March 31 2021
When competition is stiff and technology is automating services left and right, what makes you stand apart from the rest?
Providing a VIP, white-glove client experience that will leave a lasting impression. It is important to never forget that you are in the service industry! The experience your clients have will make or break your sphere of influence, and amazing experiences can build the foundation for a lasting, thriving business.
"Always deliver more than expected." – Larry Page, Co-founder of Google
Have you ever received a handwritten birthday card from your dentist? Or and holiday card from your veterinarian? It may seem simple, but those little gestures can go a long way. As an agent, you are taking part in one of the most important decisions in your clients' lives, and you end up spending quite a bit of time getting to know them during their home buying journey. Reaching out to show that you care will make them feel appreciated, and will provide a lasting impression.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
For you, the process of buying a home is routine. You've walked clients through it time and time again, and you've smoothed your process into a nicely packaged formula. For a first-time homebuyer, however, it's a totally different story.
We know you're busy. And of course, you don't have time to spend hours talking to every client, but don't underestimate the importance of listening and communicating. Hear them out when they're describing their perfect home. Ask questions, and genuinely listen when they discuss their concerns, preferences, hopes and fears. At the end of the day, the agent who listens is the agent a client is going to trust and recommend to their friends and family.
Particularly right now, fears and uncertainty about the right move and the state of the housing market are plaguing your clients' decision-making. You can be that source of comfort by hearing their concerns and providing trusted sources of information to help guide them in their process.
Being in the right place at the right time for your clients and leads is critical. (It's what will set you apart and help you close the deal.) But it's not always easy keeping tabs on the hundreds, potentially thousands and tens of thousands of leads in your database. So be sure to leverage your technology to help you stay in front of leads and clients at the right time.
How to Stay Ahead
What is the most valuable currency in the world? Time. Disrespecting someone else's time is a surefire way to come across as aloof and disorganized. Of course, life happens. (This is where the good communication comes in!) Always be honest and upfront with your clients. If you are running late, or have to reschedule an appointment, let them know as soon as possible, and apologize.
Even during sheltering in place and social distancing, we all still seem to fill our calendars with appointments. Whether you're at home with kids or struggling to find some quiet office space, try to prioritize time-blocking to avoid being late.
Tips for being on time:
Excellent customer service is always critical. But now, it's time to go that extra mile.
Good old-fashioned friendliness will never go out of style. Be the agent who brightens a client's day. Be the agent who goes the extra mile to make a stressful process feel a little less stressful. A great way to make sure you are providing a friendly experience is to work it into your core values or mission statement. Whether you are a single agent, or you work with a team, being kind should always be a priority.
It's tough to be friendly when you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed! Take the necessary steps during the day to ensure that you're calm, collected, and enjoying yourself. Agents spend a lot of time in the car! When you're on your way to an appointment with a client, put on your favorite podcast, album, or audiobook, and allow yourself to have a few brief minutes of "you time." Additionally, exercise and a healthy diet are natural energy-boosters and can help keep your mood elevated all day.
To view the original article, visit the BoomTown blog.