Special offer

Be Personable Like Your Dentist

By
Education & Training with Author of My Blue Goose, Business Dev. Exec. of Xpressdocs
dentist

Several months ago I wrote about my dentist in Boston and how impressed I was with them. Not just the service, but the entire way they marketed themselves. I was so impressed, I called them back to find out how they knew my wife and I so well. I mean, really, after our first couple of visits they were able to recall six months later everything we told them. It turns out that every visit the assistant went back to the file on the computer and wrote down all of the things that we spoke about. They were big on writing down dates of things as well, birthdays, anniversaries and so on. Any date that they write down goes into another spreadsheet so they can send appropriate correspondence.

A similar thing happened to me when I went into get my haircut at Sportsclips. "Matt, do you want us to use the 2 on the sides like last time?" Cindy asked me. Then she asked my how my wife was doing with the pregnancy. Again, this was a person I remembered but hadn't seen a few months.

It got me thinking. How many of us actually take the time to record personal notes about the clients with whom we have worked. What does it do for our business when we can reach out to each and every one of our clients in a totally unique and personal way?

Unfortunately, many real estate agents these days don't even keep up to date blue lists, let alone going above and beyond to create notes on life events. There's no better time to change a habit then at the beginning of the year.

amazoncom_-my-blue-goose-exploiting-the-wow-factor-in-real-estate-marketing_-matthew-s-gosselin-first-editing_-booksMatthew S. Gosselin is the author of My Blue Goose, Exploiting The Wow Factor In Real Estate Marketing. The book can be purchased on MyBlueGoose.com or Amazon. Stay tuned for more information about his new book, "Stand Out, Stick and Stay. Transforming Real Estate Marketing"
Ann Hayman
Norville Realty - Jacksonville, FL
GRI,CDPE,IRES, Jacksonville, FL. Gated Communities , Real Estate

Good morning Matthew, I too get personal with my clients, but know I can do better. Pulled up  my datebase in the last 1/4 of 08 and making the pop-by's to update on everyone. A very timely and good post.

Jan 16, 2009 10:21 PM
Pamela STETSON
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Abbott Realtors - Mahwah, NJ
I would love to help you buy or sell your home!

Great suggestions --- thanks for sharing... P

Jan 17, 2009 12:20 AM
David & Lisa Webber
RE/MAX Executive - Crofton, MD
www.webberteam.com

I really like this idea.  We work with so many people each week, a lot of them renting, and I really need to keep better notes to remember their details.  Our dentist must do the same thing because I'd get comments like that while in the chair.  I wonder if they teach that at dentistry school?

Jan 17, 2009 12:28 AM
Joetta Fort
The DiGiorgio Group - Arvada, CO
Independent Broker, Homes Denver to Boulder

I just switched dentists and my new one is so much more personable I actually had a good time there and am looking forward to going back!  I'm trying to figure out how to keep those notes organized - just switched to a Mac and it doesn't come with a database, just an address book.  May have to invest in something.

Jan 17, 2009 01:38 AM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

I try to keep up with personal information - we got a new database which is making it a lot easier. It's something I want to do naturally, our clientele become friends.

Jan 17, 2009 03:29 AM
Danell Merren
Providence Home Mortgage/ICCF - Grand Rapids, MI

Great advice! My dentist is very personable too, and we've stuck with him all of adulthood! I'm sure these tips will work in our field as well!

Jan 17, 2009 12:45 PM
Michael Krotchie
Tierra Antigua Realty, LLC - Tucson, AZ
Tucson Realtor, 520.261.MIKE

Excellent post. I use my Treo to take notes after phone calls because paper notes always end up being lost somehow!

Jan 17, 2009 01:04 PM
Sonya Loose
Modern Realty - Beaverton, MI
Helping Buyers & Sellers of Waterfront Property

Very impressive Dentist you have and good tips for all of us.  When I remember or mention something to a client that they have discussed with me before you can see their face light up and it makes them feel good to know you listened and care to bring it up again.  Needless to say this establsihed a rapport and provided you credibility.

Jan 17, 2009 03:49 PM
Mike Henderson
Your complete source for buying HUD homes - Littleton, CO
HUD Home Hub - 303-949-5848

A great approach.  I'm relying on my photographic memory and my contact manager to make everything correct.  I just got back from the dentist so your post was on point.

Jan 17, 2009 03:53 PM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Customer service! It's a compliment to you, to know so much about you.

Jan 18, 2009 12:57 AM
Thom Abbott
MyMidtownMojo.com |770.713.1505 | Intown Atlanta GA Condo Living - Atlanta, GA
Midtown Atlanta GA Condos For Sale

Matthew....I try to do the same using my Top Producer account. Anytime I know something about my clients/contacts, I note it on the account so I have it. Especially if I know about special dates, of any kind. That really goes a long way!

Jan 19, 2009 11:30 AM
Kelsey Barklow
Hurd Realty - Johnson City, TN
423/948-9154

Great topic and post. You are so right. Sometimes the little things mean a lot to people so why not make it happen?

Jan 19, 2009 12:32 PM