Employing Amateurs Can Kill Your Agency
This story is 100 per cent true but originally happened around this time last year. I’ve been reminded of it as I spent a large chunk of last week re-writing an agent’s website content where the copy had been written by a cheap ‘writer.’
The agency owner went with the cheapest quote and has ended up paying more than he would’ve done if he’d got myself or other professional PR people of a high calibre in to do it in the first place.
You see it’s not only home owners who get swayed by cheap fees.
So here’s the original article in full:
I’m useless at DIY. I mean can’t hang a picture frame useless. Coming from a long line of builders I’ve probably brought a degree of shame on the family.
But I like to think I’m resourceful if nothing else.
That’s why we have a handyman’s number on speed dial.
He’s a great guy, honest, hardworking but not an electrician.
So what’s him not being a sparky got to do with the price of bread? Fair question and here’s why I bring it up.
Last week our electric shower unit went on an unexpected holiday. Dead as a dodo.
I told my long suffering wife I’d call the handyman because it’ll be cheaper than an electrician.
Her response was not very Downton Abbey and finished with ‘off!’
After telling me what she thought of my ‘f’ing stupid idea’ she explained her reasoning. “You can’t cut corners when it comes to something like electrics.
Stop being an idiot and call a qualified electrician not someone who has told you he’s ‘handy’ with electrics.”
I realised the error of my ways and duly found someone local with all the right qualifications. He sorted the job with zero fuss, a guarantee and a bill not much more than my handyman would’ve charged.
I hear estate agency owners saying a very common reason why they DON’T employ or need a professional to write their blogs, websites or news releases.
It boils down to them having a friend, or someone in the office who ‘likes writing’, or is ‘good at writing’, or has done a creative writing course.
Or they know a lady / gent who does it on the cheap.
That’s lovely but when what they are writing is representing your agency surely you need to think a bit more seriously and proudly.
The electrician spent years in college and learning his trade as did I working in newsrooms and PR companies across the country.
It pays to use experts especially when it’s to do with something as serious as your family’s safety (your house) or potentially your family’s future (your business).
So if you are a cheapskate and you need a news release, website copy, blog or any other business communications written ask your handyman.
Alternatively you could give me a call on 07725 554902 or ping me an email with any questions you have.
Thanks for reading and here’s to your next instruction.
Jerry
PS: Need an award winning former journalist to write articles for you? Give me a shout on 01323 360 771 or drop me an email at Jerry@propertyprexpert.co.uk
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