A few months ago following a full day at the Michigan Realtors conference in Detroit, my colleagues and I were eating dinner in Greektown. We were looking out the window and recognized an agent from a neighboring association walking down the sidewalk.
Without breaking his stride, he walked across the street, handed a homeless man some money, and walked back across the street. He never looked up, never looked around, and certainly didn’t notice us staring at him. In fact, I bet he’d be stunned to know he was even seen doing that kind deed.
What does that say about his character?
All this time later, I still remember that moment. He did something for someone else with no thought of getting recognition. He simply did it to be a good human being.
This got me thinking about our profession. Oftentimes we are so busy with our listing appointments, follow-ups, lead generation, emails, phone calls, showings, etc that we forget real estate is about relationships.
We are front row to people’s sadness, happiness, regrets, disappointments, accomplishments and successes. We are the first person they celebrate with when they get the house of their dreams, and the first person they call when overwhelmed with the sadness of having to sell that home due to divorce or death.
All the coaching, sales techniques and specialty products aren’t going to help us build relationships. Only people can build relationships.
When was the last time you did something for someone and didn’t tell anyone? Try it. Let the person behind you in the grocery store line go ahead of you. Buy a cup of coffee for a stranger. Wave instead of honk. Smile instead of stare. Look the cashier in the eye and say thank you. Buy a toy and donate it. Send a gift card to someone in need. Say something positive to someone sitting near you.
Soon you’ll see your stress level lessen, your rigid features soften, and happiness slowly creep into your heart. You’ll radiate sincerity and compassion to all you meet. You will truly become a better, kinder person.
That agent that helped the homeless man isn’t the top-producing Realtor in his association. But he certainly has the respect of the community and his peers. Just a few hours prior to that kind act on the street, he was named the Michigan Realtor of the Year.
Sometimes being the best has nothing to do with income. Sometimes it has to do with being the best human you can be.
Choose kindness. Choose compassion. And most importantly, choose people.
Amy Gilpin, Associate Broker, Manager, ABR.
Fourteen years of helping clients. Six years of helping agents. All for this crazy thing we call real estate.
Production Realty 517-879-4141 Amy@ProductionRealty.com
