Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – September 25, 2004
On A Roll
Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – September 25, 2004 – I am a crazed woman – on the verge. Just which verge it is, I’m not sure – but I’m definitely there. Only allowing time out for client meetings, sleeping, Augie’s bathroom parade, the odd bickie for Ziggy and a sandwich for ‘yours truly’ – I’ve been working on my new marketing plans since this past Tuesday.
Ideas are popping into my head from all directions and I can’t get my hands on too many articles related to business promotion. I’m re-vamping my website in my head and designing my new one as I drift off to sleep. I worked on my “Helpful Hints” brochures for clients until three in the morning. Not much wonder I’m tired today. I had a brunch meeting with a client but was back home at my computer by four o’clock this afternoon. I’ve completed another “Helpful Hints” – this one entitled The Offer, and it’s now full steam ahead on Contractors & Renovations, followed by Buying Versus Renting and Income and Investment Properties. There is no stopping me.
Well actually that’s not true. Its almost seven o’clock and I’ve paused to do my daily writing. Then I may make myself a cup of tea, some yogurt and fruit and watch a little nonsense on television. There is a point where I need to say “enough”. I’m amazed at the spike in my energy level when I make up my mind to do something. It’s not that I really like all aspects of this exercise – but I’m finding it interesting, challenging and informative.
I wonder why people pass my name along to their friends and family? I wonder if I would hire me? I think I might. I work hard and I really care about my clients – especially men and women who are buying on their own. I know how that feels – having no financial back-up or support. It’s a little like being on a trapeze without a net, although I guess the fall from on high would be marginally more dangerous than a financial hiccup.
Still, the analogy is a good one. So instead I’m not going to question why people trust me in business. I’m going to find a way to acknowledge their confidence, provide even better service and encourage others to consider my business style. I want to get the message out near and far that I’m a top-notch real estate professional, who is dedicated to serving and protecting the best interests of my clients. Gee – I sound like the real estate police.
The fact is, that I really do care about my clients. I want them to be happy when they buy and sell. I want them to make solid, long term decisions that are financially sound. I want them to love their homes and to create a wealth of memories there. I want them to make money when they sell. I want them to feel that they had a positive experience when they bought or sold and to realize that all the “negative” real estate stories they hear are not the norm.
There are wonderful people working in my industry. Unfortunately an unhappy property investment can have far reaching consequences, and that’s what a person will remember for a lifetime. That won’t happen to a client of mine. I want to deal with people that way I like to be treated in business, and that’s with respect, care, patience, humour and professionalism. I want to pass along well researched information, so my clients understand what they are doing and why – every step of the way.
That’s how good decisions are made. That’s when people say “I love my home – thank you” and they really mean it. Now that’s a good feeling. I’m going to continue in my efforts to fashion terrific marketing materials and to make sure that my clients are always making intelligent real estate decisions.
I somehow have a feeling that if I do these things, that my marketing plan will look after itself. If I’m not careful, you may start to get the idea that I like people, and my carefully cultivated “bitch” image will go straight to hell in a handcart. Can’t have that now – can I?
