What’s an “upcharge?” When the waiter informs you that it will be an extra $3 to guaranty that no eel or shrimp come with the “sushi combo” lunch special (true). (I took my chances, and declined to pay it). So, what’s a “downcharge?” When the cashier at The Wedge reminds you that you have $5 in...Read More
“Free at 1 p.m?” This anecdote is courtesy of Stefan Swanepoel, keynote speaker at Edina Realty’s 2011 annual meeting held last week: A Baby Boomer who wants to have lunch with an acquaintance will call or email two weeks in advance, then exchange multiple emails/phone calls over the ensuing two weeks to fine-tune the time and location. The Millennial (“Gen Y’er”)?...Read More
“Don’t be a secret agent.” –Marketing advice to all new Realtors It’s drummed into your head from your first day as a Realtor (actually before, at pre-Realtor training classes): ‘Don’t be a secret agent” — invariably followed by, “identify and regularly communicate with your ‘sphere of influence'” (also referred to as your “farm”). It doesn’t have to be geographic —...Read More
(Over)identifying with Home Sellers “Stockholm Syndrome”: a paradoxical psychological phenomenon wherein hostages express adulation and have positive feelings towards their captors that appear irrational in light of the danger or risk endured by the victims, essentially mistaking a lack of abuse from their captors as an act of kindness. –Wikipedia What’s potentially more harmful to...Read More
“Would You Like Fries With That . . . Program?” So, who just got the $1.99 I paid last night to watch a Season 3 episode of “Breaking Bad,” the terrific (dare I say addictive?) AMC series about a chemistry teacher-turned-meth dealer: A. Netflix B. Amazon.com C. Blockbuster Video D. DISH (pay-per-view) Answer: B Once upon a...Read More
