I was reading something recently in which the author mentioned how many real estate agents hate farming. I then recalled many of the comments I hear from agents and others about the challenges they experience in approaching people they do not know.

I find it interesting that so many people who are not comfortable in approaching others would get into a business where their success depends on it. Such a person is caught in a rapprochement conflict within themselves – they want to go both ways at once (toward and away from). We won’t get into all of the psychodynamic issues involved in this (thank goodness!).

Look at the prospective client. They’re also conflicted - they want help and information, but don’t want to be hassled or intruded upon (push/pull – rapprochement conflict). Thank goodness for the Internet!

Many agents want some magic technology (Internet, fax blast, auto call) that will bring in the business without them having to expose themselves to others. I find that infinitely curious – it’s a people business. It’s all about people and relationships. The desire for community and connection is one of the deep drives in a human being. Everybody wants connection, friendship and community except the pathologically schizoid. (Can you tell yet, that I love psychology and human dynamics? People are infinitely fascinating.)

I went to see the new James Bond movie at Hacienda Crossings in Dublin, CA few days after it opened. The theater was crowded. We found two seats on the left aisle, but before I sat down, I said to the couple behind us –

You guys aren’t going to cause any trouble are you?
No way…
Great, can I sell you a house while we wait?
We just bought one.
And you didn’t call me??

Well, we were all laughing and they made sure my cell phone was turned off (you know Realtors!). Then we started passing out business cards. If you’re ever in need of “body work” in Dublin, California, see Tammy Marquez at Kinetic Chain Sport Massage Therapy.We enjoyed the movie and the interaction.

By the way, they mentioned – oh, we’ve seen your signs. See previous post – How the Sign Police…

I can appreciate that there are many people that cannot do this type of thing. I used to have a SEO and Internet Marketing business. I’m going to do a series of articles beginning Christmas eve to demonstrate just how easy and fun it is to farm – using you and the Internet. I know you can find many such articles, but I think I can offer you something that hasn't been noted yet. It will help you own your farm.