As this year comes to an end I wonder how I can find new ways to address the image problems some Realtors like me have to face. I'm at a party and someone asks me what I do for a living and I tell him I'm a Realtor and he asks me what I did before that. I tell him at one time I did have a real job with a salary and 401K. I traveled on planes, attended meetings, gave presentations, met deadlines and toed the line of survival within the corporate structure. He looks at me and says, "Oh really." I wouldn't have been surprised if he asked for my resume.
I understand that there are many Super Star Realtors out there with lots of Gravitas and Respect. I have actually seen some of those people. But I'm not talking about them. I'm talking about the guys like me who have a hard time in regards to Respect. Maybe it's Las Vegas, where the word Realtor evokes thoughts and words like Scum and Schist-er. Like any professional I have spent years learning my trade as so many of you have. If I were to add up the hours of learning I probably could have used that time for a degree in law or medicine - but I didn't - so I don't get to be called doc or counselor, and I don't get the best seat in the restaruant.
There is no question that I need to tweak my Persona and become more conceded about what I do. After all I am a professional and it's time to start acting like one. I'm going to start asking for signatures and money much sooner that I used to. I think the lack of time in the exchange of money is the crux of the problem. People tend to respect you a lot more when they are paying you. A Doctor charges right when he's done with you on the first visit. A lawyer usually charges you up front. They set the tone. They control the deal. They call the shots. We have to wait until a property closes escrow and still somebody else is trying to control the deal.
I have to get better at calling the shots while I drive out of towners around to look at properties before they even sign a buyers agreement or show me a Proof of Funds.
Sometimes I get no respect - no respect at all. My New Year's Resolution is to change that.
Comments(1)