It could happen. After reading Karen Parson-Fiddler's blog Does Condescension Really Attract Clients? I have to ask you, would you mind if your competitor showed your blogs and comments to a seller at a listing presentation? One that you are likely to be vying for as you've gone head-to-head with each other many times before? All is fair in listings and war right?
Can you really say it is unethical for them to do so, when they don't have to say anything about you, simply let the sellers read it for themselves?
There are plenty of antagonistic people to be found on review or networking sites. You post red, they comment blue - just for the heck of it. The majority of their posts have a lot of explanation points (not because of conviction), or a condescending tone (emphasizing your inferiority and their superiority) or they just want everyone to swallow the same bitter pill they are still choking on. Karen made an excellent point when she said, "I would be concerned that this person has built a reputation of being difficult and wonder about the ability to get my offers accepted."
That is exactly a point that can be made to sellers when discussing their choice of representation. I've made it a habit now to post the comments of agents in my testimonials as well. Why not? You just never know what the buyers or sellers may already know about you in this internet age. You are indirectly making a pre-listing presentation every time you post a blog or comment. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Don't automatically assume the first time will be when you meet them face-to-face. You'll never know if you've made it easier for someone else to make your first impression for you.
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I saw you make this point on my post....great point!!! I think that when we put something out there....as you said...we better be willing to live with the consequences.
Andi & Karen - Outstanding blog post! I have wondered how some AR members can let it rip online. Sure it's members only but any member can print, scan and hand out or upload into another site. Thanks!
We are responsible for what we put out there, good or bad, if you believe in what you are positng, more power to you, just understand that what you post is open to all that have a computer...good post
Andi,
I read an article about a group of research scientists. The study looked at the EQ (emotional intelligence) and the IQ of the scientists as it related to their actual career success. The study found those that related well with others were able to exceed those with higher IQ, but were lacking in EQ.
Competence has great value in this industry, but it's still a people business.
Steve
Karen - I was thinking back on some my my vents, but I think I'm ok.:)
Nevin - you definitely have shown great diplomacy (of the superhuman variety) on more than one occasion!
Gerry - Thanks! If there is passion and conviction behind some of the hot posts, there is nothing wrong with that. It's in the manner of how a person posts those convictions. Some people have no idea that misery is dripping from each and every post.
Steve - ha - yes it is and common sense will get you further than both!
Andi . . . excellent observation. While we can't bad mouth disparage, what you've outlined -- who needs to utter a sound?
People have gotten fired over online content, suspended from school, put in jail......losing a listing sounds very reasonable
Carla - I wonder what would a seller think of an agent who did pull out printouts. Would they be thankful or wary?
Richard - So true! Big brother is watching and so are all of his cousins.