As many people in the rain know, I'm a huge fan of music and especially Elvis! I can hear you thinking (do I smell smoke?) "How can Elvis be a lead generator?"
Well, I was at my open house today, typing away on my laptop, with my legs put up so my computer sat nicely on them and I could type more comfortably when a couple walked in and wanted to know more about the house.
I quickly tried to put my computer down and heard them start talking to each other and laughing. I immediately asked, "What is so funny? I'm not that bad looking and I know it isn't the house!" They were still giggling a little bit and said, "We would like you to represent us in our home search, do you work
with first time home buyers?"
"You bet I do! But, I have to ask...You haven't asked me a single question and I haven't even introduced myself to you. Why are you so interested in working with me? Unless it is my really good looks!" They said, "We have been working with an agent for about 2 weeks and we haven't signed anything with him and we know that is a question you are going to ask, because we get asked that at every open house. But, he is always telling me and my husband that we weird and just doesn't understand us.
So I had to ask "Again, we haven't met have we? (I'm a little worried about that after last weeks post.) Then how do you know I'm the agent for you?" They started laughing again and said, "YOUR SOCKS!" "What, my socks?" I had to look, because I honestly didn't remember what socks I had on. There they were... my Elvis socks and he was lead generating when I wasn't!
"So what about my socks got me the job of being your agent?" They said, "Well we are huge Elvis fans and our present agent just gives us crap about it, to the point that it annoys us. He isn't an Elvis fan and we know it. We don't criticize his choice in music, but he just puts us down all the time for it. Even once as a joke, that we didn't find funny, he took us to a trailer park and said we could live with other Elvis fans here!"
"We know you are the agent for us, because no non-fan would ever wear Elvis socks in public." and that is when I told them about my bust of Elvis and the newspaper from the day after he died from Memphis and they said, "Good, someone who is proud of being an Elvis fan!"
So starting Tuesday we are going to go out and look at some homes together and listen to Elvis music in the car while doing it!
Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.
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Hi Todd: What a really cool story. I am also an Elvis fan. As I am older than you, I was there in the beginning when he first became popular. It was way cool. It was also too funny that my parents, and all parents, objected to him because he was so wild and crazy, and of course, did all that "shaking." How things change. I remember buying the 45 rpm record of Hound Dog, with Don't Be Cruel as the "B" side. I like Don't Be Cruel much better. It was a great time to be a teenager... and in retrospect... probably a lot easier than it is now. So, the question remains... how can I get myself a pair of Elvis socks ? I could use some decent prospects... LOL.
Hi Todd.....great story and a testament on being yourself. Elvis was my idol growing up and i was "all shook up" with him. Thanks for sharing and a job well done.
Very fun post. It is amazing how different things will "Connect" potential clients with Realtors.
I always look for some common ground with my clients.
All the best & Rock & Roll.
Your socks were definitely TCB for you, huh? What kind of foolish agent takes a customer to a trailer park and says they can live with other Elvis fans? That's wrong on so many levels.
Hail to the King! I love Elvis too! I am upset that I never got to see him in concert! Great Post
What a great story. Its funny some of the things agents connect with their clients with. Elvis socks is definitely a new one on me.
Ah Todd... I could actually picture you sitting there with your feet up and wearing those socks! Maybe it's b/c we've spoken on the phone before and we've connected via our blogs that I find the story particularly enjoyable. I mean I could literally see it all happening!
But see, isn't that great? It's just three people connecting who happen to all be Elvis fans.
TC,
When my oldest daughter was in High School at a 'Daddy/Daughter date night' I came in second in an Elvis sing a like contest...anyone who is there will attest that I was the best sounding aper...the guy who won was much older and got the 'sympathy vote'!!! LOL, Thanks, Fran
Todd, great story. Elvis is alive and well at least in our memory. What a great way to build instant rapport.
Great Post!
LOL... I though you were going to say that they had been reading your blog... but your socks I was not expecting.
Todd
I wonder if Elvis has any idea how much money he is making when he is dead? It is mind boggling.
Sincerely
Tom Braatz
Todd - This is a prime example of why I love reading your blog. This is quirky, funny, and unique. Nicely done, Elvis!
Todd: First of all...WOO-HOO!! That is truly awesome. Secondly, it's a good thing their first agent didn't know the whole deal about being a chameleon. Don't judge people. Don't make fun. Try to blend in to their styles and tastes. The very first buyer I ever had I treated like I would a friend. (Of course, I still do treat my clients this way) Offered him control of my XM Radio. He picked the Blues station everytime. I hated it, but never said a word. Finally, one day he asked, "So who is your favorite blues artist?" I replied that I did not have one. He asked why. I said, "It's really not my first choice of music." He then said, "Why do we listen to it everytime we go out?" I answered, "Because you like it and that's good enough for me. You're broadening my horizons." I never would have dreamed of slamming the music, though I really did hate it.
Todd- what an awesome story...is it true? I know it is! But it is truly unbelievable! Good luck with your new clients! (or should I say rabbits, you hound dog)
Todd- Socks, of all things! You just never know....Great post
Karen - I don't know how teenagers do it now with all the pressure to join gangs and take drugs. Just didn't see it that much when I was a kid, did have the pressure to drink, but didn't listen to those people either. Hope you like those socks!
Pam - I loved Elvis even though I was seven when he died. I collected his stuff as well as the Beatles. Still have to say seeing Paul McCartney in concert was something that I thought I would never get to experience.
Kevin - Rock & Roll!
Jim - Yes they were! It really was and I couldn't believe he even thought that was funny!
Jean - I was not old enough to see him when he was doing concerts which also upset me. I think more and more closet Elvis fan's need to come out and take back the title of the highest money making dead person for the king. Can you believe the lead singer of Nirvana took over that role? What the heck?
Dennis - So does that mean if I drive down to Florence, I will find you at an open with your Elvis socks on?
Ricardo - We went out on Tuesday as planned and had nothing but Elvis on the whole time, it was the best...Especially hearing us all sing when one of our favorites came on, with no embarrassment what so ever! (We understood each other)
Fran - I wish they had had that at my Daddy / Daughter dance a couple months ago, that would have been awesome. Instead they played crap that I've never heard of, even my daughter didn't recognize most of it.