Home : Blogs : Jennifer Allan, Author of Sell with Soul : Selling Soulfully with Jennifer Allan

"Jennifer, What Do You Think of Client Appreciation Parties?"

Earlier this week, I spoke on the subject of Selling to Your Sphere of Influence - No Sales Pitch Required! at the Colorado REALTOR Convention.

As I usually do, I did my best to debunk many of the sacred cows of the SOI- business model training industry, such as how important it is to ask for referrals, why it's a great idea to categorize your friends based on their history of referring to you - stuff like that.

The crowd seemed to accept my protestations that this behavior is not only obnoxious, but that it's not terribly effective. Cool.

I closed my presentation by encouraging the audience to evaluate every prospecting strategy that crosses their path from their gut... to ask themselves if the strategy they're considering is one they're excited about and proud of; to be honest with themselves as to how they would respond to the strategy if used on them and whether or not it would annoy them, if used on them. And to trust what their guts have to say on the matter. Party on!

A woman in the back of the room raised her hand and asked if I "approved" of Client Appreciation parties. I asked her if she would enjoy holding such an event and she said she would. I responded with "then absolutely - have that party" with the explanation that if you enjoy doing something, it's probably a good prospecting activity for you. Me? Nah, I'd be too afraid no one would show up and it wouldn't be worth the pre-party stress!

But later I gave this some more thought and wish I had just another 45 seconds in that room to share the rest of the story...

Which is... I just can't get excited about the phrase "client appreciation party." Oh, it's not the worst thing in the world, but to me, it sounds like an event specifically held to make me feel obligated to the host with my future real estate business, as opposed to a party where I'll have a great time. I dunno - there's just something about that title that gives the introvert in me the heebie-jeebies - even more so than a run-of-the-mill party invitation might evoke.

Am I saying not to have the party? Heavens no! Party on, my friend! But call it something else! Have your party in conjunction with an event of general appeal - Oktoberfest, Halloween, your or your spouse's birthday, the World Series or Super Bowl, your housewarming celebration (even if you moved over a year ago!), or just your "first annual wine and cheese tasting" party.

Don't approach your precious Sphere of Influence as a real estate agent first and foremost, as if that's all you are to them. Be a friend or pleasant acquaintance, who throws a good party, and oh, yeah, also happens to sell real estate.

The Winter of Soul Cometh!
10+1 Teleseminars for Agents Who Want to Sell with Soul
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Jennifer Allan, GRI

Subscribe to
The Daily Seduction
Tips & Inspirations to Generate Business from the Very Important People Who Know You

Posted by Jennifer Allan, Author of Sell with Soul on 10/24/2009 06:19 AM

Comments (82)

Sphere of Influence Strategies in the Sales Strategies / Tactics Channel

all blogs, referrals, sphere of influence, soi, client appreciation party

Originally posted at: Jennifer Allan's Selling to Your Sphere of Influence - No Sales Pitch Required!: "Jennifer, What Do You Think of Client Appreciation Parties?"

Post is included in group: Selling Soulfully
Post is included in group: Rookies Turning Pro
Post is included in group: More Referrals: Strategies & Tips on Getting More Referrals
Post is included in group: Introverts are (Sales) People, Too!
Post is included in group: Colorful Colorado

82 Comments on "Jennifer, What Do You Think of Client Appreciation Parties?"

OCT

Jennifer the clarification you made is very sound. It is much better to treat the event from another view than that of real estate. This certainly will put the attendees at ease....no strings attached.

Jennifer, we have one maybe two a year. Lots of ways of putting them on and restaurants often help defray the cost by getting new residents into their doors. Very successful!

Thanks Jennifer, I will have to change the name, but I think we do call it something else anyway. Our parties are usually tied to a charity event.

I have no SOI.

My advertising market is the world. I appeal to any prospective home buyer considering buying a home in my market area.

I also practice PULLadvertising and marketing. That is the antithesis of "working" a SOI.

WOW, the timing is excellant. I was just talking to my coach and we are in the process in creating a client appreciation event, just like you suggested. Thank you! I think it's a great idea!

Jean Richer
Ottawa, ON

Jennifer, I liked the idea of not calling them "client appreciation parties".

I got a kick out of my new friend Lenn Harley's comment "I have no SOI"; because I believe she has the largest SOI on Active Rain with an astounding 800,000+ points and the respect of many of our 162,000+ members.

How about Agent Apprecition Parties...we could use a few.

Craig - Count me in!

Jim - She should have a party, eh!?

Jean - If you're a party animal, these events can be goldmines... just keep the salespitch out of them!

Lenn - I'm not sure I understand how a "pull" (or as I call it, "attract") strategy is the antithesis of SOI?

Charles - Works for me!

Gabe - Ditto!

Jennifer - EXACTLY!

Jennifer,

Your spin on the idea of a party is more helpful for me. I am basically not the "in your face" type of person but I love a good party. Thanks.

Jennifer, I like this new approach. (New to me) I have had these events, but stress out getting them all together. I like your take.

This could be the difference between mere entertaining and hospitality !! My father always had a welcome to the neighbor party for new buyers moving into his subdivision(whether HE sold them or not). He did very well marketshare wise there with at least one party per year !

Jennifer,

I definitely like your spin on not using the term "Client Appreciation Party." Your suggestions gives a more non-threatening feeling..more friendly and not so beholding! Thanks for your take on it!!

Jeffifer:

You are right about that. Whenever I have had clients in my home for a party, it is simply a party. They are also more likely to become friends that way rather than to just focus it on business. And, friends refer their friends.

One of the agents in my office has a holiday party for her clients in her historic home when it is decorated for Christmas. I envy her. I think she does it perfectly naturally and gets referrals from them year round.

Yes, I like the idea of changing the name and making it more a social event. It's nice to visit with past clients who we get to know in such a short period of time and this is a way of keeping in touch.

Jennifer -

I agree with your need to socialize and have fun with your client base. But having a "Client Appreciation Party" as such is somewhat off-putting and may be perceived not only as pushy, but perhaps more of a celebration of YOU.

Not the message you are trying to get across!

I like the idea of smaller, gatherings - like those you would normally hav for friends or family. Football parties. BBQ's. Christmas Parties.

These bind FRIENDS together - not just CLIENTS!

My two cents, anyway!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Jennifer - what a perfect timing. I am right in the process of inviting my friends (who mostly happened to be my clients or partners) to my second Freinds appreciation party on November 20. This year it will be "Ten years of success in business - thanks to my friends!".

Last time it was incredible! I consider myself as an introvert like yourself but it was such a good feeling to step out of my own fears and start inventing the theme and inviting my best people (they are all the best) to the party. I involved all my guests in the party preparation. They sent me their pictures, prepared for talent show etc.

Sales? SOI? I don't think so. It was a pure fun and friendship.

I like your take on it. I have had those Client Appreciation Parties. Some were great, some not so much.

I DEFINATELY will change the name...it is too business.

Hi Jennifer -- Very true. It's a delicate balance and authenicity is key and if you want a buyer think like a buyer, so your analogy of how you would feel if you were the client is very important.

Jennifer- I have given a few client parties in my time and have never billed them as client appreciation. Its just a party for whatever time of year I am having them and it just so happens my clients are invited. It works for me although I have come to learn over time I do so much better with smaller gatherings. The larger ones are overwhelming for me. As you say you go with your gut and do what works for you.

I do like the idea of having the party but not calling it a client appreciation party. Thanks for the tip

Jennifer.....sounds like a fun thing to do....the problem here is that MY clients are all builders.....if I threw a party for all of them, no one would see them for 3 days!!!!

You're the first person I've come across who has articulated my business philosophy so well. I have more thoughts on this... perhaps my inspiration to blog a bit myself. Thank you Jennifer!

Jennifer: Thanks for your insight-I appreciate it! I held one Client Appreciation Party and it was fun. I ahven't had the $ to do one this year but may try again next year. I'll be sure to change the name! Thanks again!

Hi Jennifer. Good thoughts.

I am with you. Party on!!!

Ken

Great information Jennifer. Thanks for your thoughts!

You make excellent points here ... thanks for your efforts! I think I speak for all people in all the land when I say, "We appreciate you!"

Oktoberfest does have a much more soft sell feel to it I agree Jennifer. The other way it looks like you want more business from the clients NOW!!

Jennifer, as usual, I agree with your take on client appreciation parties. On the surface, they sound like a wonderful idea - who doesn't like a party.

But when I think of how I'd react if someone invited me to a client appreciation party, I don't know if I'd be excited to go. Not because I think it's salesy, but because I'm guessing that the only person I'd know would be that professional.

I think I'd rather just be invited to a party - don't know why the nomenclature of client appreciation party makes me uneasy! But after reading your Sell With Soul and Savvy Prospector, I can see the advantage of just having a fun, non-salesy party!

Jennifer, We do have an annual Client Appreciation Party and we do call it that. But since we have genuine relationships with our clients - they know the reason for the name is because we are giving back to them. We appreciate the fact that we were fortunate enough to meet them. And we have a great time!

My "client appreciation" party is coming up in a few weeks. This year on the invitation I said that we'd be combining my client appreciation party with our annual party, because clients have become friends and friends have become clients so it just makes sense to combine the two. (Plus throwing 2 big parties a year can be expensive and time consuming!) 2 of my new referral clients this year mentioned the party before they even bought houses. I love having parties and we always do them at my house.

Hi Jennifer~ I think it is a great idea to have parties and include our clients. I wouldn't call it a client appreciation party though either. Who doesn't like a great party?

I love client appreication parties. Love em.....but they're all about gratitude...not obligation.

Jennifer, I have to agree. The name has to be different. I usually go around thanking my clients one on one at the party. It's more personal.

Jennifer,

I am curious to what you recommend for getting referrals without the strategy of just asking for them. Let me know. Thanks!

While I'm definitely an introvert and hate all things salesy and cheesy, I LOVE giving great party! Something about being the hostess makes me comfortable and I love it when everyone has a good time and meets some new friends. We generally host 2 large parites a year -- oddly enough, both are very messy! We had a great crawfish boil in the spring -- 300 lbs of crawfish and friends to cook it imported from Louisiana. Around Christmas we have a holiday Gingerbread House Building Party. Kids are included in both and everyone seems to have a good time. Having something to do seems to put everyone at ease -- including me! I spend about $1000 a year on these two parties and while I definitely consider them part of my marketing budget, I would never dream of calling them client appreciation parties! The point is to get together with all my old and new friends, have a great time and thiank them for being part of my life.

Jennifer - you know I can't resist applying this idea to Twitter. I think socializing with your SOI (everyone has an SOI even if they don't call it that) is always a good thing if, as you say, you think it's enjoyable. Whether they are clients who have already purchased or sold a home with you or just people that you know that could at some point give you business or a referral, why not socialize with them at some point.

The Twitter concept is a called a "Tweetup" where Tweets meet up in the real world. Why not extend that concept to people you know whether or not you met them on Twitter? Maybe you know them from a sign call on your listing or from an open house or if they are an actual client.

I've put out the word to all my Tweeps (Twitter followers), of which about 100 of them are within 20 miles of me, to meet up next week at a pub to watch the Yankees (assuming they are in the World Series). I have also sent an email via iContact to about 75 other people, some of whom are prospects and some of whom are friends.

If this actually comes off we might have 20 or so people I figure. I am not the "host" but I am the common denominator. Hopefully we'll have some fun. I will not talk to anyone about Real Estate but since most of them will know me primarily because I am a Realtor, it is also a good thing for business.

As you talk about in your books (which everyone should be reading) selling real estate and enjoying yourself are not mutally exclusive - in fact they should go together.

Thanks for yet another post that is though provoking. I love that your posts have a common sense element that bucks the conventional wisdom. Reminds me of a video I saw at a seminar last week where that shows two people who are "stuck" on stopped escalator. Sometimes we just need to get out of our own way!!

In other words:

Party unto others...

...as you would like to be partied unto.

I've heard something like that before.

Jennifer - I've always wondered how to do a Client Appreciation Party. Like you, I dont want the stress that comes with it. I've heard some successful realtors made their Client Appreciate Event into an Annual (By Invitation Only) Golf event. Many people actually wants to get invited because of all the hype it created. Co-incidentally, this event is NOT free either. But just the thought of getting the Invitation to the game was what everyone who knows about it want. I thought that was a pretty cool idea - to get so much hype.

But here, the more I thought about Client Appreciation Events - if it is really true that it is for the Client, I would just invite them individually to a dinner/ meal, just to spend some time, hang out.

Most of these Client Appreciation Party are another tactic of getting more business. It's really NOT to appreciate the people who has brought you success. IMHO.

Your thoughts?

Ha.....I'm for cagent appreciation gatherings.

Patricia/Seacoast NH

AWESOME way to approach the party concept, Jen....

NOW... please bear with me here....if I were to think
of a real estate agent who is a friend, as a person who
is "seducing me" into using thier services, I would feel
used for the money that "friend" made as a result of our
friendship, just like the party principle you described in
this blog...... unless she was my wife or girlfriend...
hehehehehe..... =-)

That is why I have not subscribed to your starter newsletter
on the subject.... I have come back over and over, but I just
cannot bring myself to do it...

It just strikes me odd that you would want us to "seduce" our
SOI into using our services... again, I do NOT know what is in the
starter pack for professionals, BUT if you could explain to me a
LITTLE of what is in there, it might help calm my thoughts on
the matter.

A good solid honorable relationship, not founded on "seduction"
would do the trick for me... maybe calling it something else would
help.... I just feel wierd clicking on that link...

BTW... I think you are AWESOME, Jen..... it's just that one item
that is holding me back from jumping in. Unfortunately, it makes
me wonder what else I will come upon if I order the stuff you
have...

Can you help me?

=-)

Funny - I've been watching these comments come in today as I'm diligently working on the first Winter of Soul seminar, promising to come back later and respond... but it's Alexander's question and comments that forced me back earlier than I planned!

I shall respond shortly - stay tuned!

Alexander - Here's a blog I wrote on why I use the term "seduction" when describing my sphere of influence business model. I'll admit the title is a bit provocative, but I won't apologize for it - mainly because I think there are some excellent analogies between the world of prospecting and the world of dating (which includes some sexual innuendo). And, heck, sex sells. But I don't think I've crossed any lines with any of my prospecting/dating analogy blogs. Hope not, anyway.

Trust me (she says with a wicked smile), none of my products contain offensive material, aside from a random four-letter word tossed in for effect. ;-]

Loreena - I feel the same way. I just don't have the personality to hold an "event" that people would be clamoring to attend and I'm much more comfortable "appreciating" people one on one. When I opened my own brokerage, I had a big party celebrating our Grand Opening and was a nervous wreck beforehand. Luckily my partner was much more socially-inclined, so I depended on her to make it happen.

Jim - I LOVE it! I'm still LOL'ing...

Patricia - As long as someone else organizes it...

Dana - To use a tired cliche - there's nothing common about common sense!

Rick - Ahhhhhh, yes. Twitter. Someday... ;-]

Carol - Good for you! Can I come to the next messy one? It sounds delightful!

John - Great question! Lemme throw this back at you... Why do you refer to others? Because they ask you to? Or because you like them, they're good at what they do and you know how to reach them? If you like someone, if you know they're good at their job and you know where to find them, do they really need to ask you to send them business?

Anthony - I'm with you - although I'm sure I could do a better job overall of "appreciating" my clients!

Larry - I agree. But there's just something about that term that sounds too salesy to me.

Eugene - I can't even say that I "love a good party" but I'm much more likely to go if I'm not worried about being prospected to.

Cindy - Glad it helped! Anything I can do to relieve stress... like we need any more of that!

Michael - I wish I had that personality... but I suppose I have other gifts...

Dorie - You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Claudette - EXACTLY! Perfectly said!

Maureen - doncha' hate people like that? Okay, I don't hate them, but I'll admit to a little jealousy myself.

Barbara - I think a past client would feel more honored if he or she were simply invited to your non-business-related party rather than one that is clearly business-related.

Dean - Oh, yeah!!! I agree 100%

Svetlana - I can feel your warmth and excitement about the party! Sincerity like that will be noticed and remembered. Have fun!

Missy - Let me know how the next one goes.

Chris - Great point - well-said.

Martha - I'm a terrible hostess in a too-large crowd, so I agree that smaller is better. Unfortunately, these days, maybe a "client appreciation" party would be really small! Ouch!

Raychel - Welcome aboard! There's more good stuff to explore... (she says with humility)

Bob - You're welcome!

Barbara - are you saying builders are party animals?

Bruce - send me a link to your blog!

Paul - let me know how next year's party goes!

Ken - Party on, Dude.

Joyce - any time...

Aaron - what a sweet thing to say! Thank you!

Gary - LOL!

Melissa - Oooh, I hadn't thought of that... but now that you mention it - yeah, that would be uncomfortable for this introvert.

Susan - If it works for you - keep up the good work!

Jen - can I come?

Vickie - Yep - making your clients feel like friends is much better than making them feel like paychecks...

Parties I think are a great way to keep in 'fun' contact with your clients. I like both small dinners and big parties, maybe a Christmas party or Halloween party? or just make a wonderful excuse to have one!
I've just started as a real estate agent here in New Zealand (yep, from the beautiful islands here in the Pacific) and I'm the introvert type, I had to learn how to chit chat, and have learned from your blog, Jennifer, how to work my SOI in a fun way. I knew it could be done, I just wasn't sure how to when magically I came upon your blog! I am forever yours :)

Thank you for sharing Jennifer,

Elizabeth Ordenes

Alex - Comment #43.

Sign up for the newsletter!

I'm very, very, very jaded when it comes to sales training - been there done that - for 35 years. Did I mention that I'm jaded about sales trainers? I tend to look at "new" resources like pirated versions of that stupid Luis Vuitton pattern that won't go away after 50 years.

Jennifer's stuff is relevant and lends a unique perspective to things - and she's a very engaging writer.

I must be the only agent on the planet, other than Lenn, that doesn't have an SOI. I understand the importance of maintaining contact with friends and previous clients, but I personally detest bombarding them with useless nonsense. Some clients I only contact once a year because I find something just once that I know will be important to them so I email them a link.

I have sponsored charity events and get free tables from it. I invite my clients to come and bid and support those charities. It's not about me. They get a free dinner and wine. They just need to bid on stuff at the auction. I have had pumpkin decorating and pizza parties because they are fun and have invited clients with kids to them.

I do things for my clients because it feels right at the right time, not because it's the first of the month and I have it on my calendar to contact them. I like genuine. So that's what I do.

Jennifer, I have read many of your blogs and love your approach to sales. I am in total agreement with your opinion on SOI's. Why annoy people you know and love? They know you are in the business and if they want to give you the business they'll do it without being constantly harassed. Same goes for asking for referrals - if you take care of your clients, the referrals will come. Unfortunately, I am new to the business and my mentor is of the opinion that I must badger my SOI every couple of weeks until I get some business from them or they tell me to take a hike. I REFUSE to do it! I'm too new to have an opinion on the client appreciation parties. Our office is hosting one next month. I'll be skipping it this year.

Thank you for the valuable information.

Alexander -

I would like to address your concerns about Jennifer and her SOI model, from a newbie's perspective (only 2 years in the business). It's not my place to speak for Jennifer, and I'm not trying to do that here, but I feel compelled to talk about my experience with her business model.

I don't know where I first read about Jennifer's book, Sell With Soul - probably some realtor magazine. But I felt an immediate connection to her because she was the first experienced agent I had ever encountered who didn't espouse the traditional numbers game - cold calling, working expireds, FSBO's and the like. Those sales strategies of contacting 100 people and supposedly looking forward to all those rejections because they put me closer to that one "yes," made my stomach churn. Made me want to find another profession.

On the contrary, Jennifer's book encourages agents to be themselves, to be the BEST agent they can be, to stay in touch and have fun with people you know (and who know you sell real estate), and the referrals will start to grow, as well as your business. Her main point, as I take it, is to become a master of your market and to be friendly and approachable, and people will naturally want to hire you. Sounds way better to me than cold calling! And it has certainly worked for me. I actually had one of those "duh" moments, when I realized that all I needed to do was be a great agent and an enthusiastic proponent of real estate. I've found that people ALWAYS want to talk real estate when I'm around. Do I immediately tell them that I love referrals? Nope, don't have to!

I bought Jennifer's book, and I've bought pretty much everything she sells, because it resonates so deeply with me. Don't get hung up on her term "Seduction of your SOI" - if you read what she has to say, I think it will resonate deeply with you too! (just guessing from your comments).

Anyway, I just wanted to chime in and say that Jennifer's book, blog, email campaign, and other juicy components of her business model have made me a much better agent, and therefore, a more succussful agent. instead of dreading each morning thinking that I would have to call pester people, I'm excited about who I'll encounter among the people I know.

OK....this sounds like an info-mercial, which is not my intention. But I felt compelled to speak up and support a business model that has really changed my career!

When I started in real estate, the first few years I used to buy out an entire minor league game, general admission (5000 tickets) and give them away. Clients, friends, local businesses. While I couldn't talk to everyone who came, it did make a name for me and it WORKED. Until they raised the price for me to make it unaffordable

I agree with you 100%.....calling it a client appreication party puts a lot of pressure on you if only one or two clients show up......they might think that you don't have many clients that appreciate you!

Wow Melina - that's a little harsh isn't it? You certainly are under no obligation to contact anyone you know about anything but to say that those of us who do stay in regular touch with the people in our lives are sending out useless nonsense. Really???

Jennifer - I have to agree with you on that one. I rather like the idea of tying it into some event or holiday happening.

Jeff

It's nice to know that someone is finally getting away from the odl time real estate propaganda style. A good grain of cynic salt is very good for a change.

I have 2 events a year. One is called my VIP party... "You're a VIP in my life!" kinda thing...and in the spring a "Girlfriend Party" that's limited to only the girls on my list. Is that sexist? I don't care...It's my party I'll invite who I want to! Great post!

I'm all for removing some of the stress and shoulds from this business. Be yourself works for me.

I think it would be fun to have a party. Maybe it's because I enjoy having lots of people around.

OCT

I have been toying with the idea of some type of event: there is not much of that type of activity that I hear about in Delaware. But that brings out many questions:

What is a good size for this event (amount of people)?
How do you create a budget for this type of activity?
Do you recommend co-sponsors?
How many events should you hold before you should expect some business directly attributable to them?

Thanks for all your help.......................chris

Rick it is harsh.

I have received inflatable hammers, mousepads, and other plastic items that go into our landfills. All of these are part of some lenders SOI plan. I actually had to ask her to stop sending stuff to me. A stack of business cards will suffice. I think she is great and I refer her because she does a good job. Not because she stays in contact with me by sending me some cutsy marketing thing.

I really dislike thinking that I am just a line in someone's database and honestly it drives me away. Send me something useful (like Lisa Heindel's newsletter) no problem. Just don't send me stuff that goes right into our landfills. It isn't genuine and it's gimmicky. I don't like gimmicky as a consumer. I am not a line in a database.

Melina. No denying that there is a lot of useless promotional stuff out there. My observation about your "harsh" comment was that you seem to paint all marketing follow up with a very broad, unsubtantiated brush. I'm not familiar with the newsletter you reference but I subscribe to a number of excellent newsletters. I don't claim that my own is the best in the world but all of my subscribers have voluntairily subscribed. I have an open rate of about 35% and I have very few unsubcribe requests so I have to believe that my content has some value.

Melina - you're preaching to the choir here - no one dislikes and preaches against cheesy, gimmicky nonsense more than I do. Inspiring your sphere of influence (which in my definition is "everyone who knows you and knows that you sell real estate") to send you business and referrals is not accomplished by sending out stupid stuff; it's inspired by being a great real estate agent (first and foremost) who stays in touch with the people he or she knows. Without pestering them for business or referrals.

And I know Rick supports this opinion 100% as well.

Christopher - You're asking the wrong gal for this type of advice! I'm SO not a party planner - I have no idea. I'll just say that whatever is most comfortable for you in terms of crowd size, budget, ambience and co-sponsors is what you should do. Stay IN your comfort zone when socializing and you'll see results fairly quickly! It's when you try to be someone you're not just because someone tells you "should" be a certain that you scare people off...

I completely agree with your post! I don't think it would be appeal to a past client because they probably won't know anyone at the party!

You're on the list Jen!

Good point! I guess when I really think about it I send most of my referrals to colleagues that I like and really don't have to ask me to send them referrals.

OCT

Like the comment about going with what you enjoy and your gut and taking into account how you would like it if you were invited! I have been saying the same thing to my agents!! Thank you!

OCT

I am copying and pasting my comment I typed to the post you pointed to in the link you gave with your response to my comment, Jen.......... here it is again:

=======================================================

Ok... I read your post on the explanation of the word "seduction" in your newsletter.....

From what I see... you are saying that in order to get something (sex in marriage, or business in life) you have to be:

making them (prospects ~~~ friends~~~ spouse) feel special and cared about
fun to be around (inviting them to parties, involving them in your vacations by sending them a postcard, etc.)
courteous
a person who genuinely listens to them
helpful
honest
Send them marketing materials for THEM (relating to what is going on in THEIR lives), rather than being merely self serving (HEY... I'm in real estate, remember me.......do ya have any business for me, "BUDDY"?)

It sounds as if you have a VERY good marriage if your husband and you treat each other this way, Jen. To appreciate each other by being a giving, loving, considerate spouse will ALWAYS result in romantic sparks flying and at the very least, it keeps the embers of a relationship warm and cozy.

The same goes for any relationship............... real estate included........ everyone wants to be cared about.... and listened to... and feel as if they mean something other than just a commission check.......... you have put it in a slightly sassy and fun way, Jen.

I will subscribe to your newsletter, lady...... I'll let your husband take out the trash and help with the dishes..... I am sure you will find some way to thank him.... have fun, Jen............hehehehehe ;-)

=-)

============================================================

I just want you to know I appriciate your response to my comment I made in this post.... AND the fact that you responded the way you did, Jen.... I KNEW there was a reason why I kept coming back......

You are FOR REAL..... you are not "just about the money......" (I wish I could put this a better way, but I have not had my morning coffee yet...... ;-) )

I LIKE THAT!!

=-)

Well, THANK YOU Alexander! I was nervous when I saw that you'd responded - but obviously I shouldn't have been... I appreciate all the kind words AND the excellent analysis of what I was trying to say.

And, I'm not married, so the trash is still my responsibility!

I will take that as a complememnt that you were nervous... that says
to me you CARE about what you do, Jen.... and what you do shows your
reputation.

Seriously... don't be nervous when someone asks you what you are all about....

Just be YOU...... that smiling, sweet person you are, lady.....

I haven't subscribed to your blog for nothing.... I do believe in what you teach.

And...PLEEZE...call me Alex... Alexander is so..... formal.... ok?

Heck, I call you Jen...and you have said nothing to me about it.

So...call me Alex.....

=-)

OCT

I really like the way you see things. Definitely like the change in words from "client appreciation" to "a friend or acquaintance who happens to throw a good party."

Jody - I'm keeping a list of terms we use that need replacing! But yes, I love the way you put that - "a friend or acquaintance who happens to throw a good party."

Jen............... I thought you had a newsletter.............. or did I read wrong???

Nope - on my home page you can sign for any or all of my newsletters - www.sellwithsoul.com. Let me know if you can't find it!

I found it, Jen....... I went back to your post you had the link to....... I registered.....

Thanks......

I just hope I start to have fun with my new friends in Chicago......

(I am glad you did NOT call me "Alexander" again, Jen..... it sometimes makes me feel as if I need to go get a Macedonian dictionary... if you understand where I am coming from....hehehehehe =-) )

NOV

I am also for throwing the party under a new name. I always want reasons to invite people over although I do stress with the menu, etc. Ends up being a great evening.

NOV

Alex, welcome to the Sell with Soulers. Jen and I have been personal friends since around 1992, way before she started in real estate. She was just as true blue then as she is now!

Thanks, Lois.................. If my name was Clark, I would have a
really funny joke for ya.....hehehehehe...nothin nasty mind
you... hopefully just funny....

Jen is a really nice girl.... I have been subscribed to her blog for over 2 years.
I cannot for any reason understand why such a nice girl is single.

=-)

NOV

Jennifer,

When my Broker suggests a client appreciation party, I get a sick feeling in my stomach. I always thought I had to work through that. But your way is much more comfortable for me. The only problem for me is where to have the party. My house is kind of average and small. Restaurants are expensive. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks

Adele,

I struggle with that, too. I have three dogs and not much furniture these days, so any sort of get-together at my house is out of the question. I hate the idea of renting a place - that would push me out of my comfort zone too much. Do you have a self-employed friend (lender, insurance agent?) who might be willing to host and "share" SOI's?

I have a good friend who is a lender and she lives in a fabulous house - we always planned to have a Women Who Wine party there and invite all our women friends... it never happened, but we had good intentions!

Thanks for the idea Jennifer. How do I buy your book? I know you have a website for that. Please let me know what the site is.

Thanks

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?