The presentation was the first time that I have discussed the Realtor model outside private internal conversations at HRA, so it is in the early 'theory development' phase. I simply wanted to offer a different perspective accounting for cognitive decision-making behaviors and customer purchase behaviors, due to my unique background. I hope that we can further the conversation and begin to innovate a practical Realtor model adoptions approach that can be tested a one or several shelters.
Any innovation and changes to adoption staff procedures should be backed by a simultaneous research effort to provide solid theory and defined data points that everyone can collect. It may take a year (or two) for everything to begin moving, but I am confident that change in the direction of a Realtor model will have the impact that many shelter adoptions teams have long sought after.
Original Message:
Sent: 11-14-2023 04:37 PM
From: Julielani Chang
Subject: Community Conversations - 9/11/23 - Top Dog Adoption Decision-Making Factors
Hi Lawrence,
Thank you for your quick response and clear explanation. What a progressive way to approach adoption! Is the Realtor model being implemented in a shelter right now? And do you have any data supporting its effectiveness when compared to the traditional approach? Thanks
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Julielani Chang
The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
Davis CA
Original Message:
Sent: 11-14-2023 11:29 AM
From: Lawrence Minnis
Subject: Community Conversations - 9/11/23 - Top Dog Adoption Decision-Making Factors
Thank you for your feedback and for your question, Julielani!
The Realtor model represents an alternative to the current adoptions model that many organizations use. If you imagine a scenario of purchasing a home, a potential home buyer may look online for available homes. But at some point, before the typical purchase offer is made, a potential buyer will engage a realtor or real estate agent and receive help for the next part of their search. The realtors provide advice, may curate homes to visit, and overall assist the potential buyer through the search and final purchase decision process.
So, the Realtor model is based on two or three primary characteristics: 1. early engagement with potential clients, 2. provide advice and assistance during the search process, 3. Support the decision-making process of clients. Shelter adoption teams can take a similar approach to model operations along those three characteristics. In the current model, adoption staff do not typically engage potential adopters until they are close to choosing a dog and making an adoption decision. In the Realtor model, adoption staff would find ways to engage potential adopters much earlier (possibly using social media) and work through the search and decision process in support of the potential adopter.
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Lawrence Minnis
Director, Workforce Development
Humane Rescue Alliance
DC
Original Message:
Sent: 11-14-2023 07:26 AM
From: Julielani Chang
Subject: Community Conversations - 9/11/23 - Top Dog Adoption Decision-Making Factors
Hi Lawrence,
Thank you for a great webinar and wonderful research. I learned so much about the adopter's decisions when looking for a pet to adopt. As a trainer, I agree that behavior is the main event. Could you explain to me again what is the Realtor model? I appreciate it. Thanks.
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Julielani Chang
The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
Davis CA
Original Message:
Sent: 09-11-2023 12:04 PM
From: Lawrence Minnis
Subject: Community Conversations - 9/11/23 - Top Dog Adoption Decision-Making Factors
I want to thank everyone for attending and supporting this call!! I look forward to great questions and follow-up discussions on this topic.
Please, post your questions or comments, and I will be here to engage as much as I can!
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Lawrence Minnis
Director, Workforce Development
Humane Rescue Alliance
Original Message:
Sent: 09-07-2023 12:28 PM
From: Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Subject: Community Conversations - 9/11/23 - Top Dog Adoption Decision-Making Factors
We hope to see you on Monday, 9/11 at 11am PT for our next Community Conversations call for a presentation on, "Top Dog Adoption Decision-Making Factors" by @Lawrence Minnis, Director of Workforce Development at Humane Rescue Alliance!
A potential adopter walks into your shelter to look at adoptable dogs. They ask the front desk about the adoption process then walk through the dog kennels. Twenty minutes later they leave the kennels, say "Thank you!" to the front desk and leave. This may be a common occurrence at your shelter, but what do you know about the thought process that the potential adopter went through? What were they thinking? And how may your operations impact their decision process?
Lawrence Minnis has studied shelter visitors and adoption decision-making research and will highlight findings from his research and other studies. Lawrence will also share information about his upcoming research and what we may hope to learn about the adoption decision-making process.
💸 Maddie's Fund will also be announcing the August grant giveaway winners so be sure to tune in to see if you've won! 💸
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#DataandTechnology
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Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
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