Every time we meet a new person, we predict the outcome of our relationship with that person. It may seem daunting that people are judging us from the moment we meet them, but it’s human nature. As a real estate agent, you should be meeting people so frequently that first introductions are your forte. Consider these tips to freshen up your introduction, while still keeping your classic charm.
There’s no denying that your physical appearance does affect your business. Every industry has its own appearance standards. As a real estate agent you should be concerned with how clients perceive your physical appearance. As a rule of thumb, agents should dress like members of their niche markets. If you’re an upscale Manhattan broker, you’ll be wearing a suite most days, but if you're an agent in Seattle maybe jeans or khakis work fine. For a more advice on how to dress as a real estate agent, check out this article from Realtor® magazine.
"You can have anything you want in life, if you dress for it." -Edith Head
Real Estate is a service oriented industry, be sure to always be kind to clients, leads, and other industry professionals. Open doors, ask to excuse yourself from conversations or events. As the saying goes, you attract more bees with honey than you vinegar. Famous salesman and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said, “Stop selling, start helping.”
It’s not so much chasing a commission on a one-time deal as keeping a happy client for a lifetime.” – Madison Hildebrand
If you’re into psychology, you may have heard of the 55/38/7 rule, 55% of communication is body language, 38% is tone of voice, and 7% is the actual words spoken. Psychologists say there is some truth to this rule (source). A University of Iowa study even declared handshakes more “important than agreeableness, conscientiousness, or emotional stability,” when studying interactions in job interviews. For more on how to perfect your handshake, check out this article geared specifically for real estate agents.
“Handshakes and hugs will always trump Likes and Shares.” – C.C. Chapman
First impressions are taking place first online. If a lead has a listing presentation or meeting scheduled with you, chances are they did a quick google search of your name. Leave your strong opinions, inappropriate photos, and out of date information off the your social media accounts. Being a real estate agent means you’re private life merges with your business life. Also, sending email replies with incorrect spelling, grammar mistakes, and incomplete sentences sends a bad first impression.
“The internet is just a world passing around notes in a classroom.” – Jon Stewart
Don’t have time to write professional, error-free emails to leads? Zurple software sends leads email and text messages within the first five minutes of their inquiry. Our software tracks leads’ online search history, allowing our data-driven software to reference specific properties and communities leads viewed in email replies. Optimize your follow up and convert more leads
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The quicker you respond to a lead, the more likely they are to convert. However, it’s impossible to always answer your phone. Be sure to have a voicemail that leaves a lasting first impression on new leads. Let leads know you appreciate their call and will get back to them as soon as possible. For more advice on crafting the perfect voicemail, check out real estate agent Shannon Milliagn’s article.
“People aren’t’ likely to be influenced by a message they can’t remember, be clear, concise, and clever.” – Dianna Booher
As the saying goes, be yourself and the rest will follow. Be sure to remain true to yourself will working with clients. It’s important to be professional, but try to not over think it!
“Stop comparing yourself to everyone else around you. If you’re minding someone else’s business, no one is minding yours.” -Barbara Corocan