It is critical to your business that you project professionalism in the way you present yourself. You may think you have this handled, but the reality is that you probably have no idea how your clients and colleagues really see you. Following are some actions you can take to assure that you present yourself the way you want to be seen.
Your personal style defines you, so it’s a good idea to establish a “uniform” for yourself, such as a suit/shirt combination that fits properly and wears well. This attire makes you immediately identifiable, plus you don’t have to make decisions about what to wear every day. Also, if you know you look good you are more confident and perform more effectively. Make sure your hair is trimmed, your shoes are shined, you are fit, and you are fresh.
Video recordings of some of your interactions may alert you to personal patterns of behavior that may be limiting your appeal. Your customers will have much more confidence in your ability to handle their properties if you handle yourself well.
Your voicemail greeting message is often your first point of contact for new clients. Nobody needs to know what’s happening in your personal life or what your schedule is like, so keep it short, simple and professional. An even better option is to employ a live answering service so that your clients can speak with an actual human who can ask and answer questions directly, make notes on the exchange, and update your database with relevant information.
The way you conduct your email communications is also important. Be cordial, but short, direct, and to the point. Your emails only need to address these questions:
What do you want your client to know?
What do you want your client to feel?
What do you want your client to do?
As you can see, working with bullet points makes information easier to understand, and it helps you to be brief and definitive in your delivery. Be sure to employ simple, descriptive headings that summarize the message you wish to convey. Finally, make sure you review every email before you hit “Send.” Check for spelling, grammar, and sentence structure issues. Also make certain the content clearly communicates the message you intend to convey.
The necessity to quickly record information such as contacts and property details is vital, but you are guaranteed to lose vital information scribbling notes on random slips of paper or the palm of your hand. Adopt and use a capture system for recording information – it can be a pen-and-paper daybook, or an app for your smartphone, but it has to be a system you are comfortable with and will actually use.
The simplest points of contact can be the most pivotal to your success. From the way you answer your phone, to the way you present in person, to addressing each client by name, professionalism matters.
I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s Coaching Tip and can move ahead in your business with some of what we’ve presented today. I look forward to seeing you again next week!