I am in the "People" business. Yes, I deal with homes and businesses all the time but it didn't take me long to learn it's more about the people. How personal do you get with a client? While putting on our "professional" best, is it ok to let them see another side of you?
I will relate somewhat personal stories to clients if I have something to share. It creates a bond---and a lasting memory of you. A recent example of this was at a clients home when they were deciding whether or not to list with an Agency or try to sell the house themselves. I was encouraging them to find themselves a good Agent, one that they felt comfortable with and they liked. The homeowner agreed with me and having spoken to several agents already, made a decision to list with one.
"I liked this woman who came here that was thinking about moving herself" she told me. She knew the Agent had left behind her card and had decided to list with her. It was apparent this Agent had told her some personal things about herself and by doing that, had made herself a bit vunerable but a PERSON as well.
Whether you're staging a home, selling a home or working in any manner with the public, let them see a side of you or share some information that shows them you can relate to whatever they may have gone through or are going through. Let them see the "other" side of you that makes you not only memorable, but HUMAN.
Hi Carole,
I used to agree with you about being personal, but I guess it matters how personal you get! What I mean by that is I guess my clients think that I should work 7 days a week 24 hours a day and not take a day off to do what I absolutely enjoy...riding my horse. I made the mistake of telling one of my clients that I had 2 horses and she felt that I must make too much money to have horses! And, if I rode them a few times a week...how dare I!?!? I tried explaining that I do work 7 days a week, but I also need an outlet because I will go crazy not doing anything for myself. I thought it made me HUMAN but I guess it was too human for her! So, now I am not telling my clients too much at all. If I am riding my horse for an hour here and there, I say I have an appointment because I do. It is my therapy as well as my horse getting exercise. Why have horses if you cannot get them out! So, I agree with you to some extent, but to another extent my being too honest was not a good thing! What do you suggest?
HI Joan,
Thanks for the response and I understand it can come back to you in ways you hadn't expected but most people tell me some very personal things; I feel that if I have something to share with them, it does create a bond. And it shows them I know what they're going through. Most (not every single one) but definitely the majority of people I work with like to see the human side of you and they appreciate you for it. You obviously got someone who is possibly jealous or resentful because she's likely having her own problems that have nothing to do with you. I wouldn't let it stop me from relating to other clients on a personal level as well. The next one may well be a horse lover as well!
Carole,
I understand what you are saying, I guess maybe just to relate to the client if you have had a similar experience etc could create a bond. I agree with that. I am just very careful to let my clients know what I am doing if I am taking time for myself. I recently went away for TWO days for my anniversary (and I did not take ANY vacation at all for last year) and for some reason, all of my clients were upset that I was gone...I also had told them beforehand that I was leaving them in good hands with a co-worker and if they needed me I could be reached by cell, but I needed to get away since I had no vacation that whole year! It was like sending them a red flag to make sure they did call me. It was the strangest thing! Probably would have been better if I had not said anything to any of my listings! My husband was extremely frustrated that we could not enjoy our 10 year anniversary! So, I guess I have reverted to being more private because of previous clients. I just need to be careful with what I share with clients I think! I can relate to them if I have experienced things they are going through or have gone through for example. It is crazy this world we live in! Thanks for the tips...I enjoyed what you wrote!
Great Post Joan. As technologically advanced as we get, at the end of the day, people want to connect with people.
Carole, you keep right on doing the things that you do to keep yourself healthy and happy. Sounds like that client hadn't quite figured out the importance of re-energizing the spirit, which in turn re-energizes the work that you do. Oh well, her loss.
That's my two-cents.
All the Best,
Sean Alvarez
Watch My ListingsHi Carole,
I agree that the best way to develop a great working relationship with others is to show that we are human. We do this by sharing ideas and experiences which, in turn, helps to establish a 'bond'.
VAL