I get your point, layering could help—but honestly, sometimes people just glaze over no matter how clear you try to be. I've seen clients who nodded along to every simplified explanation and still came back confused later. Maybe the problem isn't always complexity, but people's willingness (or lack thereof) to actually pay attention to stuff that feels dry or tedious. Dunno...maybe pairing clear info with short videos or visuals would stick better?
"Maybe the problem isn't always complexity, but people's willingness (or lack thereof) to actually pay attention..."
Fair point, but could it also be about relevance? I've noticed clients tune out less when explanations directly tie into their immediate concerns or goals. Maybe it's not just attention span, but perceived usefulness...?
You're onto something there. I've found that when I start diving into escrow accounts with clients, their eyes glaze over faster than mine do during tax seminars (and trust me, that's saying something...). But here's a trick I've learned to keep them tuned in:
First, skip the jargon. Seriously, no one outside our industry cares about "fiduciary responsibilities" or "third-party custodians." Instead, frame it around their actual life—like buying a house or handling a big purchase online. For example, I'll say something like, "Imagine you're buying a vintage guitar from some random guy online. You don't know him, he doesn't know you. Wouldn't you feel better if someone neutral held onto your money until you got the guitar and made sure it wasn't just a cardboard cutout?"
Second, tie it directly to their goals. If they're saving for a home renovation or planning a wedding, explain how escrow can protect their funds and ensure everything goes smoothly. People perk up when they realize it's not just abstract finance stuff—it's about making sure their dream kitchen actually gets built or their caterer doesn't vanish with the deposit.
Third, keep it short and sweet. If you can't explain escrow in under two minutes without losing them, you're probably overcomplicating things. I once had a client who literally timed me (no joke). He said if I couldn't explain escrow before his coffee cooled down enough to drink comfortably, he'd tune out. Challenge accepted—and won.
So yeah, attention span matters—but relevance and perceived usefulness are key. If clients see how escrow directly impacts their lives (and wallets), they'll stick around long enough to hear you out...usually.
"Imagine you're buying a vintage guitar from some random guy online. You don't know him, he doesn't know you. Wouldn't you feel better if someone neutral held onto your money until you got the guitar and made sure it wasn't just a cardboard cutout?"
This analogy is spot-on. Do you find clients respond better when you frame escrow around personal experiences rather than abstract concepts? Seems like a smart approach to me...
Clients definitely connect better with relatable examples rather than abstract ideas. Ever tried explaining escrow using homebuying? Most people instantly get it once you mention mortgages or buying houses, way easier than diving into technical jargon...
