The other day I was having lunch with a couple of agents and the topic of commissions came up ' go figure it was right around the time the waiter brought the bill.

Talk about heated debates! One side argued that he works 24/7 serving his clients and that his 6% is a bargain compared to the service he provides. Between open houses, showing, the endless paper work there just aren't enough hours in the day

Add to the mix his pager, cell phone and marketing that boldly reads "Your On Call Agent"? 24/7 Access ' Call Anytime.

The other side (yours truly) added fuel to the fire by asking a few thought provoking question:

"? 1)"?What kind of message does that convey to your clients/prospects/family when they have to wait to make an appointment to see any other professional e.g doctor, lawyer, plumber but not you an agent?

2)"? What kind of life do you have if you're offering 24/7 access?

3) Are you having any fun or has your career become a deadend job?

Could it be as easy as setting the expectations from the first time you meet your prospect/client and saying something like: " This is how I do business, my hours are Monday - Thursay 10AM - 6PM. If you leave a message after those times I will get back to you by the next business day.

A Simple thought I know however"?sometimes the best solutions are.

If we are ever to climb past "used car salesperson" status in the public persception, we first have to demand that respect from ourselves.