It's something we all struggle with - that fine line between being the very best real estate agent we can be for our clients and creating an atmosphere that is ripe for burn-out. While our clients have every right to expect our full attention, and they deserve to be our top priority, there's just so much of us to go around! And let's face it - there are some clients who demand far more of us than we could possibly deliver, but being the soulful types we are - we try our best... and often end up frustrated.
So, how can you create reasonable expectations for your clients upfront? How can you set boundaries and respectfully enforce them? How can you "decline the monkey" without alienating your client or appearing lazy?
(I dunno, but I'll try to come up with something before July 7th!)
Nah, just kidding. I actually have so much to say on this topic, we might be there all day...
The truth is that there is no perfect answer that will work every time. Some of effective boundary-setting starts with your own mindset as to what is reasonable and what is not. Some is simply realizing that some people are more difficult than others and not getting too flustered about that. Some is realizing that our job will require a certain amount of "process-time" - that is - helping our clients work thru their own issues and being patient while they do it.
But yes, there ARE things you can do that will help you keep control of your business and of your clients, without their ever realizing that you're doing it.
Sound fun? Hope you'll join us!
THE DETAILS
Date: Thursday, July 7th, 2011
Time: 8:00am Pacific / 9:00am Mountain / 10:00am Central / 11:00am Eastern (Please show up a little early to get settled in.)
Duration: 60 - 90 minutes
Equipment Needed: A computer with a high-speed connection and speakers or a telephone.
Cost: Free, but you must register -HERE!
I will check my schedule because this sounds good. Setting boundaries, etc.. can be a challenge in Real Estate. Thanks for the post!
Jennifer, This wil be a great webinar. I hope many members will register because we can all benefit from it.
I'm pretty excited about it - so yes, please try to attend!
Jennifer, it's a challenge sometimes, but it can be done with most clients. There will always be the unreasonable ones that you can never do enough for, but most people are not that difficult. Let's see if we can get this on the feature page. Suggested.
This will be a great session...it isn't as easy as not answering the phone. I have the perfect example in front of me this morning...client's house isn't on the market yet...will be hard to sell and he wants to see houses starting at 6:00 tonight, my dinnertime. We shouldn't even be LOOKING at houses yet....
Cindy - you're absolutely right - it's not just about the phone! In fact, not answering the phone as a defense really doesn't solve anything; it just delays the inevitable. So, are you going out at 6pm tonight?
Good morning Jennifer,
Sounds like an impressive session..it is a challenge but it's no different than setting boundaries with family and friends. Once they are set it's easy to work witin that framework. Expectations are set and easy to follow!
Jennifer - First of all, hope you had a fun Fourth of July. Sounds like a good webinar and I will try to make it to this one. Cindy #5 - that's a great example!
I hope Cindy isn't going out at dinner time for a tire kicker~!!
Managing expectations, confronting the inevitable bumps in the road, NOW rather than when they are problems... all basic communication... Thats the best thing to do. I have gotten more referrals over difficult deals than easy ones...
Hi Jennifer...not only am I not going out tonight (thank you very much!) but I wrote a blog based on yours! lol You hit a button for me!
Jennifer, this is a subject that I can go on and on about too. I tell my clients up front when I'll be available. I also tell them that we break those rules during negotiations since time is of the essence. All other things have to stay within the working hours. It works most of the time and we're all happy.
I can't wait! I just finished one of my most difficult deals. It should have been easy - but no such luck! ;o) Tell me more about setting those boundaries Soulful J!