When I work with clients, I don’t think of it as a one-time transaction. I look at every sale as the beginning, or in some cases the continuation, of a lifetime relationship. That’s why during my more than a decade as a Realtor, I’ve built a network of trusted experts for services you might need. If I don’t know someone, then you can bet I know someone who does.
Before I earned my real estate license, I got to see the power of a network in action as I helped grow a start-up from 12 employees to thousands of workers, executives and support staff. One of the most important lessons I learned during that process is that business and personal relationships have to be nurtured.
When I find a good person, client, employee, vendor, friend, I want to hold on to that relationship. But I don’t just give them a pat on the back. I give them referrals. In other words, I keep my eyes and ears open for opportunities to tell my clients, friends and even my family about products and services from my network of trusted vendors I think might be of value.
Paul’s List: The Power of People
Over the years, I have used various vendors for my projects. It all started because I needed the services for myself. If their work was good and they charged a fair price, I put them on my list of trusted vendors to recommend to others. You never know what services people are going to need, but if you can give them a name of someone you personally recommend when they do need something, it’s a great feeling.
I think of it as my own personal Angie’s List, except of course it’s Paul’s list. If the business doesn’t impress me, they don’t make my list. I let my clients know that when they work with me, they have the power of my best people working for them. There is no trial membership or expiration period either. You can ask me for help anytime, even if we haven’t done a transaction in years. That’s the beauty of lifetime access.
Lifetime Access
Even if you’re a seasoned real estate investor, properties have a way of surprising you. Do you need a chimney sweep? A roof guy? A plumber? A florist? I’ve got someone you can trust. I once helped a client find someone to convert his Super 8 movies of his child to DVD.
My referral partners can help a homebuyer who is new to the area feel like a native. I work with all kinds of folks, but my goal is to help others reach their goals. If you’re freaking out because your property taxes seem high, I’ve got a guy. So believe me when I say my network isn’t just for real estate related events. If you want to find a great manicurist, pet sitter, dry cleaner, anything really, I can refer someone to do an excellent job.
Social Network
My 25 years in sales and marketing have taught me that people feel more comfortable when someone they know offers a recommendation. If you’re faced with a costly repair that none of us looks forward to, say a roof replacement or HVAC overhaul, who are you going to call?
Google and Yelp don’t understand the nuances of great service or reliable results. It’s a several-thousand-dollar gamble. Do you want someone who has good search engine optimization to show up in a Google search or told his friends and family to give him five-star reviews, or do you want someone who has shown great service to me?
My Clients Come First
One of the core guiding principles of my business is my promise to provide exceptional, customer-focused service. My referrals help me provide that next level of support. The emphasis in business is value-added. What service can I give customers that goes beyond their expectations?
I have a list of more than 125 trusted contacts in over 50 different trades and industries: electricians, locksmiths, plumbers, designers, repairmen and contractors who can assist with repair estimates and home improvements. I’m not just a real estate guy; I’m a trusted advisor who has built his business by referral. Both giving and receiving, in that order. It’s not just a slogan, my clients come first.
