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Dog Ate My Homework Moments In Life

By Gary Woltal

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty 0575737

July 28, 2008 08:49 AM

I want you to keep the images from this post fresh in your mind because they apply to many you may work with in industry, customers, or Realtors. Just think basically that the response to YOU asking for a reason for something, or any level of accountability, the answer comes back to you like this:

THE DOG ATE MY HOMEWORK.

Do these people actually think we are that stupid? I am talking about excuses here people for things not getting done that are promised. People hiding from you and not returning your phone calls or emails. People canceling appointments on you. People deciding to do something "else" instead of taking the time they promised for you because you are not as important in their eyes.

It doesn't fly with me. They are using the oldest grade school excuse of why the homework was not done. Just remember when you see people pull their laundry list of excuses out on you for THEM being irresponsible, just check back with them and ask,

IS THIS ONE OF THOSE DOG ATE MY HOMEWORK MOMENTS???

You may catch them off guard with a quizzical look about what the heck are you talking about? But surely you will have caught them with their pants down. Set boundaries with people. You allow them to treat you the way you let them. DON'T LET THEM TREAT YOU BADLY.

Because, remember you are very special. Don't forget that !!!

Dog Ate Homework

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Lenn Harley

Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA

Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Mmmmm. Are you talking about the gentleman who has been calling for foreclosure listings for a week and when I sent them, he raised his price because he doesn't like them. So he called back and wants more listings.

I suggested that he has more than enough listings to decide if the area and prices will work and he needs to take a tour.

NO, NO. I decide when I go, Just send more. .. . . . Sorry, Mr. XXXXXXx, I don't want to do this any more. Good luck. Good-by.

So he calls back 3 hours later from his work phone, not cell #, with his voice subdued, giving me the same story, different name, he's using initials now, but the scenario is identical. He doesn't want to go out, he just wants more listings.

I was nice, because I'm always nice. I'm just going to sit on it.

Is this what you're talking about?

Jul 28, 2008 08:58 AM

Sondra Meyer:

EXP Realty, LLC - Corpus Christi, TX

See It. Experience It. Live It.

That Beagle is sooo cute. Gary, you find the best pictures to illustrate your points.

In all seriousness, Mr. Reminder Man, you've made a great point in that we do need to set boundries with people, in all aspects of our life. Now, you've got me thinking about all the excuses I heard from my college students.

Jul 28, 2008 08:59 AM

Chuck Carstensen

RE/MAX Results - Elk River, MN

Minnesota/Wisconsin Real Estate Expert

Love these people too. Its okay though. I no longer let them bother me. I bless them and releases them and the ASK for a good one in their spot.

Jul 28, 2008 09:02 AM

Carol Swain

Keller Williams Real Estate - Langhorne, PA

Realtor, -www.swainsells.com- Bucks County, Pa

Great Point! People in are line of business can be inconsiderate. It is almost like they forgot that we have lives just like them.

Jul 28, 2008 09:04 AM

Patricia Kennedy

RLAH@properties - Washington, DC

Home in the Capital

Gary, this post is one of your true moments of brilliance! As the human of a dog who eats things, I laughed very hard. But I don't blame Willie for my screw ups.

Jul 28, 2008 09:06 AM

William Feela

WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN

Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Gary...I find that many of the people who don't get things done also are short on courtisy.

Jul 28, 2008 09:06 AM

Gary Woltal

Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX

Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Greg: Common courtesy as we see many times is not so common.

Lenn: I can't believe the guy is calling back three hours later with a subdued voice. What a creep! I think you have this one totally under control on your side, but he probably hasn't figured that out yet LOL.

Sondra: Don't let people get away with stuff. This is a strength some have early on but you definitely need to get it later on in life. I always say, "No Doormats Allowed." Stick up for yourself and don't listen to the on and on excuses. That's all they are, is excuses.

Chuck: Letting go of their shenanigans is a great thing to do.

Carol: People being inconsiderate is completely uncalled for.

Patricia: Maybe in your case the dog DID eat your homework. You're excused! Special case for you : )

William: It's kind of a character issues with courtesy and not getting things done. Like the brain is not fully functional.

Jul 28, 2008 09:29 AM

Chris Ann Cleland

Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA

Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Gary: I am chasing one of these agents around right now. I'm sure, when he finally does return my call, he will be full of excuses.

Jul 28, 2008 09:41 AM

Liz Moras Migic

Chilliwack, BC

Chilliwack, British Columbia - Realtor

There are a lot of doggies out there with upset tummies!....I like the line though......its non-confrontational..........and its funny........but it gets the point across!

Jul 28, 2008 10:11 AM

Patricia Beck

RE/MAX Properties, Inc., ABR, GRI, SRES - Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs Realty

This is very common with many people and it doesn't change when they get older! As a matter of fact, I was just thinking of this very thing before reading your post Gary. If possible, after a few attempts, it is best to move on, no use in working with people who are not serious and always making excuses.

Jul 28, 2008 11:48 AM

Brenda Tressler

Crye-Leike Realtors - Clarksville, TN

Great! I love reading your posts. I will remember this one... That would be a great message for the answering machine when you know they are avoiding you. Thanks your pictures made me smile! :)

Jul 28, 2008 12:30 PM

Don Rogers

Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield - O'Fallon, MO

Realtor, Broker, CDPE, GRI, OnullFallon MO & St Charles County MO homes

Gary,

I find that there are those that will over promise and under produce, those that promise and don't produce and those that should learn what keeping their word means. This is where accountability is lacking and people do need to be held accountable from the time they wake up til they go to bed.

Then on occasions we will run into those that keep their word in everything that they do. These are the ones that are always a pleasure to deal with.

Don R.

Jul 28, 2008 02:12 PM

Russell Lewis

Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX

Broker,CLHMS,GRI

I've read several of your blogs and really like your attitude. Thanks for the post!

Jul 28, 2008 02:40 PM

Charles Buell

Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA

Seattle Home Inspector

Gary, I think that when you don't do what you say you are going to do you are essentially telling that other person: F$@# You!

Jul 28, 2008 03:06 PM

Michelle Hall

Century 21 Hecht - Denver, NC

Gary, you're right! I am special and I'm not gonna' take it anymore. Curious - what made you write about this post... did something like this happen to you today?

Jul 28, 2008 03:33 PM

Pam Pugmire

Silvercreek Realty Group - Meridian, ID

Meridian Idaho Real Estate

That dog at the bottom stole the sign from my 12 year old. Tell him he can keep it.......do not return it!

Jul 28, 2008 03:34 PM

Dan Woodworth

The Connection - Garden City, ID

Encouraging Communicator

Hi Gary, Excuses take a tremendous amount of time and energy! It's much easier to underpromise and overdeliver than to use the big "E!" The dog doesn't really like the taste of paper anyway!

Jul 28, 2008 03:58 PM

Gary Woltal

Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX

Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Chris Ann: So you can relate with this other agent with excuses.

Liz: You remind them that you don't believe excuses.

Patricia: You are right, some make a habit of excuses.

Brenda: Great line about putting that on the answering machine. I try to find fun or meaningful pictures.

Don: Thanks for your kind words.

Russell: You're welcome. Keep reading. One of these eventually will be a REALLY good one. Trial and error you know. ; )

Charles: Very good point. Kind of a "little" disrespect thing going on there : )

Michelle: Nothing happened to me on this one, the idea just popped in my head. But throughout life and probably even myself doing it I have seen excuses galore. And you have to cut through them and not put up with them.

Pam: I guess you've heard that "I didn't do it" a time or two, no? You and Susan should compare notes, you both have 12 yr olds.

Dan: Good point on the wasted energy. The dog tries to look innocent while so guilty. That's how people are too.

Jul 28, 2008 04:09 PM

Carol Culkin

Diamond Partners Inc - Overland Park, KS

Overland Park Residential Real Estate

Gary - I had an agent last week neglect to drop off paperwork for a relo transaction we were working on. His excuse was that he got tied up with buyers. I made sure to let him know how I didn't appreciate setting ecpectations for my clients and the relo company based on his promises. He got the point, because he hasn't let me down since and has provided everthing else ina timely manner. By the way, that looks like my childhood dog!

Jul 28, 2008 04:35 PM

Gary Woltal

Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX

Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Carol: I love your story. It is so much a story of not taking it and setting boundaries. People treat you as you let them. And look what happened? You have the other agent trained right now. Super!! That is a cute dog, you must of had a nice one.

Jul 28, 2008 04:53 PM