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We’re in the Relationship Business. Stay Connected!

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty of California, Inc. CA DRE #01490977

Our Business is One Focused on Relationships!

So It's Time to Stay Connected

 

Staying connected onlineWe’ve all heard it many times, and understand well…we ARE in the relationship business in our real estate practices, no matter what our roles are in the industry.

 

There are plenty of challenges these days with Shelter in Place orders in many states, including here in CA where real estate is NOT considered an essential business.

 

And there are other stay-at-home and business restrictions, plus concerns in general about the coronavirus and staying as safe as possible, wtherer mandated or not.

 

How does one conduct business, as we have known it, and maintain those relationships, and foster new ones, given the “new normal” world we are all living in, and for who knows how long?

 

While close face-to-face contact  should be avoided, in light of the strong recommendations for #socialdistancing whenever we venture out from home, we do not want to truly distance ourselves socially from others, whether they be clients, prospects, our sphere, friends, family or neighbors.

 

Isn’t the emphasis really on #physicaldistancing, which, in my humble opinion, says it better (and no, that is not my original thought)!

 

So assuming you are on board with not being socially distant, just physically, AND staying connected has become even more important in our personal and business lives during this difficult time, what are your options?

 

Are there new methods you can use?

 

Or does it come down to more focus, and spending time on, the tried and true methods we all know about to stay connected but perhaps haven’t used?

 

What a great time to step outside your comfort zone and try something new, or do more with the methods you normally enjoy using. And to do a better job of staying connected while you are hunkered down at home.

 

Assuming you are staying at home most of the time except for essentials - groceries, medical visits - you might be feeling a tad bit stir-crazy. Connecting with others could be an antidote, at least a temporary one. And the recipient may be feeling the same way!

 

It shouldn’t have to be about business…and perhaps in these challenging times it’s more about letting others know you care by checking in instead of talking business, unless they need something or have questions. And of course with friends, family and neighbor there are plenty of personal things to catch up on.

 

I think it's safe to say that during this difficult time being connected socially is even more important, in our business but also with friends, family, neighbors and others we know and care about.

 

Here are some thoughts:

 

PHONE CALLS – why not pick up the phone and call? Simple, right? How often do we not make a simple call to check in even though we know we should (yep, I am guilty of this as well!)?

 

I’ve been making more calls, and have had more incoming calls, too, business and otherwise! What a nice surprise it would be to call someone you haven’t talked with in ages, but “have been meaning to call.” Phone calls are a terrific option when you can't, and shouldn't, be face to face, and perhaps one of the best ways to stay in touch. We all used to do that, remember?!

 

FACETIME – take that call to another level and make it more personal if people are interested and use FT. On personal note we have certainly been more connected on Facetime recently, especially with family members and the grandkids who are home from school, and who we can't visit.

 

SKYPE is another option – I haven’t used it in years but some like it. RING CENTRAL is being used, too, but perhaps more for work-related connectivity.

 

ZOOM – more and more people in the business are jumping on the Zoom-wagon for personal and business purposes, for a personal live video and audio call or a business meeting.

 

People are now hosting meetups (business and personal) since they can’t gather in groups. How about a virtual Happy Hour or lunch? A family gathering? A buyer or seller conversation?

 

EMAIL – another good way to stay in touch with clients, and others, although you might not want to overdo it. Good option when you aren’t connecting in person. Don’t make it all business if you are emailing clients during this time. How about a beautiful photo to brighten the day?

 

I emailed a couple of photos from the Carlsbad Flower Fields the other day to my database, as a way to bring some beauty into the day...and those who live close by can drive by and enjoy. I also included a positive article about COVID-19, thanks to Margaret Goss. And I had a bunch of responses, including from people I have not connected with for a number of years!

 

The Carlsbad Flower Field

 

TEXTING – this can work well depending on who you are dealing with. No doubt you know who you can text with and who you should not – some people prefer it, others do not. It's easy to send videos and personal photos, links to websites, and more, when and if appropriate.

 

VIDEO – you can send videos by text or email, and, again, depending on the recipient, can have a bit of fun and make it personal. How about updates on the market?

 

SOCIAL MEDIA – no doubt this is another way to stay connected with the outside world, and others. Lots of people are talking about what’s going on in their lives, sharing humor and information, and so much more.

 

Once again you have to be mindful of what you say, do, and show, plus think about the impression that what you are sharing can create…both with friends as well as the rest of the world who might see your posts. Some things are better said to, or shared with, someone personally and not the world at large.

 

PERSONAL NOTES/CARDS – these never go out of style and I think are always appreciated. Some people are no doubt quarantining their mail, using gloves, and washing their hands after touching it...probably a good idea. The NY Times talks about mail and the coronavirus if you’re interested. You should decide whether sending mail, or more mail than you already do, at this time makes sense, given the other options.

 

BLOGGING – as always a good way to stay connected, share information, educate and get educated, have fun, create new relationships and more. Perhaps you have more time now if your business has dropped off - maybe it's time to get back to your blogging.

 

No doubt you are connecting with more people these days for a wide range of reasons. What are you doing, and enjoying? Got an ideas for the rest of us?

Posted by

Jeff Dowler, CRS
Certified Residential Specialist / Realtor®


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Comments (71)

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

So true Nina Hollander 

And staying in touch these days has to be accomplished in some other ways!

Jeff

Mar 28, 2020 03:46 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Thanks for your thoughts Kat Palmiotti . Such a different time!!

Very true Naomi Prusinski , with family, friends, neighbors, AND clients.

Jeff

Mar 28, 2020 03:48 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Nina Hollander  We are certainly being challenged many ways. Good thing there are plenty of ways to stay in touch and not be face-to-face...people do understand.

Jeff

Mar 28, 2020 05:15 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Kat Palmiotti  So very true. No doubt we all were doing some of this to begin with.

Naomi Prusinski  - and there are plenty of people to stay in touch with...in our lives and in our businesses.

Jeff

Mar 28, 2020 05:18 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Brian England  - agreed. I think health and well-being are the most important things to check in about.

Thank you Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP ! That comfort zone will get us every time!

Jeff

Mar 28, 2020 05:26 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Leanne Smith  Thank you for such a nice compliment!

Michael Jacobs Thanks for the kind words.

Jeff

Mar 28, 2020 05:28 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Jeff Dowler, CRS ,

What a great post so glad to see it featured. Excellent message, health and well being are so important right now..we each find our own comfort zone and will come out of this stronger than before.

Mar 28, 2020 06:35 PM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

So many ways to keep in touch, and now we are likely to catch people at home.

Mar 28, 2020 09:18 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Ron and Alexandra Seigel  Thank you. Used correctly and well, yes, there are many opportunities to stay connected, and still be safe!

Bruce Hicks  Thanks for the kind words. Same here, and it's changing daily.

Jeff

Mar 29, 2020 12:51 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD  It really IS nice to see all the sharing as we all struggle with the new normal. Definitely interested in learning more about Zoom.

I think focusing on all that is positive is important, with some tasteful humor - there is plenty of gloom and doom without continuing to repeat it.

Jeff

Mar 29, 2020 12:53 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Yep, time to switch gears again John Henry, Florida Architect !

I am looking forward to learning more about Zoom Sheri Sperry - MCNE®  A client of mine from last year runs their call center...no doubt they are pretty busy since Zoom just keeps growing in popularity.

Jeff

Mar 29, 2020 12:56 PM
Rain Silverhawk
Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com - Sandpoint, ID
208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor

All excellent suggestions.  These are all things I do regularily anyway and I do most of my work at home, just about everything is by electronic means and doing deals contingent on buyers seeing it physically at a later date.  Buyers are coming out of the wood work.  Unfortunately not a lot of home listings are coming on the market, but we can do video tours and even had some sellers film walk throughs for us.  Here in Idaho Realtors are considered essential but I'm staying at home anyway.  The sooner everyone does, the sooner this stops and life can get back to normal. 

Mar 29, 2020 10:22 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi  Happy to push a litle. Zoom has gotten very popular it seems and I haven't heard any negative feedback.

Jeff

Mar 30, 2020 09:40 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi George Souto  Staying in touch is alway a good thing, and now is even a better idea.

Kathy Streib I so agree. I know I have more calls, etc. I need to make!

Jeff

Mar 30, 2020 09:42 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Susan Rupert  - Thanks for the kind words. We are in a similar situation where I am. While we are now essential in CA, in my County things are more restrictive from what I understand.

Good for you Bob Force (REALTOR®) !

Jeff

Mar 30, 2020 08:35 PM
Susan Rupert

Stay well Jeff.

Mar 31, 2020 08:59 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Larry Brewer - Benchmark Realty llc  Well I get that. Not everyone is good at writing notes, or enjoys it... a little at a time!! People appreciate them and perhaps even more in this day and age. Not sure how people are handling their mail, though.

Jeff

Mar 30, 2020 08:37 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Thanks Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543  I appreciate the kind words.

The flowers are really pretty right now and I'm glad we can still enjoy them. I feel sory for the business, though...big financial loss no doubt!

Jeff

Mar 30, 2020 08:41 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Dorie Dillard CRS GRI ABR 

Thanks for your thoughts and the kind wordds. Yes, indeed, health and well-being are key right now.

Jeff

Mar 31, 2020 05:16 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Bob Crane  - that's a great point about people being at home!! Even better for those phone calls!

Jeff

Mar 31, 2020 05:17 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Rain Silverhawk 

Thanks for your thoughts! Things have to be done very differently these days, in our personal AND business lives!

Jeff

Mar 31, 2020 05:19 PM