For example, Ben moved from being solo to the Amy Team and Amy has a long-standing relationship with a different lender and Ben has now ignored me.
It seems like you're facing a tricky situation, particularly if you're in the lending business and your contact has been taken by a realtor who already has a relationship with another lender. Here are some steps you can take to handle this situation tactfully and professionally:
Establish the Context: Before you make contact, gather all the facts. Be sure you understand Ben's new role, how the Amy Team operates, and what this shift means for your relationship with Ben. Do they now work exclusively with a specific lender? Is there room for collaboration? This will help inform your approach.
Initial Follow-Up: It's possible Ben's been busy with the transition and has unintentionally neglected to maintain contact. Start by sending a friendly, non-intrusive message. This could be an email, a phone call, or a physical letter, whichever you believe would be most effective.
Here's an example:
"Hi Ben, I hope this message finds you well. I noticed that you've joined the Amy Team - congratulations on your new position! I'm sure you've been extremely busy with the transition, and I didn't want our connection to get lost in the shuffle. I'd love to touch base soon and discuss how we might continue working together in your new role."
Provide Value: Show that you're interested in maintaining a business relationship not just for your own benefit, but because you believe you can provide value to Ben and the Amy Team. If you have new loan products, lower rates, or a faster approval process, highlight these points. Provide relevant information and updates about your services that might be of interest to them.
Request a Meeting: If Ben is open to communication, suggest a meeting where you can discuss potential collaborations in more detail. This can be a formal meeting or a casual coffee, depending on your relationship.
Respect the Decision: If Ben communicates that he's now working exclusively with another lender, respect this decision. You can express your disappointment professionally and leave the door open for future collaborations.
Follow-Up Periodically: Maintain a professional relationship by sending Ben updates about your business periodically. This could be new products, market insights, or just a note to check in. This keeps you in mind for any future opportunities.
Remember that real estate is a long-term business and relationships can change over time. Patience, persistence, and professionalism are key.
Sample Scripts:
Subject: Congrats on Your New Role, Ben!
Dear Ben,
I hope this email finds you well. I recently learned about your transition to the Amy Team – congratulations on your new journey!
Over the years, we've had a fruitful collaboration, and I truly value the relationship we've built. I understand that transitions like these can be complex and challenging, and I want to make sure our connection doesn't get lost in the shuffle.
As you're getting settled in your new role, I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how we can continue our working relationship. I believe our partnership has mutual benefits and I am confident that my services can contribute to the success of the Amy Team.
If you are open to it, let's arrange a meeting or a brief phone call in the coming weeks. I'm flexible and can work around your schedule.
In the meantime, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about my services or if there's anything specific you'd like to discuss.
Looking forward to your reply.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Follow-Up Email if Ignored
Subject: Touching Base – Hoping to Connect
Hi Ben,
I hope this email finds you well. I realize that you must be swamped with your new role in the Amy Team.
I wrote to you a couple of weeks ago about the possibility of discussing our continued working relationship in your new team. I haven't heard back from you, so I just wanted to follow up to make sure my message didn't get lost in the shuffle.
Please let me know when you have a moment to discuss this. If there's a better way or time to reach you, feel free to share that with me as well.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Phone Script
"Hello Ben, this is [Your Name]. I hope I caught you at a good time. I heard about your move to the Amy Team. Congratulations, that's fantastic news!
We've always had a great working relationship, and I was hoping we could find a time to discuss how we might continue that partnership within your new context.
I understand your new role must be keeping you quite busy, but if you can spare some time in the coming weeks, I believe a conversation could be mutually beneficial.
Please let me know what works for you. I'm eager to hear about your new journey and see how I can add value. Thanks, Ben."
Each of these scripts is designed to show respect for Ben's new role while also expressing interest in maintaining your business relationship. The tone is professional, but warm, underlining the existing relationship and the desire to continue it.