Is it just me, or have you noticed that the real estate market is slow?
It's been a little while since I had any good, qualified leads or referrals. Two months, in fact. Which is where the above addition comes in.
Yesterday marked exactly 2 weeks until my due date with yet-to-be-named baby boy. Business has been slower than I'd like for about 2 months now. And yesterday I got calls from 2 new clients. Which equals no business for me. 2+2+2=0.
Is this what they mean by "new math?"
I thought about trying to salvage the leads. Baby needs a new pair of shoes (and onesies and hats), after all. But I have to remind myself that I am in a service industry. With the way my brain is working right now, it would be a real disservice to these nice people if I tried to make a go of it. It doesn't make sense to give them two weeks of half-hearted attention and then hand them off to a colleague.
In the long run, I must keep in mind, it is better for these nice people to have a good experience than be disappointed in my service. And how can I be of service when I'm busy focusing on nesting? Selfish, I know. But keep in mind there are the baby's clothes that have to be washed for the third time, bathroom tiles that need re-grouting, and cans in the kitchen that need to be arranged with the labels facing out.
Did you know there actually is such a thing as baby brain? At least I think so. I'm not sure. It's biology's way of saying: Stop working. Just finish getting ready for the baby. There are big changes ahead.
So I've passed the leads on to a couple of great people in my office. Thank you Alex and Kelli Sue. I'll happily take a referral until my brain returns to it's normal size and function.
After baby arrives and is a little older, after I get back in to the swing of things, I need to retain this concept. If I can't serve my clients well, for whatever reason, I will refer them to someone else. Too often in the past I've seen people hold on to a client whom they can't properly help. I'm sure I've done it, too. I find it hard to let go of clients both because of my love of my work and for financial reasons. But neither of those are acceptable motivations from the clients point of view. And they're both a good idea if you want to lose your way ethically.
So, my colleagues business cards are permanently in my wallet, ready to be pulled out and handed to anyone who may need their superb services.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to pack a bag for the hospital and worry about other important things; like why do I feel like the Commodores will be appropriate labor music? How's Lionel Seaholt for a name?
~ Amy Seaholt
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