I learned early in life the power of words and how the ability to put myself into someone elses shoes could pay off...
It was second grade, and there was an essay contest and the title was assigned: "If I Were a Pair of Purple Tennis Shoes." So the theme wasn't just to walk in someone elses shoes, it was to put myself in shoe's shoes! It was an interesting concept, and as a born and budding writer, I was up to the challenge.
I remember clearly my process in writing that essay, even though it's been over 40 years. I remember that process, because as an intuitive person, I've always been able to see things from other's perspectives and really understand how another feels. And then with that understanding, I can offer empathy and support.
I'm not writing about the joys and pitfalls of being purple tennis shoes much these days, but I'm always putting myself in another's situation, especially as a REALTOR®. In doing that I'm asking the very same questions in regard to people who have real estate needs, that I asked myself when I was in second grade pretending I was a pair of purple tennis shoes.
- What is their motivation?
- What do they want the most?
- How does it feel to be in their situation?
- What could be their biggest problems?
- What sort of creative ideas could help them with their biggest problems?
- How can I help them help themselves?
Asking yourself questions like these, makes it about your prospects, customers, and clients. Acting on the answers you get from these questions will quickly set you apart. Just like my essay was chosen as the winning essay in the entire second grade, you as a real estate professional will set yourself apart from the rest.
What did I win? Well, I'll never forget. It was the biggest thrill of my life to that moment. I was born in Anchorage, AK and it was a big deal to go to the only McDonald's in town. I remember walking with the other winners to that nearby McDonald's and getting a cheeseburger lunch. I learned in that moment that there was power in words and the way they were expressed. There was power in putting myself in shoe's shoes. You may not have been born a writer, but unless you have an untreatable narcissistic personality disorder, you most likely can learn to put yourself in another's position and express yourself accordingly. When you are truly about another's needs, wants and desires, they know it. In our profession, there is really no other way to be. It really isn't about us, it's about what we have to offer.
This is how I set myself apart as a REALTOR® in Salem, OR. Walking in shoe's shoes really is a winning strategy.
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