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Postive Networking Means ... SHUT UP!

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Greenville Central

We're REALTORS. We love to talk! We love to talk about houses, markets, inventory, flips, you name it. But when it comes to networking the most mundane person you meet at the Chamber meeting is the person who tells you all about his business. BLAH BLAH BLAH

When you were trying hard for that first date, what did you talk about. YOURSELF. And guess what? Then you shut up and let the other person talk about THEMSELF. If they said something you didnt' like, they were off the "cool" list. But if you really were into that person  you listened hard, took mental notes and remembered their birthday.

Netowrking and lead generation are the same animals. Don't YOU hate it when you get that telemarketing call about the latest and greatest product. They tell you how great it is without finding out whether or not you need a 5 speed blender/ car starter kit!! You tune them out.

REALTORS make the same mistakes. We've got so much inventory and so many overeager sellers and not enough buyers. So we tell everyone and their Aunt Mabel about these awesome homes and where they are and the tile and the..... Guess what..they tuned you out.

What we need to do is what successfull business persons world wide do. They ask about their clients needs and wants ..yes. But they also ask about Aunt Mabel, how your kids are doing. How losing weight is going since you look so good...anything BUT business. They build rapport and care. And if you can't learn to care about your clients and their very individual needs. You need to go work in a call center and do telemarketing.

Effective listening. Not just with your ears with your heart. Tell them about you..then SHUT UP!

Comments (2)

Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Holly.  I am a big believer in this.  The less we say, the better.

Thanks for reading,

Ken

Oct 15, 2008 06:32 AM
John March
Charisma Media Group, LLC - Bluffton, SC
"Engage, connect, prosper" (Matt 6:33)

Holly,

Listening is a skill that many of us need to improve on. (me) To really listen is one of the biggest acts of kindness there is. So many people want this--to just listen to them and what's on their heart.

Oct 15, 2008 01:49 PM