As I reflect on the horrors of this past weekend in Tucson, Arizona, it occurs to me that we can all learn from this catastrophe and apply its lessons to help us move forward. Words matter. How each of us expresses anger can make a huge difference between a successful dialogue and one that ends in tragedy. When I apply this lesson to the real estate business, I think about the importance of technology, specifically how clients and customers need immediate responses. When they don’t get them, they are either frustrated or angry and then move on to another agent who will answer the question faster. In a world filled with social media and instantaneous communication, we need to remember that not everything is immediate, especially when it comes to real estate transactions. Some answers take thought and time, so we must not shoot from the hip as they say and react before getting a response. That being said, service providers need to understand that customers and clients are expecting and requesting information more quickly than they have in the past. If an agent can’t provide the instant response, it is important to let the client know that, promise a date to follow up, and respond at the appointed date. This is a way to avoid the horrible rhetoric that happens when the lines of communication break down. Now is the time for us all to take a deep breath and think about what comes out of our mouths. It will make us better human beings and, in turn, live more peaceful and productive lives.
Reflections
- By Michael McCann
- Posted
As I reflect on the horrors of this past weekend in Tucson, Arizona, it occurs to me that we can all learn from this catastrophe and apply its lessons to help us move forward. Words matter. How each of us expresses anger can make a huge difference between a successful dialogue and one that ends in tragedy. When I apply this lesson to the real estate business, I think about the importance of technology, specifically how clients and customers need immediate responses. When they don’t get them, they are either frustrated or angry and then move on to another agent who will answer the question faster. In a world filled with social media and instantaneous communication, we need to remember that not everything is immediate, especially when it comes to real estate transactions. Some answers take thought and time, so we must not shoot from the hip as they say and react before getting a response. That being said, service providers need to understand that customers and clients are expecting and requesting information more quickly than they have in the past. If an agent can’t provide the instant response, it is important to let the client know that, promise a date to follow up, and respond at the appointed date. This is a way to avoid the horrible rhetoric that happens when the lines of communication break down. Now is the time for us all to take a deep breath and think about what comes out of our mouths. It will make us better human beings and, in turn, live more peaceful and productive lives.
