Since I started with Active Rain a couple of months ago I have responded to several of the referral posts which are available. I have even been able to speak directly to a couple of the Realtors(R) who put those referral requests in the directory, and the calls were very promising at first. Sadly, even though there have been multiple follow-ups on my end, it seems that the trend with these Realtors(R) is one in which they do not do what they say they are going to do. No calls back after many messages, text messages with many excuses as to why they have not done what was promised (furnishing the actual referral agreements and client info).
There is a serious lack from what I have seen with regard to other Realtors(R) following through on things they promised and it eats a lot of my time following up with no real benefit realized. Is this unprofessional? It absolutely is!
This leads me to a few thoughts.
One, if you are a Realtor(R) and you put referrals in the directory which generate contact from another Realtor(R), follow through! Do not let it drop when the other Realtor(R) is working hard and spending their time to follow up with you on a verbal agreement you have already reached on the telephone! It is unprofessional and frustrating for a Realtor(R) who is serious about doing business when they are left in a situation where their time is wasted due to your lack of follow up.
Two, you have very likely short-changed your clients who are counting on you to come through for them. Your clients enlist your services because they trust you to do what is in their best interest. If you aren't following through when you are contacted on a referral you added to the directory, your client's trust is misplaced and they don't even know that it is.
Your clients deserve better! You have a responsibility to your clients above and beyond all else to be honest, diligent and protect their interests.
You also have a professional responsbility to other Realtors(R) who are working to help your clients. If the referral is still active and you have spoken to them directly, choose your words carefully. DO NOT promise things you will not deliver. This will only hurt you and your business. They have spent time and energy working for you and in order to create a working relationship you MUST reciprocate!
And finally, be honest. If you have lost the client, or if you have no intentionn of following through with the referral agreement; don't promise it!
I did not intend for this to sound like a rant, but I feel that something had to be said. Many of us are working hard to keep our businesses going, and taking time out of our day to follow up for weeks on end to facilitate helping other Realtors'(R) clients is a complete waste of time and energy which could be directed elsewhere if the referring agent does not follow through.
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