if any return unless you see it differently. I would do one of three things.

1. Send a postcard with Thank you in a dozen languages and then thank them for their confidence and support
2. Do the same in a letter and explain that as a way to give back in addition to referral thank you gifts you are going to be conducting a referral contest and once each quarter you will be drawing a name from all the people who sent you referrals for a weekend getaway or color television, or some other few hundred dollar reward.
3. Do the same as above but use it to promote a Client party that you will have later in the year.

The idea here is that rather than using it to say how great you are, use it to show gratitude and motivate them to become a more active part of your success.

Coach Rich