Twenty-four plus years in public service exposed to me a variety of people from all walks of live. They were rich, poor and middle-class people. Well-educated and extremely bright, and those struggling to overcome learning disabilities. Some even recently released from prison and trying to get their civil rights restored. Over the years they served to teach me some key lessons about being successful when dealing with people and since real estate is ALL about dealing with PEOPLE, I thought readers of activerain might find these helpful.
Lesson #1: Always --- ALWAYS return phone calls!
My personal rule is within 24-48 hours.
And if you are caught up in a major closing or negotiation, which has happened to me, I suggest delegating the return the call to an employee or associate so the person trying to reach you doesn't wonder if the message got through.
I can't tell you the number of times I had people comment on how amazed they were at my accessibility and the quickness with which their calls were returned. What surprised me was that I was even getting those comments. I thought everyone operated that way! No matter who you are, or what profession you are in, people who call you would like their call returned. The flip side is that those in our profession who DON'T return calls are getting branded as unresponsive and difficult to work with. I can't imagine this is good for their clients.
Lesson #2: Treat others with R E S P E C T - Even when they are yelling at you and your staff!
Oh yes - this one happened to me and it was very difficult to maintain my composure. In fact I asked the staff to leave so I could get the gentleman to calm down with fewer people in the room.
Hopefully, you will never encounter that kind of situation. The message of respect applies (as the NAR Ethics training tells us) to everyone we meet, work with, sell property to or for, our neighbors, and fellow bloggers on activerain. It is a part of The Golden Rule, a very important part.
Lesson #3: Admit mistakes as soon as you discover you've made them!
For people who haven't learned to celebrate mistakes!, (you're reading this and gasping???), this may be the most challenging action I'm suggesting. We learn from mistakes and many times a mistake isn't a mistake at all, but may be a solution to another problem. However, when we truly have made a mistake or an error I have found that the quicker I admit it to the parties involved and offer the solution, the easier it is to move on to completing whatever deal we are working on. A side benefit is I remove any bad feelings I may have had about the mistake, and the other people look at me as being rather clever for seeing and correcting it so quickly!
These three valuable lessons were a big part of my success as the director of Florida's real estate program, and contribute to a very favorable reputation around the state. They also apply to the private sector and I encourage you to refresh your skills and practices in these areas.
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