Put 'professional' in real estate title
Letter to the Editor
By Inman News, Monday, August 17, 2009.Re: 'Real estate consultants, not salespeople' (Aug. 12)
Dear Editor:
A salesperson, to the general public, often brings to mind car salesmen, retail, etc.
Consultants are presumed to be professional businesspeople with a professional attitude -- many owning their business. I have been on both sides of the table and there is a difference in how you are treated by the public and your colleagues.
You may not notice it yourself -- your own attitude changes with the title, though there are some who may object: "Not me, I always act professionally!"
That's where the problem is. Many clients like to do business with people they can feel at ease with. A salesperson is usually someone who closes deals by being personable and can change with the client.
Many consultants have a problem making the adjustments needed to make their clients feel comfortable because of a title.
Ask yourself the question: Am I a consultant or a salesperson? Can I make the adjustments needed and not look phony? In the real estate industry, people need our help. Many are suffering with fear of losing their homes and jobs. As professionals we need to be able to make the switch between the salesperson and the consultant.
Jim Hamilton
President
JCJ Consulting Group LLC
Port Orange, Fla.
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Submitted by Bill Fooks on August 18, 2009 - 4:15am.
Bill Fooks
TFT realty Marketing Service
Warwick, RI http://www.fooksteam.com
I am a professional salesman and proud of it. I find those who are not proud of their profession are really not professionals at it either.It takes a lot of work to be a good sales person. It also takes a lot of study to learn how to help people to make the best decision possible, in the field in which they practice. This is selling! A good sales person makes it look easy, makes it look professional, and makes everyone feel as if they have won the game. Looking at everything, a good sales person is a rare individual. So perhaps they need more designations, so everyone really knows who the real sales people are.