Are You Sending Mixed Messages?
We were having breakfast one Saturday morning at our favorite eatery in Carlsbad Village, and I happened to notice this signage.
Given the laws here about smoking, it was rather ironic that it was even posted. And then I noticed the mixed message.
Thinking back on that, it occurred to me that mixed messages may be something we are sending, perhaps inadvertently, but which cause confusion to those who receive them, create a bad impression, and possibly even send them running in the other direction…certainly not the intent of the message. We've probably all done it, and perhaps not realized it...or do after the fact
So how do these mixed signals happen?
It could be all the mistakes in your MLS listing which might convey you are not very professional and accurate in representing your client’s property. The same is true of ugly photos. Might these actually convey that you don’t care very much about the property, and client you have a contract with?
Showing up late for appointments? Might this imply that, contrary to what you say, you don’t respect being timely, respect other's time?
Not returning those phone calls despite your voice mail that says “your call is very important to me” or “I return all calls between __ and __.”
Things you say in your emails or text messages, or possibly the tone, that can get misconstrued or misinterpreted by the recipient. You might think you are being clear but your message may say otherwise. Or perhaps what you say makes the recipient feel stupid. Or you sound accusatory without meaning to.
Comments you make in your blogging, or on various social media sites, might send a very different and unintentional signal to the world about who you are. Or perhaps that’s REALLY how you are! Think about that for a moment?!
Mixed messages often come about when one’s actions, in person or in writing, don’t match what’s being said. And attitude, and tone of voice, can play a major role in conveying a message quite different from what is intended. We’ve all experienced it with lousy customer service, as just one example. Or in a curt voice mail message. Or the way someone answers their phone!
The signage at the restaurant was actually rather humorous, both in the mixed message it conveyed, and a noticeable lack of ashtrays, but also as a reminder of how things used to be in public places here years ago where smoking was permitted.
Are you, perhaps sending mixed messages to the buying and selling public without realizing it – in person, on the phone, with your blog or website, in your emails and texting, or in your voice mail or message?
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