I was amazed the other day when I got a real estate listing from a service provider I know. I’m talking about someone like a repairman, UPS deliveryman, postal worker-- not in a business directly related to real estate.
He called my office to set an appointment to list his elderly parents’ property. When he came in, I thanked him and said I was “honored” that he had selected me. I truly was. He said, “You know I do work for dozens of Realtors on the Emerald Coast, but I know you are the right one." I thought about this. I had never mentioned real estate to him in all the years I knew him. But I had always asked him how he was, how his business was, discussed the weather and called him by his name. Why? Because I am interested in people. I never thought nor cared about getting "business" from being nice and never had an ulterior motive.
The reason I am writing this is because I know some people won’t even give eye contact to people they are not engaged with, like those who mow their lawn, fix their cable t.v., provide termite treatment, detail their car, or are secretaries to someone they want to see. They don’t look at them, don’t say hello, and certainly don’t shake their hand. That’s all wrong.
One of the greatest gifts we can give others is respect. If you acknowledge the people you encounter, and show them kindness and interest, you can make their day. I remember I shook an electrician's hand to introduce myself once. He almost fainted. My UPS lady loves talking with me, and I like hearing about her family. It makes me feel good, and I can see her glow, which is my reward. So, think about how you conduct yourself. I am not perfect, and surely can get moody sometimes. But I try to be my best self to others by acknowledging them, looking at them in the eye, and truly being interested. Don’t do it to get business, whatever kind of business you are in. Do it to show your humanity.
It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call toll-free 1-877-487-9639 or local 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com
Destin Florida short sale help
Wendy has been licensed for over 20 years, and owns Rulnick Realty, Inc. She serves the entire Emerald Coast of Florida in Walton, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County- Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Crestview, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Panama City Beach, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field.
SUGGESTED! I really liked your line "Don't do it to get business ... Do it to show your humanity".
Very true and good advice. Also, if people do no interest you, then you are in the wrong business! :)
Wendy, sad but true that people are treated this way, no one is better than any one else..we are all equal under God. What does a kind word such as good morning or hello or how are you today cost...absolutely nothing. Happy Holidays!
Great post, Wendy! It really does not take that much to look someone in the eye and say "hello", but it is worth so much in the long run. People take note of that, so I am not surprised you got the call from your service provider friend.
Well said! And, well done you!
Love this post, Wendy! To me, it underscores the importance (and benefits that can result) from simply keeping in touch and maintaining relationships with people! :)
This is a great lesson that I have learned a number of times. Great advice that shows you are doing it the right way. Great post.
Wendy, that is great. I hope it makes you feel good. The simplest things come back and smile on you.
Carlotta - The cost is free! And the rewards are great! Thank you, Everyone!
YOu never know where your next listing is gonna come from. My husband has the gift--he can get listings from anyone, the machanic, the used car salesman, the parking lot attendant. The world is his client. Congrats to you--sounds like the world is your client as well.
Melissa - AND he got YOU, too :)
Wendy
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and story.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
you're one smart cookie!
Wendy,
One of the best gifts we can give to others is kindness, no matter what service they provide or not provide. We all deserve respect. I am really happy for your new listing, and that it pays off in the end!
Sincerely,
Lori Spohn
RE/MAX Integrity- Eugene Oregon
AMEN!! You are right - treat others like you want to be treated. Great post!
You know I have always been very cordial to everyone I meet. That spans from people at convenience stores clerking to the homeless people that I meet when I volunteer at the local soup kitchen. It had never occured to me to be anything but that because I was taught better then that! On the other hand I let everyone I know in no uncertain terms where I work and what I do! So hopefully I am not being to in their face about that! I was just always taught that you should never be an undercover agent! What are your thoughts on this! This was a nice thought provoking blog by the way! :)
Do unto others....great job! You deserve that listing!
So true. We need to keep your thoughts in our mind when we are having one of those not so fun days.
Isn't this the Golden Rule?
Commonsensism: A version of the golden rule put into modern, non-religious terms that some people live by is, "Treat people the way you'd like to be treated".
Buddhism: 560 BC, From the Udanavarga 5:18- "Hurt not others with that which pains yourself."
Judaism: 1300 BC, from the Old Testament, Leviticus 19:18- "Thou shalt Love thy neighbor as thyself."
Hinduism: 3200 BC, From the Hitopadesa- "One should always treat others as they themselves wish to be treated."
Zoroastrianism: 600 BC, From the Shast-na-shayast 13:29- "Whatever is disagreeable to yourself, do not do unto others."
Confucianism: 557 BC, From the Analects 15:23- "What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others."
Christianity: 30 AD, From the King James Version , 7:12- "Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them."
Wendy, you should see the faces of the housekeepers I greet whenever I go to show or preview a property. Your could tell, it truly amazes them that someone looked at them, smiled and said hello.
Wendy, this is soooo true. One of the cafeteria ladies at my job thought to speak with me about listing her house, just for that reason. She wasn't just another "lead", and I didn't treat her and her colleagues as if they were beneath my giving them a warm smile and consideration. Respect does go far....
Vanessa Saunders - HOW LOVELY are those quotes from different faiths.
Wendy,
It's difficult to understand why some people will not really be friendly to some others. Their businesses would thrive if they did.
Brian
What a wonderful reminder that we might not all really think about and remember every day. Basic respect to everyone can go a long way.
Gretchen
Wendy:
You are just being civil. Everyone deserves a little respect and when you are respectful to everyone, they will appreciate.
Great job. Learning about the people who work for/around you is indeed showing respect to them. Learning the name of the waitress or UPS driver is simple. And so many don't take the time to do it.
Respect is hugely important and works best when going both ways.
The lack of mutual respect appears to be more commonplace in our society, especially during the frenetic holidays.
Great post, thanks for sharing it.
If you treat people like they are your friend, your peer, you can create an entirely new dynamic that allows for such respect. Congrats and good luck!
What a great story. What goes around... and you spread some good human interest and now you have a new client! Congrats.
Rosalie Evans - Regarding being an "undercover agent" - the gentleman knew what I did, as he frequently came to my place of business to provide his service (as he did for many other real estate companies). My thoughts about promoting your business, thus not being a "secret agent"? Great! In a simplified view, there may be three choices: 1. Ignore people (don't honor or do look down upon others) 2. Be kind to all 3. Be overfriendly ONLY to gain business.
Wendy, great post. That is the key..... "Because I am interested in people." ...i would add, all people. When I was a teacher..before I became a realtor 11 years ago.. it was about my students. And, I had a healthy disrespect for real estate agents, having only met ones going for the deal. Now, I know many really good agents that have their clients' interest in mind but also are just good folks. I know we have all kinds...deal based and people based realtors but even more important, whether we are realtors or not is to connect authentically with others.
Thanks for posting today. I enjoyed the read.
Lots of good comments here to mull over.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Patricia Aulson/ Seacoast NH & ME REALTOR
LOVE this blog, Wendy. You're absolutely right, talking with others like they are respected and cared about as a person is imperative!