If you've been around my blog for more than five minutes, you probably know how I feel about Begging for Business or Referrals. I don't like it. I don't think you should do it. I don't think you need to do it. I think it makes you look unprofessional, needy and, well, I'll say it again, unprofessional.
Was I clear?
Actually, probably not. When I use the word "beg" I'm not just talking about the literal definition of the word where you accost everyone you know and meet, and sob on their shoulder about your lack of business and beg them to find you a buyer or seller. No, when I say not to "beg" I'm also advising against "asking," "reminding," "incentivizing," and in many cases, even "appreciating."
"But... but... but..."
Yeah, I've heard all the but, but, but's and they don't sway me from my stance on the matter.
So, what should you do instead? How DO you inspire the people you know and the people you meet to send you business if you don't ask/beg/bribe/remind for it?
Tee Hee... Here comes the pitch...
Join me on Saturday morning, January 16th for a freebie teleseminar on this very topic - "Alternatives to Referral-Begging." We'll talk about WHY it's wrong to beg for business and WHAT you can do instead to get the point across without discrediting yourself. And yes, as time permits, we'll address all the but, but, but's...
Details and Registration here
www.SellwithSoul.com/referral-begging
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Tips & Inspirations to Generate Business from the Very Important People Who Know You
I have not been in a position to beg for a listing, but I have had them beg me. (also check the spelling in your title.)
But... But... Jennifer, "I'm never too busy for the ultimate compliment of your referrals..."
:D
Heath - THANK YOU! I kept looking at it and feeling something was wrong, but didn't see it. Glad you forced the issue! And... keep up the good work!
Mike - Blah blah blah
Jennifer,
"Blah blah blah?"
You said it better than I could.
Jennifer - Begging sucks and the numbers game sucks... I try to stay in touch with people via social media and email. I don't directly ask them for business. I just let them know i'm active by showing them property i've listed for sale and sold. SOI all the way! Great minds think alike. :)
I hope I can listen in as long as I don't have to work that morning! It will be interesting! Begging for business is not the right way to get it!
I will check it out - I don't want to beg for business, I want it to come to me!
HA! I once had an agent remark that "Lenn will sell them a house if they beg".
PULL real estate marketing eliminates the need for begging for business.
I will register and be there. While I hear what you are saying it is also important foir people to klnow you are there so I will be listening to see how you walk that line
Charlie - and I'm sure you'll let me know how I do, won't you??!
Lenn - Love it!
Gary - Yeah, I'm such a tease...
Bridget - I hear ya, sister!
Patricia - I'm glad you agree ;-]
Christopher - You are SUCH a smart guy!!!
Posture is important. If people feel they are being pursued, they'll flee. If they feel they are with someone confident, they'll feel confident about doing business with them more often.
Registered! Let's hear what we should do instead...
A lot of gurus subscribe to the "nail 'em down and hogtie them if necessary." The entire system is based on harassment. Small wonder people think of us in the same breath as used car salesmen. I really and truly don't want my sellers to tell people that the reason they chose me was because I "wore them down" or worse that they "felt sorry for me."
Ruthmarie - yeah, sort of along the lines of "Hound them until they buy or die." Blech.
Wendy - I guess I better get on figuring that out! See you tomorrow!
JP - I do believe you're right! Good point!
Hi Jennifer,
Love the "blech" at the end - very classy! Goes with the used car salesmen motif nicely.
I just listened to the audio from the show. It was great to have my instincts validated!
I recoiled in horror upon remembering that did some of the things mentioned in the show. Ugh. Blech. When I think of my past clients who have referred business to me, I can absolutely see the correlation to what kind of deal we did together and what kind of service I provided.
There can't be anything worse than hounding family, friends, and whoever! I missed this......is it possible to hear a recording of it?