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What Simon From American Idol Said That Needs Repeating

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Education & Training with Tom Ferry-yourcoach

Like most Americans .... my family loves watching American Idol.  Whoever thought Simon would give something to blog about late last night!

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Last night at about  half-way through  the show, Simon Cowell, the notorious critical judge asked one of the favorite male singers (with a great voice) ...  

"You can sing. I get that.  But the more important question is, are you relevant?  Will America connect with you and vote for you? If you're not, why are you here?"

Good questions Simon.

We in real estate need to be asking ourselves that very set of questions, in terms of the marketing, branding and advertising we are doing. Does the consumer think your message is relevant right now? Is a prospective home buyer or seller connecting with you, understanding your message?

Do you really think they care  right now if you are "number 1 in your company or if you drive a fancy car or like to collect fine art"? News Flash ... No, they don't. Consumers are looking for agents who are compassionate, understand the market and who can get their home sold.  They want you to be a partner in confidence right now because they have so little faith in what's happening around the corner.

In case you haven't noticed, the culture has shifted very quickly in the past 5 months. Have you? Has your message?

Remember what Simon asked, "Are you relevant?"

So.... Are you?

Think about it. Let me know what you think!

Passion Rules!

Tom Ferry

www.yourcoach.com

Comments (75)

Janet Guilbault
Platinum Home Mortgage Company - Walnut Creek, CA
San Francisco Bay Area Direct Mortgage Lender

I believe what consumers want in their real estate professional is an advocate.

Once they believe you out there on the front lines doing battle on their behalf, the trust flows.

Feb 13, 2009 02:10 AM
Joshua & Kathy Schmidt
ERA Henley Real Estate - Cabot, AR

Tom,

     Great post!  I think every one of us want to be relevant.  The thing is, are we all doing what we can to become or remain relevant?  The truth of the matter is that you just can't sit around and wait on business to find you.  Also, when you do get some business coming your way you have to be doing more for your clients.  The days of multiple offers on every property are far behind us.  So you have to be prepared to help your clients make their offers appealing, their listings stand out and put some REAL time into Real Estate.

Feb 13, 2009 02:11 AM
Anonymous
Bob Gibbs

Relevance is important but it is also vital that an agent remember their fiduciary responsibility to their client. My point is that it is easy for agents who may not be doing much business to worry more about their paycheck instead of the best interest of their client. Especially when bills are due and creditors are calling. In the long run you will be best served by making sure that your client's needs are put first even at the risk of postponing a paycheck.

Feb 13, 2009 02:43 AM
#58
Tom Ferry
Tom Ferry-yourcoach - Newport Beach, CA

Bob,

100% agreed. That's exactly how we run our business ... the first quesiton is, "What's in the best interest of the client?"

Tom

Feb 13, 2009 02:53 AM
Maria Mastrolonardo, IL Probate Specialist
RE/MAX of Naperville & RE/MAX Enterprises - Naperville, IL
Illinois Probate Realtor
Tom: Great post! You've made some great points, ones that are important to service the client.
Feb 13, 2009 03:42 AM
Joshua Hay
Schell Brothers - Dagsboro, DE

Love the post.  It is a point that goes very unnoticed during the good times in this industry and most people don't correct it until the slower times, if at all.   

Feb 13, 2009 03:47 AM
Ronnie Margolis
KW Kauai - Kapaa, HI
Kauai Realtor - CDPE, ABR, RA - On Top of the Aloh

Are you relevant is always a good question in any industry. The main thing consistent about all business and life is change and we need to change to stay relevant. Ironic that these pearls of wisdom came from super-critical Simon. He can be so harsh to some of those contestants.

aloha from kauai...

Feb 13, 2009 04:02 AM
Brian Hurt
Keller Williams Premier Realty - Inver Grove Heights, MN
ABR, E-Pro

Great article Tom.  Amusing, yet relevant.  I can't wait to see your next blog! 

Feb 13, 2009 04:32 AM
Tom Ferry
Tom Ferry-yourcoach - Newport Beach, CA

Thanks Brian for the comment!

Tom

Feb 13, 2009 05:03 AM
Steve Blehl
The Home Depot/Referrals to Geba Realty - Milford, PA

People want a company that is going to be there into the future in this horrid economic environment. Especially in the new home market that we are involved with. They don't want to plunk down a ton of money and then have the company go belly up under the bankruptcy laws.

And, enthusiasm sells. Clients have that first 7-12 seconds to decide whether or not they like you. Then they size up your enthusiasm, and also whether or not others like and want your company to be theirs, (please refer to: "Tough Market New Home Sales" by Jeff Shore). It is the old adage, that when people see other people going for something, like one restaurant and not another, they are usually just looking for enthusiasm from the employees and the other customers. Most will figure that there must be something there. 

Feb 13, 2009 06:36 AM
The Somers Team
The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA
Delivering Real Estate Happiness

Interesting question !  I think in marketing everyone needs to reasess, readjust and modify what one is doing to connect with as many consumers as possible.

Feb 13, 2009 11:55 AM
Ervin Alston
EMA GRAPHICS - Virginia Beach, VA

Great question to remember in whatever job we have...specifically if we are in marketing/sales.  Simon can be a nuisance but in most cases, he has great points.

Thank you so much!

 

Jenny

Feb 13, 2009 12:41 PM
TIM MONCRIEF
Tim Monciref - Austin, TX
Over 2,000 homes sold…..

This whole business revolves around passion.  If you dont' have passion for real estate, get out.  Great post.....

Feb 14, 2009 09:32 AM
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

I think that was a very good comment that could apply to everyone, no matter what profession they are in...

Feb 15, 2009 02:41 AM
Jason Rosser
YourCoach.com - Newport Beach, CA

I couldn't agree with you more Tom.  Relevance is a big key to success especially when agents are marketing in a sea of crowded realtors, and we have over 532,000 licensed agents in California alone.  Unique (relevant) vs. weak.

Feb 17, 2009 05:08 AM
Tom Ferry
Tom Ferry-yourcoach - Newport Beach, CA

Tim- I agree. Passion is what will keep us in the game. My theme right now ... BRING IT IN 2009!

Elelyn- Thank you.

Jason- Good point.

Passion Rules!

Tom

Feb 17, 2009 10:05 AM
Rebecca Anne Cole
PNC Mortgage - Timonium, MD

Great post and something to really think about.  People can tell instantly if someone has passion.

Feb 18, 2009 03:42 AM
Kent Anderson
Coldwell Banker Resort Realty, Sandpoint, Idaho - Sandpoint, ID
from Schweitzer to the Lake
Am I relevant? Great question! I'm going to do a post soon about an experience I just had on a showing... My clients got into a fight in the car after 3 hours of viewing homes. I was thinking during their battle..."What am I doing here? Am I relevant?" It was a fiasco.

I agree with Lenn, experience is King, but not necessarily just real estate experience.

Great post!

Feb 19, 2009 03:30 AM
Tom Ferry
Tom Ferry-yourcoach - Newport Beach, CA

Rebecca- I agree 100% with you! Passion has a huge pulse!

Kent- Wow, the story real estate people can tell, right! Life experience 100% comes into play in our business! Thanks for the comment!

Passion Rules!

Tom

Feb 19, 2009 04:05 AM
Lisa Wetzel
RE/MAX Realty Affiliates - Carson City, NV
CDPE, SFR carsonvalleyland.com

I'm not an "Idol" fan but I did enjoy this post and all the comments.  Here's to relevance in all our lives!

Feb 24, 2009 08:25 PM