Be Direct When Communicating with Your Clients

Kathleen:

This is one of my failings.  I try to be specific, but I don't always know when I will have the time to do a specific chore.  I need to do a better job of scheduling my time.

"You'll have it before noon."  Or, "I'm out in the field, but will get it to you first thing in the morning."  These types of phrases give clients confidence. Of course, only if you actually follow through!

Good points,  be direct and be definite but do not over promise and under deliver.  Direct and straight answers appears to be a problem with many in sales.  Maybe they don't want to give bad news.

Yes, and the old adage, 'What did you know, and when didn you know it?' helps direct decision making, too!

Just hadda Loan Company gimme that "she'll call you in a few minutes" regarding a Closing that's already 3 weeks late!

I am waiting for two people right now who were getting back to me "right away". That was 4 1/2 hours ago. 

Agreed. if only every professional carried themselves as such in this industry.

Text messaging was created to destroy the minds of thise that recognoze that texts have some value in limited situations...but enough already. I have told clients that I do not return texts and they still text!

Hi Kathy, we believe in setting expectations and then exceeding those expectations.

Clear communication is th ekey... vague and nebulous statements, not only about dates and such, but about anything at all, simply serve to clutter up the conversation... good post...

The elements of trust are

• Openness
• Honesty
• Credibility
• Respect
• Consistency

If you follow these principles, communication should never be a problem.

Kathy,  I agree.  Be clear and precise.  If plans change and you can't get to something when you said you could, a simple call, text, or email will go along way rather than just leaving the other party wondering if you've dropped the ball.  Good post.

Great post! This applies to ALL professionals. On a personal note... yesterday I spent all day waiting on different contractors. They didn't end up showing up until 7pm and the last one left at 10pm. That was a whole day of waiting and me calling them to find out their status. Very disappointing...

I am definitely guilty of using some of those phrases, but will be working on changing that starting now. Thanks for pointing out the phrases to me.

I do not track it but generally I think that I tend to give a time frame when I will respond.  This is a habit I developed as an Insurance Adjuster.

Great advice Kathy, it is good to know when and were we can count on people to get things done.

I try to be very direct and straight to the point but sometime I have to wonder if folks even listen. They must hear what they want to.

Kathy,

Great Post - In this business or any business we must be specific rather than vague!

I need a response and I don't care how I get it. I will give you a response within the hour. It may state or I will call you to let you know I've left them a message. At least others know I'm working on the situation. I don't blow anyone off and I will let you know if I think you're blowing me off. At least with a text, I have a record.

Great post that I would have missed had it not been for the reblog today! Good communication is key between all parties in a real estate transaction.