So, I've got out-of-town clients in looking for a rental property. Today I was making some last minute arrangements for showings. In our listing service, you have several options for numbers to call. One can be the owner directly, or that same field might say, Call Listing Agent.
Then there are fields for a direct number, as well as the number of the actual brokerage office, as required by law.
Most of us in real estate (actually I hope ALL of us) operate with cell phones. They are an extension of our arms quite frankly. It's how we do business, and how we often contact people, and people contact us.
But, how do you ANSWER that phone? With a "Hello?" Ah, who am I calling?
I was blown away by what happened on the other end of the calls I made today. Three of them were answered, "Hello?" No name, no nothing. Just "Hello?" Excuse me, are you not a professional?
My phone is always, let me repeat, always answered with "Good (Morning, Afternoon, Evening) this is Thom Abbott." Mind you, I'm amazed at how many people don't listen to what I just said, as it will be followed with "Can I speak to Thom Abbott?"
The second call, I know the agent works from home exclusively (no office) and I got to hear part of a conversation with their significant other while they looked for paperwork on the listing I was calling on, and for something to take down MY information.
Donald Trump said in one of his books, always be prepared when you answer the phone...ready to give your attention to the caller on the other end. I do just that when at my desk. In fact, I already have a pen in my hand to start writing a name when someone gives it, so I can refer back to the caller by name.
Tomorrow, how about you "BAM...kick it up a notch" and actually answer YOUR phone with
"Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening, (name) speaking." You just might be surprised how well you are received instead of a measly "Hello?"
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