This post is a partial repeat of a post I wrote back in 2016 in response to a group notice from LinkedIn entitled 
“How to crush your competitors on social media in 30 days.”
I didn’t click through, because I didn’t want to know how to crush my competitors. I still don’t. One of my most valued friends was a fellow real estate copywriter. We helped each other any time one of us got “stuck” for the right words. Sadly, she passed away a few years ago. I still miss her.
Do any of us really need to build our business by tearing down our competitors?
I hope not. This attitude reminded me of those individuals who try to make themselves look good by pointing out someone else’s flaws.
I don’t want to know how to crush other people who are out there trying to do their best.
- I do want to know how to reach more people who need my services.
- I do want to know what additional services I could offer to benefit my clients.
- I do want to keep learning more – for my clients’ benefit as well as my own.
- I do want to know how to keep improving my craft.
I believe there’s enough business for everyone who makes the effort.
So how about sharing good will and putting the focus on positive ways to build your business?
- Make the effort to learn all you can – about your territory and about your niche.
- Put your clients’ success ahead of your paycheck.
- Become a really good listener – and listen before you advise.
- Take some extra classes.
- Improve your writing skills, so you can create attention-grabbing property descriptions.
- Stay in touch with all of your past clients and let them know you value them for their friendship, not just their business.
- Treat other agents, inspectors, appraisers, lenders, etc. with respect and kindness.
- Return your calls, emails, and text messages in a timely fashion.
- Network in a positive manner.
- Do your own work – don’t rely on the agent on the other side of the transaction to take up the slack.
- Do a little more than required now and then.
- Prospect consistently – and always follow up with inquiries.
- Reach out to help and guide a new agent now and then.
- Politely terminate your relationship with buyers or sellers who are abusive or dishonest.
This has been a year of turmoil – with far too many people working to divide us and set us against each other. 
Let’s not let the haters influence us. Instead, let’s give friendship, respect, and assistance to all who are just trying to do the best they can and be honorable people. Let’s spread good will instead of hate.
I know – perhaps “crush your competition” is just terminology. But words convey feelings and energy. It’s negative energy and I don’t want /can’t use any negative energy in my life.
What do you think?
