I have accidentally learned a reminder about sales and marketing for my business this week.  Just when I thought I knew it all!  Okay, sometimes one feels that way (know it all),  but deep down, we know the day will come (over and over again) that we will learn, or be reminded, of something new or something we have overlooked or forgotten. 

I, as does everyone, learn something every day, but sometimes, things happen that create a learning inspiration, or more dead on, a significant reminder.  Today it happened to me, and I am elated about that, as it was the reminder I needed for my real estate referral business and my passion for home staging. 

Start from the beginning.  Nobody ever wins the medal if they didn't start the competition from the beginning.  Then, patiently, take it to the finish line . . .

Do not become complacent.  Do not take your industry knowledge for granted, and remember, your client does not know what you know!  Talk to your client, be it a listing seller, a buyer, (both) or someone gathering information on staging their home for sale, as if they are the very first potential client for this product or service ever -- start from the beginning as to how the industry works!  If you do not do this, potentially this will happen:

• You appear pushy . . . out for your gain; not necessarily their gain.  OR
• You appear confused, (because they are confused) and not much of an expert. Remember, if they do not understand the value then the only message they can grasp, is that you do not know it well enough to explain the value. 

However -- If you do treat them as if they are the first potential client ever; two things will happen . . .

They will feel special that you are being so open and they found someone so caring and knowledgeable willing to start from the beginning putting everything in layman terms  (not to mention enthusiastic)  

Or, they will feel more intelligent than the average client and will be impressed that they know as much as you do!  Obviously, that helps them (and you) cross the finish line!

I make it a point to learn something new from my real estate and staging clients everyday.  My goal is to learn something from them and be confident they learn something from me.  That builds partnership and partnerships build businesses.

Thank you, homeowner, (that I met today) for today's lesson and tomorrow's business!