Right, this may be a topical subject. If we look back in time and we’re going to start a Real Estate Business, there are positions that would be normal and what you would call essential. One of those is the receptionist. As going back 20 years ago, people would shop for their next home, whether that be a rental or a property to buy, very differently. The first point of call was to walk into a real estate agency and talk to the friendly receptionist. However, times have changed, but why does this position still exist?
Is a Real Estate Receptionist Still Necessary in Today’s Market?
The buyers’ or tenants’ actions have changed and also the way that they search property. All tenants and buyers will go online and do their research and typically if they like a property, they will book an inspection online. So basically, the foot traffic into an office has dramatically decreased, but we still have this position for $50k a year, sitting at the front desk. Do we really need it? My thoughts are no, and here is why.
Efficient Phone Management for Real Estate Businesses
Human to human contact will never disappear, as people like to talk to people. They want to confirm minor details and so on. So, managing the phones is essential, however, this can easily be distributed throughout the business using VOIP. VOIP can allow you to take calls anywhere, anytime, not just at the front desk. You can also use a CloudPBX system to make sure the calls get routed to the correct person. This is not that easy to set up and takes time. However, to remove a redundant position and throw $50k back on the bottom line makes sense.
I took this to extremes. As I usually do, I get fixated on it and get it done. That is exactly what I did. I set up extensions for all of my agents, property managers, and my real estate VA’s so that the phone would never get missed and the customer can get to the right person that they want, at one press of their dial pad. It made it easier and saved money. It has got to be a no brainer.
I mentioned there that our VA’s answered the phones. They were actually the first round unless it was a new seller or management. This allowed us to answer only the calls that made us money and deflect the crap that took up too much of our producing staff’s time. This is not to be taken lightly, as you really need to be committed to training VA’s to take the calls in a professional way and they must be knowledgeable about the product. It took 3 months, but we got it to work, and it had some very positive feedback.
The Importance of Excellent Execution and Considering Your Audience in Business
In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, it is crucial to understand that excellent execution and considering your audience are essential components of effective business strategies. The public has very little patience for incompetence, particularly when it comes to customer service, but having a Filipino on the phone can mitigate this issue. Every business is different, and you must consider your audience when implementing your strategies. By keeping these factors in mind, you will be able to navigate the competitive landscape and achieve success in your business endeavors.
If you would like to chat about this more, I am always open to a chat and happy to spend some time and advise you on the easiest way to set it up. Thanks so much for your time. If you have got some value out of this article, show us by sharing it. Signing out, stay safe.
