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The Me, Me, Me Generation

I recently wrote a blog on Agents that are barricading themselves in when it comes to their emails. It can be read at http://www.lifeasanagent.com/jim-hirschhorn/speak-when-spoken-to-only/show/.

My experience came from trying to contact these agents for recruiting purposes but was struck by how difficult some are making it for customers to get through the maze to their email. If and agent is so guarded that they don't make it easy for customers to contact them on their cell phones or send them an email, they are truly missing the boat.

I used to work with an agent who would tell people, everytime he got a call on his cell phone..."Could you call me on a land line, I don't want to use my minutes". This translates to, "You are not important enough for me to spend money on you."

The same can be said for email. SPAM blockers are fine but creating layers and layers of complexity with "Safe lead" email blocks and return messages asking what your email is about before they let you in seems crazy to me.

If an agent is that worried about meeting new people, they are in the wrong business!

Posted by Jim Hirschhorn, GRI, Real Living - Orlando on 10/30/2007 07:56 AM

Comments (5)

email, spam, agents, realtors, real living real estate solutions, customers

5 Comments on The Me, Me, Me Generation

I've never heard of the in-box "safe email" blocks...I can see how that would hurt consumer contact.

I know I personally have a couple of local real estate offices blocked because of the flood of unwanted listings emailed despite being asked to be unsubscribed. If their broker was trying to sent me recruiting information I wouldn't receive it.

10/30/2007 08:53 AM

by Kris Wales-A partner for your real estate needs in Macomb County MI (RE/MAX Advantage 1, Inc.)

Jim I agree, when I am on a website or trying to email someone and I have to go through the maze, I leave and never return. I have several email address also, my personal address is only given to my friends so that I know the emails in there are good. I also have a junk email address that I use when filling out things on line or on my business cards that I leave with vendors at a convention, I only check that one about once a month.

10/30/2007 08:59 AM

by The All Pro Team (EXIT Realty Leaders)

I can't believe anybody would say that to a client. Do we want to project wealth not scrimping??

10/30/2007 09:01 AM

by Todd & Danielle Millar (Glenn Simon Inc.)

Kris...I can understand a targeted approach. We all have people that are relentless with unwanted info.

All Pro - Great idea to have multiple email addresses...it still remains seemless for the customer!

Todd and Danielle - Does this mean I have to sell my Yugo?

10/30/2007 09:56 AM

by Jim Hirschhorn, GRI, Real Living - Orlando (Real Living Real Estate Solutions)

I just got another one. Here is what it looks like...

I apologize for this automatic reply to your email.

To control spam, I now allow incoming messages only from senders I have approved beforehand.

If you would like to be added to my list of approved senders, please fill out the short request form (see link below). Once I approve you, I will receive your original message in my inbox. You do not need to resend your message. I apologize for this one-time inconvenience.

Click the link below to fill out the request:

Is it just me or does this defeat the purpose of agents being accessible?

11/02/2007 10:12 AM

by Jim Hirschhorn, GRI, Real Living - Orlando (Real Living Real Estate Solutions)

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