"I knew you would call"

 Yes, that is the response I just received from a Realtor at almost 7 pm local time.  This Realtor called me at 4 something when I had a client in my office and as I was walking out the door at 5 for a meeting I was given the message. 

Now the question is why that response? 

and

Do you get the same?

As we reach the mid way point of the first month of 09Now, is the time to review your business practice and your

CUSTOMER SERVICE BUSINESS MODEL.

Can your clients count on you?  In today's world how do you service your client and allow for family time and all the other stressors in our world.

Look I know this is not easy, BUT then again it is.  Honestly it is.  I will not tell you what time management "guru" or other "self help stud or studette" to look to for help.  The honest and easy way is to set limits and to let your clients know your limits.  They will respect you and your professionalism if you do.

SO

I wonder (because this profession amazes me) are you taking advantage of the tools that are out there to help you  be profitable?

Do you have a contract for you and your clients on what you will do?

Examples:

• Do you text?
• Is your cell phone a tool you use to say send a picture or email? Can you price out a loan or do a MLS search on your phone?
• Do you have limits on when you are available to clients? and do they know it? (hence my title I am available and will return all communication between 7am and 8 pm: email, text or phone and my clients know it)
• Do you block out time for you during the day?
• Do you schedule "FREE TIME"
• Are you using "auto responders" on email?  If so stop, this tells me you don't care and are out of touch. I will move to the next person.
• Same for "scheduled time" to return calls and messages.  I have an associate that every time I send him an email or call him I get " I will return messages between X and Y hours".  Now I understand that he got this from a "time management guru" but it screams "I DON"T CARE".

Bottom line

Professionalism

and

Customer Service

Simple my friends.  Take care of the basics and the basics will take care of you.  Now per my contract with myself and my family.  The business day is done.  Enjoy your evening and we will engage in debate tomorrow.