Ever want to just reach through your phone and grab the person on the other end of the line and shake them into being nice?!

Don't laugh... have you checked how you sound recently?  

If you feel like this:                             character looking in mirror     then you probably sound like that to the person on the other end of the phone.   When I managed an office of consultants, the phones were our lifelines.  It was and still is important to have a pleasant tone and be courteous and helpful to our callers. 

We once had a Motivational Speaker who had us put mirrors on all of the desks.  She suggested we look in the mirror when we were on the phone to "check" our faces.  Did we have a "Smile" or "Frown" on? 

And you?  How do you sound to your Sellers or Buyers?  When they've called you for the 20th time in one day, do you still have your SMILE on your face?    The same thing applies to your peers... other Realtors, Stagers, Lenders...  how are you coming across?                      

If you're taking stock of your business and wondering why you may not be getting referrals or call backs, head to Target and place that mirror on your desk.  When the phone rings, be sure to look in the mirror before you open your mouth!                                                                                                   woman on phone

 

And, to end on a funny note and cautionary tale:  one of my favorite counselors loved this trick.  She took to the mirror like a duck takes to water.  She was and is beautiful and loved looking at herself in the mirror while she was on the phone.  No, she was not vain.  And, she always had a smile on her face when she spoke on the phone.

Anyway, one day as a joke (hey it was Friday afternoon and we were bored), I walked by her desk while she was on the phone with a consultant at our other office and took her mirror away.  She became so flustered she literally couldn't talk!  She had become so dependent on that mirror!

 Kathy Streib 

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17 Comments on Mirror, Mirror On the Wall... Am I the Fairest of them All????

SEP
08
2010
Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kathy - Great story - I had a receptionist years ago who was awful answering the phone. I gave her a mirror and promised her a new lipstick at the end of the week if there wasn't any complaints by the end of each week. It worked. Sometimes people just need to be reminded. Thanks for the reminder.
8:07pm • #1
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Linda- how funny!  I should have used the lipstick reward with my consultant. 
8:15pm • #2
242,787 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

You can totally hear the other person's emotions.  One of the very first phone lessons I ever learned was to smile before you speak.
9:34pm • #3
985,158 Points 80 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Great post Kathy............love the story...............I would have taken the mirror from her desk too............that's great.  Phone etiquette is so important.
10:10pm • #4
511,432 Points 12 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

One of my agents has a mirror right behind her computer.  And, when she is on the phone she puts the laptop down so she can make sure she is completely natural and smiling.  Doesn't work for me.  I'm the cap down straight ahead guy.  I know what to say and how to say it....smile or not.

But, good advice. 
10:16pm • #5
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Kathy

A smile will make all the difference.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig
11:15pm • #6
186,241 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Hi Kathy, so true, we we smile we smile in our conversations, if we frown...
11:34pm • #7
SEP
09
2010
1,137,278 Points 153 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Very interesting idea.  never thought abt the mirror.  I'll have to try that.
7:30am • #8
1,029,896 Points 238 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Christine- good lesson you learned!  How many times have any of us answered the phone, even at home, with a gruff "Hello"!

Roger- true story- can you imagine both of us in an office setting!  More than likely we would have been asked to leave!

Don- You have to go with what works for you.. "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" 

Lou- I know you get the drill... you always have a smile on your face!

Barbara- the phone just won't cover up your mood.

Debbie- give it a try, just don't become too distracted!!  I think the smile works for any of us.  If you're in a bad mood.. just force yourself to smile.
8:30am • #9
780,264 Points 38 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

This is so funny...I love this idea.  The lipstick is a good motivational prize for an office situation too.
8:48am • #10

Great post and a time tested phone tip that always works!  Great post.
11:49am • #11
1,098,392 Points 25 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Kathy, I always heard that you can hear a person smile on the other end of the phone...listen, you can.
1:32pm • #12
135,951 Points Called Shot Master

Kathy, this is a great post that serves as an important reminder about the importance of "smiling" on the phone.  And, it shows us that you have a bit of a "prankster" in you.
2:03pm • #13
SEP
14
2010
333,173 Points 6 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Kathy - I always try to keep that in mind, especially when dealing with the banks on short sales. 
2:38pm • #14
SEP
15
2010
1,029,896 Points 238 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Sharon- I like the lipstick idea too!

Janine- I think there are probably a lot of desks with mirrors on them.

Rebecca- You're right you CAN hear a person smile on the other end.  You can also tell if they're in a bad mood.

Mary Kay- Oh Oh, you caught me.  I am a big time prankster, just as long as no one is hurt. 

Jim- You might need to have 3 mirrors for that!!
4:25pm • #15
NOV
17
2010
269,988 Points 7 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Kathy, good reminder. I also put myself in the right frame of mind and tone when dialing because what you are thinking translates to how you are perceived.
1:28pm • #16
NOV
20
2010
1,029,896 Points 238 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Ross- good point; if you're not in the right mood, or have just had a difficult conversation with someone, it's not a good time to make that sales call!
4:22pm • #17

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Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224

Delray Beach, FL

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