But I am willing to risk it. You may call it pig-headedness, but I call it sticking to my guns.
I have recently began working in conjunction with a Real Estate agent for the Home-Staging side of my business. The agent was to use my services for his clients to help them sell their homes for more profit and in a shorter time. When we decided we would work together, I explained to him my values to make sure that we were both on the same page.
I explained to him that I keep my promises to my clients and suppliers. I stand behind my words, and if I say I am going to call/email, then I do. I keep them informed of the process, and how the job is progressing. He was in complete agreement of the importance of these values.
It has been two weeks since I completed the first consult for him. I have had to continually try to track him down to let him know how the consult went, what my recommendations were for the client, and to generally keep in touch. I like to maintain relationships with those that I work with, as I think it is very important to be able to work with people that you trust and like.
I have had no reply to my emails, no return calls from my voicemails, no replies to my text messages and when I finally did get through to him, he was in a meeting and said he would call me back within 30 minutes. Guess what? I am still waiting.
Now I thought long and hard about this, from his perspective. Did I do something wrong? No, I have been polite, professional and courteous. I delivered what I promised I would. My recommendations were spot on, and were exactly what I told him I would deliver, as well as a little extra (as I like to go the extra mile for my clients).
So I have decided that I am not going to work with this agent, as his values clearly don't align with mine. How can I promise my clients quality and second-to-none service, when I work with people who don't value the same attributes? Now this may mean that I lose work, and that I don't get as many jobs as I need. But that i ok. I am going to remain true to myself and my values, and I will refuse to work with people that don't uphold the same principles as me. That way I can ensure that my clients get the best product with the best service, as well as a little bit extra.
Wish me luck on this...I may need it :0)
It is always disappointing to work with someone who doesn't understand basic courtesy. I think you have made the right decision, its not behaviour you want to be associated with. We are all busy, and this is very poor behaviour for someone in a sales position. Not good business nouse, maybe find a fabulous female agent? In selling homes, I have always been happier with female agents. In my experience they deliver, and it's not just talk to get the listing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Louisa, I really appreciate you taking the time to read my post as well as leaving a comment. I am currently in negotiations with a lovely female Real Estate agent who even though is still busy, she makes the time to speak with me.
ReplyDeleteI do worry that maybe my expectations are a little too high, but I don't want to compromise who I am for the sake of earning a quick buck. I just hope that this philosophy holds out for the better for me!
Thanks again :)
I applaud you for honoring yourself and your values. I believe that when we do honor ourselves and our work ethic's the people and things that don't will fall away, however the universe will reward you and as you have let go, you are creating a vacuum for something better to fill its place. Many people hold on, compromise, because they are afraid that if they don't they will lose business and money. The funny thing is they do!!! I experienced a similar situation many moons ago, i was young and about to go overseas and working a night shift job for a horse betting magazine. The person who owned it continuously made very blatant sexual advances to the point that i was so uncomfortable but because of my prior history of sexual abuse i found it hard to find my voice and tell him to %%#%^ off! I did though leave even though i desperately needed the job and the money, but with a few days a better job came along with more money!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat you have done is NO MISTAKE it is HONORING yourself, your business and not many people have come to that place yet. Well done you!
I am doing a series on my blog about HONORING you may want to have a read sometime. Love Mel