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February 2009
Index of all
messages
from the Association President
Character and competence make a difference
By Barb Cline, AAR President
The new year is well underway. What are you doing to build your business?
Have you thought about building your referral business? The main reason people refer a professional is because they trust in that person. So then you ask, “How do I build trust?”
Character and competence are what build trust.
Create character
We convey the message of our character through our personal activities. Are you involved in activities outside of your business? How do you carry yourself in those activities?
Think about your behavior and how you communicate with others. Be energetic, outgoing and friendly. Treat the people around you with respect and dignity. Having good relationships with others around you should be your number one priority. Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but they will forever remember how you made them feel.”
Live on the edge and accept challenges when available. If you are asked to chair a PTCO, be the team mom on your child’s sports team or organize a retreat at church, say yes! And then do the best job you can at it.
Face the bumps you encounter with a smile and react to the adversity with a positive attitude. Ask, “What if…” questions in an effort to solve any issues. Your energy will inspire others. This passion and energy will convey to the others around your upstanding character.
Exude confidence
We convey the message of our competence through our professional activities.
Becoming educated is of foremost importance. Learn local statistics and stay on top of your market; when you can accurately let those around you know what is happening in your industry, they will view you as competent.
If you are not already involved in our Association, then become active. Start with the Friday morning REALTOR® Update meeting and learn about the many ways there are to share your talents. If we don’t ask you to get involved, then you tell us where you want to channel your energies!
Know the rules of the Colorado Real Estate Commission (CREC) and follow them. If you are supposed to fill out a certain addendum, do it! Use the correct forms. Are you aware that the use of the new contract became mandatory Jan. 1? Enter your listings correctly. Take classes to increase your awareness of what is going on in our industry. And make sure you keep up with the CREC Annual Update Course and the NAR-mandated Ethics Class. If you present yourself as an expert and professional REALTOR®, then others will see you this way as well.
At least 75 percent of your business should come from referrals. Focus on your character and competence and the referrals will come.
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