A friend of mine told me the story of an agent in line at the grocery store over-hearing a conversation from the person in front of them to the cashier having to do with his father passing away and leaving a house to be sold. At the right break in the conversation, the agent jumped-in and offered condolences along with the following statement: I am a Real Estate agent and if I can help with the home please let me know
AMBULANCE CHASER?
Attorneys fresh-out of law school all licensed & no where to go used to do the obvious i.e. if someone got in an accident they would offer their services. It was easy & convenient to just follow ambulances to their source call. Then, for all anyone knew, you were there & would just walk-up & offer to lend a much-needed hand
Side note: I knew of a good and decent attorney who heard of a family that lived in the neighborhood that got into a serious accident. He found out they were all gathering and he attended bringing food and refreshments to introduce himself. He was in earnest. He claims later on he would never do that again. Why? It was awkward and it wasn't his style
I WANT or NEED to HELP?
In both scenarios, it is pretty personal to jump right into someones life and try to hide the fact that you need to make a buck while you are helping another. Look at the fine line or contradictory behavior that is waiting in the wings should someone flush it out. There is no love of person here but of opportunity
THE POUNCE!
Can this approach work? On the surface it appears to be a win-win. What makes it stand out is the fact that a stranger is wanting to become instantly intimate for money. It has the predator-prey feel to it even though it is or may be business as usual.
TRADITIONAL CONTACT
At some point, a seller or a buyer (or attorney) will be needed and the moving party will either seek out a friend, recommendation or someone in the business bringing them to the points described above. That is considered the normal and acceptable way of business start-up. But it is not the only way either
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
Without making an effort, at some point either at work or in your own community everyone will know what you do for a living. The subject even comes out in a friendly manner when socializing too as many licensed people will tell you. However, when making it a point before its time, it can become dicey
HERE I AM
It is not hard to see why. People feel we are seeing them as a money source instead of a person. Yet a licensed individual who is wanting to hit the ground running needs to make themselves known. Some are able to approach it head-on while others need coaching, training & practice in activating the license
OH YOU'RE AN AGENT?
I remember not sharing in general & as a person to person many times & when people discovered I was a licensed seasoned agent expressing interest & wanting to know. Interesting when it comes up on its own in its own timing for all involved. Some how it is comfortable & meant to be when done this way
POUNDING PAVEMENT
Decades ago, agents used to pound pavement in neighborhoods knocking on doors and offering assistance. They were well-dressed (smartly), friendly & some even brought little gifts like calendars, flower pots, flags, pens, with a business card, logo or branding attached. Conversation was important
INVITING
Surprisingly people would have a myriad of responses anywhere from the obvious NO to yes we are looking to sell, buy or know of someone who is. From there, a licensed agent would follow it up and leave that lasting first impression in place servicing it over-time. Time was well-spent
LESS PERSONAL
Today, it is routine to have a web site or hand out business cards on meeting someone. Interesting to note that many people already know of someone who is an agent. Not surprising because until they raised the standards of getting license many applied to just have one or practice part-time.
I'M HERE
What helps an agent is signage, word of mouth, being affiliated with a name brand, and being active in the community of which they live, work or play. For a short time, bus benches were popular to rent showcasing the local agent to call for all of your needs. Fast forward and cars would be used as signage
EXPLORE the SUBJECT
For you principals out there who want or need an agent. I know it is hard to tell how good anyone is over another. Dialog and having a comfort in the process helps it along. This is one of those subjects where asking questions doesn't work well. Why? How do you know what to ask besides the obvious?
LICENSE-SPEAK
For you licensed people out there, being available and able to share in so many words or less what you do and why is the best way to go. Think telling not selling. The rule would be that you are a service oriented individual wanting to be of assistance. That means inter-personal skills are mandatory
IT GOES ON
Can you genuinely and honestly connect with a person for transparency sake? Does the person making the assessment express interest and are they comfortable with it? Only the moment, skills and opportunity will answer that for all involved. Its not as easy as it looks or is it?
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