Back HomeThe Golden Rule – How Does It Relate In Business
November 15th, 2012 by keithandkinseyMost of you have heard of The Golden Rule; “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” As far back as I can remember this rule has been engrained in my brain. I don’t know whether my parents taught it to me or if I learned it from a Sunday school teacher way back when, but it stems from Luke 6:31 and Mathew 7:12 of the Bible. Ironically our pastor spoke about this a couple weeks ago after I had written half this blog. In any case, I’ve discovered how useful the Golden Rule is in business, in life, and in relationships.
In real estate, and any business for that matter, challenges arise, and mistakes happen. Often when a complication arises in a business transaction somebody ends up getting pissed off, defensive, disrespectful, or blaming. I’ll admit I’ve been guilty myself a time or two. However, you’d be surprised at the number of times I’ve had another agent yell, cuss, or even hang up the phone on me (I can say I’ve never done that). That kind of reaction never solves anything.
I always try to put myself in the shoes of the person on the other side of the deal. I ask myself if I were them, what would I do? …and If I were them, what would I want me to do? After all, a transaction must work for the people on both sides, or you’re not going to reach a deal.
This thought process not only helps a lot with the respect factor, it can also help with negotiations. You can negotiate hard while still being respectful, and treating others how you expect to be treated. In fact, if you can be friendly, helpful, and find out what the other party really needs it will almost always result in a better deal.
In other respects treat your clients how you would want to be treated as a client too. The reason most businesses fail is because they don’t meet the needs of the customer. A business is profitable when their product or service is valuable to the consumer. Provide your clients with the service or product you would expect and your business will be perceived as valuable.
This golden rule works well for our real estate sales business, our rental business, our marriage, and life in general. It’s Gods rule and words to live by. It’s not about you, it’s about others. The rule of business is the same as life and the path to success requires you treat others the way you wish to be treated. Doing the right thing is the key to integrity.
