So I'm pecking away at my keyboard this morning when an unfamiliar area code pops up on my cell phone. I've gotten a couple of calls from out-of-staters interested in moving to the area lately, so I answer.
"Hi Tracy Wilson this is [some dude] from [some company]." Blah, blah, blah...
Wait. Did you just call me Tracy "Wilson"? I'm used to "Williams". Or "Pender". Or "Pender Williams". But "Wilson"? Could be an honest mistake. Besides, he just told me his name and I've already forgotten it. I'm in a good mood today, so let's see where this goes.
"I've been studying your profile and think you're a great agent."
Apparently you didn't study it enough because I've never been Tracy "Wilson". Besides, what profile are you talking about? And not meaning to toot my own horn, but exactly what makes you think I'm so great?
So he goes on and on about how wonderful his referral company is (aren't they all?), gives the typical spill about how they're looking for agents to service my area, then asks for some local zip codes that I work in. You know the drill. Of course the first one is taken and the other two are available. But they're showing a lot of activity, so I need to act on them now!!!
He then asks me for the average selling prices of homes in these areas.
Wait, if you know that so many people are looking in this area and that we have a lot of activity, shouldn't you know that?
Like I said, I'm in a good mood. Sometimes I like toying with telemarkets. So I make up figures for both areas. I know the figures I give him are both about $100K too much, but he says they are right.
Oh really? Well I'm looking at those zip codes in the MLS right now and it says...
Nevermind. Let's see what else he has to say.
Mr. Dude then tells me he can cut me a "deal" on these two zip codes for only $225 per month - each. But don't worry, we're not like those other companies. There's no annual committment. Try it for two months then let us know how you like it.
Can someone stop the turnip truck this dude thinks I just fell from?
So I'm sitting there, amazed at how quickly he flew through the $500 per month and 10% referral fee for each closing when my office phone rings. The caller ID indicates it's my husband, but Mr. Dude doesn't know that. So I try to excuse myself by saying his price is outside of my budget and a client is calling on the other line. Thank you for your interest, but I have to go.
But this fool continues talking.
Umm, excuse me but I have a real live "client" on the other line that needs my attention. Thanks but no thanks!
Then he has the nerve - no audacity - to say:
"So what, you're just going to give me six minutes of your time then hang up!?!"
First of all, you're lucky I didn't just hang up when you mentioned leads or said anything related to me giving you any amount ending in "hundred" every month. In those six minutes you've given me inaccurate information, asked me to fork over $1,000, then got ticked off when I said no. Besides, you're wasting my daytime minutes! Plus, if you really want to work with "great agents" who would like to to help you with all of these people looking for homes, wouldn't you want an agent that - I don't know - wants to talk to people looking for homes? How would you feel if one of these referrals called me and I blew them off because some dude was blabbing to me about the great leads he could sell me? And how can I trust you to research these "leads" if you don't even have the ability to research my name or confirm the numbers I just made up?
Apparently he needs to read my blog about customer service.
Leads are important, but paying attention to the needs of the people who have trusted me to help them with what may be the biggest purchase of their lives is moreso. Well, that and answering the phone when the Hubby calls, but again, our secret...
Besides a referal, rather personal or via a professional network such as Active Rain, is more important to me than a cold call from a rude guy that doesn't even know my name!!!
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