Home : Blogs : Matt Thomson Gig Harbor, WA Real Estate & Relocation : Matt's Gig Harbor Real Estate Blog

Introductions are important!

I learned something interesting at our softball game yesterday. As I sat on the bleachers, melting in the 93 degree sunshine, filling out our line-up card the coach from the other team came over to greet me. You only get one chance to make a first impression, right?

I was wearing an old t-shirt from my days as a track and field and cross country coach at a local high school. The other coach approached me and as I looked up, I heard:
"Do you coach cross country?"

"I used to. It's been 5 years, but I loved doing..."

Cutting me off and extending his hand..."Cal State Hayward, 14:11 5k."

"Westmont College, 14:52 5k, nice to meet you. My friends call me Matt."

How do you respond to something like that? Then I realized how many real estate agents, especially the online agents, introduce themselves the same way.

"XYZ Realty, 89 transactions last year."

Great. I'm not impressed. Why? One, I don't care how fast you ran 25 years ago or how many transactions you closed last year. Two, I have no clue if you're telling me the truth or not. I could have said I ran a 14:10 5k, or closed 91 transactions, and you'd either have to take my word for it or assume I am a liar.

How are your blogs, or other websites, introducing you? What do you suppose prospective clients care about? These answers will vary for everybody, and what works for some won't work for others. I believe this business is still about personal relationships. I do want an agent who can produce, but not at the expense of having an ego I can't deal with. I do want to play softball with, or run against, somebody who is athletically gifted, but not at the expense of being with someone who drives me nuts.

Are your blogs YOU? Nice to meet you.

Posted by Matt Thomson Gig Harbor, WA Real Estate & Relocation on 06/30/2008 04:11 PM

Comments (5)

real estate, agents, blogging, personal relationships

Post is included in group: Keller Williams 'Rainers
Post is included in group: Life on the Kitsap Peninsula WA
Post is included in group: Keller Williams Active Rain Bloggers
Post is included in group: REALTOR LIFE
Post is included in group: Active Rain Running Challenge

5 Comments on Introductions are important!

Matt,

Those are some great points, I always get a laugh inside when I meet real estate agents or anyone like that.

thank you,

Stuart

06/30/2008 04:13 PM

by Stuart Dobson (Denver, Colorado - Infinity Real Estate Services LLC)

Funny stuff! You would love one of my Realtors, Josh! He is the most down to earth guy you will ever meet and he plays softball, basketball, kickball, dodgeball, flag football, and who knows what else. He meets all his clients at sporting events, and he is TRULY himself at all times. He drives a scooter to help the environment and rolls into work in a t shirt and swim trunks...and sells a million dollar home. You guys sould a little alike. We are always talking about the "snotty" Realtors out there that have been riding high from the old school days and are so uppity on the phone with us. Most people want a "REAL" person as their Realtor now...funny how things turn around. I showed up to one listing and got it solely because I was in cowboy boots and jeans, and they said I was the only person that showed up looking like someone they would hang out with. Funny how the market changes :)

Tracey

www.360realtygreensboro.com

06/30/2008 04:26 PM

by Tracey Shrouder (360 Realty)

Matt,

I have met a few Realtors like the ones you have described, and let me tell you, they are the worst to work with and I often find they want you to do the majority of THEIR work as they claim to be to busy. That is one of my peeves, when someone acts like the transaction you have between your client and theirs isn't as important as some of their other work. It just amazes me that people act like that. I treat them all the same, they are all important, from the smallest sell to the biggest listing. I want all of my clients to enjoy their Real Estate transaction with me and I will do my best on every one of them to ensure they do. Kind of got off subject their, but it needed to be said. I think I may have to blog on that subject. Needless to say, great blog!

06/30/2008 04:37 PM

by Joshua and Kathy Schmidt (ERA Armstrong Team Realtors)

That's Funny Stuff Man! Those people have their heads in the clouds. I prefer the humble approach.

06/30/2008 04:41 PM

by Nathan Diones (RE/MAX Marquee Partners)

An introduction is too easy. Very funny.

06/30/2008 05:41 PM

by Latonia Parks (Keller Williams Realty)