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Who Have You Touched Lately? And HOW did that touch make the other person feel?

By Laura S. Baker

Real Estate Agent with First Weber Inc WI LIC #125698

January 30, 2012 02:29 AM

Who have you touched lately?

And HOW did that touch make that person feel?

A short time ago I read an blog post What I learned When I Transferred over 6,000 Prospects From My Database...discussing a more personal way to contact prospects (great blog, check it out).

Last week I had a conversation with one of my brilliant colleagues about automated searches, and he mentioned a more personal way to use that.

Every Friday I get this little email from Stik.com and it says something to the effect of,..."Who have you impressed this week?"

~~~~~ Getting the message here? I am! ~~~~~

I hear over and over "automate, automate, automate" and I understand that. Some touches must be automated. However, I am a people person. And this is a people business. If you had to ask anyone in your life TODAY for a testimonial, recommendation, referral is there someone who you impressed enough this past week to get that from? Think about it!

Did you touch one family member? Doing just one thing to make someone feel special? One touch? One word? One moment?

Did you touch one client? Doing just one thing to make one, two or all feel special? One email? One phone call? One moment?

Did you touch one stranger? Doing just one thing to make someone's day? One smile? Holding the door for them? Helping them in just the smallest way?

While we go into this new week,

touch someone.

Make it personal.

Make it memorable.

Who have you touched lately?

And how did that touch make that person feel?

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Craig Rutman

Helping people in transition - Cary, NC

Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor

It's so true that this is a people business. Forming relationships are essential to our success. And touching our data base with a personal phone call is far more effective than just an email.

Jan 30, 2012 02:16 AM

Gary Woltal

Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX

Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Laura, I am amazed how you can touch someone and get ignored back. Mainly reaching out with a phone call or text or email and then NOTHING. I think many people are just busy and I do think all kindness counts but believe me many people are "touched" and take the toucher seemingly for granted. I think in the business sense they have no need for your services at that time, or even want to chat, but the touching of any form at least puts a reminder in their ear that you "cared."

Jan 30, 2012 02:39 AM

Amy Hahn

Pine Knoll Shores Realty - Morehead City, NC

Realtor/Broker - Crystal Coast, NC

Thanks Laura.... Now I have the old Bell Commercial Jingle in my head :0) http://youtu.be/HO17B-ACRn0

I know what a phone call, text message, email, greeting card or visit (not a surprise visit) from someone means to me, so I try to return the "touch" as often as I can. Hmmmm... Who can I reach out and touch today?

Jan 30, 2012 03:21 AM

Juli Vosmik

Dominion Fine Properties - Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

Laura, thanks for the inspiration. Even with all the automation, there is still nothing like the "personal touch." Sometimes it's too easy to just sit behind our computer and hope everything comes to you.

Jan 30, 2012 03:43 AM

Bryan Robertson

Los Altos, CA

You make a great point. The personal contact is what gets people to work with you and trust you. I don't connect with my clients or colleagues every day in quite the same "touchy feely" way but I do try to be nice and helpful. If more folks had this attitude, the business would be a much warmer place.

FEATURED IN BANANATUDE!!

Jan 30, 2012 05:08 AM

Roger D. Mucci

Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH

Lets shake things up at your home today!

Just this morning while I was waiting to park in front of the post office.............an older woman was afraid to back out of the driveway she was in because of traffic, so I blocked traffic from both ways with my car so she could pull out and park in the street. She thanked me for being so patient and helping her.........it was such a simple thing to do.

Jan 30, 2012 05:31 AM

Mimi Foster

Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO

Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

Great post. *Suggested* Something we all need to remember. It reminded me of a funny story of my crazy girls who were always cutting the fool. I was driving one day and had two in the back seat. One said, "the way you're touching me makes me feel funny." I, of course, whip my head around and they both just belly laugh. It's great to touch, as long as you do it right LOLOLOLOL

Jan 30, 2012 10:10 AM

Ellen Caruso

Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty - Glen Head, NY

Laura, I am personal and love to touch as well, but only in the most professional and friendly way. I have a buyer with small children, I love to buy children's books, put a personal note in them and give to the kids when we go out and see listings. With no family connections, they now call me Auntie Ellen.

Jan 30, 2012 12:08 PM

Laura S. Baker

First Weber Inc - Lake Mills, WI

Realtor (920) 728-4118, First Weber Inc

Hey Joan, that's pretty cool. I know I couldn't go that far, but it is nice to be sure to add the personal to someone's life even if it's as small as a smile. You just never know if the most grumbly person you meet just really needs that.

Hello Virginia, I do think the personal is really what folks remember. I am trying to implement the "touch" programs and still make sure I keep the personal in all I do. I am glad to hear you do as well.

Barbara, that is really exciting! What a wonderful feeling that is. Have you shared on a blog or was it personal? I'll be over shortly to check and see.

I just wish I could do more Kristin. I just went to a friends funeral two weeks ago myself. I know how tough it is. Your comment on Facebook about letting people know how you feel about them was partly the impetus in writing this post. It's something I really believe in. Thank you!

Ha ha, Conrad! I write about touch and you remind me to cover my a$$! That's what I love about you my friend! You do have a way of looking out for us!!! Hope you are doing well. I'll be by your post to see if you did indeed bring that computer into the recovery room to let us know how it went.

Jan 30, 2012 12:20 PM

Laura S. Baker

First Weber Inc - Lake Mills, WI

Realtor (920) 728-4118, First Weber Inc

Awe Sharon, thank you so much for your sweet words and well wishes. But more than that, thank you for reaching out and touching on a regular basis.

Data base Craig? Do you mean that pile of sticky notes next to my computer that I keep stacking higher and higher? Just kidding! A phone is a wonderful way to keep it personal.

You are right Gary, that does happen. Think of it like a smile that is not returned. You may not see the results but that smile may resonate in their thoughts. It may be just the thing that they really need.

Yeah, thanks Amy Hahn! Since you reached out and touched me I have had that song stuck in my head!!! But THANK YOU just the same. It was wonderful to hear that Ala-bammey accent again. I hope you guys are having a blast tonight! So now, what was wrong with the SURPRISE visit? I thought it was AWESOME!

Oh yeah Juli, except then you get BLOGGERS BUTT! Nothing nice about that. So, it's time to get out from behind the computer and make some real and personal touches! :)

Jan 30, 2012 12:50 PM

Laura S. Baker

First Weber Inc - Lake Mills, WI

Realtor (920) 728-4118, First Weber Inc

Bryan,

Come on now Bryan, I've seen your comments on my blogs and many others. You have no problem with the personal touch! Nice and helpful is a wonderful thing. It develops trust and makes you memorable and that is most important!

Thanks for the feature in Bananatude. I am tickled beyond belief!

Jan 30, 2012 01:12 PM

Laura S. Baker

First Weber Inc - Lake Mills, WI

Realtor (920) 728-4118, First Weber Inc

Awe Roger, I so love the things you do for people! It's been a while since I have been able to get over and read some of the amazing things you share with us, your helping someone in the grocery store, your first staging (and how you got there), your tenant who passed away, Eddie and so much more. You have touched so many people, so many hearts!

Jan 30, 2012 01:23 PM

Laura S. Baker

First Weber Inc - Lake Mills, WI

Realtor (920) 728-4118, First Weber Inc

Oh my gosh Mimi! If I was drinking anything right now it would be spewed all over my computer right now! You are too funny!!! And this coming from one of the warmest touches in the Rain! LMAO!!!

Jan 30, 2012 01:37 PM

Laura S. Baker

First Weber Inc - Lake Mills, WI

Realtor (920) 728-4118, First Weber Inc

Ellen, you always reach out and touch (yeah, Amy got that jingle stuck in my head)! What a great idea with the books. Should have known you would think of something to do with books! Thank you for reaching out and touching so many of us. It has meant a lot to me my friend!

Jan 30, 2012 01:41 PM

Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR

The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

A great post and awesome reminder for us to reach out and touch someone everyday Laura! Something I love to do all the time ;)))

Jan 31, 2012 02:49 PM

Laura S. Baker

First Weber Inc - Lake Mills, WI

Realtor (920) 728-4118, First Weber Inc

Mel, you don't even have to reach out to touch someone. You touch many every single day! :)

Feb 01, 2012 02:08 PM

Paul Peck

Peck Drywall and Painting serving Brevard County, Florida - Melbourne, FL

Licensed Drywall and Painting Contractor

Laura, What a great Blog entry. I do a pretty good job at reaching out. But you just inspired me to try even harder. Thank you. :)

-Paul

Feb 02, 2012 10:47 AM

Laura S. Baker

First Weber Inc - Lake Mills, WI

Realtor (920) 728-4118, First Weber Inc

You are most welcome Paul. I have a home inspector that has sent me one post card, then a letter this week, and an e-mail to follow up. I have to admit, by contact number three I'm going to call him to set up an interview. Smart guy he is! Keep reaching out Paul, you will be rich with friendships, clients and so much more.

Feb 02, 2012 01:12 PM

Kristine Ginsberg

Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC - Short Hills, NJ

NJ Home Stager

Laura - what an uplifting post and thanks for reminding us all to take some time out of our day to pick up the phone or write an email and say hello - I care. Have a great weekend!

Feb 03, 2012 09:43 AM

Laura S. Baker

First Weber Inc - Lake Mills, WI

Realtor (920) 728-4118, First Weber Inc

Thank you Kristine, I feel like I have been thoroughly lacking in the reaching out this week! But, I'll catch up again soon. So much to accomplish! So many goals to meet! Talk to you soon my friend.

Feb 03, 2012 02:17 PM