Hi, I'm an Acronym...get it? No, they won't get it. Think this through and learn to speekie da English.

Sure, it's impressive to see all your designations next to your name. Sure, you put a lot of work into getting through those courses to attain a "certified" status....

BUT,

My question is:  How many "consumers" give a rats behind?

I've been noticing many of my competitors web sites and their personal introduction. If I were a consumer I wouldn't have a clue what you were talking about and would move on to someone else that actually "talks" to me.

Hi! I'm an ABR...and a CRS...and an ASR and a CPA and an IRS and an A$$ and I'm SPECIAL!

As a consumer....I would say, "whatever" and move on. Okay, you're an ABR. Great. "Talk to me like I'm four years old and keep is simple, silly."

KISS. (keep it simple silly...stupid, and other various s's.)Acronym.jpg Acronym image by theruiner66

Now is the time to use the KISS method. Keep it simple. Instead of just placing the ABR next to your name, for heaven's sake "talk to them".

EXAMPLE: I am a Certified ABR. This means that I am able to Represent you and look out for your best interests when buying your new home and will work with you on a strong professional level! I am here for you.

Hear the difference??? Remember that when you are marketing yourself you must really WANT THEIR BUSINESS. THIS MEANS TO "TALK" TO THEM AS YOU WOULD A FRIEND.

Take that designation and use it wisely. Use it by "communicating EFFECTIVELY" with the consumer and actually helping them.

We attain our designations to increase our knowledge and abilities.

USE THEM. Market yourself wisely.

Later in the Rain~Deb (ABR, A$$)........LOL.

 



Brooks Prime Properties

Specializing in Lake Properties

Lake Livingston Texas

936-295-0005

 
Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You
Post is included in group: Texas Real Estate
Post is included in group: Diary of a Realtor
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18 Comments on Hi...I'm an Acronym. KISS

SEP
18
583,224 Points 62 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Deb, I would venture to guess most consumers don't know what ANY of those designations stand for,yet they are valuable education and certification for the agent.

7:26pm • #1
255,342 Points 34 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

You bet Gary! They are valuable. Very valuable. I just want people to communicate the "value" and the significance of the designations to the general public for their web site results. I have found that if you keep it simple then we can all understand! Hope you're doing great my friend. Miss u.

Deb

7:31pm • #2
230,464 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hey Deb it is great to see you again, looks like your back for good. Designations are great, like insurance they are earned and well deserved, but I don't think folks really give a darn one way or another.

8:00pm • #3
477,878 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Hit Router

Deb

I used to use a CCIM until one day someone asked how much I payed for that. I agree people want to see the person behind the writer.

8:58pm • #4
411,889 Points 21 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Woo Hoo it is good to see you back!  I think the only designation that they know is BROKER!!

9:22pm • #5
113,174 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I agree, I always spell it out and put links to the pages on the designation sites that explain why it is beneficial to have a CRS, e-PRO, ABR, GRI or whatever working for them.  But on the humorous side...in my community everyone thinks that GRI stands for Gorgeous and Really Intelligent, because when I first got my designation and plastered it all over town, people would ask what it stood for and I would say "Gorgeous and Really Intelligent!"  OR...."Grumpy and Really Irritable" depending on what day it is!!! :o))))

9:36pm • #6
108,624 Points 11 Featured Posts

I have always trie to KISS and I call it "Keep It Simple Stupid" and don't get full of myself.

Folks just want good service and knowledge of the market.

9:45pm • #7
198,980 Points 2 Featured Posts

What a hoot.  I've posted about this subject and here's the deal - most people DON'T know or care what those letters stand for.  BUT they know they mean you have something that you learned, or earned, or did, that not everyone does.  It does give you some credibility.  And, the more affluent your clients, the more they respect them, even if they don't understand them.  I would never say "I'm a GRI" but I have descriptions of the who/what/why of my designations on a page of my website with links to information about that designation.  I know I have won business directly as a result of my credintials vs. someone who didn't have any.

Janna R. Scharf, GRI, CSP, CLHMS, CNS, EIEIO, LOL

9:53pm • #8
Localism Sponsor

GREAT POINTS!!!

I am SO GLAD to see you back!!!! I understand completely though, 'cause I had to take a break as well.

Happy SELL'ng out there from North Texas.....just plain ole REALTOR!

10:08pm • #9
172,404 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Excellent suggestion Deb!! You are right that most consumers will have no clue, at lest not until they hear it the first time. If someone just starting to look, they will have no idea what those acronyms mean. I think your idea to explain it makes a lot of sense.

10:09pm • #10
415,825 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Howdy there Deb

Its for sure folks don't like to be talked down to. Thats for sure! Will my friend, have yourself a real fine weekend. I'm sure glad your going to be active in the Rain.Your such a real fine blogger.

Baker Home Inspection and Consulting AR Signature

10:53pm • #11
SEP
19
Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Deb,

Really good suggestion and good point. Although the designations are valuable to both the holder and the client, generally the client doesn't even know what they mean. So it helps to explain it in a few short lines.

:)

12:17pm • #12

Deb,

 

Great Post.  I think it is very important to market those designations to let potential clients why you are different.

Thanks for sharing,

Matt Naumann

4:41pm • #13
136,424 Points 62 Featured Posts Outside Blog

 hi Deb, on behalf of home owners everywhere let me say, most of us don't know and don't care about the letters/designations. Just sell my home quickly, at a decent price and I'll be a happy camper.

marti, HCG (highly caffeinated geek) ;-)

6:24pm • #14
117,221 Points

Great post...Thanks for sharing it.

Ginger

8:41pm • #15
100,291 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Deb,  You are so right.  I know a lady that had 8 or 9 designations after her name on all her advertising and it was so distracting you couldn't even see her name.  She wised up and took them all off recently.  Maybe she read your post :)

11:16pm • #16
SEP
21
652,019 Points 108 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Deb - I have never bothered to get any of the designations (other than broker), but I think those who have them need to spend time educating their clients on the value of each one.

12:05pm • #17

Deb,

Well done!

This reminds me of an Army General with campaign bars across their left shirt pocket- I guess it shows status and we should recognize that.  Mostly though it shows the general survived those wars.  Can we have one for survival, for each of us?  To have survived the last 3 years is deserving of a medal.

8:44pm • #18

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Deb Brooks, Lake Livingston Real Estate

Huntsville, TX

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Lake Livingston Real Estate by Deb Brooks

Address: 71 Morris Lane, Huntsville, TX, 77320

Office Phone: (936) 295-0005

Cell Phone: (936) 661-2624

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