User33170_16_t Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker
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Loyalty and Relationships. Remember those early days of any relationship....the courting was fun, you felt special, and you loved the attention and got your needs met? So, what happened after the Honeymoon period? 

Relationships are something that should never be neglected. Many of us are experiencing a decrease in our business right now, and we all know that it is tough to overcome the drop in our closed Escrows. Is this the time to neglect those that have been loyal?  Is this the time to go looking for greener pastures?

What many people seem to forget is we can outgrow our first love, and our loyalty might indeed move somewhere else. Loyalty might have a cost, but once the Market's cycle reverses , believe me we will remember who supported us, and who didn't. If we have to call you all the time, and you never call on us, we will remember.

 How loyal are you to the people that helped you get to where you are today, and would you desert them if their business had decreased?

 

 

By:Kathy McGraw - CELLing Realty

 
Posted by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker on 11/10/2007 08:24 PM   Comments (52)   kathy mcgraw  

52 Comments on How Loyal are You.....

Hi Kathy, Loyalty is very important.  Our clients appreciate knowing they matter.  I think it goes beyond just calling them...it also involves listening and remembering what is important to them.  Thanks for a good reminder.

11/10/2007 08:29 PM by Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate

Kathy, my Father taught me at a very young age to "never burn bridges."  Your post expresses that sentiment  and reminds us all of this important maxim.

11/10/2007 08:31 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)

Yes, loyalty is important especially in a business that relies on relationship building. 

11/10/2007 08:39 PM by Wayne Miller (Beach & Luxury Realty, Inc)

The only trait more important than loyalty is trustworthiness. I agree completely that we should stay loyal as consumers and as professionals. 

11/10/2007 08:47 PM by RolandoTheRealtor, RE/MAX agent in Frisco/Keystone/Breckenridge, Colorado (RE/MAX Properties of the Summit, Frisco, Colorado)

The easiest field to plow is the one you plowed last year. We always need to farm our past customers and clients. I still am occasionally taken back by a client that I call and they say "hey glad you called, I just was thinking about buying another investment property, any hot deals out there"?

11/10/2007 08:58 PM by KC Coonc, Bellingham Commercial Real Estate (Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom, Inc.)

Ah...the give and take throughout any relationship....regardless in business or personal life. You have to water the flowers to keep them growing.

11/10/2007 09:06 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), e-PRO HAWAII Relocations & HAWAII Real Estate (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)

Kathy, I believe I have built up loyalty and trust with my clients--we get so connected that many "client" relationships change to friends.  I'm always very grateful for that.

11/10/2007 09:51 PM by Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York (Feng Shui Long Island & New York City)

Lola-You said it perfectly "listening and remembering"  that is what helps keep a relationship viable.  thanks....

Brian- Not "Burning Bridges" is important, this too was drilled into me by my Grandmother.

Wayne- thank you....and isn't it amazing how so many people don't grasp this concept :)

Rolando- "staying loyal as consumers and professionals".....GREAT insight :) :)

KC-We just never know what "that field" will sow if we neglect it.....good ananlogy, I liked it.  thank you......

11/10/2007 10:12 PM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

Sally- you stated :  "we have to water the flowers to keep them growing"  Yes, we sure do, in both our business and personal lives as you so eloquently stated.  Thanks......

Carole-And that's what is important.....building relationships on loyalty and trust (Rolando said the same too)......it's a shame some people will neglect these relationships, and even the ones that have turned into a friendship......

11/10/2007 10:18 PM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

Kathy- I am the year of the dog, one of my traits is strong, very strong loyalty. SO loyal even to an abusive man of 20 years, and I never put him in jail, I never deserted him and I never betrayed him even though he did betray me many times. Loyalty is so important in relationships. I am so loyal to others and their businesses that when I do business with them and then they choose to list with someone else, I get upset. Not as much as I used to. Now I go take my business somewhere else, because I believe it works both ways. Katerina

11/11/2007 12:39 AM by Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.)

Kathy, this was so timely.  I was thinking the other day about how many agents are "jumping ship" and going to other brokerages and how many clients are putting the "fast cheap" service first before loyalty to agents that have worked hard for them.

Loyalty is so very important to me - it's right up there with honesty.

11/11/2007 04:55 AM by Kris Wales-Macomb County MI real estate -Ask me about buyers agency in Michigan (RE/MAX Advantage 1, Inc.)

Hi Kathy,
What great comments here.  I am reminded of Donald T. Regan's quote "You've got to give loyalty down, if you want loyalty up".  There's a sermon in that quote.

 

11/11/2007 06:26 AM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)

Loyalty sometimes is hard to understand with your clients and your friends. It really depends on how you define it.

11/11/2007 09:47 AM by Neal Bloom-Realtor ® Assoc.-CRS-Weston FL (RE/MAX Premier Associates)

Kathy, I think loyalty is one of the best traits to have. You hit the nail on the head, thanks for sharing those thoughts.

11/11/2007 09:59 AM by Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate)

Hi Katerina- Your comment was interesting to me....interesting in the sense that Loyalty shouldn't be confused with resolution....you were resolved to be a good wife, and a good mother, and at that time, those were your choices......but Loyal, I'm not sure???  Maybe, but so many victims of Domestic Violence have low self esteems, and it really isn't about loyalty to others as it is a lack of to themselves......

Even reading your comment I can see the change in your behavior(s)....first staying in a dysfunctional relationship, next getting upset if they didn't list with you and the third one......that's HEALTHY.........:) :)And you are right Loyalty does work both ways.

Kris- I'm with you.....I am blessed as none of my Agents have left, and we actually had to cut commissions.  But everything is a 2 way street.....when things were great everyone made money, now we all make less, but together, and later we will all make more....together.

As for clients....yes, some leave, but many stay.  I honestly believe, and live my own philosophy that in the long run our own behaviors and attitudes effect the Loyalty of Others :)

Cynthia-
Ahh, see my comment above.....we do indeed have to give to get.....:)  And nothing in this life is more important than our own reputation, and how we decide to treat not only ourselves, but everyone else as well. These relationships are paramount to success, both personal and business.

Neal-I like your comment, it makes me think. There could be many variables to the definition, and many circumstances where the definition would change.....Thank you for that wise statement :)

Gaylen- Thank you :)

 

 

11/11/2007 10:51 AM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

Kathy,

Loyalty I feel is a quality in life that we learn at a young age.  I am very loyal to the people I do business with.  Loyalty to my service providers has been easy.  I am still using the same appraiser that I started with from the beginning.  However with companies, I have moved around in the past.  I look at it this way, if a company is not going to have your best interest in heart, then how can they expect you to return the favor.  My most loyal clients, business partners and vendors are the ones that the relationship has been based on having each others best interests in heart.  I think this is what keeps one loyal. 

11/11/2007 12:55 PM by Gary Miljour - Mortgage Lending for Tempe Arizona (Cherry Creek Mortgage Company)

Kathy - You raise an excellent point. Loyalty is not forgotten. Stick with those who take care of you through thick and thin.

11/11/2007 02:22 PM by Tom Plant - Murrieta Real Estate Expert - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)

Kathy-what an interesting topic for my thoughts recently.  For me, I have great loyalty to all the people that surround me. I do find it hurtful when others don't reciprocate that loyalty.  Whether it's somebody close to me, a business affiliate, or family.  I feel that loyalty should never be compromised, unless of course it's loyalty to no good. 

11/11/2007 05:21 PM by Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~Utah REALTOR® (Keller Williams Salt Lake City)

I keep up with family, friends and past clients that is where my referrals come from

11/11/2007 06:36 PM by Vicki Bishop GRI - Alabama Real Estate (Coldwell Banker United Realtors®)

Kathy - this is a great topic and it's very easy to apply it even here to AR. After a short while I could see different attitudes to loyalty. The foundation for any good relationship is that it's a two way street. Loyalty is part of such foundation -it doesn't work if it's just one way.

 

11/11/2007 11:31 PM by Faina Sechzer - Princeton, Montgomery, Hopewell, NJ Real Estate Expert (Henderson-Sotheby's International Realty)

Gary- What you said makes a lot of sense.  I wish I could say I learned loyalty at a young age, but I didn't .  I think I have learned everything the hard way.....but this one I value very much, and I too am very loyal to my Vendors, and everyone that has helped me along the way. I agree if someone doesn't have your best interests at heart then it might be time to move on.......as Faina said it is a 2 way street.

Tom- "Stick with someone through thick and thin", well said, thank you.

Julie-Many of us think of this theme, and lately sometimes even more. I am a little confused on the "Loyalty for no good", unless you meant someone that was involved in dysfunctional behaviors? words can sometimes mean different things to different people, or situations......

Vicki- Good for you, and i bet they appreciate it too :) :)

Faina-Wise words.....any and all relationships need more than 1 person. Thank you for reminding us.

11/12/2007 12:26 AM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

After I put,  I feel that loyalty should never be compromised, although I truly feel that way.  There are times that people are of no good, with bad intentions that want us to be loyal to them and that is the only time that the loyalty should be compromised.  I was justifying my own sentence.  Sorry about that confusion.  Have a fabulous week. 

11/12/2007 07:21 AM by Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~Utah REALTOR® (Keller Williams Salt Lake City)

Julie- You have a good week too, and thanks for the clarification....now I understand :)

11/12/2007 09:30 AM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

Kathy...I really found it interesting that your agents have stayed even though the commission structure has changed.  It is a wonderful testament to you.  Perhaps it is because of loyalty but it also could be that they are astute enough to know they are in a good place.  Every office is not a good place to be no matter the commission split.  Congratulations to your entire office.

Kathleen

11/12/2007 07:06 PM by Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Lake & Country)

Even without calling a person, I've sent past clients business and they then call me and say "Thank you, I can't believe that you remembered what I do and thank you for the business" This really shows the clients I care and even during slow times, I get referrals from these past clients.

11/13/2007 01:12 AM by Todd Clark (Realtor), GRI (Your Washington Co. Real Estate Expert) (Kastings & Associates)

Kathleen-Thank you.....I guess one of the things I like about our office is that everyone gets a say in how things go.  I was honest with everyone and just asked them if they would be willing to make the change until things got better. Every single person agreed, and evereyone said they wanted to stay.........

I also believe that if you show people they are appreciated, help them as much as you can, and be available to listen that everyone wins.  We all work together, help each other, and don't tolerate backstabbing, or any of the other things that can happen in some offices.....and we all work through the stresses together......it's nice.

The other thing is I have NEVER pressured anyone to go get more sales, or listings, or anything.  Everyone is treated fairly and with dignity no matter how much business they may have, or not have. 

Todd- As you said  it is remembering, and reciprocating the business that builds loyalty.  good for you....

11/13/2007 01:37 AM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

Kathy...Your response to my comment reaffirms what I thought.  A good place is worth a great deal of money.  It is so comforting to be in an office where you are confident you will get the support you need when you need it, the cheering up when things aren't going just right, and the happiness for you when you're on cloud nine.  It certainly makes for a more contented and productive environment.  You've got one smart office.

11/13/2007 08:48 AM by Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Lake & Country)

Kathleen- thanks...we lke it :)

11/13/2007 09:08 AM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

Kathy, Thank you for the reminder. The phone works both ways and when it isn't ringing on my end I will practice your advice...Deb

11/13/2007 04:07 PM by Deb at Brooks Prime Properties

Kathy...

Loyalty seems to be tough for people nowadays. The disposal society in which we live does not help.

I have noted that relationships suffer as a result of folks not having a firm grasp of what loyalty really is.

TLW...ROAR!

11/13/2007 05:16 PM by "The Lovely Wife"...Broker Bryant's Wife... (Co-Owner Tutas Towne Realty, Inc.)

Debra- The phone does indeed work both ways....and good for you for wanting to make that effort even if others don't.

TLW- Yes, I too have seen Loyalty suffer...and it's a shame that we do live in a "disposable society"as you say.  But, for every person that doesn't stick with you , there will be someone that does :) :)  How did Bobby say it......"An Attitude of Gratitude"  that is what Loyalty is......and for you I have that attitude :)

11/13/2007 06:18 PM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

Kathy, I am loyal to the people I work with (business and personal) because of the relationship. It has nothing to do with their business decreasing. That would be so "false friend"-like. You find out your true friends and good business associates when times are tough! It's ALWAYS about the relationship.

11/13/2007 07:14 PM by Gary Woltal - REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty)

Kathy,

Great topic!!  All relationships, whether business or personal, need to be nutured or they will die.  Now, more than ever, it will be vitally important to keep in contact with everyone we know in order to keep the loyalty alive.

11/13/2007 08:53 PM by Harold Watts' Palm Springs Real Estate Blog (Scott Lyle Realtors)

Gary- I like what you said about a "false friend" ....and yes you do find out who your friends are during any tough time in life.....some people don't want the problems associated with someone down, and some weren't really friends at all...just "Fair weather Friends".......It is all about the realtionships......

Harold- you stated:  "All relationships, whether business or personal, need to be nutured or they will die." There is nothing more to say than that.......thank you :) :)

11/13/2007 10:21 PM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

Just like a sports team in a slump, this is when we need to go back to the basics and make sure our relationships are good with our past clients.  

11/13/2007 10:26 PM by Lane Bailey - REALTOR & Car Guy (Diamond Dwellings Realty)

Kathy, I believe in loyalty and consider myself to be a very loyal person.  That loyalty has not always been in my best interest or the best interest of my family & career though.  Sometimes decisions need to be made that many would turn around and claim as disloyal and yet it needs to be left to that individual person.  There are many levels of relationships and I don't think that making a change in one means disloyalty is involved.

11/13/2007 10:31 PM by Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Tomlinson South Spokane)

Hey, Kathy!  I clicked the Online Now button, saw your photo, and thought to myself...  "I haven't commented on Kathy's blog for a couple of days.  She's going to begin to think I don't read her anymore.  Then I read this blog!  You couldn't be more right!  Gold star time!
Mike in Tucson

11/13/2007 11:13 PM by Mike Jones (Tucson Mortgage Company, LLC)

You know this post is making me feel real guilty.... not really for I see you and your families smiling faces in my prayers.  Loyalty is very important to me.  It is ironic that I just gave a stern lecture to a business associate about it. 
Loyalty is very important but not at the sacrifice of someone's best interests.  When coupled with integrity and honesty it should not be an issue.  But some won't see it that way.

Question...
If I have a referral to an area with two great colleagues, is it disloyal to refer it directly to the one who hasn't given a recent referral but is the best candidate for my prospect or should I refer to the other professional whom I do lot's of business with who will then pass it on in their network?

If you've been around long enough this is bound to happen, What is your take?

Miss You Kathy!  Hugs and Love

11/14/2007 07:47 AM by Sharon (Toni) Brown - South Ozone Park - New York City Real Estate (Exit Realty United)

Kathy, I would like to think I am very loyal.  My company is owned by a family of five and they were amazing in helping me to get started.  They handed me my first two deals (one of them was a $500,000 waterfront cash buyer).  If it was not for them I know I would not have made it.

I earned my brokers license in 2006 and have been offered several broker/manager jobs with other companies, but I love this company so much I can't leave.  In passing up those job opportunities I gave up a salary!!

11/14/2007 07:56 AM by The All Pro Team (EXIT Realty Leaders)

Lane- Good Analogy.....thanks :)

Joddie-you stated: "There are many levels of relationships and I don't think that making a change in one means disloyalty is involved. "   This is an interesting concept, and to be honest I had not thought of it like that......and the rest of your comment is right on as well.  We have to take ourselves in consideration, and sometimes we do pay a price for loyalty. 

Mike- why thank you sir :):)   What online now button?????  I didn't know you could tell who was online? I have been absolutely swamped this week, and getting ready for Vacation....I am sure I have missed several people. Busy busy busy......but boy will that vacation feel nice with no phones, or computer :)

Toni B.- You are such a joy....are you in Vegas?  Your question is one I would have to give more thought to...but off he Top of my head.....I would say that whoever will meet your clients needs the best should have the referral.  I might, depending on the circumstances ask the first one about what they have done, or could do, unless I knew for sure the other one was the best.  We all want what is best for our clients.....

All Pro Team- I would have to agree with you.  Staying with the company that has helped you shows your character.....and this is a very hard decision to make sometimes.....continued success to you :)

11/14/2007 08:39 AM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

Loyalty is so important in personal relationships as well as business.  We value those who have helped and encouraged us in our life and our business.

11/14/2007 01:12 PM by Jeff and Lisa Sellers (The Sellers Realty Lubbock,TX)

I agree with many of your individual posts.

The way I see it is Respect is a lot like Loyalty it is earned and not giving.  It is only when you do have a good honest working relationship is when a level of loyalty can be established. 

Anne D.

11/14/2007 05:03 PM by Anne Seminaris-Davila REALTOR® CA.DRE.LIC.00962349 (Celling Realty)

Jeff and Lisa- Sounds Perfect to me :)

Anne-Respect is indeed earned.....and yes I agree that the relationship is established first, then the loyalty :)  thanks for coming by, and thank you for your respect :)

11/15/2007 12:21 AM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

If you're not taking care of the people who are taking care of you...someone else will gladly take your place...business...casual...personal.  Nice post my friend! :)

11/15/2007 01:38 PM by Shannon Lefevre Naples, Florida CRS (John R. Wood REALTORS Inc.)

I wish my clients were as loyal as me.  I believe that is one of my strengths but it can also be a liability sometimes.

11/15/2007 02:55 PM by Tracy Santrock-Cary NC Real Estate Blog (Fonville Morisey)

Thanks Shannon, you said it just right....neglect will make someone move on to someone else that they feel will appreciated them.

Tracy- I agree with you on your loyalty....and yes, sometimes clients don't even think of "us" when they are calling around....

11/15/2007 08:11 PM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

Kathy - Interesting question you pose.  Personally, through thick & thin....I'm still with the same firm and individuals who trained me more than 6 years ago.  While my loyalty runs deep, it, like trust, has to be earned.  As for my clients & prospects, same deal.

11/16/2007 09:25 AM by Jason Sardi, Pennsylvania Mortgage Broker (First Choice Equity Group Inc.)

Hi Jason- I am not surprised by your answer, and indeed loyalty and trust need to be earned.....I kind of have a feeling that you were a pretty loyal person, and I hope that the reciprocal benefits continue to benefit you..........:) :)

11/16/2007 09:50 AM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

I had to check out some of your blogs.  I love this one on loyalty. I am so loyal as long as I am treated fairly.  I just had my best friend an escrow officer quit after 25 years.  Wow! what a shock this has been.  I truely miss her.  She opened a great bed and breakfeast in Montery, Ca  

11/16/2007 06:22 PM by Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate)

Charlotte-Thanks for  "checking out my blog" and commenting :) You mentioned about your long time friend leaving the Escrow business, oh I bet that's hard to deal with.......when we have someone we trust and work well with it is so difficult to adjust :)

11/16/2007 08:16 PM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

Hi Kathy - after my loyalty has been earned, I am loyal to a fault some times.  I rank loyalty, earned loyalty, right up there with integrity and honesty.

Ann

11/17/2007 05:48 PM by Portsmouth NH Homes Condos - Ann Cummings New Hampshire REALTOR® (RE/MAX Coast to Coast - Portsmouth New Hampshire)

Ann- Boy am I glad I went to edit some of my Posts for a new group....I don't know how I missed your comment.....now I feel bad as you may never see this :(  I know from your Posts that you have fun, are loyal, and have integrity.....I like working with people like this ......and stay loyal too.

12/14/2007 01:15 AM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

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Real Estate Agent: Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)
Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker
White Water, CA
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