I don't know whether it is the time of year or the softness in our real estate business or just people being generally depressed, but we have never had so many requests to "Let's get together and have lunch!" Let's not, and just say we did!
Lately we are besieged for lunch request by loan officers, other agents, and brokers looking for free advice, and possible referrals. I wouldn't mind, but most of it is not really about business or sharing ideas. So why bother? Gossip and commiseration is not a good use of time. I guess with slower times, many in our business do not know what to do with all the free time. We were all used to working on a moments notice to close our next deal. It isn't that way anymore. It is not that I dislike lunch...it can be a great learning tool. It is my belief that just having lunch is a great way to network perhaps at a convention, and listen with an undivided attention to a new marketing ideas, and building rapport with clients, and other agents. It is not something to do out of habit. As in once a week let's meet for lunch because there is nothing else going on!
Lunch hour tends to be a frenetic time of day which can lead to loss of the most of the day. A luncheon has to be planned to avoid the business rush at lunch hour! Between travel time, gas, tips, return trip the day is shot! A late lunch is disastrous! 3:30PM is almost 4 PM. So to make this short there is a loss of major productive time. The day is basically shot after a lunch, and sometimes if you have other work to do...you'd rather pass on real work! Why not nap? The other side of it is that it is easy to fall into the habit of "Let's Do Lunch!" So let's think before we eat! If not the consequences can be dire!
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Good post, Jim. It is so true. Think about what else you can do during this time that is productive.
Meredith Amon. Sotheby's International Realty. Breckenridge, Colorado
Jim,
I agree. We need to spend more time working on the solutions and getting business. I would love to be able to "lunch" with people but I can't even schedule a day off. My business has been steadily growing since the end of September. If I hear anyone start to compalain about the market, I turn around and walk away! I only go to the office to drop off contracts or pick up faxes - I don't have time to chat. I need to stay positive and focused so I can do all that needs to be done to keep deadlines. Thanks for the great post!
Building relationships tends to result in long term referral potential. I'm not nearly as quick to disregard the person who would like to meet. Would I pass on a referral to a REALTOR that doesn't have the time of day for me or the REALTOR thsat can give me a few minutes?
If lunch is a problem, then coffee, just a stop over the office, whatever.
I think now more thana ever, we should all give a few 'extra' minutes to people in and outside of the industry.
But I'm just a practical Title Guy.
HA! I was so waiting for that come back! Too funny! Have a safe Thanksgiving.
I get the offers for lunch all the time. Most I decline but some of them I will absoulutly blow off the rest of the day to sit down and network (socialize) with them. Generaly these luches are with a Title Rep or Banker or a client. Its through these lunches that we actually discuss business and bond on top of blowing off steam.
I would agree though to be careful not to make it a habit. A business lunch is only a business lunch if its somewhat productive.
Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS I fully agree. We do not have to sit down to eat to discuss
life or business. Where is it written? LOL! Sometimes I think it is like a scene from "The Godfather!"
Josette Skilling ~ Bethesda Maryland Real Estate Sales I agree! A quick down and dirty cup of coffee and a conversation! We save on dollars, time, calories and get to the point a lot quicker! There are loads of choices here. Let's not forget besides Starbucks, we also have McDonalds, Caribou Coffee, Einstien's Bagels, Seattle's Best, Dunking Doughnuts and more! Oh, and did I mention no tip?
I'm really surprised that people do not want to be in a referral relationship.
Just surprised, that's all.
Jim, I'm easy. You want to buy me linch, I'll go. If it's worth it to you, it'll probably be worth it to me. I don't have a crystal ball so I can't know in advance which ones will work out and which ones won't, so I'll go. It's all about building relationships.
Bill Roberts
I don't do lunch often and avoid them with vendors trying to solicit my business. I am a sucker for a good salad bar though.