A "Thank You", Can Change A Day, A Week, Even an Outcome

I can’t pay for advertising with a “Thank you”. I can’t cover the expenses of lock boxes, signs, catered events or endless website marketing with an appreciative note; however, there is very little my team wouldn’t do for clients who offer gratitude for the countless hours we devote to making things happen.

Each one of our clients receives the same level of service no matter if it is appreciated or not; it is our job. In real estate we do have a luxury of choosing the clients we serve. Sometimes the choice is easy; sometimes it is more complex. It is expected for us to meet our responsibilities and obligations with a positive attitude. There are instances where our efforts fall on deaf or distracted ears. Those instances are the true test of our commitment to excellence. After all we are not committed to excellence for just our appreciative clients. We are committed to excellence period.

There is no underestimating the power of appreciation. Whether in the form of an email, text, or maybe just a gestured “Well done”; gratitude motivates action and promotes results. Often in our industry the roller coaster of sells, marketing, and economic banter can overshadow the very personal, very time consuming work that goes in to every single transaction.  Should a paycheck serve as appreciation? Is it silly to even hope for recognition of effort?

As Realtors it is imperative that we show appreciation to our loyal clients, our supportive coworkers, and to the dozens of photographers, administrators, paralegals, housekeepers, and family members who make our sometimes impossible jobs, possible.  Maybe it isn’t necessary for clients to show gratitude, maybe our compensation is all that is to be expected regardless of the job.

Whether shown or not, it plays a part. Going the extra mile is required, going the extra mile every day is expected; however, going the extra mile without encouragement or support is usually short lived. In a difficult market, in a difficult economy a “Thank you” can change a day, a week, even an outcome. I suppose that can apply to any industry.