How to get You Inc. hired

Hi Gary,

Not so sure I totally agree with you on this one. Listing or buying with a friend may, or may not be the thing to do at times. I've dialogued with others and said something to the effect that, " You may want to hire your friend because they will do the best job for you, and not just because they are your friend".

BTW, I use an "Easy Exit" listing agreement, they can fire me if they're unhappy with me. So the question I pose is that "Could you fire your friend or family member?"

Just so you know my SOI is essential to my business, and personally I hope they will use me because they do think I'm the best person for the job.

I agree that the friend mentality will win out most of the time.

Gary - I've only lived in my area for 9 years and starting out as a new agent I had little to no sphere of influence. But, I did have a stash and set aside marketing $ right from the start and did regular self promotion. It didn't take long for me to "buy" my reputation. Today, I do very little self-promo. I generally can beat out the "friends" just because the reputation I finally earned from esperience as I stayed in business. I win over and over now because of the "earned" reputation, along with the experience I've gained, awards, results and all the other important things a seller is looking for in a candidate. I now have many friends here but most know me as a dedicated proffesional who is driven to get results. I don't think any of therm would ever hesitate to hire me, nor would they need to interview anybody else. My friends are all strong supporters who refer their friends and family because they are confident in me. I guess what I am saying, I think a friend must know your capable before they put their trust in you.         

To quote the worn out phrase that is still true, "People don't care how much you know til they know how much you care".  So true!  So let's get out there and let them know us AND how much we care!

Gary,  I was reading a blog last night and it asked a question if email was sent in response to comments would it be perceived as spam.  I said not normally because we tend to trust our fellow Rainers.  Then I relized this was a company blog with a logo instead of a picture and not person's name found in the profile.  So, I had to reconsider.  So, I say personal relationships trump company relationships.  

What you say is so true.  In that same vein of thought Dale Carnegie said he would hire enthusiasm any day over diplomas.

I agree, I would much rather get and give a referral from someone I knew or had been told about.

Gary - I kinda sorta agree with you on this one... relationships trump skill where the seller or buyer doesn't know the difference.  Compared side by side, the skill and experience I bring to the table will generally trump the casual relationship.  That said, many folks never look beyond the relationships and frankly many end up worse off for it.

Most sellers tend to list with someone they feel comfortable with. besides an online presence it helps to get to know people in your neighborhood . Good post.

Building that relationship with someone you may have just met is one of the most important aspects of our job.  Well put.

Tina in Virginia

Relationships are key with every aspect of life even real estate.  People want to work with someone they feel comfortable with.

Relationships are top priority. I have changed companys a few times in the last 7 years. At first, I was terrified because I thought I would loose my clients. Guess what??? They have followed me everywhere I have gone.

Gary, well said I have experienced this lately. Some times it drives me nuts.

Gary,

Building an on-line presence, and building relationships is hugh.  How is your market going these days.  By the way, you do a great job of building relationships.

Steve