And NO, I'm not saying our clients act like kids! Although that could be a debatable statement sometimes.  I'm saying we use the same skills in Parenthood as we do in our Career.

I have thought about this a few times over the last couple of weeks and it really makes sense.  I wanted see if the rest of the AR Community agrees. Have you ever put this into Perspective? 

• Here are some skills that help me:

• Nurture:  We give our kids all of the attention we can as we raise them. I feel the same about my clients.  If we don't nurture their needs and constantly communicate with them, they find someone who will.
• Education:  As parents we wonder what our kids will be when they grow up. We answer all of their questions IN DETAIL in hopes they become a great person as an adult.  We do the same with our clients.  We constantly educate them about the industry to help them make an educated decision when they sell or purchase and hope they come back for return business.
• Giving Dreams a Future:  We meet our clients  at various stages of "The Dream" and help solidify the details. My daughter wants to be a VET when she grows up and you bet I'll do everything I can to make that dream come true!
• Keep them out of trouble:  Sort of like education...They come to us for advice on how to stay out or get out of a sticky situation.
• Honesty:  This has got to be THE MOST IMPORTANT thing we can give our clients and our kids.  It builds trust and strong relationships.
• Space:  You know, sometimes we all just need a little space. It helps us gather our thoughts and make sure we are making the right decisions.
• Motivation:  I motivate my kids to do things they never thought they could do.  Sometimes our clients just need a small nudge of reassurance.
• PATIENCE:  Boy have I learned this one.  I think this one is self-explanatory.
• Listening:  We don't just listen, we HEAR!  What our clients and kids want and need.  It's amazing what you learn when you listen.                       

I thought it was amazing how normal everyday tools are really what it takes to make a client happy and have a successful transaction. We can take CE classes and get multiple designations but in the end, it comes down to how you treat people.

Do you nurture your clients?

UPDATE: My daughter just informed me I'm wrong, she doesn't want to be a vet anymore-she wants to be a Marine Biologist.  I'm still all for it!