Putting on Your Professional Suit
Sometimes we all trip up and pull a Rick Perry. Regardless of the fact that it was just a slip up, we should never forget that perception is everything. That is true especially in our business where our primary contact is with the public. There are many ways that our customers and clients can become offended by what we say, wear, write, and display. Here are some examples of behaviors that you should avoid if you want your customers and clients to take you seriously.
I am going to start with something I did to offend. Several years ago I had a bumper sticker that said “God BlessAmerica”. Innocuous right? Wrong, I actually had another driver pull up beside me and Say “What do you mean? Why don’t you have a sticker that says God BlessFrance?” I swear that is exactly what he said and he shouted it at me. I no longer have any bumper stickers on my car AND neither should you. It’s not professional.
Don’t have voice mail recordings that are musical, or a joke, or a blessing, or a catchy phrase. Keep it professional. Let the caller know who you are and that you are with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers. Let them know you are helping another customer right now and that you will return their call within a certain time frame. That’s it.
Your signature lines in all correspondence should remain professional; don’t add cute language or phrases. I see many agents with references to their interests and lifestyles and I cringe.
Always maintain a professional demeanor when speaking with your customers and clients both in person and on the phone. Unless they’re a lifelong best friend, don’t talk to them like a buddy. They are not your buddy. They are your customer, client or associate. Never use profane language of any sort with anybody connected to the business. It is extremely offensive.
The social network is a tricky place. Be sure you keep in mind that if you post pictures on Facebook of you at a bachelor party, you probably want that on a Facebook account that is separate from the professional real estate agent that you are. You don’t want to be thought of as goofy, wild or maybe even dangerous.
Manners never go out of fashion. If you are thinking of doing something that you are not too sure about, ask yourself “Is this unprofessional?” If you want to let it all hang out, do it in an empty cave in the middle of nowhere. Remember perception is everything.
Is there anything else you think I should add to this list?