“Hey, Thanks for Calling…”

That person is probably wondering if it's time to hire an assistant, like I've been wondering lately!

Great post! It all seems so impersonal these days! I was concerned about that and had a great discussion about it with my First Time Twenty Something buyers. They all said, "we like it this way!!" I'm not comfortable with the texting and emailing--but that's what I do.  They like it this way and it works for them so I guess it's "all good".

Sometimes I wonder what planet some of the people I hear from fell off of...

The call is very important and I could do more of it.  I offer great service, but sometimes I become so focused on today I do call about tomorrow.

I wish I had a business like my husbands, he never has to advertise. People call and leave messages needing his services every day. He's been in the business for over 40 years. He's a plumber. I, on the other hand, have to call people and do all sorts of other stuff to get buisness.

Loved your article. Quite humorous.

Arch - "Perhaps the agent should have explained what top producing agents do for a living."  LOL

Unfortunately, this explanation would be a lot more confusing that the first one since the top producing agent would then need to explain to the martian how they don't speak to people anymore because they are just too busy.  So they have a gazillion, over-worked, under-paid, rude and obnoxious highly qualified flunkies assistants that completely run their business so that they don't have to do anymore grunt work client relations.  JMHO

I agree - recently I picked up an expired listing who said he decided to list with me because I didn't just mail him something like all the other agents. I followed up with a phone call.

This is really funny.  Although the big issue is that when people first make contact, they are generally a long way away from buying anything.  So, often they don't want to bothered.  Rule of thumb - if they leave a phone number - I call it....

Ronda, that's so cool how your name keeps writing like that. I want that. I agree with Kate, need to follow up. I have buyers set up automatically on the MLS. I have them sent to me as well and as soon as something I think they would like I call them to see if they have seen the new listing and if there ready to view it. The listing go fast in my area so you have to follow up with a call when working with buyers. Email is too slow when competition is involved. Nice post.

Great post

You are right. It is the personal contact that turns a mere "prospect" into a client. Buyers & sellers who have only had electronic communication with an agent do not feel as loyal to the agent as if they have met or spoken over the phone.

I just tried to call  but did not know your name or which button to push. I was directed to push one for service, two for sales or enter an extension (which I did not know) or pound for the company directory.  I am no Martian...but this is way too complicated.

So Arch Telecom...what is one to do??

Margaret

Good post. Thanks for sharing. 

It's so true.  You can cover so much in a 5 minute phone call that might take hours or days in elapsed time by text or email.  I think texting and emails have there place and I use them often, but to get on the same page and to keep on the same page with clients and prospects I use the old fashioned phone call.

Yes whatever is not done much is usually of value, like actually talking to leads.

My favorite is where I answer the phone, and the client starts to leave a message, not realizing I am a real person who actually answers the phone!

Its not an either or situation.  Used properly, auto-responders and personal contact are important for my business.

Hi John,

Clever idea to make an important point.

It always does end up about two people talking to each other!

Phil