Teambuilding and togetherness aren't exactly the founding principles of
cutthroat industries like sales and real estate, but 'all we are saying
is give peace a chance!' You never know - you might find that your competitor can work together with you, for everyone's
benefit, if you all just commit to trying to get along. Some people may find this
difficult after having been at odds in a dog-eat-dog industry for so long. If
you and your co-workers fall into this category, give this article a read-through
for some helpful tips on how people in the real estate industry can work together
as a team, even if they don't work for the same company.
Bury the Hatchet
Before you can even think about changing your interpersonal dynamic with the
other people in your field, you need to let go of any grudges you may be holding
against them. That means stop stewing over getting sniped out of one of the condo deals, throw out that voodoo doll you bought after your co-worker
knocked you out of the employee of the month spot, and don't you dare slash
the tires of the promoter downstairs who stole your parking spot. Not only should
you let your old grudges go, but you should actively try not to form new ones.
To do this, think of the future, not the past.
Focus on the Good
You don't have to like or even respect someone to form a mutually beneficial
business arrangement. All you have to have is something the other needs. If
you have a loyal client insisting on a Riverdale home and you know there's another firm that has the perfect listing, agreeing to split the
commission is preferable to losing the sale or browbeating the client into settling
for less than what they want. Focusing on what you can do for one another will
help you co-operate during the process, even if you wouldn't want to share the
time of day otherwise.
Communication is Not for Sissies
Good communication isn't just what marriage counselors are always harping
about. It's also something that keeps you one step ahead of the game.
Open lines of communication with others in your field mean you're on top
of a changing situation, so don't brush off the idea of lunch with that
construction contractor. Listening to him talk about house plans
might make you realize you have the listing for a set of vacant lots that would
be perfect for his new suburban residential development.
Friends with Benefits
Don't get excited. The benefits of this arrangement are a mutually beneficial
working relationship. Friends are more likely to co-operate (and co-operate
successfully) than indifferent acquaintances or old enemies, so make an effort
to be chummy with the other people who build, list, and promote homes
or other residential buildings in your area, they may know where you can get some funding, to grow your business. To achieve this, plan events unrelated
to work like a harbor cruise or a teambuilding camp. Even attending a sporting
event or dinner together will give you the opportunity to get to know one another
in a social environment.
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