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Back to the Basics to increase your longevity - F.O.R.D. system

By
Real Estate Agent with Former Agent

Do you use the Ford system when you are talking with people?  Ever had one of the really ackward moments of "dead air" and it seemed like it lasted forever and neither of you knew what to say?

Don't let that happen again.  Use the FORD method with every new person you meet and conversation will flow easier.

What is FORD?

F - Family, Friends (ask them about the family, married? single? kids? extended? etc. Never assume anything about anyone.....hush and let them tell you!)

O - Occupation (EVERYONE wants to talk about what they do...goodness knows we as real estate professionals seem to talk about it all the time...LOL, let them talk for once and you might be amazed at what you find)

R - Recreation (what do THEY like to do for fun and relaxation?  Might be a connection here!  Might be something you would like to try and you could find out about it first hand)

D - Dreams (Where do they see themselves in 5 years?  Everyone has a dream, if they say they don't, they aren't looking hard enough, it is there.  Find out what they are looking towards and see if you can help them with the real estate need that is related to that dream)

There is no reason for a conversation to ever go stale.  With the above system, you should have enough to establish a conversation with anyone that you meet.

WORD OF ADVICE - let someone else do the talking once in awhile.  We sometimes need to let them talk and then we need to LISTEN!

Matt Yogerst
RE/MAX Realty 100 - Menomonee Falls, WI
Metro Milwaukee Real Estate

Thanks! I was searching for the meaning of FORD and finally got your post that explains it very clearly. I tend to be very direct and maybe to 'cut to the chase' type of person. I am going to print this out and try to keep this near my land line! I do care about my customers, just don't always clearly show it...

Aug 21, 2008 06:25 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Thanks for the reminder. I have haerd of the FORD system.Good luck.

Aug 21, 2008 09:37 PM