Everyone makes mistakes. We are human - it is a fact of life. Of course it is always worse - when you are your own boss and it is completely your own fault! No one to yell at; no one to blame. So I yelled at myself in the mirror for the past 2 mornings and learned what I will do NEXT time.
Making mistakes stinks and while many of us "pretend" it never happens - it does. We don't tell people (especially clients) that we could ever make a mistake - but let's face it - it can happen.
So here is my mistake... I know you are waiting to hear.... It's not THAT bad - but none-the-less; I screwed up and probably lost a potential client.
Tuesday; my phone was ringing all day long. I had shown many properties over the weekend and on Monday; so many agents were doing "follow-up" calls. I don't mind these - I do them myself when I am following up on showings on my listings. But they do get old - in a hurry.
So Tuesday afternoon; I was helping a friend move his sofa. I know... moving furniture is one of those things that agents aren't suppose to do! But it was just down the hall into another room. Nothing major.
My phone rings... I glance at it... it is a number ending in ....5500. Oh - just a business; probably another REALTOR calling -- they can leave a message.
Ten minutes later, I am in the car, heading home after a quick errand. I check my voicemail...
"Hi James, This is Dr. M???? ????? My landlord is selling his place and I want to hire you as my Buyer's Agent to help me find a place in (x) neighborhood. Please call me at 202-xxx-xxxx. Thank you"
WOW.... This was not the call I was expecting at all. Wonderful - I will call her back as soon as I get to my desk where I can write down all her info and check my calendar. So as I am driving in DC traffic (OK OK Lesson LEARNED) - I hit "save".
I forget the errand at the store and head right home instead so I can call her back. I actually DO call people back quickly - unlike some of my colleagues.
I get to my desk; grab my pen and Dial my voicemail. Then IT HAPPENS >>>>> "You have NO messages."
WHAT?!?! OH MY... I must have hit "delete" not save! Oh no !!!!
But wait; I have the number she called from - OK; no problem. I call that number. It's a business - I know she is a she and that she said Dr. What WAS her name? I am racking my brain as I dial.
The number the call originated from... is a Medical firm.. with LOTS and LOTS of Doctors. The receptionist tries to help; but has no clue what office the call originated from.
Great Buyer found and LOST all in the course of an hour!
I have hoped she would call me back - or email me. But no. She probably thinks; "What a loser" or "He is not very responsive" or "Can't he even answer the phone when I call?"
Lesson learned. Voice Mail still may answer at times... I do shower everyday; go to the gym and I don't often answer the phone while I am with another client.
However - next time I dial VoiceMail - Pen and paper will be at the ready.
If anyone sees my almost buyer out there - tell her I am sorry and I really am not all that bad.
Call James for all your Real Estate needs and questions; servicing DC, Virginia, Maryland and the Greater Washington DC Metro area.
RE/MAX Allegiance - Georgetown
1720 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington DC 20007
202-338-8900 Main Office
Licensed in DC,MD,VA
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That is a sad story! I'm afraid it happens to too many of us. I tend to leave my cell phone in another room and miss a call now and then. When I call back, they are no longer there! But don't get so upset that you tear off that dog's other ear!! : )