The bottom line is that we appreciate feeling respected. Even the kindest, most generous among us practice magnanimity as much for the way it makes us feel good about ourselves as how it might serve another. The reality is that we are all ego-driven, and being primarily motivated by self-satisfaction and personal fulfillment is not a character flaw, it is the human condition. How do you react to a too-practiced sales pitch? Do you enjoy being pitched at all? How would this ad impress you? Would that brochure inspire you to purchase the home or consider employing this agent in the future? Is the quality, content and overall flavor of the piece consistent with the image you really want to convey?

In all things marketing, I continue to believe that we should think like the consumers we in fact are. Knowing what you might say in a given circumstance is one thing, but spewing forth a rehearsed scene with the passion of a high school science teacher is another. New agents and even the multitudes wanting to take their business to the “next level” are constantly being coached to learn and rehearse The Script until the objections can be overcome in their sleep. “I’m fine, how are you?” (I’ve had a sucky day to end all sucky days) “Thank you, but we are happy with our long-distance service” (I have no idea who my long-distance service provider is, but I am currently watching Forest Gump for the eighth time) and, “It is important to list with an agent who cares about your family and your equity, wouldn’t you agree?” (I have said this so many times that it has lost all meaning and sincerity). We have a script for our acquaintances, for the telemarketers, and for our customers and clients.

We have become increasingly skeptical and cynical, our actions are premeditated and our lives are scripted. Professionally, we have all become salesmen we sell our products, our services, and ourselves. When did people stop being genuine? In our uber-competitive world, it seems every gesture is intended or at least construed as self-serving.

Soul 4 real for life rarely provides