MYTH #1
Your Love of People Will Make You a Successful Real Estate Agent
(excerpted* from Sell with Soul)
"She's not the friendliest person in the world, but she gets the job done" is how one of my biggest clients described me to a referral. After I picked myself up off the floor, I decided she meant it as a compliment, since obviously, she seemed satisfied with my service. And who am I kidding? No one has ever accused me of being a natural salesperson.
A general liking and appreciation for other people is a dandy characteristic for anyone to have, especially someone who has chosen sales as a career. But real estate isn't sales in the traditional sense. The only product you're selling is yourself; the rest of your job is primarily service related. If you are a people-person, great. It will help you be a successful real estate agent and possibly happier and more fulfilled overall. But if you're like me, with a natural tendency to shy away from social situations, don't fret. You can still be wildly successful in real estate.
But if, like me, you won't be able to distract them with your charm, you'll need to blow them away with your expertise. And responsiveness. And confidence.
I once had a partner who was more of the warm fuzzy type. Whenever we tag-teamed a client (i.e., we both showed them homes or shared the listing), we always laughed at how she knew all the details of their personal lives and I didn't even know the ages of their children or what exactly the clients did for a living. I'm all business and don't mess around with small talk.
Not surprisingly, some clients loved her and disliked me, yet others preferred my efficiency and expediency. Different strokes. If you are the friendly type, you will attract and please a certain type of client. But if you're more like me - don't worry, there are plenty of "just-the-facts" real estate buyers and sellers out there who will think you're great.
As long as you are good. I'm here to help you with that.
Continued tomorrow with: Myth #2 - Your Love of Houses Will Make You a Successful Real Estate Agent
The 7 Myths of a Real Estate Career
Your Love of People Will Make you a Successful Real Estate Agent
Your Love of Houses Will Make You a Successful Real Estate Agent
You Have to Pester (er, Cold Call) Strangers to Build a Successful Business
Your Job Is to Drive Buyers Around and Hold Open Houses
You Will Work Every Weekend
Real Estate Is a Team Sport
You Shouldn't Ever Discount Your Fee
copyright Jennifer Allan 2007
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