People are watching all the time

We spend a lot of time and money on advertising, blogging, website design, search engine optimization, and generating leads and referrals, yet all of this can be seriously derailed through thoughtless actions that have nothing to do with real estate.

Take for instance driving on the freeway – in our company’s branded car. Every time we cut someone off, shake our fist, yell at someone (even if they can’t hear us), blow our horn out of disgust or frustration, weave in and out of traffic, or seriously exceed the speed limit, it’s not just us doing it – it’s our company.

In town, if we run through a red light (or stretch the yellow), roll through a stop sign, or beat someone out of a parking spot, people see that as our company doing this because that’s the name they see on our vehicle.

We don’t have to be saints, but we need to be mindful that little acts that we may not pay that much attention to can make a big difference to others who see us do them. It only takes one or two something really stupid acts to blow a whole lot of positive advertising and intentional branding.

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For more information on my coaching services or sales tips visit my website stevehoffacker.com or my blog homesalesinsights.com.

 
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18 Comments on People are watching all the time

You are absolutely correct....  We have to be on our best behavior all the time....  sometimes hard to do when feelings get in the way.  Thanks for blogging and always commenting on my blog.  Lu

04/11/2008 12:34 PM by Lu Kalaj (The Michigan Group)


Lu, I appreciate your comments and your agreement. You're right, it is hard. That's why we have to intentional about our actions when we are out in public. Thanks for participating on my blog.

04/11/2008 12:46 PM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)


Hi Steve...This is so true, especially when you live in a small community, which I do.  My husband also drives a vehicle with my signs on them.  Fortunately he is very well behaved!

Cheers,

Kathleen

04/12/2008 09:22 PM by Kathleen "Kate" Elim, LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Lake & Country)


Kathleen, thanks for your comments. Glad hubby helps you out with good driving. Actually in a small town people may be watching you more than you think, and this can really pay off for you when they see nothing but good stuff.

04/12/2008 09:28 PM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)


This is why I am a little hesitant to put a sign on my vehicle. Not that I am a bad driver or anything, but you are right, someone is always watching you. 

04/16/2008 06:26 PM by Carrie Cornelius (Prime Plus Real Estate, Inc.)


Funny Carrie, my first thought was that maybe you were about to say you're a lead foot or something! LOL... Great blog and tips Steve! Now off to find the settings to design the blog page like you did.... :)

04/16/2008 06:29 PM by Sharon Leigh (Graphic Reality) Got PhotoLogo? CandelLife@Gmail.com (Sharon's Graphic Reality)


Carrie, I wouldn't let a little thing like that stiffle my advertising. Just be aware that people are aware. If you get the magnetic signs, you can take them off when you want to go unnoticed. :)

04/16/2008 07:43 PM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)


Sharon, thanks for your encouraging words. Goodness, your site is so colorful with all of the images. Those are some great examples of your work.

04/16/2008 07:52 PM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)


Thanks so much Steve! I also saw the link on the side of your page here for the new page to use to update the actual blog pages, a great add-on in deed!

04/16/2008 08:56 PM by Sharon Leigh (Graphic Reality) Got PhotoLogo? CandelLife@Gmail.com (Sharon's Graphic Reality)


Sharon, I would have mentioned it but I thought you were aware of it - sorry. Good luck.

04/16/2008 09:06 PM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)


I'll have to consider getting some car signs for my vehicle.  I'm a very responsible driver, though of course there are always times when I do make mistakes on the road.  NO ONE is a perfect driver.

04/17/2008 05:39 PM by Tiffany Wilson (Shorewood Realtors)


Your point is well taken. I see instances of this on a regular basis.  And, not necessarily from people in our profession.  People that drive like crazy people and they are advertising themselves on the side of their car.  Perhaps they should reconsider their decision to "brand" themselves as they do.

04/17/2008 06:18 PM by Sandy Shores, Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida Space Coast (M & M Real Estate Inc)


Tiffany, that's why they make magnetic signs - take them off when you don't want to be noticed, but I'm sure you're a great driver. No point in being paranoid, just respectful of other drivers. :)

04/17/2008 07:56 PM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)


Steve - I will have to agree. People tend to remember the angry guy, or the mom who was yelling at her kid in the parking lot. Great advice. Have  a great weekend.

 

06/06/2008 05:06 PM by Terrie Leighton (Ferrari-Lund Real Estate)


Terrie, thanks for your comments. We really do remember people's behavior, and I'm sure they remember ours, so let's give them good stuff to think about. Steve

06/06/2008 05:59 PM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)


Steve - absolutely right. People not only read your blog, they read your comments as well. I am often surprise at the things people mention when they call.  

06/06/2008 06:07 PM by Jackie - Mortgage Virtual Assistant (Close-More-Loans.com)


Jackie, that is an excellent observation. Thanks for sharing that with everyone. I'm glad you added your comments. Steve

06/06/2008 06:17 PM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)


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Real Estate Trainer: Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)
Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies
West Palm Beach, FL
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