The power of testimonials

      The Power of Testimonials
Asking for testimonials isn't easy - at least it has never been easy for me. It's too much like fishing for compliments. But oh how powerful those testimonials can be!
This week I wrote a bio for Boston area agent Guy Contaldi, and I'll have to admit that I didn't write what I really wanted to say after reading his testimonials. I was afraid it would sound too "soft and sappy."
What I wanted to say was that "Guy Contaldi will be like your Dad or your big brother - watching over you, taking care of you, and waking in the middle of the night to soothe your fears." That's really how I felt after reading what his past clients said about him. (It's also the feeling I got from our telephone conversations.)
Guy says it's easy - he simply tells people up front that his business runs on referrals, repeat clients, and people who call because of his testimonials. And the Zip Realty website automatically sends a feedback request after each closing. That HAS to make it easier than sending a personal note or calling each person to make the request.
A second benefit of having a long list of testimonials is that it's proof that you ARE a working agent - with so many out there who only close one or two transactions a year, that proof could be a deciding factor.

Do you send a request for feedback?
When I owned a real estate agency, we sent a short 4 or 5 item questionnaire to everyone asking how we did - if there was something we could have done better, something they especially appreciated, etc. In those days we used the postal mail and included a stamped return envelope. Perhaps half of the people took time to respond.
When you ask for feedback you run the risk of hearing from someone who was unhappy - but that's OK too. That gives you the opportunity to let them know that their opinions matter and perhaps even to turn an unhappy person back into a happy one.
You also run the risk of hearing from people who just like to be silly. Some make comments like "You could have married me," or "You could have paid for my trip there and my motel room."

I have a feeling that more people would respond now, when all they have to do is click a link and add their comments.
If you don't have a way to set that up, how about sending a letter with a link asking them to give a referral on LinkedIn? I believe most happy clients are willing to tell others why you're the agent to choose - but left to do it on their own, they often don't think of it.
A third party endorsement is more powerful than anything you can say about yourself - so work on it. Get more testimonials!

marte@copybymarte.com
www.copybymarte.com
Priest River, Idaho
208-448-1479


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 Created by Marte Cliff on 10/19/2013 05:01 PM    Comments (54)   Posted to Real Estate Sales and Marketing   boston realtor guy contaldi, client testimonials, power of testimonails  
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54 Comments on The Power of Testimonials

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OCT
212013
      Our company sends out an email after the close - with multiple choice answers and a blank space for comments.  Most people do the multiple choice, but skip writing anything substantial.  For that, I have to call and ask.  I don't mind doing it because it's so worthwhile.
 
Margaret Goss, Winnetka & North Shore Real Estate Broker (Baird & Warner Real Estate)  
 10:36am • #36 

     Its more like the proof is in my pudding not somewhere else..I support the post and its premise...Endorsements to me are just to easy to come about...In court, they