Easy. Just don’t answer your phone.
Phone driving you crazy? Maybe you should stop answering it, real estate agents.
Now before your hackles and eyebrows rise, realize that we’re simply talking about setting phone limits. You don’t want to turn into “that agent” who never answers the phone or returns emails.
But you do need to stop:
Answering your phone every time it rings
Replying to every text, email and social media alert immediately
Panicking every time you misplace your phone
…and here’s why:
You need to be at your best with every call.
Nobody wants a burned out, frustrated agent on the other end of the line who can only say ‘I can’t talk right now.’
Imagine talking to your client. On the other end of the line, you hear three background conversations, horns honking, a television blaring and a toddler screaming.
This is not a productive conversation.
There’s nothing worse for a professional relationship than failure to give proper attention. If your clients feel they’re getting one-quarter of your attention with every call, you’re doing something wrong.
If you’re in the middle of something, don’t answer your phone. Check your voicemail as soon as possible, and reply when your full attention is at the ready. And remember the power (and convenience) of text messages! Send a quick text if an urgent reply is needed and appropriate.
When in doubt, regroup. One focused, quiet call is better than ten hectic, disjointed conversations.
Clients will appreciate your sense of family.
Let clients know this up front. They admire honesty and work ethic. They know that you work extremely hard for them during the non-family hours.
Your clients have a family life, too. And unless they’re totally selfish, they’ll understand and appreciate your need for scheduled family time.
And if they’re totally selfish, you may not want them as clients, anyway.
You HAVE to set boundaries.
No one gets to the point when they can turn it off. One must manage clients’ expectations. Set limits (working hours) and stick to it. If anyone doesn’t respect you professionalism, you don’t need them as a client.
You can’t assume that clients have reasonable expectations when it comes to your working hours. Your habits tell your clients what to expect. If you routinely answer the phone at 3 a.m., your clients will continue to call at 3 a.m.
So don’t answer the phone at 3 a.m.
Start any professional relationship with clearly defined phone-answering protocol. Explain how and when clients can best reach you.
Example: “My phone is on from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. If you need something outside of those hours, please leave me a message or send me a text and I’ll reply as soon as possible.”
Most clients are reasonable and understand boundaries. You just have to explain what those boundaries are.
You need to recharge.
It will make you more focused, less cranky and more effective. Its a good business decision. You don’t expect to talk to your other professional service careers 24/7. Aligning expectations is a primary skill.
There’s a reason we live in homes and not in cubicles.
You charge your phone every night. Don’t forget to do the same for your life and your relationships. Everyone needs to rest and recharge including real estate agents.
You only live once. Do it right.
Nothing is more important than your family. Enjoy your family while they’re here.
Personal relationships are strengthened and weakened in tiny, seemingly unimportant moments:
Over a family meal
During a backyard wiffle ball tournament
On a bike ride with a close friend
Don’t skim those moments from your life to focus more on business. There are always exceptions, of course, but don’t let those exceptions become the rule.
Let this blog post be your jolt. Enjoy your family and friends. The satisfaction and joy that result from good personal relationships will seep into every aspect of your life, including your business.
So do yourself, your loved ones and your business a favor: Don’t answer that phone.
Want even more time? Hire a Professional Transaction Coordinator, such as myself and free yourself. You'll be glad you did.
That's What Real Estate on Higher Level is All About.
There’s nothing worse for a professional relationship than failure to give proper attention. If your clients feel they’re getting one-quarter of your attention with every call, you’re doing something wrong.
If you’re in the middle of something, don’t answer your phone. Check your voicemail as soon as possible, and reply when your full attention is at the ready. And remember the power (and convenience) of text messages! Send a quick text if an urgent reply is needed and appropriate.
When in doubt, regroup. One focused, quiet call is better than ten hectic, disjointed conversations.
Clients will appreciate your sense of family.
Let clients know this up front. They admire honesty and work ethic. They know that you work extremely hard for them during the non-family hours.
Your clients have a family life, too. And unless they’re totally selfish, they’ll understand and appreciate your need for scheduled family time.
And if they’re totally selfish, you may not want them as clients, anyway.
You HAVE to set boundaries.
No one gets to the point when they can turn it off. One must manage clients’ expectations. Set limits (working hours) and stick to it. If anyone doesn’t respect you professionalism, you don’t need them as a client.
You can’t assume that clients have reasonable expectations when it comes to your working hours. Your habits tell your clients what to expect. If you routinely answer the phone at 3 a.m., your clients will continue to call at 3 a.m.
So don’t answer the phone at 3 a.m.
Start any professional relationship with clearly defined phone-answering protocol. Explain how and when clients can best reach you.
Example: “My phone is on from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. If you need something outside of those hours, please leave me a message or send me a text and I’ll reply as soon as possible.”
Most clients are reasonable and understand boundaries. You just have to explain what those boundaries are.
You need to recharge.
It will make you more focused, less cranky and more effective. Its a good business decision. You don’t expect to talk to your other professional service careers 24/7. Aligning expectations is a primary skill.
There’s a reason we live in homes and not in cubicles.
You charge your phone every night. Don’t forget to do the same for your life and your relationships. Everyone needs to rest and recharge including real estate agents.
You only live once. Do it right.
Nothing is more important than your family. Enjoy your family while they’re here.
Personal relationships are strengthened and weakened in tiny, seemingly unimportant moments:
Over a family meal
During a backyard wiffle ball tournament
On a bike ride with a close friend
Don’t skim those moments from your life to focus more on business. There are always exceptions, of course, but don’t let those exceptions become the rule.
Let this blog post be your jolt. Enjoy your family and friends. The satisfaction and joy that result from good personal relationships will seep into every aspect of your life, including your business.
So do yourself, your loved ones and your business a favor: Don’t answer that phone.
Want even more time? Hire a Professional Transaction Coordinator, such as myself and free yourself. You'll be glad you did.
That's What Real Estate on Higher Level is All About.
561-444-8860