Advice From the Mystery Man

I was having breakfast with a friend this morning at my favorite greasy breakfast spot, the Hermitage Cafe. We were talking about business and were probably too boisterous when another gentleman joined in with our conversations. I'll call him the 'Mystery Man' because he didn't introduce himself and he was dressed to hop on his motorcycle and speed away.

The Mystery Man wanted to comment on how important it was to form relationships with clients. He said that people wanted to do business with people who would take care of them. He spoke against emailing and said that people don't just have conversations anymore.

I took note of this stranger because even from behind his dark sunglasses I could feel his passion for business. He later said that he was retired from insurance sales and just loved doing business. I have no idea how successful he was, but I could tell he was living large.

This brief encounter was a timely event for me as I'm working on deepening my relationships. It affirms to me that people like to work with people who sincerely care for them. The Mystery Man reminded me how much fun it can be to do business and be a part of people's lives.

Let's live large,

Peter
www.NashvilleCityHomes.com

Marketing By Fax??? Naaaah

No, I'm not an advocate of Fax Marketing. However, I'm in the early stages of redesigning my website and have been digesting a lot of different ideas for marketing. One of my favorite marketing guys is named Seth Godin, who I learned about when my wife gave me his book "Free Prize Inside" for Christmas.

From what I can tell, Seth's philosophy comes down to two major points:
1. Make your service remarkable. (Remarkable means that your customers are amazed by it and have to tell others.)
2. Don't shout your message. Seth leans away from traditional marketing like advertisements that clamour for your attention, but instead suggests 'permission marketing', where you build a relationship with your customer over time and earn their trust.

I really like his ideas. I've never felt like a 'salesman' type that could persuade people to work with me. I'd much rather provide remarkable service and build relationships. It's more fun to work with people I know, anyway!

Anyway, I picked up Seth's book eMarketing from way back in 1995 where he devotes an entire chapter to Fax Marketing. It may have been the latest idea then, but I'm not sure it would be as effective now! That is, if it was ever that effective... :)
-Peter

www.nashvillecityhomes.com

Doing Business is an Act of Creation

I've really enjoyed getting to know a couple clients lately. Both are buyers that are moving into Nashville from across the country. Due to a variety of factors they've had a rocky time buying a home which has afforded us some time to get to know each other. Thankfully, I think they are both close to finding a home and settling in.

So anyway, I came across an article today from Daniel Lapin that relates to this because it talks about how everybody benefits from a successful business transaction. He calls it an 'act of creation' which is a really interesting way to think about it. Here's what he says:

"Remember, most of us prefer to do business with folks we know, like and trust... Whenever you do business together, wealth is created. Think about it: if nobody coerced them to make a deal, it must have benefited both of them. Each must have valued what he gained, more than what he gave up. That is right. The act of doing business is the act of creation."

As a Realtor, I often feel like people see me as a salesman trying to talk them into something. This 'salesman' personality is NOT ME AT ALL! I'm not a very good persuader, however, I enjoy being a teacher and a guide- learning what a clients needs are and helping to fill those needs, all while educating them about the process.

It's a good reminder that I don't have to be a salesman, but instead work on building relationships, and letting people know that I'm here to serve them with excellence.

-Peter
http://www.nashvillecityhomes.com/
REALTOR. City Home Specialist.