This post was inspired by another blog post I received this morning: http://www.kimwoodbridge.com/just-a-quick-question/. It raises a VERY important topic. How much of your time do you spend working for free?
I know I get emails all the time filled with the so-called 'quick question'. The reality is not only do they want a quick answer, but they also want a free answer.
As REALTORS, you have an even harder time with this topic compared to someone like myself that charges for the services preformed. You work on commission so you want to seem willing and knowledgeable to help, but you also don't want your time wasted.
You have the sellers that want to call or email you after 10:00PM, weekends and holidays. You have the buyers who want to look at homes all over the county and who aren't willing to sign a Buyer Agency contract.
So, what to do?
Here's what I say. Set a precedent for the way your time is spent. Upon first meeting, have a highlight sheet that outlines your responsibilities in the relationship and the potential clients. If you respond to clients when they call you after 10:00PM, they are going to think it's OK. DON'T DO IT! If you ignore them, they are going to get mad and not want to work with you. You need to tell them how your business works. Then, you'll find, business will be a lot easier and less frustrating than you remembered it from years past. Less of your time will be wasted and you'll find your productivity increasing. All good things.
If they can't respect you and the way you run your business, then move on. It's OK to let clients go. I know it's hard, but it will save you a lot of time and money if you get over this fear now.
For those in the business like myself, who bill based on the service preformed, send them the quick answer along with a 'quick invoice', as stated in the blog referenced above. That may help get the message across :)
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