Kim Suecroft - Hanson

I realize the potential of Free advertising by "wrapping" your vehicle but have always been concerned with the downside.

On the plus side -

The obvious it's FREE and if you drive as much as I do there is alot of people that see that everyday. Whether I'm parked at a house, store or just driving the exposure is huge.

It's a great way to build brand exposure as well.

On the down side -

I'm not paying attention and I cut some one off....there going to remember that and it won't be a good impression.

Privacy is a think of the past - everyone know's who I am and what I do. I'm a private person and prefer to be low-key rather than showy.

I'm torn on whether it's a good idea or not.

For the rest of the fleet...they are going to be wrapped but they're also going to have a sign that say's...Am I driving safe...1-800... Can't wait to have those phone calls.

Can't wait to hear your feedback. Thanks.

To advertise pricing or not?

At our weekly staff meeting we brought up the subject and we seem to be split on wether or not to advertise pricing.

On the one hand it's great for potential clients to know the pricing and on the other hand so does your competition.

My point is most companies advertise pricing and that some exposure is better than none.

Only offering a percentage off as my partner suggested doesn't do it for me.

I personally want to know how much the price is up front - a percentage tell's me nothing.

What are your thoughts?

Thank-you in advance for your opinions.

I recently received a message from a prospective new customer that was interested in our services.

Let me explain the scenario. My family and I had decided after months of working 7 days a week we decided to take a much deserved mini vacation to our friends cabin.

We were gone from Friday late evening until Sunday early evening. Unfortunately cell service is non-existent as the cabin is quite remote.

As soon as we were back in cell phone range I checked my messages.

The first one was from a realtor looking for more information as well wanting to hire us for a consultation - time frame - 10ish Saturday. The next message was from her client at 1pm on Saturday asking for a return phone call. Again I was out of contact with the world (which I have to say was awesome. I could concentrate on my family without distraction).

Finally I received another message from the same realtor at 8:30am on Sunday morning.

She started off the message saying:

"If you want to working banking hours work in a bank but if you want to work in the real estate business you have to be available 24 / 7."

She then went on to say that:

"Her business is very succesful and she has a business degree (not really sure why she threw that in??) as well let us know that she would not be requiring our services she would find someone else."

There was more to it but I think you get the gist of the lovely message.

My first reaction was disbelief. We've been in business for a long time and never have we had anyone talk to us like that.

Unprofessional to say the least. Wow, I would never talk like that to someone! I choose not to run my business like that and would be disgusted and horrified if someone from my company represented us like that.

In the day and age of poor customer service we strive to stand out and stand by the old adage "the customer is always right."

We value all of our customers and realize that without them there is no business.

To have someone attack me personally and to leave such a message was awful.

Even if the realtor hadn't choosen to go with someone else - I would have professionally declined the business, I choose not to be affiliated with people that act like this.

This thankfully is the exception not the norm as every year when we do take a short family vacation our clients reactions are usually "good for you."

I love what we do - I enjoy going to work and don't look at as a job as much as helping people out.

We work hard and work on weekends and at night if needed but at the end of the day it's my family that's most important not work.

I love my life and am lucky that I can do something I love and have a beautiful family.

My daughters are all quite young and are and will always be my number one priority. If some people can't or won't understand this then maybe it's best that we don't work together.

Before I had my children I was a workaholic and working into the wee hours of the morning was the norm. Now I love what I do but I've realized that there are more important things.

I was really bothered by the message (obviously) and am quite disturbed that not only was my work ethic called into question but to tell me how to run my business (not suggest - which is always good) but to say in such a way is unprofessional and rude.

When I'm old and sitting on my rocking chair on the front porch and looking back on my life I most certainly will not wish I had worked more but hopefully be content with the times I had with my family.

So I ask all of you what would you do?

I decided early on how I wanted our company to be run and a great reputation is what we have and what I strive to keep. There will always be problems that arise like in any business but it's how you handle the solution in the end that matters.

We are accountable for our actions and as such we are responsible to fix our mistakes and make sure that at the end of the day we have done everything we can do.

I run my company ethically and with a high set of standards.

My partner called the realtor and left a message (hasn't returned his call - ironic) and simply explained the situation and asked for a return phone call. I think that this was the best way to handle the situation.

I would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks.

FINALLY!

It seems the market is on the upswing. In the last week we've had 6 staged houses sell.

2 had multiple offers, 1 had been for sale for over a year and sold in 5 days!!!

1 sold to the first people who viewed it and the other 2 both sold in under 10 days.

It's fantastic to see and makes it so much fun!

I love staging in a market like this - Not only is it a great eye-opener for those that have not staged but it's so gratifying to see the results.

Our stats were compiling are quite impressive. I hope everyones else is having just as much success and I hope it continues.

Good Luck to you all!

Just got word from the homeowner the home I posted pictures on yesterday SOLD!!!

It had been for sale for 6 months and just SOLD in 5 days after being staged!!!

I love to see the awesome results.

Needless to say we have another loyal customer!!!

It's very gratifying to see the results - hard work paying off.