What to Do with Criticism
You will encounter rejection and criticism throughout your career. Some of it will have nothing to do with you, but some of it will be on target. When this happens, try to separate yourself from the situation and see what the truth is in the accusation. If you discuss the criticism or rejection, try to stay out of the emotional aspects and focus on the truth and the solution.
If someone says they will not use your services due to your inexperience, gaining experience may be the only way to avoid this criticism. In this case, be patient. Each year your experience will grow and that form of rejection will diminish.
Some people will say that they don't want to work with friends. Perhaps in the past they lost a valued friendship over a business disagreement. Don't let them lose a friendship over lack of business this time. Continue your friendship genuinely. They may be more comfortable working with a friend on their next transaction, and they may send you a referral in the meantime.
If you lose out on a listing presentation, you can always ask the seller why they chose another agent over you. Do not be accusatory. You may want to say, “You picked a great agent, but can you tell me what I could have done better to be the agent you choose next time?” Listen to what they tell you and
If you hear the same type of criticism repeatedly, take a close look at how you are handling your clients and customers. Ask your broker or a trusted friend if there is merit in the client's rejection. Be open to hearing the honest answer and be prepared to change. Don't say, “That's who I am; take it or leave it.” If too many people are leaving you and working with others, it may be that part of your technique needs adjustment.
When you are making cold calls, or even calls to people in your sphere of influence, you will receive many “no” answers or “I can't help you” answers. You need to catch someone at just the right moment, a moment when they or someone they know has a need for a real estate agent, so a series of “no” answers is not actually a rejection. Prospecting is a numbers game. The more people you contact, the more chances you have of hearing a positive response. Every “no” you hear is really bringing you closer to a “yes.” Count those negative responses as one less negative response, increasing your odds of hearing what you want to hear.
ssential
Sometimes you will not know why a client or customer did not choose to work with you and you can only suppose. When you do find out, the answer may be as simple as, “Our kids go to school with her kids.” Continue to cultivate your relationships and build your reputation. Next time, it may be you with the stronger connection.
