Used Car Salesman ~ or ~ Real Estate Agent? I had a good laugh (and a thought provoking moment) at the gas station the other day. The gas station attendant approached my car (in Oregon, we don't have to pump our own gas!), and asked the following question... Used Car Salesman or Real Estate Agent? I suppose he got a good look at my personalized license plates: BUY NOW. After chuckling, I answered; "Real Estate Agent."
The conversation quickly jumped into the disparaging similarities of both professions and the "impression" one can surmize from having previous bad experiences with both. It's not the first time I have heard the comparison, and probably not the last. But, each time I hear the saying, it is a reminder to me of how we (Real Estate Agents) need to be diligent in dealing professionally, honestly, and ethically with our clients and colleagues. Remembering and practicing the Golden Rule can positively impact the perceptions one has of our profession and our industry as a whole. We're all in this together!
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Melinda,
WOW! You do not have to pump gas there? I may need to move. I hate pumping gas and would love a full service station here in Missouri especially when it is freezing or snowing...
Ann Hayden not liking the snow/sleet in Wildwood, Missouri
Melinda I agree with your post but I'm really more interested in this concept of having someone pump your gas. Is this more common than not in your area? I haven't seen this service here for years.
Hi Melinda~ It is interesting that we are bunched right in there with used car salesman. I know that I work hard and do the best possible job for each and every one of my clients. I guess it is up to each and every one of us to change the attitudes of the general public to realize we are their advocate and they need us on their side!
Melinda, I thought only in NJ and FL. So now we have Oregon. Do you need to pay extra for those attendants?
Melinda - I hate that comparison, too. Seems like the actions of a few bad apples can spoil the entire basket. The only way we can correct this is to provide the highest level of customer service we can....one client at a time. If it makes you feel better, I used to be a paralegal and you can only imagine the attorney jokes I had to endure! Makes the reputation of a realtor feel like a step up! LOL
There is no comparison! I think he was just trying to be funny. I remember the days when Alabamian's did not have to pump their on gas...I miss those days.
We have such a high turnover of newbies that people sometimes get less experience and professionalism than they deserve.
Great post and so true...one way to look at it? It could have been much worse....he could have said Real Estate Agent or Attorney!
Regards
Rick
Great blog. Take care of your clients and they will take care of you. Thanks.
Love it Melinda...so true. A good reputation is everything in our business. Thanks for the post.
you should have asked him "what do i have to do to put you in a house today?"
Melinda,
One thing to take into consideration is the similarities in the marketing approach between real estate agents and car salespeople.
Car salespeople hand out business cards in multiples, and say something along the lines of: "If you or someone you know wants to buy a car please give me a call, I'd love to help them.
Real estate agents hand out business cards in multiples, and say something along the lines of: "If you or someone you know wants to buy or sell a house give me a call, I'd love to help them.
Both translate as: If you or someone you know is interested in helping me line my pockets, give me a call, I'd love to help them.
Should this approach be changed? Yes... emphatically! Can it be changed? Yes... drastically! Is anyone trying to change this? Yes... atleast one person... ME!
"Network Strong & Prosper!"
Coach K.C.
The Prosperitor!™
Changing the Real Estate Marketing paradigm, one mind at a time!
What impressed me in the post was that "in Oregon we do not have to pump our own gas" -- huh? there is someplace where people do not pump their own gas any more? wow.
This is too funny, My daughter was a Car Salesperson and I am a Real Estate Agent.
She got out of cars because of the Golden Rule and I am still in Real Estate for the same reason.
Hi there,
I noticed this is your 11th post on here, have not seen you on before but welcome to active rain real estate network...looks like you signed up last year but doing more blogging now! Look forward to reading more, thanks!
Tom Davis
Ann, Denise, Huiting, Valerie, Bob & Carolin,
It's true! It is against the law for Oregonians to pump their own gas. Currently, we pay $1.95 per gallon, and it's always full service! And, at most stations, they even wash your windows (front & back) and check under the hood!
I always thought the feet were the ugliest part of the body. I know mine are. When I look at this picture I immediately think of the hookey pookey.
The Hokey Pokey and the Golden Rule go together... You put your right foot in... :)
Hey Coach ~ Ditto, Ditto, Ditto! And kudos for changing the way things are, for the way things ought to be!
Hi Vickie ~ Let's all be advocates for change, and do the right thing!
Hey Lina ~ Let's hope the sluggish economy forces a few of those bad apples to retire early! Love the scripted signature :)
Hey Heath ~ So, true. It's tough to be a "Newbie" and even tougher for clients to put their trust in someone inexperienced. However, we have all been there, done that. I was lucky to have a great Mentor when I got into the business many moons ago. I learned a great deal from my Mentor and I am a big advocate for Mentor programs. They can be mutually beneficial.
Joseph ~ That might be a loaded question in these parts... and might possibly result in a dinner invitation.
Rick... Thank goodness they are not all bad, just like, we are not all bad :)
Nathan & Olga ~ You two are right on. Reputation speaks volumes. No slippery handshakes here!
Marie ~ Maybe you and your daughter should consider doing the business together :)
Tom ~ Thanks for the welcome. Raindrops keep blogging on my head, and I love it :)
it also against the law for someone to pump their own gas in new jersey.