I KNOW I'm not the only one this is happening to. When I think of my Feng Shui Consultations and know I am meeting someone for the first time, I remember all the things I have to go over with them to give them the very best help. It shouldn't surprise me after so many years of doing this wonderful work that there is one thing almost all my clients have in common: I will meet them with a handshake and three short hours later, leave with a hug.
It's a wonderful feeling. In that short time we have already bonded, discussed situations in their lives that they want to change and I believe they can see that I want to help them achieve that. I don't only give them the recommendations on what changes to make, I give them the WHY so they understand it themselves. But much of the information can be personal and I often wondered if they would feel comfortable enough to open up to me.
And they do. Maybe it's because we do get so personal that we are really able to share-and that creates something that lasts long after the consultation ends.
I know many Realtors experience the same thing. You have some incredibly sad stories to hear about why people have to sell their homes or the threat they may go into foreclosure or they may be going through it. Quite honestly I'm glad I don't have to hear that---I'd be just as likely to cry with my clients.
You also make long and lasting friendships. And someday the "business" side of it slips away all together. Aren't we the fortunate ones? To go in with a handshake and leave with a hug?
**Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island providing on site Feng Shui Consultations for New York City (Manhattan) and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction. Carole also provides Lectures and Workshops on Feng Shui Principles.
Our local board office is oofering classes on the topic.
Carole- Yes, leaving with a hug and a new friend. This is the wonderful part of owning your own business in our industries.
We always hope to make friends out of our clients - does not always happen, but we do our part, by just being ourselves.
When you really care it always shows!
I love hugs! I love greetings and the in between of 'getting to know you' kind of thing (I have that song in my head now)....One day I'll greet you with a hug...we'll skip the handshake :)
Perfectly put Carole...and that's usually how it plays out..every time!
I think this is the big "why" of my love in representing buyers. Before we are finished viewing homes for the first time we have bonded. Love the hugs also my dear!
Carole, that is so true, I always hug my clients once they are clients. Our society should do more of this. Even if I run into them in a grocery, it is warmer and more friendly than a hand shake. I wonder if men feel this way?
Carole, this is so true. In the process of home selling and home buying, I have many conversations with the clients, and many of them are very personal. The clients learn how much I care, and that I will do everything in my power to help them reach their goal. We learn a lot about each other in a short period of time. So, we become friends.
Carole its your passion and compassion, what makes you go in as a stranger and walk out a friend. You care!
Awesome post Carole - A wise elderly REALTOR once told us long ago that we have not yet met some of our future best freinds- but we would - in this business - she was so right and it is an inspiring piece of wisdom that has been certainly reflected in this your post!
Thanks for sharing
sincerely,
Grace
I love when I run into an old client and they don't even hesitate, but greet me with a hug! That's when I know that I have made a friend and that they were truly happy with my service. I'm sure that your clients become your friends, Carole...your caring just spills off of the page, so I bet it's even better in person :)
It is very true. You kind of have to embrace yur job in a way that it becomes like family so that your own family can understand your emotions concerning your customers!
We are so fortunate to be able to bond with our clients. You know it was a great day when you leave with a smile !
Karen, You might want to take them, I believe not only will you enjoy it but it will benefit you---personally and professionally.
Katerina, It sure it! I get to meet the nicest people, I am constantly amazed at how fortunate I am.
Kathleen, My clients and I, for the most part, bond...but we work together after the consultation as well...and friendships just evolve.
Susan, It does! And then you see they care right back.
Sally, I'm a hugger by nature....and I'd be skipping the handshake part too when I meet you. (And now I have that song stuck im MY head! :)
Joan, It really does....and I love it. We're SO fortunate!
Kris, It is so wonderful to meet with people and bond with them...keep in touch and remain friends. What more could you want from a job?
Missy, That's so funny, I thought of that while I was writing the post. Some men hug but not like us I don't believe....
Marzena, I know, I believe it's because we're past the surface talk and that's a good thing.
Fernando, I believe my clients can tell that I DO care....because I do! When they see you are as intent for them to reach their goals as they are, they know it's not business, it's about wanting to help.
Grace, You certainly had a wise realtor give you something that is very true. This is not something I learned in school but it's been true for years.
Lisa, I meet my clients too...in stores or restuarents or go out to dinner with them...or meet for coffee. I just love it! And it's not business, it's because we really LIKE eachother!
Nyles, My family understands....they care about people very much, even strangers and they are so kind to people! I sure hope they got some of that from me.
Melissa, I am fortunate, I have many great days. And get to see many clients again but this time as friends.
Carole~ I just LOVE the title of the post. It is soooo true. Working with buyers, I really do get to know them well. It is so gratifying when you get that HUG! May you have many many hugs in your life.
Carole, you've done it again. Come up with an incredible phrase, in with the handshake and out with the hug (my paraphrasing to help my simple brain). Extraordinary wisdom!
We do spend so much time and address so many personal issues that we get to know our clients quickly and get to make real friends. It's one of the reasons I like this business!
Hi Carole!
I'm not surprised that you become that endeared to people so quickly....you have a way with people that enables them to open up with you and trust you with the personal details of their lives.
I've shed tears with the odd client over the years and, like you, usually leave with a hug. I also greet clients with a hug if I run into them about town.
One can never give or receive too many hugs!
((-:
Jo
Carole, you are indeed blessed to be able to help people. Shaking hands in the beginning translates - good business - and hugs at the end translates - job well done -
Nothing can be more satisfying than to help and make friends through your work.
Carole--You obviously put your heart into your business...And I agree, it is wonderful to start with a handshake and end with a hug! :)
Hi Carole,
I'm not surprised that your clients feel that bond with you in a short time, your genuine interest in people shines through in your blogs so I know it must be a strong energy when meeting face to face. I hope to find out some day.
Carole, I love the idea and the title of this blog post. It shows how the services that we provide can have a transforming influence in people's lives. Thanks for sharing this with your friends at Fraiche Aire.
What a great observation. Helping people with buying and/or selling a home is often intensely personal.
Joan, I keep thinking that's how it goes with me and what happens almost all the time. It sure is wonderful!
Gary, It's nice to hear a man's opinion. I know some men hug and others don't--I guess it's your background (?).
Elaine, I too am so happy in my business, it's one of my joys in life.
Jo, You're so right, there are never enough hugs to give---or receive. I was raised on hugs :)
Arina, I didn't think of it in those terms but you're right...it means they're happy with you and what you've been able to help with. Thanks for that insight.
Teri, I do put my heart into my business and I'm sure it shows...which is what I should be doing; there are too many people in life that just want money and don't care enough.
Lola, Thank you. As realtors, home stagers, feng shui consultants and many more of us here on Activerain we all want to make a difference--not just a sale.
Rosario, I know it is, both "businesses" are very personal and often lead to wonderful friendships.
I am so glad to hear this! I find myself doing the same thing! I really bond with so many of my clients and find myself hugging them after. I find myself doing it without thinking and then somethimes think, "oh, what if they are not huggers?" Oh well, guess they are now!