Reputation Management

If you found out that a competitor was bad mouthing you around town what would you do?

One thing I wouldn't do is reciprocate. If the remarks come up when you're with a prospect set the story straight and move on with what you're doing.

Well said Houston...

Sometimes our defensive reactions get the best of us and we snap back immediately with negative remarks about our competitors. Unfortunately this does not make us look any more superior to the prospect than our competitor looked when he/she made the initial comments.

You know, as the consumer becomes more educated, they realize that sometimes competitors put each other down due to being jealous - personally, if it is bothering you, I would send them a thank you note for bringing in a customer who wanted to see if it was true.

Joining in is never the solution. Houston is right.

How do I get this guy to stop? I haven't done anything yet but I'd like to give the guy a piece of my mind.

Thomas, that just might be what he or she wants. Take the high road and preserve your dignity.

I would do nothing. It might be that for some industries or companies a response would be more appropriate than doing nothing - I can't speak of situations I don't know of. But I let my products and company and how I treat people speak for themselves.

I'd make a list - perhaps you have already - of the pros and cons of doing something rather than doing nothing. Also make a pro and con list of doing nothing.

In martial arts you have aggressive as well as passive forms, blending in and straight line attack forms, and many others. Strategy contains many forms of behavior as you may know and the most obvious to come to mind may not be the best for everyone concerned.

The best to you.

MitchM

Today one of this guy's agents knocked on one of my listing's door and convinced the seller to cancel his listing and list with her. The agent was in the home at the time he called so I told him to put her on the phone. It wasn't my finest hour.

Thomas what you've describe is unethical behavior and unfortunately happens. I know it can be easier said than done but hold yourself to a higher standard. For your own emotional health forgive and move-on. This doesn't mean shouldn't call the person on the matter but it does mean be the bigger man.

I would suggest reporting him to the Board of Realtors. This is unethical behavior, to be sure.