My friend Peg and I sat by the window for lunch in a restaurant overlooking Columbia's largest lake. It was a perfect afternoon, gentle breeze, and sun flickering through the trees. As we ate, we noticed a young couple arrive and settle on a bench, obviously very much in love. With them came two men, one with a video camera and the other with a still camera with a lens more than a foot long – obviously a pro. Throughout our lunch they talked, posed, and hugged each other. The photographer moved around for different angles, and the videographer had them talking and laughing.
As we left, they were just finishing, so we walked over to tell the couple we had enjoyed their photo shoot. Sure enough, it was for their wedding.
Now you probably expect me to say we started talking about where they would live and that I have just the right house for them. But you'd be wrong. Nope, they smiled and went on their way.
Instead, we started talking with the photographers – Shaun Anthony and his associate. We introduced ourselves, and of course I had to show them the print of my book cover that my friend and publisher had just given me. Signed by the artist, Marti Garaughty, and beautifully framed, I love it! Which led to "let's take a picture" so I posed with the print and then we let the print stand on its own (supported by a tree) as Shaun Anthony took several shots.
We talked about what we each did, which led to Shaun Anthony asking for my card because his wife wants to move and is particular about where since they have a two year old daughter. I know the area where he lives, and have a home that would be larger but still in that area, plus another property that could be perfect for both the family with its fenced in yard, and for him with its completely finished lower level that would work great as his studio. By the time we parted, he had my card with website and the addresses of both the properties that he can look up online.
Shaun also took a couple of Peg's cards since he's been thinking about doing a book on new trends in photography. Whether any of this turns into sales or not does not matter; we connected. And when the time comes, he'll remember a real estate agent and a publisher on a spring day by the lake in Columbia…simply because we took the time to tell a young couple they looked great together.
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Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome, HomeRome.com Baltimore Listing Agent, ABR,ACRE(tm),CRS,e-PRO,RECS,PMN,SRES, iSucceed Mentor, Floyd Wickman Starmaker CyberStar(tm), CyberPro 410-530-2400 cell
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One thing leads to another...you simply don't know where your next connection is! Love the photo of the book's cover!
Great post Monika! In this business it's all about connecting with people. Hope all turns out well.
Margaret - It sounds like a wonderful time had by you and your friend. It sounds like you keep your marketing hat on 24/7 - just in case!
Isn't it great when the love of what you do comes out naturally in a situation? I know I keep their cards and do contact them for services if needed.
Margaret, this must have been so much fun! What a wonderful framing of your gorgeous book cover! I still smile when I think of how all of this came together..the power of the Rain!
Margaret I love the photo, it's Friday afternoon and I was out as well but the view wasn't as nice as the one in your post.
It's amazing how accidental connections like you had with the photographer can turn into so many possibilities. The web just multiplies the possibilities but it's always nice to have them happen in the real world as well. Have a great weekend!
Cool story, Margaret. It really is about the relationships we forge whenever we can, not the expectation that wat we do or say will result in a sale.
Jeff
Monika, It is fun to be aware of others while making new opportunities.
Eugene, Thanks for stopping by and "connecting".
Tracy, Just being aware and prepared when you are in the right mood.
Lizette, I am going to send this post to Shaun.
Linda, Do you realize Peg ordered the framed art from Marti? It was a wonderful surprise from both of them.
Marti, You really understand The Art of Marketing You! I am enjoying the weekend. It is our 40th wedding anniversary!!
Margaret, what a wonderful surprise from Peg and Marti! I hope you and your hubby have a wonderful 40th anniversary! I know how crazy you are about him, so I'm sure it will be fun filled!
Margaret......great post! It's all about relatonships from beginning to the next step and you enjoyed it on a beautiful day. Thanks for sharing.
Jeff, And cool comment....." It really is about the relationships we forge whenever we can, not the expectation....."
Linda, It was a wonderful gift from two special people. It has been a terrific weekend which has gone by too fast just like the past 40 years!
Thanks, Pam for stopping by. By being aware; relationships can start just about anywhere.
Before we can develop strong relationships, we've got to first know that each other exists. What a great place to start!!!
Perfect example that everyone is a possible client
Have A Great Day
Real Estate Sales is the people business, not the property business. Building relationships is what counts the most.
Marketing me, always starts with a conversation that doesn't have to lead anywhere, but when it does it strikes me as an AHA moment!, some of our best clients, customers and friends start with a common interest. Nice story, we are always on point that is our nature as Realtors. Steve
Paula, Love your comment: "Before we can develop strong relationships, we've got to first know that each other exists. What a great place to start!!!"
Doris, This is a good reminder. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi again Margaret, wow congrats on your 40th anniversary!!! That is soooooooooooo cool to hear!
You never know where you will find clients! Congrats on the anniversary!
good post..you just never know when a lead will come to you....
Margaret, a terrific featured post story, about how ordinary events can turn into great "connections." Thanks for sharing!
A day in the life of a real estate agent! Most people would not have taken the time to stop and comment - you had the confidence and outgoing personality to do just that. I hope it turns into something for you!
Wow ! Great Job ! There are so many possibilites out there, the connections are endless, grats!
Hi Margaret - you just never know where connections like that will lead. You touch a person and that person touches another and so on..... and before you know it, someone in that group of touches comes to you - all because you took the time to say something really nice to someone. Paying it forward....
Congrats on the feature!
Ann
Marti, Thanks for making this anniversary even more special. It has been a wonderful 40 years with the best guy in the whole world!!
Emily, Thanks for your good wishes.
Gary, "..ordinary events can turn into great "connections." Thanks for stopping by.
Michael, Thanks and you so right...you never know.
Margaret, Confidence and outgoing personality is so important to make connections. Something has "already" turned for me....a lovely day, a new experiece and a featured post!
Carla, You are right, so many connections to be made.
Ann, You are a master at this "paying it forward" and you really know how to make connections and touch people.
Greg, So true! "Real Estate Sales is the people business, not the property business. Building relationships is what counts the most."
Steve, Conversations do lead to AHA moments. Thanks for adding your comment.
Margaret - Great story. Thank you for sharing with us. Happy Anniversery.Have a great week.
Margaret,
EXCELLENT !!!! It is all about caring, sharing, being and believing... The are never accidents just opportunities... Happy 40th Anniversary.. It does pass sooooo quickly.. Hubby and I will celebrate 34 yrs in July... WOW where does that time go... Like the Bible says, we need to redeem the time.. Blessings,
Margaret, very cool and sounds like a great productive afternoon. And a divine appointment. Sounds like a good contact and future sale will be made. Congratulations.
Margaret,
You always share such wonderful stories with us here. Thank you!
Yes, just taking a bit of time to connect -- well you never know where that will end up taking things.
Margaret- First off let me congratulate you on your anniversary....40 years, how wonderful :) The story of the photographers is great, as is the gift of the framed book cover by marti......sounds like just the perfect timing, and perfect day...one without expectations, but filled with gifts none-the-less.
My step-dad believes in the 3 foot rule - talk to everyone within 3 feet, and he loves it.
That was a nice story as you just never know when the next connection will be. I like Christine's step-dad's philosophy.
Terri, thanks for your good wishes, It has been a great week.
Cheryl, And congratulations to you on 34 years. That's quite an accomplishment!
Missy, Yep, a productive and fun afternoon.
Sheri, This is a wonderful place to share these stories.
Margaret~ Congratulations on your 40th anniversary! How wonderful.
I am also excited about YOUR book. Is this your first? What an accomplishment, I am so happy for you.
As far as the relationships we build, that is the key to success in our business. (as in any business).
Way to go. You never know who you talk to that might need your services.
Margaret, I LOVE your book cover. I'm sure whatever is within the covers is fabulous. I've signed up. I want to read it!
Bob and Carolin, Just remember to take time to connect and the rest is easy.
Kathy, Thanks for the good wishes on our 40th. It was Peg that ordered the framed book cover and I love them both for thinking of this perfect gift. What a wonderful day it was!
Christine, Your step dad is a very wise person. I like his 3 feet rule.
Jay, Me too! I think I may have to adopt this in my daily life.
Vickie, Forty years is a wonderful accomplishment and a lot of fun with the man of my dreams! The book is a first but hopefully not the last.
Russ, Everyone is a potential person that we can help.
Gail, I adore what you said!
Margaret, sometimes I think it is best to just left life evolve. This is a great example of how it can happen! I want to learn more about your book. I guess I will look back at some of your past posts. How exciting!
It is all about relationships...and they can come about in the most unexpectant times! Great story and thanks for sharing!
Diane, More about the book soon. Thanks so much for your interest.
Casey, You are so right and it is fun to share these positive stories.
Margaret...what a great reminder of how important it is for anyone in business for themselves, to always be reaching out...even when the intent is real...and with no hidden agenda. Mahalo.
Jeff, Reaching out to others is what makes life so darn good.
Margaret, what a wonderful story. I agree with Jeff. We should always be reaching out no matter what our business. Thank you for sharing!
Becky, This was a fun day to share. Thank you for stopping by!
Margaret, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this story! It is so much fun to live a life of sharing with others. And you and I were just talking about this philosophy last night. You talked to the young couple because that is what you do, make people feel good, and you found out "the rest of the story". Your interaction with the photographer was icing on the cake. I know you will put him and his wife in just the right property. Are we having fun yet??
Pat, I knew you would love this post because it similar to the way you and I met. Thank you for you phone calls and special messages. Just know that you are appreciated!!
You have mastered the art of always positioning yourself for business, Margaret. In the real estate market, somehow agents think it is wrong to look for opportunities in each conversation and touch with other people. It isn't wrong, in fact it is the key to building the sort of client base that you need to be successful and be surrounded by the sorts of client you WANT to work with. Congratulations!
Steve, This is a way of positioning yourself for life. There are so many opportunities for all of us. Think of the friends that can be made on vacations, traveling, trying a new restaurant. This is what makes life interesting not just business. Be aware, find out what others need. Enjoy, cause you may only go around once!
I agree... Life is all about the influence we have on a daily basis. It is about the relationship in EVERY situation. When we all are on our last leg in this life (sorry - morbid, I know), the only things that will matter to us will be to relationships that we had here and how we were able to be used to help others!
Steve, Not morbid, but truthful. Relationships and how we help others, are what makes life interesting. I appreciate your comments