The old adage “practice what you preach” is sound advice. Actions always speak louder than words, and no one wants to be preached to when those words are not backed up by supporting actions. When wanting to teach or share wisdom with others, you must practice what you preach.
I was recently reminded, however, that when wanting to learn from yourself, you must also preach what you practice. Last week I was invited to be a panelist to discuss referral marketing. As a professional who has primarily built my business on referrals within a competitive industry and during a difficult market cycle, I was excited to share my insight.
In participating on the panel, “preaching” my practice reinforced to me the most important elements to my business. I also realized there is room for improvement in my own business on the very things I was suggesting to others. Simply put, sharing insight with others reminded me to follow my own advice.
We must make sure we’re listening to and applying our words to our own lives. This is true not just with business practices, but also with our values, faith, and daily habits. Yes, it can be easier to keep these things to ourselves and not “preach” to anyone, but in doing so we can skirt accountability from ourselves. If you tend to be introverted with your “practices” (as I am), then challenge yourself to “preach” from time to time. Don’t preach to be the revered or all-knowing preacher, but rather to encourage self-reflection and reinforcement of your own practices.
The most significant suggestions I gave as a panelist emphasized the importance of actively asking for referrals and regularly describing the impact referrals have on your business; I was preaching what I practice. I realized, however, it has been some time since I’ve done that with my own clientele. You surely know my business grows from your referrals, and for that I am incredibly grateful & fortunate. Through your referrals I am able to focus on serving my clients rather than devoting resources to marketing and making new contacts. I get to spend my time on you, and do a superior job as both a mortgage consultant and REALTOR.
The real estate industry has changed dramatically, and it has become even more paramount for people to find a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and devoted consultant when wanting buy, sell, or finance a home. The current market has also created a perfect storm for home buying and refinancing. Interest rates below 6%, home prices at decade-low levels, and tax incentives for 1st time home buyers have made real estate a hot topic in our struggling economy. You will surely have a conversation with someone in the near future that could benefit from my services. I encourage you to pass along my contact info in order to help them receive trusted and comprehensive service, to help you so I can keep my focus on my valued clients, and to help me continue to follow my business plan of growing a referral-based business.
Thank you in advance for your referrals, and remember to occasionally preach what you practice in your life.
Matt Sundermier's Memos on Real Estate & on Life 