03 Jan Why There Is The Need To Go First.
Why There is The Need To Go First.
Leaders aren't those that have followers.
Leaders are the one's that say: "I'll go First."
Exploring new roads, armed with nothing but their vision.
They might stumble and fail. They might go down 'blind alleys'. They might encounter all sorts of resistance.
But they will live a life that inspires. As they explore the road less travelled.
It takes courage to go first. It takes even more to be authentic and then some to be transparent.
Vulnerability is the risk.
How easy is it to sit passively and ask question after question, showing nothing in return, when a homeowner is looking to instruct an agency?
To demonstrate empathy and concern? To be polite and professional? To hide behind the respectable brand?
Just like they tell you in the "training".
All the while failing to pick up on the vibes that every homeowner gives out - they need someone they can trust.
Is that too much to hope for?
You're running the show but turning it into the Spanish Inquisition won't help.
"Show interest in people and they will be interested in you" says one misguided agency influencer.
To which my response will always be "Not if you're not interesting!"
The stereotypical agent can't wait to demonstrate expertise. Authority. Passion for the work.
Can't wait to demonstrate how they will "add value".
Or how much better they are at what they do than any competitor.
All conducted at arms-length.
After the questions.
We've made the effort - by inviting a stranger into our home. We're looking for them to reciprocate.
To shine a light on what they value, some beliefs and convictions.
Are they worth our time and interest?
Sadly, it appears not.
"Why are you looking to move? What's the timeframe? Have you found another property? Have you previous experience of selling homes?"
And on and on and on!
Imagine going on a date and for the first hour, your date did nothing but ask you questions.
"How long have you been single? How long have you lived in the area? What's you favourite music? Who's your celebrity crush? What's your favourite weekend look like? What's your star-sign?
It's shouldn't be an interrogation. The homeowner is doing the buying - the agency is doing the selling.
Of course, the agents will tell you that they need to uncover the facts before they can advise.
Oblivious that the facts won't matter if they don't get the instruction.
"Never talk to anyone until they know you're a someone." ~Ryan Fletcher, Agent Marketing Syndicate.
That's the dilemma - you're not a "someone".
You're simply another agent, hustling their worth.
Maybe one with a reputation, but that's not enough. Reputation is based on competence, rarely on character.
The vendor doesn't know the first thing about you - whose fault is that?
Consider instead a vendor that does know your values, beliefs & convictions. They do know your 'story' - the story that only you can tell. They know that you are in-demand, that you have courage to be transparent in everything you say and do. They know you're not about to mislead or manipulate.
That's why you got the call. And why no other agency is invited.
All that's left is for you to meet and discuss the work ahead.
No apprehension on either side. No negotiation on the fee, or the appraised value. No mistakes, no poor decisions.
It's a done deal. Because of WHO you are, not because of what you know, or how you do what you do.
Getting to be a "someone" is pretty straightforward.
The difficulty arises when you expect to be that "someone" to everyone.
Ain't gonna happen!
So it starts with transparency of core values. What matters most.
My values have been well-documented before. Here's the link.
Doesn't matter what you decide. There's no right or wrong. Your decision is a statement of "This is Who I am."
Does your choice make you proud? It should.
Do you have the courage to shout it from the rooftops until those searching for someone like you, can find you?
If you don't have that courage, that self-awareness, don't expect others to confide.
After sharing core values, begins the story.
Why each of those values matter.
Throughout, the tone-of-voice should be consistent.
Gradually peeling back the layers to reveal a unique identity.
Then you attract those that find affinity. With whom your message will resonate.
Then you have zero competition - you are the one & only.
Different from - not better than.
Go First - there is a crying need for you to do just that.
Don't imagine Personal Brand is more visibility. It's greater transparency. And when you attract clients that value transparency over expertise, they tell their friends.
Here's how to reach me if the need arises:
chris@andsothestorybegan.co.uk
Mob: (44) 07369251435
Thanks, as always, for reading.
Chris.
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