Real Estate Rant

A year or so ago I had to write a little piece about real estate agents and their advertising. It dealt with why do they think sticking their picture and words that basically say "trust me" on a bus-side or bus-bench, will actually differentiate them from anyone else. Well yesterday I heard a radio ad from someone claiming to be the top real estate agent in Canada. This person in the past has made me believe that they think the average radio listener is a fool. They have mentioned that you should sell your house with them because they advertise it 24-7. Well so does every agent, it's called MLS, and every real estate website goes 24-7.

So back to yesterday's classic new selling line from this agent. They say that they work for free until they sell your house. A shot at firms that charge a small flat fee up front so you don't have to pay a huge commission cheque when the house does sell. I mean saying you work for free until you sell the house, and imply this justifies spending many thousands more later on, is stretching the meaning of free just a tad don't you think. Clearly agents are getting worried their holiday is over, and they are feeling the pressure from agents and firms that have woken up and taken advantage of technology to reduce costs and still provide great service, like every other industry in the world.

There, I have had my realtor rant for the time being. I'm done, and I hope some day soon people who take the time to advertise, start to treat their audience with just a bit of respect. In the long run it will do more to build your brand than jamming ^#*% down peoples throats.

Two Ears and One Mouth.

I teach business communications every so often at a local post secondary institution. I have sat through thousands of meetings in my 27 years in business. I have heard it all! Yet I am still amazed how many leaders can not listen well, and are really just waiting for people to stop talking so they can begin to talk.

As many people have said before me, we have two ears and one mouth, so we should be listening twice as much as we are talking.

This short little brain dart from McKinsey is a healthy reminder of three simple things all of us can do to be better listeners.

1. Show respect to your audience.

2. Keep quite (the two ears point)

3. Challenge assumptions.

I believe so much great insight is left on the table because people do not listen. I am guilty of this now and then, and this was a timely reminder to me to every so often, just shut up and listen.

Enjoy the read.


McKinsey's article on being a better listener.