Phone rings...do you always answer immediately? I believe most of us really try to do this whether it is a potential client, another agent, or any of the many calls we receive dealing with our real estate business.
Realizing this I am seriously thinking of sharing the following with all prospects, customers, and clients.
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CALL ME. I WILL ANSWER, UNLESS....................
My commitment to you is that I will try very hard to be available by phone whenever you call me. I realize you will have questions, suggestions, or concerns as we go through this process.
However, there are times I may not be able to do that as promptly as I would like.
These are some of the reasons that I may not be able to take your call immediately.
BUSINESS RELATED:
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SETTLEMENTS- Calls returned upon completion. Urgent calls are returned right away
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LISTING PRESENTATIONS - Calls returned upon completion. Urgent calls are returned right away
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SHOWING PROPERTIES - Calls returned upon completion. Urgent calls are returned right away
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CLASSES - Calls are returned during breaks. Urgent calls are returned right away
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MEETING - Calls are returned during breaks. Urgent calls are returned right away
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CONFERENCES - Calls are returned during breaks. Urgent calls are returned right away
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ANOTHER BUSINESS CALL - It is not always possible to hang up to take another call
OTHER
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D:OCTOR APPOINTMENTS - Calls returned upon completion.
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OUT OF SERVICE RANGE
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FUNERALS AND WEDDINGS - Calls returned upon completion.
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DRIVING - I do have hands free in one car so that is usually not a factor
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There are any number of reasons why we are unable to immediately take a call. If you can think of a comfortable way of presenting some of the reasons that might apply to you and present that to your customer or client up front it might help alleviate some of the "guilt (you)" and/or "blame (them)" when you find yourself in that situation.
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What do you think of this idea?
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Do you have something like this?
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Is it something that you might use?
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If it's about real estate, ask KATE
If you are getting ready to look for a place at Lake Anna, give me a call.
I'm here to help you.
I live and work right here.
540-226-1964 cell
lakeanna.kate@gmail.com
lakeannacountry.com
lakeanna-realestate.com (Blog)
©Copyright Kate Elim 2011
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GET MOVING WITH KATE!
540-226-1964 cell
lakeanna-realestate.com (Blog)
Kate....Just as soon as I start working with someone, their name and number(s) are in m Blackberry. That way if they call, I know quickly who it is. I might be showing property and a call comes in. It's a perfect time to let my Buyers be by themselves and I take a quick call.
It all depends on the client you are dealing with. If you know you have a demanding one, then just set the rules with them.
My clients are all quite aware that I do not take calls when I am with someone. They appreciate my time with them and are quick to understand that I am most likely with another client if their call goes to voicemail. The important part is that they know how to leave a message and that the call will be returned promptly.
Kate I'm pretty accessible and I don't have a problem with that except that when I'm really not available, people either think that I'm avoiding them or that if they call back to back without ceasing then somehow I will miraculously and suddenly be available. But what can I say. I like being accessible but I have had to wean some of my clients off of the accessibility bottle and I've stopped taking calls after a certain time in the evening.
I always say: "That most things really can wait." When you think about it, when it comes to working with buyers and sellers, how many "true" emergencies have you really had? I think sometimes we as real estate agents can add fuel to the fire when it comes to declaring an emergency when it otherwise wouldn't be if we didn't feed into it. Guess I'm kind of passionate about this huh?
Kate, I absolutely do not take calls when I am with a client unless it is contract or settlement related. They appreciate my full attention and know that I return calls within a few hours anyway.
Kate...Good post and I'm probably going to re-blog it...One of the things I explain to clients is my cell phone is on from 8AM to 8PM only...Call me during those hours and I will answer or call back ASAP.
My clients will get an IMMEDIATE if not INSTANT response via email or text. :)
Via phone, they will get an IMMEDIATE response as long as I am not out of range or on another call.
They will get a 'start of business day' response via phone or an email/text before start of business if the call comes in after 7 pm unless we are negotiating a contract and I am up.
ALL my clients know I am an early riser and early retirer.
And they go into my Blackberry, same as Thom #1. So I generally know who they are.
I will not interrupt a call for another unless it is my attorney. :)
I will not answer a call while I am out showing property. In person clients get first priority. Even over my attorney. :)