Phone Solicitor Turned into Outgoing Referral

This sure was an interesting turn of events.

I received a phone solicitation for donations to the local wheelchair basketball association.  I have nothing against wheelchair basketball, but I've got a few charities that I work with, and this in not one of them.  And just like any other solicitator to call my house, I have given up on saying that.  They simple ask for less money.  Or convince me why I should give to this specific charity.

Today, I used the same line that has stopped soliciters from trying to overcome my objections, that I have used since the beginning of the year.

"I'm going to tell you something that I normally don't tell people.   I am in (insert large & scary dollar amount here) of debt.  I am a Realtor.  I'm sure I don't need to tell you the state of home sales.  I just can't help our charity."

While this is not an entirely true statement, it stops me from further harassment on behlaf of the solicitor. Truth is my business is doing quite well. 

This solicitor surprised me.  "Oh.  You're in real estate.  I have a house to sell in Wisconsin.  Do you know anyone that can help me there?"

I got his name and number, found out the location and status of the house, and emailed Tom Braatz, who I met here on AR.

Tom called the guy shortly thereafter and it wasn't a joke!  Hopefully Tom will get some business out of this one.  Thanks for helping him out Tom!

 
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11 Comments on Phone Solicitor Turned into Outgoing Referral

Chris - good post! I have used that one myself, but didn't get the nice results that you did. Maybe next time. ;-)

05/14/2008 06:07 PM by Sharon Young, Bonita Springs, Fl REALTOR® (Keller Williams Elite Realty, Bonita Springs Florida)

Great post. I love it and will remember and use it. Glad to see you got business from it.

Dave

05/14/2008 06:11 PM by Dave Ruwe Realtor GRI www.daveruwehomes.com (Keller Williams Realty)

Hi...looks like we're neighbors.....I live in Haymarket....that's a good one...I get calls from the police association..also a good cause...but I have my favorites too..the pretty much call every day...without fail......I might try that one on them :)

05/14/2008 06:12 PM by Konnie Konnie MAC Northern Virginia Real Estate (Konnie McKee )

It's really hard because you can only help so many.  I have a set list as well.  Way to go on picking up business.

05/14/2008 06:20 PM by Karen Gentry>>Charlottesville, Virginia Real Estate Professional (RE/MAX Excellence-Charlottesville VA)

I will have to try that tactic.  I usually just tell them that i already have a couple of organizations that I donate to  and I have to draw the line somewhere.  And you are right they come back by trying to get you to give less. 

05/14/2008 06:21 PM by Michelle Hall (Century 21 Hecht)

I guess it goes to show that you always have to be prospecting, even when you think you aren't.  Just get ready to take a name and number. 

Konnie:  Nice to meet you!  I used to work in the L&F Haymarket office and loved it!  Unfortunately, they consolidated us into the new Gainesville facilities.  Nicer office, but I miss going to the Haymarket office.

05/15/2008 07:57 AM by Chris Ann Cleland, GRI (Long & Foster)

Chris Ann...

Well I'll be. I guess I should try to engage those phone solicitors a little more! Life is funny, isn't it?

05/15/2008 01:28 PM by Richard Weisser, Associate Broker, E-Pro ERA United Realty, Auctioneer, CE Author (Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. ERA United Realty)

Chris Ann,

Congratulations! That is a really great conversion, and one certainly for the books.

 

05/15/2008 03:13 PM by Alex Mordas - Tallahassee EcoBroker® (Keller Williams)

You just never know who's going to tell you they have a house to sell! 

05/15/2008 04:29 PM by Chris Ann Cleland, GRI (Long & Foster)

That is an awesome story and I'm glad you may get something out of it. So if you get a commission check from it are you going to donate to the charity?

05/17/2008 01:43 AM by Todd Clark (Realtor), GRI (Washington Co, Beaverton, Oregon) (Kastings & Associates, Oregon)

Todd:  YES.  My household!

 

05/17/2008 04:56 PM by Chris Ann Cleland, GRI (Long & Foster)

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Real Estate Agent: Chris Ann Cleland, GRI (Long & Foster)
Chris Ann Cleland, GRI
Bristow, VA
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