Honolulu County IS the island of Oahu. We're just one island of the chain of Hawaiian Islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. In other words, we aren't a huge state like the vast Continental United States and obviously it's not hard to run into people we know from time to time.
I don't know about some, but many of us in the Real Estate Industry REALIZE that our reputation is all we have on such a small island. Stepping on another's toes, giving phone call slaps or virtual smacks for the sake of being "competitive" is a no-no ....in my book.
Being aware of how I affect others will determine my success in the Real Estate Industry and hopefully the following points will help others identify...and change what is the obvious:
Being competitive doesn't mean to call a fellow agent up and insult them. No matter what, we (especially on a small island as ours) hold ourselves to higher standards and insults to another will NOT get you any referrals, business partners, repeat business and well...you get the picture. You may have to seek professional help for those deep issues (i.e. jealousy, self esteem) you have that ‘make ‘ you criticize another.- Avoiding the task at hand. If you have too much on your plate and start avoiding the tasks at hand you may want to consider hiring an assistant or referring some of that work out. Nothing is worse than hoarding more than you can handle and avoiding what needs to be done or worse yet- passing the buck to everyone else involved in the transaction because you don't have time. You may need to seek professional help for those deep issues (greed, title, status of quantity not quality) you have that ‘make' you take on more than you can handle.
- A poor sport indeed. So, you didn't get the listing or loan or escrow. Does that mean to badger and hold grudges against the one that did land the account? Take a look at your own marketing and people skills. Maybe they didn't like your pushiness or inability to give correct information? If you can't handle that you didn't get the client, you may want to seek professional counseling for vocational rehabilitation or anger management.
So, the next time you don't answer your phone, you avoid taking care of the task at hand and insult others you can bet your bottom dollar your business will dwindle and your reputation ‘known' amongst all who have crossed your path.
The aftermath of being an overly aggressive ‘professional' with a really bad attititude....
WILL lead to your real estate profession bankruptcy.
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Great point! I live and work in a relatively small town in Maine. We have the same everyone knows everyone environment. I am constantly amazed by the handful of realtors in our area who seem to feel the need to behave so badly. They are really only hurting their own business.
Very timely. I had to deal with an agent yesterday when I was trying to show a house she already had 4 offers on. I asked a couple of questions and each one she answered with "I TOLD YOU!" which she hadn't since I had never spoken to her before. And she oozed impatience. Pity the poor person who ends up in escrow with her.
Great point! It does seen that too many agents bad mouth other agents, and that sets the wrong tone... We all remember that agent that talked so much smack.
Sally,
I think you're spending too much time on an imbecile!
Suggesting the guy who's "Avoiding the task at hand." hire help probably won't work. It's doubtful he can afford it.
The poor sport and his Mother are likely the Imbecile's parents. Don't worry about his that level of tension will lead to an early demise.
Bill
Woo Hoo, Well, another d-y-n-o-m-i-t-e post Sally. I only wish it were true that those that do some of the things you mentioned would have their business dwindle and reputations affected accordingly. :-)
Woo Hoo, Well, another d-y-n-o-m-i-t-e post Sally. I only wish it were true that those that do some of the things you mentioned would have their business dwindle and reputations affected accordingly. :-)
Sally, some people think that they can hide their short comings by putting other people down, but they end up doing is exposing themselves even more for what they are.
George: Well, that is true..but in the end their only hurting themselves.
William: I wish so too...maybe some will read and learn.
Bill: Are you serious? I'm not wasting time...I'm hopefully helping one person out there who may read and learn LOL
Chris: I've heard so many 'war' stories along the way and though it's common happenings from day to day....I still hope.
Jane: What's with the attitude? There really isn't any reason why one would treat another that way.... If they're having a bad day ....stay home.
Kristen....yup ...only hurting their own business....
Hi Sally... Great post! You share a perspective here that seems to get lost in the shuffle with many agents!
Thanks Steve....I know that's true...but I can try lol
Sally,
Great Post! We all need to respect one another no matter where you do business.
When I was in high school, my best friend and I were involved in theater. She was my main competition but we had a very good friendship in spite of that. Sometimes I got the lead and sometimes she got the lead but we were very supportive of each other at all times. I handle my agent relations the same way. Sometimes I'll get the job and sometimes I won't but I'll always be congenial.
Its a small world and I live on my own little "island" here in Delaware so I know what you mean.
Ron: Exactly...another pro in the biz :)
Tammie: And those of us that believe in this kind of standard are in my book as....pros :)
Larry: Oh, yeah. It's a bummer when crossing paths with these types...but you know what Larry? I just shake my head and move on....but I do remember names :)
You tell 'em Sally! The real estate business can be an interesting and rewarding one or we can choose to make it adversarial. I have made good friends among Realtors all over, but especially in my own area, and it makes working with them so much easier.
I don't understand alienating others. All you do by attacking and insulting others is to make yourself look bad - especially in a community where everyone knows your name.
Whoever inspired you to write this post has shot himself/herself in the foot - dumb move.
Celeste - like the very cute kitten in your picture perhaps they are hanging on by a nail or two and are crying out for some help in getting back to ground.
Sally, there are some people are just like that, it is not because they are in real estate business, it is their nature and personality, they are just not reason people to work with regardless where they are. And you are right, it is a choice of theirs, they don't want to play fair game, and they don't care if they have a good reputation either.
Great post Sally,
And I like the new picture of you. R-E-S-P-E-C-T, that's what it's all about.
Susan: You know what...I get along with most anyone...except those that choose to attack others for whatever reason. I see this happening to others as well and it's really stands out that much where I am in awe and wondering why those who are just doing it for a buck or 'just a job' even come into the real estate biz. who knows.
Kathy: Hmmmm...well, then those that need help only need ask. Sometimes people don't want to be helped...and we can't force them ya know?
Rita: As i said prior...there are all kinds in all walks of life.... and being positive doesn't mean we have to let these types walk all over us. No matter what kind of 'nature or personality' I believe that no matter what profession they are in....they have a choice...to be obnoxious or a team player.
Terry: Thanks kind sir... Oh, yes...Respect is what it's all about. And disrespecting others surely must mean they have none for themselves....therefore the attitude
I once knew a broker someone who loved to insult fellow Realtors. That became the ax that eventually lead to his ruin.
Sally, It comes down to honey or vinegar. Fellow agents are our competitors, but also our colleagues who we have to do business with. Mr or Mrs know it all hotstuff agent will be very lonely with no one to work with if they don't play well with others.
I'm in a small town - we have about 200 agents, but everyone knows which agents are a 'problem.'
Sally:
True professionals work in the spirit of cooperation and are not nasty to their competition or other agents. The world is too small to get away with this type of behavior and in the end it only hurts your clients and your business.
Nice points Celeste! It is very possible to be competitive without being "ugly". I like how you delivered your message!
The best reputation to have is that you are a great agent to work with! This makes other agents want to show your listings!!
And bad mouthing agents to potential clients does only harm to your own image. Well written post--and very timely.
It pays to have friends at co-op offices !!!! I have had agents steer their Sellers to accept my buyer's offer based on my reputation !
Sally, I think no matter where you may live, it's a small world. What goes around, comes around and a good reputation will pay high dividends. Thanks.
Sage advise! I really dislike other agents who don't/can't get their tasks done (your point #2). Is that the fiduciary responsibility they promised their clients?
I never understood this competitiveness. In our area, there really is enough business to go around. I've always thought of REALTORS as a team. Yes, we may work for different companies, but we're all in this together to get the homes sold. Working as a team accomplishes that SO much quicker and easier than when someone is "running interference."
It'sd the question of who do you serve? If it is service for the benefit of the public, bravo. If it is service for your own personal ego, shame.
Sally, I wish I could print this and send to certain agents. It is amazing the attitude some have.
Amazing how the Golden Rule seems to go out the window with some folks. The thing that keeps me going when I meet a jerk.."It is only a brief encounter but someone has to live with them (or work) all the time!"
Your points hold true for our larger market area, too, Sally.
Sally,
Great points, it applies to every market and every profession. Well done!
Very good points! Manners definitely apply everywhere.
Good Morning folks! Yup...I think we're in agreement that no matter who, what, when, how, or where....we all need to work together as a team....to get the task at hand done and to all meet a common goal....to give our clients the best possible service while thinking in their best interests.....and that doesn't include having a bad attitude.
Aloha Sally,
Think Honolulu County market is small, try work Big Island, we even mo' small (forgive my attempted lapse into pidgen <grin>).
I am seeing quite a shift in the current market. I literally sometimes have agents call me to ask if I know of any alternatives I can recommend to showing certain agent's listings as they would prefer not to deal with so and so again.
Conversely, I find the more I treat everyone in the business as my collaborator rather than my competitor, the more business I do!
I just did a deal with an agent who I had to bite MY tongue the whole time!!!!!!!
I just did a deal with an agent who I had to bite MY tongue the whole time!!!!!!!
Yes Sally, I was serious.
A guy that would act like this can't be taught! This type of behavior is totally embedded, blame bad parents! I don't think others like him will see themselves.
What bothers me is he's bothering you. Next time hang up the phone. Being an a... is not illegal so hanging up is your only option. If he breaks the law turn him in. If he breaks the COE turn him in. But, don't let negative people spread their vial bile.
You may think you're to nice to turn him in, I think you're to nice to be abused. Let him turn over a rock and degrade his peers!
Bill
I think half the agents in real estate need counseling for anger management! Seems like a little over the top for saying 'get along with the other kids in the sand box - it's not that big'.
Lyn: Yup...agreed :)
Bill: Awww ....you get a hug for that one :) And it's no bother ...this has been happening since time began ....
Woodlands: Well...we get through it ...it's just a little upsetting when I hear about these ego run (instead of professional) individuals :)
Beth: And that's exactly how it's supposed to be....Not only that..over there you're more rural and REALLY know everyone yeah?
Sally - great point - think before you speak my father always used to say and in this business that REALLY applies!
Really great post, sally. My first deal ever four years ago was with an agent from my own office, who was nasty the whole way through... Made me think hard about the quality of people, but every one since has been stellar! Only way for me was UP!
After a short talk with Bob a couple of weeks ago and discussing a particular situation with some friends I am now reading, How to Win Friends and Influence People. Many others might like to read this also.
Hi Sally -- I agree with you wholeheartedly, but I think this is more sensitive the smaller market you are in. Even an area like Cleveland, Ohio with 7,000+ agents can support these types of agents you mention. It truly makes me wonder how they survive, but I think it all boils down to "momentum." -- At least in a larger market.
Good read today, thank you for getting it out to us .
Patricia
The agents who act and do the things you describe are beyond change in most instances. I just try and avoid them if at all possible.
Great stuff Sally, I said that before but I shall it again. My grandmother use to tell me this about 50 years ago.
Better loose my eye than loosing my name
Now I am blind on my right eye, see how good grand son I was. LOL
Aloha
I often hear the phrase that "it is a small town." what you say sticks to you and gets around, so choose your words and conduct carefully.
Sally, our area of Jacksonville is a small community of Realtors® and word spreads about those who mistreat their fellow agents. If you can't deal with your work and people, then you better find another job.
Good post and very informative, thanks for the enjoyable read. I always give the other person the benefit of the doubt. I say " I am not your adversary so what can we do to resolve this". They lighten up and it always works out.
Sis - Frankly, I would have loved to live in the world you write of. With your philosophy, I agree. With the reality of it all, I suppose that depends on other things. Bottom line, nothing you wrote here is foreign or disagreeable to me.
But the practice of such things (the things NOT to do) is all too regular for my taste. In an often complex world, the simple things when not done ... tend to get you and others in trouble. Short-cuts are for fools.
Hey my bro! I'm just happy to see you...it seems we wander past paths nowadays...that's okay...we'll talk.
Joyce: Good philosophy and a grand way to cut the ice.
You are so right. We should always try and be nice, but clear and firm. It will get us a lot further.
Great points, it's amazing how with all this instant communication we now have things still don't get done.
It gives new meaning to the term local agent. You really have to be on the ball.
Are you talking stink about me again? haha
You're right about things on a small island - there's nothing that gets missed on the coconut wireless. I hope you have a great weekend.
Good advice. Even in a big area like Orange County, CA, you run into people again and again, and reputation is important.
Georgina...haha. No kidding...but some think it's cool to disregard