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Small town, BIG mouths - Don't give in to the gossip!

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Goomzee Corporation

I live in a town of about 100,000, which includes the surrounding area.  I've been here for about 18 years or so, so you could pretty much say I know, or know of a lot of people here.

The other day I went into the bank to deposit some money, and the girls (about 5 of them) working behind the counter are probably all about my age (25).  They were gabbing like high school girls on their lunch break.  One of the girls, who I've seen around here and there "is getting married, her future sister in law is just being such a bridemaid-zilla.  She acts like it's HER wedding and she just can't stand the dress she has to wear.  She's 32 for god sakes!  She just keeps complaining about everything and I can't believe I have to spend the rest of my life related to this girl".  Yep, I heard all that and more while getting my deposit taken care of.  Meanwhile, the girl who is taking care of my money is joining in on the conversation.  Not a "Hi, how's your day going" or anything like that.  VERY UNPROFESSIONAL!

The scary part is, it's a small town, a lot of people know eachother.  I am pretty sure I would never want my future sister in law to find out I was bad-mouthing her while at work and all the clients could hear.  Especially if she's a pain in the butt to begin, imagine what she'll think of you now!

My sister has experienced this type of thing.  She's been a hairdresser for about 8 years.  She said when she first started out, the girls she worked with didn't even talk to their clients, they were too busy gossiping about people.  Finally, a client called the manager one day and complained, because she knew someone the girls were talking about.  After my sister left that salon and moved, a friend of mine was in her old salon getting her hair done.  The girls working at the salon knew that my friend knew my sister, and they were telling her rumors about MY SISTER!  My friend was so disgusted and never went back.  Of course I told my sister and she just laughed and shook her head.

Point being.  Be careful when you are talking bad about someone.  I know, it's most likely inevitable that sometimes you just have to get it off your chest, but be careful you aren't telling the whole world.  You never know when someone that hears you, knows who you are (even though they may not know you) and they could have been your next client... well until now, because they heard you complaining about "your last pain in the butt client whose house you finally got rid of and you are so happy you don't have to deal with them anymore!" 

Don't ruin your positive reputation you've worked so hard for by making some silly comment; you'll regret it big time!

HAPPY SELLING

Erika

Dana Couch-Davis
Kendall Haney Realty Group - Memphis, TN
CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES

That is so true.  I just had to have a conversation with someone this morning about how their personal conduct was negatively impacting their professional career.  Thanks!

May 21, 2008 04:12 AM
Joe Virnig
RE/MAX Gold Coast REALTORS, Ventura County, California - Ventura, CA
No Ordinary Joe

I agree.  I'm amazed at the highly personal conversations clerks are having with their coworkers while they pretty much ignore their customers.

May 21, 2008 04:34 AM
Gregory Lohr
West Columbia, SC

Isn't it funny how we have to tell people to THINK.  When I was a teenager, I ran off at the mouth like most teenagers do.  My parents were constantly telling me "engage brain before opening mouth."  As adults, and as professionals, we should have learned that lesson along the way, yet it seems that many haven't.  I read a quote a few months ago and it applies to this situation..."What's the point in making mistakes if we don't learn from them?"  Well said!  As a Newbie to Active Rain, I see this is a great place for people to learn some very valuable lessons.  Good post Erika!  Hopefully, someone learns something valuable.

May 21, 2008 04:35 AM
Goomzee Corporation
Goomzee Corporation - Missoula, MT
www.goomzee.com

Dana, good for you!  That must have been difficult, but they'll be much happier when they see the difference!

Joe, it's become pretty bad and it's happening more and more.  Managers really need to watch their workers.

Gregory, oh I've been there!  I have heard that line more than once!  Fortunately, I grew out of it.  But I still make mistakes and learn from every one of them.  Welcome to Active Rain!!

Thanks for your comments

May 21, 2008 10:30 AM
Jessica Bigger
Bigger Communications - Reston, VA
Freelance Real Estate Business Writer

Dana - You make a very good point especially for those of us that live and work in smaller real estate markets.  Our population isn't that far off from yours.  We have about 130,000 in Humboldt County.  So I constantly watch what I say. 

May 21, 2008 10:57 AM