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WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

By
Real Estate Agent with Austin Texas Homes

 

WHO IS AT THE DOOR? Opportunity wears a number of disguises. More often than not it looks very human. There is one fundamental rule for success when it comes to opening to opportunity. Get out your pen, you will want to write this down.

 

"SERVICE ALWAYS COMES BEFORE SALE"

 

If you will serve others you will be positioned to sale. In fact your door will be the one they knock on. There are a lot of ways to generate business but only one way to build loyalty: Serve others!

Michele and I lived in Phoenix for over 26 years. We bought our cars from one salesman. His name was Ken Bowers. We bought 8 cars from Ken. He once told me that he never has to walk out on the car lot to find a customer. All day long they come to his refrigerated office and they come to buy. Why? Ken loves his customers and he serves them in every way possible. He never plays the car games, he offers them the best deal up front and stays with his clients all through the process. 

He remembered all the names of my children. To this day Ken annually connects with Michele and I to check in and see how we are doing. His wife was diagnosed with cancer recently and I went to his facebook page to write some words of encouragement. Over 500 people had already beat me to it. Ken loves his clients and his clients love him back. Generations have bought cars from Ken only. 

Service before Sale!

Comments (14)

Pamela Seley
West Coast Realty Division - Murrieta, CA
Residential Real Estate Agent serving SW RivCo CA

Alan, what an inspirational story about Ken. Service before sale. I'm going to remember that. Thanks for your post today,

Apr 17, 2013 02:41 PM
Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

Hi Alan,

Great story.  When we put people first, the money follows.  When we put money first the people leave. 

Apr 17, 2013 04:35 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Alan. I just love this and the story of Ken really hit home. I pray his wife get better and appreciate the point you shared with us. Suggested.

Apr 17, 2013 10:10 PM
Alan Kirkpatrick
Austin Texas Homes - Round Rock, TX
Alan in Austin

Pamela, Dan and Sheila: Thanks for your comments and kind words. Hope you all have a wonderful week.

Apr 17, 2013 10:37 PM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

What a great tribute to Ken!  Service before Sale!  So true and you and he learned that long ago. :)

Apr 17, 2013 10:49 PM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Hey Alan - wise words from you in this post. I would love to have a Ken in my life - the most dreaded experience is "buying a new car." Great example of service always coming before a sale.  I too will send healing thoughts and prayers to Ken and his wife.

Apr 18, 2013 12:14 AM
Alan Harris
Keller Williams Realty - San Diego, CA
San Diego Real Estate Broker with Keller Williams

Such a wonderful story reminding all of us that service comes before sale.

Apr 18, 2013 03:09 AM
Alan Kirkpatrick
Austin Texas Homes - Round Rock, TX
Alan in Austin

Ricki, Debb and Alan; Thank you for you kind words and comments. Hope you have a wonderful week. 

Apr 18, 2013 03:34 AM
Kathy Stoltman
Balboa Real Estate - Ventura, CA
Ventura County Real Estate Consultant 805-746-1793

Alan, Simple kind gestures reap big benefits as demonstrated by Ken.

Apr 18, 2013 04:22 AM
Debbie Walsh
SHAHAR Management - Middletown, NY
Hudson Valley NY Real Estate 845.283-3036

Definitely an inspirational story.  And funny also because I bought a car recently and was just thinking yesterday that since I bought it last August I haven't heard one word from the salesman.  It was making me think that I probably won't buy from him again.....

Apr 18, 2013 05:28 AM
Alan Kirkpatrick
Austin Texas Homes - Round Rock, TX
Alan in Austin

Kathy:

You are so right.

 

Debra:

Excellent point and one we need to remember as Realtors as well. 

Apr 18, 2013 06:53 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Alan, Ken has learned that it is about relationships and customer service. People want to be remembered.

Apr 18, 2013 10:44 AM
Cara Marcelle Mancuso
Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes - Tucson, AZ
Call a Marana neighbor, I'm THERE!

Great way to start out my day.  Excellent story and illustration of service before sale.

Apr 19, 2013 01:11 AM
Sussie Sutton
David Tracy Real Estate - Houston, TX
David Tracy Real Estate for Buyers & Sellers

Service First! I too will remember that.

This is a great story and I hope his wife has it well.

Apr 20, 2013 10:17 AM