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Part II - Words Matter-how do you phrase yours?

By
Real Estate Agent with Compass CA DRE# 01215160

Recently I wrote a blog post, "Words Matter--How Do You Phrase Yours?" I gave examples of warm and welcoming signs at my room at Olema Cottages where I spent a couple of days reviewing past busines and planning for the future.

Building on that, I have a few more examples to share today.

 

First, an example I wouldn't want to follow. When you read the sign on the fence of a rural property across the street from a B&B (NOT at Olema Cottages) how do you feel? If the owner wanted to inform people why an electric fence was appropriate, I think with some thought he/she could put out the message in a way to educate without seeming rude. What was your reaction when you first read the sign? Is this a person you'd like to meet?  How might it be better worded?

departure time sign

 

Now for a sign with a completely different message and feeling. 

 

It's hard to pull oneself away sometimes and 11:00AM comes around in a flash. Adding a bit of lightness to the reminder along with a fun, retro picture takes the sting out and elicits cooperation, right? It worked for me. The innkeeper at Olema Cottages is a great communicator.

 

Signs like these and the messages they send remind me to be more mindful when I deal with clients, customers, agents, co-workers and yes, family. 

 

What's the message your words send out?

 

 

Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I like the top sign, Lottie.  I just installed a new sign in front of my house.  I'm not much of a campaign sign person, but couldn't resist this one.

Jul 26, 2019 04:30 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Lottie I like the first sign I am a get to the point kind of guy, so I am perfectly comfortable with "get out" and "go away". 

Jul 26, 2019 04:32 PM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Hello Michael Jacobs - signs--and words--convey a lot of messages; something to keep in mind.

Carol Williams - I like your message!!

 

Jul 27, 2019 05:37 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Good morning, Anna Banana Kruchten CRB, CRS 602-380-4886 -  definitely keeping the animals safe is of primary importance. Personally, I would not have added the last comment.

Hi Sharon Lee - two very different types of signs. I bet you've seen some great ones on your travels.

Jul 27, 2019 05:40 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Hi Nina Hollander - I won't be hanging a sign in my guest room saying, "fish and house guests stink after 3 days" !

Myrl Jeffcoat - I LOVE your yard sign! Hope to see them springing up all over.

Jul 27, 2019 05:43 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Good morning, George Souto - would that sign's message be just as effective if it didn't add, "if you don't like that please go away?"

Jul 27, 2019 05:44 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Words are incredibly powerful - the first sign is rude. And, it's completely unnecessary. Loved Carol Williams take on how to best say it. What a completely different feeling the message has with a bit of humor. 

Jul 27, 2019 08:29 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Hi Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD -  interesting the different takes on the sign. I, too, think Carol Williams nailed it! Wishing you a fabulous weekend.

Jul 27, 2019 08:40 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Lottie Kendall - Good morning!

Political correctness, fear of litigation, being direct or indirect seems to be the new norm. Miss Manners influenced many people to become more polished and professional. Some rebelled and got into trouble (i.e., Trouble without a Cause). The law back then, leaned on the side of caution, on Miss Manner's side. Today, you never know what's going to happen! Quite frankly, I think too many people are crossing the line and with lawyers, everything is subject to interpretation! Many people with good intentions are now the bad guys.

Personally, I think the first sign should have stopped with black font on a white background. The bottom half was unnecessary. It sounds very rude and actually in today's world might antagonize people to make trouble and with a (corrupt and greedy lawyer) may turn the tables on the owner! 

Your point, on being more mindful is EXCELLENT advice! Learning how to deal with all people and sending the RIGHT message is a skill that must be learned. Being polished and professional never goes out of style. Thanks, Lottie. Your advice is perfect and this was a really good post! I hope it gets FEATURED and more people would pay attention to the message you clearly tried to illustrate so well. 

Jul 27, 2019 08:57 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

The message of the first sign is important but, like you Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP , I would have stopped and not added the 'go away.'  Food for thought.

Jul 27, 2019 09:06 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Words really do matter.  My husband once pointed out that our favorite restaurant is very aware of this. Instead of asking if we are done with a dish, they will ask, "Are you still enjoying your meal?"

Jul 27, 2019 11:59 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

That's a great example of the power of words, Chris Ann Cleland. I remember the first time I saw a smorgasbord sign saying "all you choose to eat" rather that "all you can eat." Subtle change, but one promotes gluttony, the other health.

Jul 27, 2019 01:07 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Lottie- I can see why the first sign might offend some people. For me it would depend upon my mood when I read it. The late David Niven wrote a book entitled "It would be so nice if you weren't here" which I something that someone once said to him. I think that's a nice way of saying "get lost."

Jul 27, 2019 05:51 PM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

I've enjoyed all the comments here, Kathy Streib - interesting to read the different takes on that sign. Apparently Sir Winston Churchill and Lady Mary Astor loved exchanging barbs at each other--for some it's a game; with strangers, I'm not so sure.

Jul 27, 2019 06:44 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh, I'm with you - love the second one and I do think that presentation matters too, on that one, Lottie. As for the other one, I couldn't re-write a better sign than what Carol Williams wrote!

Jul 29, 2019 11:46 PM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Hi Debe Maxwell, CRS - Carol's quip was wonderful! Not being so clever, I would simple have left off the second part of that first sign. Continuing to send out good vibes to you and Ray.

Jul 30, 2019 07:09 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

                    come in go awayCome in or Go Away

                                       It depends on whether you are coming or going.

Jul 30, 2019 01:35 PM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Clever doormat sign, Margaret Rome, Baltimore Maryland 

Jul 30, 2019 03:32 PM
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

What's not to like Lottie, they said "please"

Aug 24, 2019 12:43 PM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Yes words do matter Lottie Kendall  and your convinction behind the words matter just as much. Personally for me the sign is straight forward and direct. Being a high D (problem solver) and a medium to low I (people person), I prefer direct and straight communication.

With that said, I have learned over the years to improve my emotional intelligence and be cognizant of how others may interpret my words especially when speaking with clients or giving key note speeches.

Aug 24, 2019 01:20 PM