Most People Don't Bother Listening - 04/27/12 02:20 PM
 Before I pick on others in our real estate industry, let me say this real listening is a problem everywhere. There have been several studies that show that on average, doctors let patients talk for about 23 seconds before interrupting. Some doctors interrupted after only three seconds. Once interrupted, patients are often times reluctant to go back to their story. In many instances, the doctor suggested something that then altered the patient’s explanation, frequently through the power of suggestion.
When I have a problem with something technical, I generally have done extensive troubleshooting before calling (or emailing) technical support. Usually my call … (3 comments)

You Just Don't Understand - 04/22/12 02:52 PM
 
Anyone with teenagers has heard, “You just don’t understand!” Usually this is delivered with a whining, complaining, or depressing voice.
I hear this from adults too, including buyers, sellers, lenders, brokers and agents.
Like teenagers, in most cases this is uttered when someone is not getting their way. Since they believe they are right, they want to make it clear it “must” be the other person’s fault for not only failing to understand but also for failing to agree.
Sometimes the other person really does not understand. However, it is usually the person who says, “You don’t understand!” who is … (20 comments)

They Wanted to Preach to the Choir - 04/16/12 08:17 AM
 
Something happened outside of real estate recently that struck me as applicable to not only our efforts to help sell real estate but also real estate industry discussions, such as those at association meetings and ActiveRain.
I serve on a leadership council for a state-wide business organization. In a recent meeting, one of the members suggested that to spread the word on an issue of concern, one of us should spend time with a specific talk show host that is known to have views common with this organization.
Hmmmm.
I may have been overly direct but I commented that while it … (13 comments)

You're Boring Me With Your Passion - 04/10/12 03:27 PM
 
I'm glad you have a passionate interest. I'm glad you love your house, your brokerage, your service, your listings, your social media campaign, and your website. If we share any of those interests, we'll never run out of things to talk about. However, what if we don't share any of these interests?
We've all dealt with over-eager agents, full of excitement about things that interest them. Or home sellers that LOVE their house more than anyone should love a house.
Of course, this problem is not limited to real estate (just a bit more obvious sometimes).
I was at a business luncheon … (54 comments)