HAPPY HOLIDAYS GIG HARBOR!

I have been doing a lot of thinking about this year and the upcoming holiday season. I am not sure if anyone feels the same way, but I think it kind of snuck up on me this year. I have normally been prepared and ahead of schedule when it comes to decorating and getting my gifts for people.

 This year was different. I waited until the last minute for everything. I was even saying to my husband last night that I haven’t even made any holiday treats. We had nothing to snack on. I guess in a way that is a good thing because I will not gain the traditional 5 lbs. this year, but it just seems sad to me.

Even though I am a little late I have decided that from today until New Year I am going to bring the spirit of the holidays back in my home. My daughter is on her winter break and I am going to go and join her for some holiday cheer. I might even take us out to see the ZooLights tomorrow night! So here is to everyone who has felt the same way I have about this holiday season. Just know it’s not too late and we can all join in the fun!

I am going to get off my laptop and put the prospecting aside. This will be my last blog post from now until the New Year. But I didn’t want to forget all my online family and wanted to wish all of you a wonderful and joyous holiday season!

Be safe and enjoy!

The Importance of Striving for Perfect Customer Service

I have been a Realtor now for almost 3 years. Before I became a Realtor I was a Hair Stylist for ten years. It seems like a lifetime ago since the last three years have been a crazy time for me and my family. You know that book “All I Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten” well I feel that way about Hair school and being a Hair Stylist, but about Customer Service. Other than buying a home, I think that getting your hair done is as personal as it gets. You wear your hair every day.

We were taught in Hair School about the importance of Customer Service and professionalism. I didn’t just go to any Hair School, I went to Gene Juarez. Which is very well known for its great Customer Service and professionalism? Gene’s philosophy was that he wanted to change the image of a typical Hair Stylist. He made sure that every student was taught early on about how important this was. I took this very seriously while I attended and then went on to teach this to students myself. I became an instructor at Gene Juarez Academy and was very excited to teach this part. I have been working with people my entire life and I was so happy to share what I learned along the way.

When I moved away and lived in Atlanta, GA for a while I worked in a High End Salon. I enjoyed every minute of it. There I mastered my skills of being able to work with anyone who came and sat in my chair. I always prided myself on making sure my clients were number one! Just yesterday that came full circle for me. I got a phone call that surprised the heck out of me. It was from one of my past clients in Atlanta, GA.

I moved back to Washington 3 years ago and I never thought I would hear from one of my old clients. Her name is Vivian and she called me to catch up and to see how I was doing. She even told me she called my Ma-Ma to find out how to get in touch with me. We talked for a long time and it was so good to hear her voice. She has since moved to Florida because her husband got a new job there and she shared about how her son was doing who helped my husband and me with a loan on our house down there years ago.

The part that really struck me was about half way through the conversation she began to tell me that she hasn’t been able to find anyone to do her hair since I left and since she has been in Florida. She said that whenever she tries a new salon she brings in photos of when I used to do her hair. She even kept the color formulation that I gave her that I used on her hair, but for some reason no one is able to recreate it. I told her how sorry I was for that. She told me how much she missed me and that she loved me and to say “hi” to my hubby and daughter for her.  Also to have a very
Merry Christmas! Before we got off the phone I told her she is always welcome to come out to the west coast anytime. I would love to see her. She said that would be nice.

It made me realize that people do care about what you do for them. They also remember when you have done a great job. In this time of the internet and email and Facebook, it’s still nice to get a random phone call from a past client. A lot of my clients are more to me then a paycheck, they become my friends. Some more than others, but I really truly love what I do and I love the people I meet along the way.

So if you are having a bad day or your deal isn’t going like you planned, think of a moment like this that you have had, and enjoy it. It only takes one to make a difference and to get you through!