The Solid Brown Zebra
People have a preconceived notion about what a real estate broker should look like and sound like. If someone does not fit into their idea of a broker, they will not hire them. Competence and integrity rarely come into it.
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So what is the stereotype of a real estate broker? Well she’s coiffed and polished, slightly pushy, constantly on her cell phone, and I think most importantly, she talks a certain way. That is, in scripted language. But most people just think to themselves: Oh real estate brokers, you know, they all sound alike.
And let’s be honest, it’s a stereotype for a reason. I mean not a few brokers are walking caricatures. Yet, and here’s the point, people hire them. Every single day. Too often, brokers are not penalized for even their obvious faults.
Why?
Because whether they like brokers, or the stereotype of brokers, people believe that is what brokers are or should be. To do otherwise would be like hiring a solid brown zebra. Even if that solid brown zebra is the Serengeti’s best grass eater, he does not look the part, and therefore does not get hired for the role.
So people hire their idea of a broker. Competence and integrity rarely come into it.
And hey, maybe it goes well. Bingo, we all know it takes black & white stripes to be a zebra.
And if it does not go well? Well clearly, as a breed, zebras are dumb, or lazy, or dishonest, or just plain incompetent.
Don’t be these people.