I've heard it said that we ought to practice the art of performing random acts of kindness - in other words, bless somebody who can't do anything for you. It's kind of on the same lines of what you're talking about. Thanks for reminding us of how we're meant to live (versus being self-centered).

Thankk you for the comment...

Behavior really can become habit...and what a great habit to have!

Joan, I AM KIND (of not, on occasion) but I agree with you wholeheartedly- it's the little stuff that creates a day that can be the basis for a really sound sleep.  With so much market "stuff" creating uncertainty, one thing that we can offer for free is to notice people, make eye contact, and be kind.  Thanks for the post!

Your welcome...and thanks for your kindness in commenting!:)

So much of our business is based on paying in forward, in my opinion. The media is kind enough to make us really work hard for a good reputation as Realtors, so the fact that I see so many posts along these lines is refreshing. It takes a lot of time and energy to really focus on the client, but in the end, it is always worth it!

I think that if more people believed in the importance of good karma, customer service the world over would be greatly improved!

~Maura Gebhardt
The Gebhardt Group

 Great comment...I actually think we are having a revival of Customer Service. Perhaps the pendulum is swinging the other way...finally!

Joan -- your blog is so timely.  One of the things we recently found out in our Board survey is that agents are NOT very kind to each other.  They really need some Kindness lessons badly.  You would think this is something people would have learned along the way - apprently not.  With a challening market, we certainly don't need to beat each other up.

 It really takes no time or effort to say to someone...I like your shirt, let me get that door,I'm not in a hurry you can go ahead....for all we know it could be a person who just had a huge put down at home, or just needed to feel special...and from someone who has nothing to gain! It means all the more!

I believe the world really could be the better for it...

Joan, I agree! Thanks for this. People should always be polite when working with the public. Treat those as you would like to be treated :)

We never know who we are talking to. Going the extra step to be friendly to someone just might make that person's day, that extra tip or the compliment could put a extra spring in someones step for sure!

Hi Lysa...I was thinking afterwards I should have brought up kindness to animals too!

Thanks so much for reading!

Joan....  well said. I so much agree and wish others would act just as they talk. So many that talk the talk, but don't walk the walk. And as you stated, there is little effort, just thinking about is such a big start. Nicely said....

Thanks Jeff...I think more people should remember how they felt when something nice was said to or done for them. Remembering that and knowing you have the power to pass it on....is awesome!

Joan, wise advice here. Kindness does make the "world go round"!

Oh yeah Joan!  I try to live by that.  I've always felt that "what goes around comes around".  If you want nice things to happen to you then you have to do nice things to get them.  Thanks for an enlightening post.

Terry Haugen - STAGE it RIGHT!

Thanks Sue...as artistic as you are I'm sure that nature makes it a "natural" for you!

Hi Terry...this must be "stagers nite out"...Sue was just here!

Thanks for reading and the compliment

Joan~ 

I got thinking about that old quote..."the kindness of strangers"...and then how kindness applies to us as real estate professionals...then I began to imagine how it must feel to a "stranger" (our client ) depending on us for intelligent information...and kindness along the way... THX for this post...

janeAnne...I find that if I always (RE or regular life)think about how I would feel or what I would like...it works for someone else. In most cases we are more alike than we think.

I have a feeling it's a "natural" for you!

Joan very nice post. It is very good to be kind.

Joan, what a beautiful post--and VERY true.  It's amazing to think that a few kind words can change a person's whole day, but it can!  People are usually surprised and taken aback when they get a compliment and then you'll see a smile from them.  And it took nothing at all from you.  GREAT post!

Hi Dale...nice to meet you. I haven't been in your neck of the woods in ages. Last time we went to Old Fort #4. You live in a great area!

Thanks so much for commenting!

Thanks Carole,

I think Kindness sort of goes along with Feng Shui in a way. Sort of Feng Shui for the soul or for ones aura! ya think?

Joan - There is such power in being kind. It should ba a way of life for us. I remember a few months ago, my daughter, who's 20, went to a restaurant and left $20.00 on a $12.00 bill for a nine month pregnant server, just because she wanted to. You know that young girl ran out in the parking lot after my daughter to say Thank You, with such sincerity and gratefulness, it made my daughter's heart glad. Yep, there is power in being kind! Both for us and the recipients of our kindness.

What a wonderful story Paula! And how proud you must be of yourdaughter.

The world needs alot of it right now, and I agree every bit ...even a little...sure helps!

Thanks for stopping by

Joan-Wonderful post.  I do believe we should all try and transform lives one person at a time. 

I agree, when you do something kind it just puts you in a good mood,it makes You happy. Keep up the behavior and you will become a happier person.

Thanks Midori...It all really does come back!

Ver True Caite, very true!

kindness is it's own reward.

have you had any pleasant surprises lately? 

This was a wonderfully positive post!  Congratulations on being included in the Top 10 of Midori Miller's Blogger's Choice Spotlight!

Thanks Lola...What a pleasant surprise!

Joan

I would like to tell something that really made a difference to me .  One day I was feeling a little down and under appreciated.  I think we all have those days every now and then.  I had to stop for gas, and as I was standing holding the hose I noticed the man in the car infront of me was looking over and wouldn't stop staring.  When I started to get in the car he told me, "Miss your windshild wiper is up."  I thanked him and he said,"I would have put it down for you but I'm running late, but I also wanted to tell you just how pretty you are."  Of course I thanked him. But that little comment made the difference for the entire day.  It was just the lift I needed.  First of all the man was helpful, and secondly he gave me an unsolicited compliment.  What a nice way to start the day.  I passed the feeling around when I got to the office. :)

Thanks for making us stop and remember that, kindness is what kindness does. :)

Roberta...Now that is a perfect example! It takes so littlt, to accomplish so much!

 WITH LIFE!  Thank you Joan. :) 

Beautiful post, Joan.  Two days ago I was showing property to out of town buyers and at the end of the afternoon one of the clients shook my hand and said to me, as he thanked me, 'You're very kind.' It really made my day and helped me to feel that maybe, just maybe, being kind really does touch people afterall, even if they do not always express their feelings as he did.

Kindness really is a wonderful gift that keeps on giving. Thank you for drawing our attention to this.

Jo