I've just finished reading two articles. The writer of one article suggested that today's clients are not like those of previous generations and do not want our advice. The article ended with the writer saying that our approach to clients should be "It's your house. It's your money. What do you want to do?"
The second writer wondered if today's agents are trying too hard to make their clients like them. He stated that what's important is that the client feels that the agent likes the client!
Hmmm. What are these writers suggesting? Aren't we supposed to follow all lawful instructions that our clients give us? Of course we are. Doesn't everyone want to be liked? Certainly! How much weight does "being liked" carry? And just where does that "working in the best interest of the client" play in all this?
I think that we are back, again, to open communciation between the agent and the client. When open dialog has existed during the entire process; when the agent has respected the intelligence and experience of some clients and the lack of experience of others; when there is understanding among everyone that buying and selling property is not a lark but a business experience loaded with emotional overtones which can be easier if neither the client nor the agent is functioning in a selfish, "I want to be liked," or "I don't need help," manner--then, guess what!
The agent has met the needs of the client and has shared enough expertise that both are comfortable with "What do YOU want to do?" And, no one is worried about who likes whom! Respect is present. Trust is present. Out of this will likely emerge a lasting relationship, maybe even a friend!
Yes, when I was a child, farm folks really sharpened their hoes and walked down long rows of cotton or corn, removing the weeds and thinning the plants. At the end of the growing season, those who had properly maintained the young plants realized a better harvest than those who had "laid by" their fields too soon. Not that I was involved in this activity, but each of my grandfathers farmed, so when I visited I picked up on these discussions. I remember that once Papa let me go to the corn field with the "hands." I soon was sent back to the house since I couldn't tell the difference in good plant material and bad! I also remember hearing my parents discuss that one of my grandfathers got in a hurry and often "laid by" his crops too soon. His crops were not as productive as those of the other grandfather who stuck to the task as long as was needed, even in years when growing a good crop was harder.
One of my long-time friends who is about 12 years older than I and who has children 12 and 10 years older than my son was raised in the country and knew that I had an association with country living. When my son was born she said to me, "Marilyn, it's a long row to hoe and you've just started down that row." When I mentioned to her something that related to child rearing she always retorted: "Marilyn, it's a long row and you are not finished with it yet." Even when my son went to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where my friend lived, she reminded me that I was not totally finished hoeing my row! Now that my son is a father himself, I wonder if my friend thinks that I've earned the right to hang up my hoe!
Perhaps in this case, I have earned that right. But, because my friend, Lou, taught me such a valuable lesson, I'll keep the hoe sharpened.
Realizing that I have begun to hoe a "long row" has served me, not only in raising a son, but in business, as well. During the times when few "weeds" hampered my progress, I've moved down the "rows" of real estate much more quickly and easily. Then the rows didn't seem so long. But this year, remembering that though the "rows" seems long I'll achieve my goal if I keep on hoeing, has been helpful to me. No, I haven't finished as many "rows" as a couple of years ago, but I felt good about those that I finished.
Keeping the hoe sharpened and the mind fixed on hoeing a clean row all the way to the end is important and rewarding!
Do you tap your toes without even realizing it? Do you wish that you were still playing that clarinet or trumpet that has been idle for years? Do you sing in the church choir, but wish for a little more time with like-minded souls? Does either playing or listening to symphonic music "turn you on?" Then the northeast corner of Tennessee is the place you need to be!
From a unique bluegrass program, including a major, at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City to the many venues where this native to the area music is performed, bluegrass is very alive! With Bristol's being the REAL birthplace of country music one can experience history and the stirring of the soul!
Once every week a group composed of students, community leaders, retirees and others who played in high school or college bands rehearse as the Johnson City Civic Band. These civic minded musicians provide concerts and once again realize the joy of making music. At one time, my husband, my son and I were the percussion section of this group. Playing again those Sousa marches and other familiar compositions was invigorating and most enjoyable!
Singers have a similar opportunity in the Civic Chorale. This auditioned group performs mainly from a traditional choral repertoire and is an outstanding group.
The Johnson City Symphony Orchestra is composed of both professional musicians and non-professionals who, by audition, earn a position with this outstanding performing body. The season includes an informal, outdoor concert in September followed by five subscription concerts and one pops type concert. During the Christmas season a concert is provided for local students in addition to the December subscription concert.
Make a point of hearing one or more of these groups. You'll be glad you did!
Today has been a blustery, winter-like April day in east Tennessee. Last week had breezy, spring-like days.
As I drove along a curvy, two lane asphalt road one of those spring days, I met a car that stopped just as I approached. I slowed, wondering what was wrong. The driver of the other car, a man who appeared to be 40ish, got out and walked around in front of his car.
I looked to see if he was investigating something on, or beside, the road. Indeed, he was! Beside his front wheel was a big clump of blooming jonquils. The man bent over, smelled them, and got back in his car!
The saying, "Take time to smell the roses," came to life in front of me. And, frankly, this experience made a more lasting impression on me than the sermon that I heard the Sunday before. That man will never know the benefits to me caused by his simple actions. Value for each of us!
Marilyn Robertson
"Success Matters!" is my slogan. Whether buying or selling, success is the goal of the client. My goal is for us to be successful in a positive and fulfilling manner.
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