"Everybody's Crazy 'Bout a Sharp Dressed Man"

Don't take it from me...take it from Billy Gibbons and the boys of ZZ Top.

How would you react if your attorney showed up for your day in court wearing flip flops and a Hawaiian shirt?

Would you return to an establishment if they treated you rudely, sarcastically or with contempt?

When you are on a road trip or family vacation, would you rather take your rest room breaks at a small, off freeway service station where the key is attached to a painted 2 x 4 or do you stop at a McDonald's because you usually know what you'll get as far as cleanliness in their bathrooms?

These all relate to our 6th Business Principle:

Our demeanor, appearance and facilities reflect our high standards

This business principle is pretty self-explanatory and doesn't need a long post. I am certainly not advocating that one needs to wear a three-piece suit everyday to work in order to be successful but I am not suggesting that we become Abercrombie & Fitch catalog models either.

One thing we all need to remember as we approach our daily activities is this - it's not always about us. Sure, you may just be popping into the office to check your email so you feel comfortable in your shorts, t-shirt and ball cap that you wore to the kids soccer game. The problem is that one of your fellow agents may be meeting clients for the first time in the office. Is that a fair impression of how your office conducts itself?

I recommend men always wear a shirt and tie for their first meeting with clients. Ladies - the equivalent. Once you have had your first face-to-face, use your best judgement and dress to the comfort level of your client while still maintaining a professional appearance and demeanor. Just remember, you may be dressed casually with one client when you happen to run into another.

Does this sound familiar? You're running late for a listing presentation and you're throwing the CMA together at the last minute. A few extra copies here, a couple of scrap pieces of paper there. No need to worry about them. You're sure someone will clean up after you. After all, they always have in the past.

Newsflash!!! That's not their job. You are an adult and your actions are your responsibility. If everyone helps maintain the office, workspace and common areas, everyone will reap the benefits of a clean, well-functioning office.

The Coldwell Banker brand carries a 96% brand awareness among consumers. That's a good thing as people know who we are and what we do. Let's all work hard to make sure the things we can control are always in our favor. Act nice, look nice and clean up after yourselves.

What does Business Principle #6 mean to you? Send a response to this message if you have any thoughts on the subject.

Until next time...build relationships...solve problems...have fun.

Are you Committed?

In a career like real estate, every day you need to ask yourself that question. Are you committed?

This job is too difficult to try and operate on a different level of commitment each and every day with each and every client. Does your attitude match your effort? Are you consistent in your services and treatment of customers? Do you rely on a team and can they rely on you? Are you committed to do what it takes to provide "truly remarkable service"?

GDP is defined as the total market value of all final goods and services produced within the country in a given period of time (usually a calendar year). It is also considered the sum of value added at every stage of production of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period of time, and it is given a money value.

If we apply this ECON 101 theory to the business of real estate, we have Business Principle #5:

We are committed to personal growth, professional development and innovation in the pursuit of excellence.

What is your GDP? Growth, Development and Pusuit of Excellence?

Are you committed to personal growth? What are you doing to gain knowledge, skills or confidence in the services you provide? Are you taking classes? Do you take advantage of coaching from your manager? Do you attend company and industry training events and conventions?

Are you committed to professional development? How often do you practice scripts and dialogues to continuously present the best image and message to customers and clients? Are you focused on your health and physical fitness so you maintain the levels of energy required in today's fast-paced society? Do you spend time each day in self-reflection, finding personal achievements to be proud of and identifying opportunities to better yourself, your company and your industry?

Are you committed to the pursuit of excellence? It has been said that "the easier you are on yourself when no one is looking, the harder life will be on you; the harder you are on yourself when no one is looking, the easier life will be on you."




Let me know what some of your specialized services or skills are that help you achieve Business Principle #5. We'd love to hear and share with others.




Until next time...Build relationships...Solve problems...Have fun.