Something happened outside of real estate recently that struck me as applicable to not only our efforts to help sell real estate but also real estate industry discussions, such as those at association meetings and ActiveRain.
I serve on a leadership council for a state-wide business organization. In a recent meeting, one of the members suggested that to spread the word on an issue of concern, one of us should spend time with a specific talk show host that is known to have views common with this organization.
Hmmmm.
I may have been overly direct but I commented that while it might make us feel better, most of the audience likely already felt the same as our council. We would not be spreading our message, just getting “amens” from those who already share our view.
I further suggested that while this action may make our group feel endorsed, it did little to share the view and information with people that might be interested or needing to learn more.
To share the view, we had to take the issue and information to those outside our safe group of already informed, similar thinking people.
Growing up in rural Bear Creek, Alabama, this sharing an opinion with people that already accept it was often explained as “preaching to the choir.” There is nothing inherently wrong in this action, just don’t expect it to produce much in the way of new results.
We cannot spread a message or idea by keeping it to ourselves or within a small group. Is there risk in leaving the comfort and support of those that share our view? Sure, at least some risk if you struggle with rejection, questions, or have built your self-esteem on always being right.
If you want your listings to move better, really drive new marketing ideas, provide genuinely remarkable service, or grow your business, you’ll have to let your ideas venture out into the world. You cannot help your clients if all you do is the same as everyone else.
The choir of your business and life probably already “gets it”, but with that alone you’ll not see much develop or grow. Just like birds and children, your ideas need to leave the nest to really grow.
Comments (13)Subscribe to CommentsComment