| Some people do begin their real estate careers | | | | needs to remember what to set down in front of |
| right after high school or college, but most come | | | | a regular when they walk in. And then, he needs |
| to real estate after doing something else. Some | | | | to remember what that person does for a living, |
| have retired, and other are just looking for a | | | | the names of their children, etc. Agents need to |
| change of pace. | | | | remember the personal information along with |
| When writing agent bios I always look at those | | | | their clients' wants and needs. |
| past careers to see how they can tie in to real | | | | A good bartender respects what the customer |
| estate sales. Often past experiences can reinforce | | | | wants - he doesn't try to suggest that something |
| the skills that the agent wants to emphasize. | | | | else might do. As an agent, he probably won't |
| Some past careers make for a tougher transition | | | | show someone a home on a busy street if |
| than others. For instance, school teachers have to | | | | they've specified wanting to live on a quiet |
| teach themselves listening skills after years of | | | | cul-de-sac. |
| being the one doing the talking. On the other hand, | | | | A good bartender can talk to people from all |
| a good school teacher has the skills to educate | | | | walks of life and treat them equally. He must be |
| buyers and sellers about the reality of today's | | | | non-judgmental and friendly, in all but the most |
| market. | | | | extreme cases. And when faced with those |
| That's one skill that a bartender might not have, | | | | extreme cases he has to think and act quickly |
| but I think good bartenders possess the majority | | | | without getting flustered. Good practice for dealing |
| of skills needed for a successful career in real | | | | with the surprises buyers and sellers sometimes |
| estate. | | | | spring on an agent. |
| My definition of a good bartender is one who has | | | | A good bartender knows how to keep confidential |
| a following - a person who is a "draw" for the | | | | information. Good bartenders can't be gossips. Can |
| establishment where they work. They can mix a | | | | you imagine how fast they'd lose their following if |
| good drink, but it's their people skills that turn | | | | they started mentioning that Mr. Smith came in |
| occasional customers into "regulars." | | | | for a drink with Miss Jones, or if they mentioned |
| So what skills do bartenders possess that would | | | | that a salesperson from X company was involved |
| make them be good real estate agents? | | | | in a long conversation with the owner of Z |
| A good bartender knows how to listen. Just think | | | | company? In real estate, keeping client |
| of the time they spend listening to their | | | | information confidential is a must. |
| customers. And while they may not have to listen | | | | A good bartender has to have |
| wholeheartedly to everyone, they need to pay | | | | people-management skills. He needs to be able to |
| close attention to their regulars. Just as good real | | | | say "You've had enough" without turning a |
| estate agents need to pay close attention to their | | | | customer into an enemy. That takes a bit of |
| buyers and sellers. | | | | finesse! This skill could translate well into the |
| And then they'd better have a good memory. | | | | finesse that's needed when clients ask an agent |
| Not only does he (or she, of course!) need to | | | | to do things that go against regulations. |
| remember what each person at the bar wants | | | | So - if you're a bartender and thinking of a |
| when they hold up a finger for another drink, he | | | | change, consider real estate. You have the skills! |