We’re in the Relationship Business. Stay Connected!

Our Business is One Focused on Relationships!

So It's Time to Stay Connected

 

We’ve all heard it many times, and understand well…we ARE in the relationship business in our real estate practices, no matter what our roles are in the industry.

 

There are plenty of challenges these days with Shelter in Place orders in many states, including here in CA where real estate is NOT considered an essential business.

 

And there are other stay-at-home and business restrictions, plus concerns in general about the coronavirus and staying as safe as possible, wtherer mandated or not.

 

How does one conduct business, as we have known it, and maintain those relationships, and foster new ones, given the “new normal” world we are all living in, and for who knows how long?

 

While close face-to-face contact  should be avoided, in light of the strong recommendations for #socialdistancing whenever we venture out from home, we do not want to truly distance ourselves socially from others, whether they be clients, prospects, our sphere, friends, family or neighbors.

 

Isn’t the emphasis really on #physicaldistancing, which, in my humble opinion, says it better (and no, that is not my original thought)!

 

So assuming you are on board with not being socially distant, just physically, AND staying connected has become even more important in our personal and business lives during this difficult time, what are your options?

 

Are there new methods you can use?

 

Or does it come down to more focus, and spending time on, the tried and true methods we all know about to stay connected but perhaps haven’t used?

 

What a great time to step outside your comfort zone and try something new, or do more with the methods you normally enjoy using. And to do a better job of staying connected while you are hunkered down at home.

 

Assuming you are staying at home most of the time except for essentials - groceries, medical visits - you might be feeling a tad bit stir-crazy. Connecting with others could be an antidote, at least a temporary one. And the recipient may be feeling the same way!

 

It shouldn’t have to be about business…and perhaps in these challenging times it’s more about letting others know you care by checking in instead of talking business, unless they need something or have questions. And of course with friends, family and neighbor there are plenty of personal things to catch up on.

 

I think it's safe to say that during this difficult time being connected socially is even more important, in our business but also with friends, family, neighbors and others we know and care about.

 

Here are some thoughts:

 

PHONE CALLS – why not pick up the phone and call? Simple, right? How often do we not make a simple call to check in even though we know we should (yep, I am guilty of this as well!)?

 

I’ve been making more calls, and have had more incoming calls, too, business and otherwise! What a nice surprise it would be to call someone you haven’t talked with in ages, but “have been meaning to call.” Phone calls are a terrific option when you can't, and shouldn't, be face to face, and perhaps one of the best ways to stay in touch. We all used to do that, remember?!

 

FACETIME – take that call to another level and make it more personal if people are interested and use FT. On personal note we have certainly been more connected on Facetime recently, especially with family members and the grandkids who are home from school, and who we can't visit.

 

SKYPE is another option – I haven’t used it in years but some like it. RING CENTRAL is being used, too, but perhaps more for work-related connectivity.

 

ZOOM – more and more people in the business are jumping on the Zoom-wagon for personal and business purposes, for a personal live video and audio call or a business meeting.

 

People are now hosting meetups (business and personal) since they can’t gather in groups. How about a virtual Happy Hour or lunch? A family gathering? A buyer or seller conversation?

 

EMAIL – another good way to stay in touch with clients, and others, although you might not want to overdo it. Good option when you aren’t connecting in person. Don’t make it all business if you are emailing clients during this time. How about a beautiful photo to brighten the day?

 

I emailed a couple of photos from the Carlsbad Flower Fields the other day to my database, as a way to bring some beauty into the day...and those who live close by can drive by and enjoy. I also included a positive article about COVID-19, thanks to Margaret Goss. And I had a bunch of responses, including from people I have not connected with for a number of years!

 

 

TEXTING – this can work well depending on who you are dealing with. No doubt you know who you can text with and who you should not – some people prefer it, others do not. It's easy to send videos and personal photos, links to websites, and more, when and if appropriate.

 

VIDEO – you can send videos by text or email, and, again, depending on the recipient, can have a bit of fun and make it personal. How about updates on the market?

 

SOCIAL MEDIA – no doubt this is another way to stay connected with the outside world, and others. Lots of people are talking about what’s going on in their lives, sharing humor and information, and so much more.

 

Once again you have to be mindful of what you say, do, and show, plus think about the impression that what you are sharing can create…both with friends as well as the rest of the world who might see your posts. Some things are better said to, or shared with, someone personally and not the world at large.

 

PERSONAL NOTES/CARDS – these never go out of style and I think are always appreciated. Some people are no doubt quarantining their mail, using gloves, and washing their hands after touching it...probably a good idea. The NY Times talks about mail and the coronavirus if you’re interested. You should decide whether sending mail, or more mail than you already do, at this time makes sense, given the other options.

 

BLOGGING – as always a good way to stay connected, share information, educate and get educated, have fun, create new relationships and more. Perhaps you have more time now if your business has dropped off - maybe it's time to get back to your blogging.

 

No doubt you are connecting with more people these days for a wide range of reasons. What are you doing, and enjoying? Got an ideas for the rest of us?

 

 

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If I can provide more information about homes for sale in Carlsbad and in surrounding areas, local housing market conditions, or assist you, friends or family in a purchase or sale, please call or text me at (760) 840-1360, or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com

 

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