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Are You a Servant or an Employee?

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Revolution

serve othersEveryone seems to be touting "customer service" as something GREAT that their business offers. A group of close friends was discussing that idea last night and I thought I'd share some of it with you Rainmakers.

Most people want to get the job done, as quickly and painlessly as possible. Efficient. Knowledgeable. By the Book. Stamp your time-card and collect your check. These people are superior EMPLOYEES but is that really what "customer service" is all about? A well-trained monkey can do that, but when you go above and beyond you become a SERVANT.

Here are some thoughts about what defines a SERVANT to our clients:
1.  Take time to know THEM and their family.
2.  CARE that they are humans, too (not just a commission)
3.  Call them and speak meaningful words on a REGULAR basis, even after closing (and not just to get a REFERRAL)
4.  Make life easier on THEM by sometimes inconveniencing ME
5.  Be sacrificial in giving of time, effort, and even money to them

This concept can stretch so much further than just our business relationships. What if we took this mindset with our kids? our spouse? our God? Our entire attitude will change when we put others first and embrace our role of a true servant.

Posted by

  Jay O'Brien, Kansas City : Social Media Guy (RE/MAX Revolution)Jay O'Brien
 
RE/MAX Revolution, Kansas City, Missouri

  www.JayTheHomeGuy.com

 

Ann Bellamy
Hard money lending for investors in NH and MA - Tyngsboro, MA
Lending to real estate investors since 2006

Being sacrificial in giving is a pretty time consuming concept.  May it return to you 10 fold.

Mar 24, 2011 03:24 AM
Chris Smith
Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON
South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Jay, great advice for all our relationships whether they be business, personal or casual.

Mar 24, 2011 03:24 AM
Tonya Maxwell
Century 21 Clinkenbeard Agency - Sallisaw, OK
Realtor-Associate, Century 21 Clinkenbeard Agency

Great post Jay.  This concept is one in which I believe in fully and work at daily.  Thank you!

Mar 24, 2011 03:37 AM
Robin Dampier REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker King - Hendersonville, NC
Hendersonville & Western NC Real Estate Source

Hummm, I'm not so sure about the term servant being the correct one I'd like to use to describe the very exceptional "service" provided to clients that you and your friends have described.  Those traits make you stand out from others who simply do what's required of them.

Although the #2 definition from the dictionary could apply I guess I generally think of #1 as someone performing domestic duties which is admirable as well, but, not what I think of myself doing as a realtor.

"servant, [sur-vuhnt] Show IPA -noun 1. a person employed by another, especially to perform domestic duties. 2. a person in the service of another. 3. a person employed by the government: a public servant.

Sue of Robin and Sue

Mar 24, 2011 03:37 AM
Pam Miller
Realty Associates - Conroe, TX
Broker Associate - Water Crest on Lake Conroe

we should all have a servant's heart!  Great Post, Jay.

Mar 24, 2011 03:47 AM
Kathy Smiley
Rodeo Realty ~ Fine Estates Westlake Village - Newbury Park, CA
"Real Estate results that make YOU smile!"

Jay - once again you nailed it! Great post - it's time to stop stressing about our commission and start SERVING our clients!

Mar 24, 2011 09:23 AM
Jay O'Brien
RE/MAX Revolution - Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Real Estate

Thanks for the for the feedback! A servant is all about the attitude. If your thinking is to put other's needs first, then you will achieve superior service and have success.

Sue, I see your thought process but I don't think of servant in a negative or demeaning way at all. History has put that term there, but it's an attitude of willingly inconveniencing ourselves and doing MORE than what is called for.

Thx and keep it coming!

Mar 24, 2011 12:22 PM
Arleen Montford
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY GULF COAST - Pace, FL
Selling NW Florida Homes in Pace/Milton/Pensacola FL

Hi Jay, Once again you did another great post. I know that we need to have a servants heart.

Mar 24, 2011 03:07 PM
Arleen Montford
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY GULF COAST - Pace, FL
Selling NW Florida Homes in Pace/Milton/Pensacola FL

Hi Jay, Once again you did another great post. I know that we need to have a servants heart.

Mar 24, 2011 03:07 PM
Arleen Montford
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY GULF COAST - Pace, FL
Selling NW Florida Homes in Pace/Milton/Pensacola FL

Hi Jay, Once again you did another great post. I know that we need to have a servants heart.

Mar 24, 2011 03:07 PM