It had been one of those weeks. The phone call came at just the right time.
“Hello, Rich? This is Bill, the guy from California? We had emailed back and forth a few weeks ago? My family and I are considering a move to your area.”
The Light Bulb
The light bulb immediately clicked on. Bill was a retired policeman from Santa Rosa CA. He had also served in the Navy, and had found me through an ActiveRain post I had written almost 2 years ago. Bill and his wife, an adult daughter with twins, 16 Akitas, and two horses, were looking for a little more room to roam, and a slower pace of life. Kitsap County WA would make a perfect home!
Bill and I exchange some pleasantries, and as it turns out, he has driven up from CA to check out the area. In fact, he’s in Silverdale at this very minute and wants to know if there are any houses he can check out.
Viewing Vacants
Well, unfortunately, I have another pending obligation, but I pull up a half dozen vacant listings off the MLS that fit his search criteria. I give him directions to the house, and he arrives a few minutes later. We meet, shake hands, and in short order, we’re sharing Navy stories like we’re long lost buddies. I give him a map and directions to the listings, and then we make plans to hook-up the following day, for an expanded personal tour of the scenic Kitsap Peninsula.
Your Friendly Local Tour Guide
So today, I picked Bill up at his hotel in Port Orchard, and we spend a good part of the day cruising around the countryside, looking at properties, and just becoming better acquainted.
Later, after I dropped him back off, and I was driving home, I was reminded of why I enjoy this career so much. Connecting personally with people, helping them to work through the challenges of transition and relocation, to find that perfect place for them to call home. Fewer things I’ve done in my career have been so enjoyable or satisfying.
Our time together today was well spent and confirmed to Bill that a move to our area was possible. We found several potential properties that would fit their needs/budget well. And interestingly enough, the very first house that my wife and I bought was in Santa Rosa. Our daughter was born there. I will be referring Bill to the agent we used for the sale of their current residence.
Why We Blog
We can have a tendency to become overly absorbed with our discussions here, and lose the focus on the much bigger picture of why we blog in the first place; or why we invest time in various Web 2.0 apps or social networking platforms.
Thanks, Bill. It was a welcomed reminder, and helped me to put things back into proper perspective.
Vance Shutes
July 12, 2008 at 7:14 am
Rich,
Thank you. After the week I’ve had, your post here has renewed my energy about why I do what I do. A phone call or e-mail like the one you got from Bill usually comes at the time it is most needed, once again confirming the “Law of Attraction”. How we handle those phone calls can make or break a relationship, and hence, can be the building block for a thriving referral relationship. Congratulations on your success with Bill, and many more to follow!
Paula Henry
July 12, 2008 at 7:23 am
Rich –
This is a great sory and a perfect example of why we do blog. What stands out for me in your story, is how the two of you connected. That is the beauty of blogging – we usally end up working with cients who we connect with and they with us.
Eric Blackwell
July 12, 2008 at 7:50 am
Amen. Nice job.
Bill Lublin
July 12, 2008 at 7:58 am
Now that’s what I’m talking about right there – !
Wonderful post in a tiring time to remind us of the “wins” that make it wall worth while
Elaine Reese
July 12, 2008 at 8:53 am
I’m certain that after the week you probably had, this extreme positive had to be especially meaningful to you.
I get so tickled when I meet people at open houses who say they enjoy reading my blog, or when new clients call and say they’re impressed with my photos of other listings, or as I watch commenters on my WP blog “loosen up” and eventually reveal their identity as they develop their trust of me. It’s a wonderful feeling!
Our blogs reveal so much of our personality (good or bad), that it’s not surprising that there’s an instant connection when we meet in person, as you found out. And we all know that you’re a really nice guy … because we’ve come to know you through your blogging. I’m so glad you had such a positive event – you deserve it!
Vicki Moore
July 12, 2008 at 5:35 pm
The human connection, the mutual appreciation and friendship make it all better. It’s a welcomed reminder – for me too – after a rough week.
Curtis Reddehase
July 12, 2008 at 6:07 pm
You know your blogs work when people feel connected to you from the posts. We are working on this with more of our agents
Jennifer in Louisville
July 12, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Blogging definitely works. How well it works is really up to the person doing it. If you HATE doing it, it will translate to your writings – and persons will sense that you don’t like it.
If you however don’t mind, or enjoy doing it – it can attract persons that share your interests and enthusiasm in whatever topic that you may be blogging about.
Mariana
July 12, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Right on Rich!
I have often said … First I am a Mother, then a Wife, then a daughter, then a Sister, then a friend, then a real estate agent, then a trainer/coach and then … and only then am I a blogger. Yes, blogging is a tool to help give us opportunities to meet and communicate, but nothing is more important than the human touch/interaction.