Can You Pick Me Out Of This Crowd?
When I first entered the biz, one of my mentors took me out to lunch with a gentlemen who also worked in the industry on the banking side of things. Eventually, the conversation turned to generating business for whatever firm you are working with. They both told me the same thing. That was, in their over 30 years of experience, generally speaking, mortgage guys and gals developed business 1 of 2 ways. They either hit the streets (Realtor Calls, Bank Calls, Etc) or dialed for dollars. They said that they very rarely saw individuals who were good at both. This crushed me because I didn't have a car at the time and am not a big fan of driving....people are maniacs out there! It also crushed me because I hated talking on the phone. I sipped my glass of water and figured I was destined for doom, time to find another line of work.
My mother's ethnic back-round is German so I guess that's where my form of stubbornness comes from. That form of stubbornness has me in the same industry over 6 years later. It wasn't a choice for me....as far as earning business. I had no car. So, I had to do it via phone and a little thing they (my mentors & firm) were baffled at......email!
As I started to close deals for people I never met face to face, their wonder wasn't how I was doing it, but the level of trust and loyalty these individuals had for me considering a somewhat non-traditional way to do business. That's probably another post entirely, and over a year ago I recalled that conversation and thought to myself, "Self, what if you could become a master of doing business both ways?!?" Heck, it would increase business & diversify it, I'd had a car for awhile (even though people are still maniacs out there). and I like to shake the proverbial tree of what people think can be done.
I've had mild success with it to this point, yet quite frankly, still do business the way I started out. It's a comfort zone I suppose. But I got a knock on my door at 9:00 A.M. this morning that made me ask the question I titled this post with, of myself. I heard the doorbell and was generally annoyed and irritated that someone would have the gull to ring my bell so to speak, so early on a Saturday morning when I wasn't expecting a soul. I ran down the stairs in nothing but boxers and a face that hadn't been shaved for days. When I opened the door, there stood a man from a religious organization who gave me a brief dialogue and flier and then went on meandering to the next home. As I was about to close the door, I looked down at the flier and then at the man walking away....and I became curious.
"Excuse me Sir, Sir?"
He stopped and looked back, he looked kind of perplexed, if not totally scared. I sat on the step (being very aware of making sure my package wasn't showing through the boxers:-) and said, "Can I ask you a question?"
The gentlemen responded, "Yes, of course."
"Listen man, I don't mean to be wasting your time because quite frankly I may never join this particular religious organization. But, I gotta say, it's impressive to me that here you are going door to door so early on a weekend in your little shirt and tie talking to people who may or may not have any interest in what you have to say. Not to mention, though I guess I am mentioning, it's pretty early and you know, some of you guys get joked about and have a bad rap. I'm not asking why you do it, but I am interested in how you do it?"
He looked into my eyes and said, "I'll tell you why. I believe. As far as how, same answer young man."
I watched him turn around, walk away, and sat on my staircase for a solid five minutes staring at a flier of an organization I really don't buy into. Gosh, I love life and people are so interesting and maniacs when driving! To date, I remain in person...mostly to myself. But what may happen if I had his gull to go out in person to attest to what I believe, in this business at least.
Hmmmmm.....something to ponder
My hubbie's half German...is that why he's a little stubborn...hmmm. doesn't work with me though....I'm just as..haha.
As for the door to door thing. I believe but I will keep pondering right along with you.
Jason - if you're a good email person then it is no wonder you can provide such great service to your clients. People are generally becoming more and more reclusive and tend to appreciate businesses and agents who can service them in this form of media.
I have had the exact same success as a REALTOR from my email relationships with out-of-state buyers who love the quick response, not to mention the money they save on the phone calls trying to reach other agents who don't ever respond.
Keep up the good work!
Sis - It really was quite enlightening to an extent, the experience mixed with my thoughts. I'll hmmmm away:-)
Susan - Glad to hear a similiar way to do biz from your side of the business. Thanks for the insight!
John - It's not that I'm totally out to prove people wrong, but I guess when challenged and left to whatever devices I may have access too, sometimes that happens. Patience is a virtue I always say I don't have, but my past has proven that a Boldfaced lie on my part.
Carol - I've found that as well. It is amazing and while I will never knock the traditional way of doing things, I'll never stop thinking of ways to evolve.
William - I'm hoping never to lose the child over time, only to gain wisdom as I get older. It's ideal to want I suppose...but I'm all about making the ideal A REAL! Thank you William, I hope to continue to learn and evolve and you (I've found) are becoming a large part of that for me.
I used to be shy about face to face with people I didn't know well. Now I look forward to those meetings, I see them as opportunities.
I overcame the shyness by forcing myself to do it over and over. Something I learned back when I played sports. I would practice the weakest parts of my game until they became my strengths. (Why I don't respect Shak and he inability to shoot free throws)
I'm a little like Randy. I'm a shy person and I fake it. Sometimes it's easier than others. I liked that you thought to stop and ask that guy what kept him going. He gave you a really good answer.
But next time, don't answer the door in your boxers. ;o)
You do the business in the best way you know how. You may want to step out of your comfort zone once in awhile, but remain true to what got you to this point.
I am comfortable doing either, because when I first got into the business I was trained that you had to get out there face to face. I did it because that was what I was told I had to do. I didn't like it at first (and still don't, really) but I did what I had to do.
Now, the largest predominance of my business calls me. I sit at my desk and the phone rings. I like it much better this way.
Stick with what you know. It will make you happier, and more successful, in the long run.
i think im def more efficient in poerson
i think we all are
in writinmg something can always be lost in the interpitation
Jason.... I enjoyed the ending..... this is a two-fold for so many of us. I know who I am in both writing and in person. Ask Rob Robinson what he thinks since he got to meet me in person. I certainly can say that Rob's writing is who he is in person...
Overall... you just have to put yourself out there. Network... but it's not for everyone when face to face. I have done both in my career and continue to do both. I love the challenge and the fact that I can mix some things up. And dude, put some shorts on.... lol Good post.
and the picture looks better even now. thanks ;o) As I smoke my cigar and drink my scotch. Haven't done this in a long time, at home that is.... just one of those nights. relaxing for once....
hhhmmm my word : satin-leaf? Is that because of the scotch-cigar leaves? lol should that be a new word? and I am even having 2 glasses from a bottle that a client even bought me. ;o)
Jason... I am going to try and put something together in Philly.... if you can come with Ann Guy and Rob..... I have a great cigar in mind.... and it has your name on it..... yes, it's relaxation. I guess it's sometimes easier when by yourself. Now, why are we both up? lol
Now... what word is bigay? rut row....
I'm thinking about this 'better' thing. What am I better as? I know what I'm better AT.
btw... you should travel by carriage...