Real estate marketing lessons from strange places.
I hadn’t talked to Homer in a while. Homer is a fellow real estate agent weathering the storm of a lousy housing market in a part time job at our favorite “big box” hardware store. When I ran into Homer he was in the “Tool Corral” where all the toys for guys are. It was almost Fathers Day so there were special displays clogging the aisles.
When Homer saw me, his eyes lit up and he came across and greeted me hardily. I was a little surprised. Working the plumbing aisle does not come with an executive salary and it’s hard on the feet. Previously when I’d seen him he was pleasant enough but a little sheepish and possibly embarrassed that he had to resort to this.
But today was different. There was a hop in his step and genuine pleasure in seeing me. Our conversation went something like this:
Me: Well what got into you? You seem unusually peppy for a very warm spring day.
Homer: I love the summer weather. But, hey, that’s not why I’m feeling good.
Me: You gonna share the secret? A new woman in your life? A big raise? You’ve got a client ready to make an offer?
Homer: Well, I do have a client and we may have found a home that he and his wife might buy. But that ain’t it. In fact, that may be more “effect” than “cause.”
Me: Huh?
Homer: Ha! That does sound a little…obtuse… I guess. This is the thing…I’ve been reading something pretty interesting…you’re a fan of Seth Godin, aren’t you?
Me: I am. I can remember reading his book about permission marketing before anyone had heard of him and then listening to it a couple more times on tape on rides up to Richmond to visit my family.
Homer: His latest book is call Linchpin.
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