IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION
When you’ve been working in the same field for a while, it’s easy to forget that you can always find new ways to improve your communication skills. When something has become second-nature to you, it’s still important to learn new tips and tricks to be the best agent on the block.
One of the most significant parts of any job is communication. While we communicate every day, how we communicate is constantly evolving. We’ve seen a considerable change in workplace communication in the past few months. Instead of talking to coworkers in person or over a cup of coffee during a break, we find ourselves messaging them and navigating choppy video chat connections. We use to meet our clients in person, but now most of those interactions happen over the phone. Just because the way we communicate is changing, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t spend some time making sure we can communicate even more effectively.
"Over the past year, our communication styles have had to change and adapt frequently. Take some time to brush up on your communication skills."
Reduce Distractions
Our computers and phones are constantly beeping, pinging, and ringing with new notifications. When you’re on a video call, phone call, or meeting with someone in person, make sure you mute your notifications so you can give your coworkers and clients your full, undivided attention. People will truly appreciate knowing that you are present and there in the moment with them.
Don’t Forget to Listen
Since it’s a bit harder to make eye contact while talking on the phone or on a video conference, you can still show you are listening in other ways. Make sure you practice active listening! One of the best ways to show you’re listening is to repeat or rephrase the question a client just asked to get clarity. You can also summarize what they’ve said to you, so you make sure you respond appropriately. When discussing preferences for a new home, people have lots of specific details in mind, so taking notes is also a great way to listen and keep track of everything you are discussing.
Direct Mail Is Your Friend
Direct mail is an excellent way to get your name, face, information, and message in front of people in your current farm, or even a new one! Direct mail has the advantage of undivided attention. Instead of your message potentially getting lost among other social media posts, ads, and emails, your message will be in their hand and at the center of their attention. If you send something useful, like a calendar of local events, or services you offer, people are more likely to keep the mail and hang it on their fridge or above their desk, keeping your information around. People are more likely to work with familiar faces, so the more you get yourself out there, the more they will recognize you!
"It's important to learn new ways to improve your communication so you can work well with all of your clients and colleagues."
Familiarize Yourself With the Different Platforms in Use
There are so many different platforms available for communication. You have regular texting, different messaging platforms, all of social media, email, mail, phone calls, video calls, etc. It can get overwhelming! Familiarize yourself with the different platforms and figure out which ones make sense for your business.
Different people also feel more comfortable communicating in different ways. Younger clients are more likely to enjoy the convenience of texting, while some of your older clients may feel more comfortable talking on the phone or emailing you. If you have a few ways to communicate, you are sure to be able to have a method that works for everyone.
Use Social Media Effectively to Improve Your Communication
Social media is a convenient way to reach many of your clients at the same time. You can schedule ads, share updates, and respond to comments and questions from buyers and sellers. Social media is an easy way to stay accessible, relatable, and available.
Share Your Experiences
Another excellent way to communicate is to share your experiences. People enjoy working with someone they can relate to. Sharing common experiences is a great way to bond. Sharing something you have in common is a way to build camaraderie, understanding, and familiarity.
