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Real Estate Rapprochement Conflict – You Mean I Have to Get Out & Meet People!!!

By
Real Estate Agent with J Rockcliff Realtors

 I was reading something recently in which the author mentioned how many real estate agents hate farming. I then recalled many of the comments I hear from agents and others about the challenges they experience in approaching people they do not know.

I find it interesting that so many people who are not comfortable in approaching others would get into a business where their success depends on it. Such a person is caught in a rapprochement conflict within themselves – they want to go both ways at once (toward and away from). We won’t get into all of the psychodynamic issues involved in this (thank goodness!).

Look at the prospective client. They’re also conflicted - they want help and information, but don’t want to be hassled or intruded upon (push/pull – rapprochement conflict). Thank goodness for the Internet!

Many agents want some magic technology (Internet, fax blast, auto call) that will bring in the business without them having to expose themselves to others. I find that infinitely curious – it’s a people business. It’s all about people and relationships. The desire for community and connection is one of the deep drives in a human being. Everybody wants connection, friendship and community except the pathologically schizoid. (Can you tell yet, that I love psychology and human dynamics? People are infinitely fascinating.)

 I went to see the new James Bond movie at Hacienda Crossings in Dublin, CA few days after it opened. The theater was crowded. We found two seats on the left aisle, but before I sat down, I said to the couple behind us –

You guys aren’t going to cause any trouble are you?
No way…
Great, can I sell you a house while we wait?
We just bought one.
And you didn’t call me??

Well, we were all laughing and they made sure my cell phone was turned off (you know Realtors!). Then we started passing out business cards. If you’re ever in need of “body work” in Dublin, California, see Tammy Marquez at Kinetic Chain Sport Massage Therapy.We enjoyed the movie and the interaction.

By the way, they mentioned – oh, we’ve seen your signs. See previous post – How the Sign Police…

I can appreciate that there are many people that cannot do this type of thing. I used to have a SEO and Internet Marketing business. I’m going to do a series of articles beginning Christmas eve to demonstrate just how easy and fun it is to farm – using you and the Internet. I know you can find many such articles, but I think I can offer you something that hasn't been noted yet. It will help you own your farm.

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Comments(5)

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Laura Monroe
Inman News - San Francisco, CA
Dir. of Industry Engagement & Social Media
John~ Yes, I can tell you love human dynamics...it's always interesting to get your take on it. Then you throw in stuff about my home away from home...Dublin, San Ramon...I really enjoy that! Sigh...
Dec 03, 2006 03:13 AM
John Klassen
M & T Bank - Kingston, NY

Real Estate Agents and Mortgage Originators are in a "contact sport". I see so many people with great personalities blow it because they won't meet new people. It is a fear that can be crippling in this business. It is also easy to overcome. No is rarely fatal and YES is always euphoric.

Excellent post.

John

Dec 03, 2006 03:49 AM
Jeff Turner
RealSatisfied - Santa Clarita, CA

Relationships. Relationships. Relationships.

 

Dec 03, 2006 07:42 AM
Laurie Furem
Cumming, GA

One of the reasons (in my opinion) that many realtors don't want to talk to new people is fear of rejection.  I am reminded of a Mike Ferry quote "Why do you care about what people you don't know think about you?"  Good question.

As I understand it, my job is to talk about real estate and it can be loads of fun.

My husband and I had dinner with the CEO of his company last week and i bet him I would find a way to give the guy my card.  Who do you think won? lol

Dec 03, 2006 10:31 AM
Sharon Simms
Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS

Make it a game. Find the mystery buyer in the crowd. See how many unique places you can leave your card.

Do this when you're out of town, too - you can send referrals from the prospects you find. 

Dec 03, 2006 10:46 PM