My New Blog

I had a garage door spring break on one of the rental units that I manage, and the tenant could not get their car out so we needed to get it fixed. I called the normal company that we use at 4:10 PM and got a recording that said "...if you get this recording during normal business hours (which it was) we must be on the other line and we will call you right back." Well, of course they never called me back so at 4:30 I called a new vendor, and if they do a good job I will use them again.

So I was just wondering: Were they so busy they did not need business? Or maybe they need business so bad they can't afford someone to answer the phone? Or maybe they just don't have a clue?

So the question is now posed to you in your business: How much money could you make if you answered your phone?

How many times do you think that a buyer has called about your listings and you didn't answer so they didn't leave a message? We live in a world of instant gratification and if you are not there when the need arises, clients just move on. What about your company or your office? I know that companies save money by using automated greetings, but have you ever tried to call yourself to see how long you would try to spell someones name on a voicemail system before you get frustrated and hang-up? How much money can you save before you save yourself right out of business?  

I recently went to dinner at a new restaurant, and it was slow there, so I am sure the good manager cut staff to save money. A prudent idea, no? So my service was bad, the food was long arriving and cold when I got it, drinks were never refilled. The waitress got a bad tip from me, and the restaurant that had a chance to gain a new loyal diner (me) now left a bad taste in my mouth. The next day I was asked about the new restaurant and I said that the service was bad, the food was cold, and I don't recommend them.

So how much money haven't you made this week because you didn't answer your phone?

I think during the holiday season people get so caught up in the season that there is almost a sigh of relief when Christmas is over. So now what? Maybe you should think about buying a home.

I am not sure if there will be a better time in many of our lives to buy a house than the first 4 months of 2010. Interest rates are down to incredible lows, and there are a lot of homes on the market at bargain prices. I have not seen prices this low in years! And to top this off, there is a tax credit for both first time buyers and now for move up buyers who purchase before April 30, 2010.

So know that you have finished with all the Christmas gifts, all the holiday parties, and made out your New Years' resolutions-add a new one for 2010. Make this the year that you purchase a home for yourself!

The boat will sail by summer, hope you catch it!