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This is a "Be Careful What You Wish For" Post

Recently, I began asking for more testimonials, something I usually do not do as I would like to think I would receive them when my services warranted. Then I read something, somewhere that showed statistically that if you do not ask, you will not receive. Well, being the numbers kind of guy I am, I realized quickly I needed to start asking.

Well, I have not mastered the art of asking for testimonials, but decided to ask one of the many non-clients that have come to me for advice to provide a testimonial if he chose to. To say I was blown away is a major understatement as I was not prepared for the degree of impact I have had on this gentlemen's life.

Here is the exact testimonial, including his name, used with his permission...

"While reading the Active Rain real estate blog online, I stumbled upon some words of wisdom that made good common sense. Those words were written by Mr. Robert Ashby. I took the time to visit Mr. Ashby's website, found an email address, and wrote a letter explaining my circumstances in hopes that he could lend some more solid advice. Mr. Ashby found the time to respond to my request while he was on vacation, I couldn't help but think this was the type of person who truly cares about the advice they're giving. That initial contact occurred over 1/2 year ago, and I've maintained loose contact with Mr. Ashby since then, and he always responds to my questions with what I still consider good solid advice. I consider Mr. Ashby a great asset in my education and understanding of how to utilize my mortgage debt to create financial well-being. It should be noted that while Mr. Ashby works out of Florida, I live in the southwestern United States, and am NOT a client of Mr. Ashby's, yet he always listens to my concerns and responds in a timely fashion. I wish my local mortgage lenders were half as helpful. I look forward to my continued correspondence with Robert and consider him an "Advisor for Life". Thanks Robert."

- Justin R.
Las Vegas, NV

So, don't forget to ask for testimonials and be prepared for what you receive, good (or bad).

Posted by Florida's #1 Mortgage Planner on 12/04/2007 09:37 PM

Comments (9)

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9 Comments on This is a "Be Careful What You Wish For" Post

DEC

2007

Congratulations on a well derved testimonial, and thank you for helping me think outside the box. I too find myself "consulting" with many poeple who are not actual clients. They will be a future source for testimonials since you've opened my eyes to look beyond my client list.

Great job, I feel this gentleman should recognize that your time and advice has some value. I would think that being a just person that he should consider a mechanism for to endow you with a gift, referral or remuneration, if you are in fact his defector Advisor for Life.

I’m sure from the tone of the conversation he recognize the value you have bought to his life. If he continues to exploit that with no intention of being a client, I personally would consider that using you. There is a fine line between being help and being used.

I don’t think you need to interpret that line first, but he should as a matter of self-respect for another professional. Keep us posted on this relationship. I’d like to see his expression of gratitude for that which you have done and will continue to do!

Again, I commend you for a job done well.

Hi Robert,

Nice job, thanks for sharing your good news with others. Passing this along will not doubt help others.

John...Glad it opened your eyes, that was part of the intent.

Ntsike...Thank you for the commendation. This gentlemen did realize the value I brought to his life, hence the fact he took the time to write the testimonial and allow me to post it and use it in marketing. That provides value in and of itself. Who knows how many loans I may get down the line because somebody "on the edge" read this and decided I was the one to work with.

Also, as part of the service I provide to the community at large, a huge part of my business is pro-bono work because I love educating people like him. That is its own reward and is not "using" me as I decide whether or not to do it. I believe in giving back to the community as it pays its own reward. If he is reading this, I do not want anything in return other than his satisfaction and continued hard work to make the education fruitful.

Lynda...I certainly hope it helps others, that would mean my work is worthwhile.

DEC

2007

Robert, AWESOME. So many times we write on Active Rain but we never really realize if any consumers really read some of these posts. I know when I got my first email from a client who read my posts on AR it was great.

The letter also shows what kind of person you really are. Great Job

DEC

2007

Good points. A number of years ago I started to ask for notes from clients. At first I was very happy to receive kind words. I put together a book and displayed them in my waiting area. It was nice to read these words and have others thumb through them. I started to think of other ways I could use this practice to help my business.

I came up with a for that had two questions. 1. What did you like best? 2. What could we improve upon? I was amazed at the little things we were doing well. I was also shocked at the things they didd not like that I thought we were doing well. They often would comment on things the appraiser did, the title company and the attorney. Once this happened I took the notes to these service providers and asked them to correct these minor issues. It improved parts of the business I would not have thought of looking into and it let these providers know we were watching.