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AGENTS HAVE TO BE KNOWN

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with people first...then business Ran Right Realty 636943 licensed to thrill

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?

Comments (41)

Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Richie

This is such a well deserving feature. I think a big part of situations like this is about being sensitive as to how we respond to others, and considering their perspective and needs, not ours.

Jeff

Jan 08, 2018 09:49 AM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Hello Jeff Dowler ...yes to your worthy commenting and thank you Jeff

Jan 08, 2018 11:03 AM
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Richie, I went to a memorial service once and before I knew it, one of the other attendees introduced me to some family members stating I was a real estate agent. It was rather awkward and uncomfortable as that was not why I was there. 

Jan 08, 2018 05:09 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Hello Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES ...fascinating share. I had a friend of mine tell two people the same thing the same way too only I wasn't there

Jan 08, 2018 05:42 PM
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES

It's not like we wouldn't appreciate the recommendation, but it's not the appropriate time or place. 

Jan 08, 2018 05:50 PM
Janna Scharf
Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene - Coeur d'Alene, ID
Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert

A lot of thought provoking points that you made. Thanks much Richie.

Jan 09, 2018 05:58 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Good to have you over Janna Scharf 

Jan 09, 2018 07:28 PM
Terry McCarley
Coastal Real Estate - Cape Coral FL - Cape Coral, FL
REALTOR, SRES, CDPE - Cape Coral, FL

Excellent post Richie!  Being known is critical to success and I personally have never door knocked in my life so I certainly couldn’t be an “ambulance chaser”

Jan 10, 2018 04:21 AM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Richie Alan Naggar I live in an over 55 golf course complex a mile from the Atlantic Ocean and am amazed at how many neighbors have passed over time and in their papers the giveaways from the farming agents or the refrigerator magnets with calendars. 

Even though family members may have met you, the real estate neighbor, along the brief visits, many choose to believe their loved ones left that farming agent info for them to use after they pass.

Good thing I don't rely on this discipline of our real estate business for my bread and butter.  Perception is reality or guilt. 

I personally feel uncomfortable offering condolences and reminding folks of my profession....doesn't fit my mold.  

 

 

Jan 10, 2018 06:32 AM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Hello Terry McCarley ...you appear to be a "go to" person in this industry

Hello Eileen Burns ...pertinent and relevant this commenting of yours thank you

Jan 10, 2018 06:46 AM
Robert Hicks
United Country River City Realty - Savannah, TN

Thanks Mr. Nagger-

Ambulance chaser I am not. Being in the right position at the right time by just what you said......

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.

Thanks  for sharing.. 

 

Jan 10, 2018 10:05 AM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Hello Mr. Robert Hicks ...good of you to stop-in and share thank you Robert

Jan 10, 2018 10:53 AM
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear Richie Alan,

Jumping in to monopolize the conversation may be tactless, but giving them your card, in case they have questions in the future may lead to something for both sides. If not, you only wasted a dime on the card.

Jan 10, 2018 03:59 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Hello Dorte...it can be as simple as you say dear lady...

Jan 10, 2018 05:56 PM
Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes - Kansas City, MO
Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area

I learned a lesson when I left a team and went out on my own...I had to market myself and get business in the way I  was MOST COMFORTABLE doing it.  There are so many courses an agent can take, sales training, 'experts' that tell you what to do every day to get business. That works for many agents!  But it wasn't my style.  

Jan 11, 2018 05:54 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Hello Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR ...you don't hear about "most comfortable" now a days just courses and tricks...excellent commenting thank you Mary

Jan 12, 2018 06:59 AM
John Wiley
Fort Myers, FL
Lee County, FL, ECO Broker, GRI, SRES,GREEN,PSA

Great share Richie, as it gives some insight to making contact with people who may have a real estate need.

I think it is key to be able to identify who you are and what your style is. Trying to be like someone else can be a tough road to travel.

Jan 12, 2018 10:59 AM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Hello John Wiley ...good point made and shared thank you John & best to you

Jan 12, 2018 12:18 PM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Funny how that works huh? 'Nuff said. Thanks!

Feb 05, 2018 08:46 AM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Paul McFadden ...agreed and thanks for coming by Paul

Feb 05, 2018 10:27 AM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Absolutely!

Feb 05, 2018 07:05 PM