Yesterday I gave a presentation to the Arcadia Association of REALTORS® Young Professionals Network (it was a great group). As in most presentations that I give, there's always someone in the group that I bump into with some resistance. Here's the thing, in real estate, there's no one "right" way to do things. You do what works for you. For some, that involves social media. For others it doesn't.
How Do You Know If It's Right For You?
The best way to learn is to just do. It's like riding a bike for the first time. You might not get it right away. You might mess up and fall. But after a ride or two, you slowly start to get it.
- Join Facebook (it's easy). You sign up for an account like you do anywhere else. Don't know if your clients are "social media savvy"? Here's a neat trick, Facebook allows you to import your email database. Do it. You'd be amazed at how many people in your database area already on Facebook.
- Get on Twitter and tweet. Here's a short list of people to follow who I think are doing it right: @EvangelistaLA, @ChrisBrogan, @Startabuzz,@FunomenalRltr, and @unmarketing. Give them a follow, say hello and start tweeting.
Then, the brilliant folks over at MyTechOpinion wrote an excellent resource titled:
Remember, you wont' always get it right straight from the beginning. That's ok. The trick is to pick yourself up and start riding again. And if you have any questions, well, that's what the comment box is for…ask away!
Ricardo: Like you, I’m always amazed when I hear people say “I’m not on Twitter (or Facebook). No one I know is on Twitter so its not worth my time”.
Yes, I like interacting with people I know, but the best way to grow your business and get new clients is by meeting new people, which I do everyday on Twitter & Facebook.
I’ve only recently started doing much with FB, but I can now see where it can take me. Twitter has been a real gift. I spend maybe 20 minutes per day and I’ve me so many great new people, plus I get to keep up with old friends. I love it!
Michelle: that’s absolutely right! I mean heck, if we think that building business is about building relationships then we have to make building relationships our business! And the simple fact of the matter is, people hang out on networks like Facebook and Twitter. Technology helps us “get” and “stay” connected.
Thanks for your awesome comment Michelle!
To build on what you’re saying, Ricardo, I don’t think that there is ANY business more dependent on building real relationships than Real Estate. The best agents are not just those who know their contracts and addenda, but those who can TALK to people. Those who know how to LISTEN.
So what business is better suited to great success with social media?
For me, interacting on sites like Facebook, Twitter … and even things like TripIt and Yelp … has been such a gift. Each day, I get to talk to people all over the world and each and every day, I get to learn new things. Best of all, each day, I have made some terrific new friends, of which I am very happy that you are one. Thank you.
Having a presence on Facebook and Twitter is a great way of networking and building relationships, increasing your reach in exponential ways. It’s your listening post too so you’d have firm idea what the customers are saying about your brand: complaints, problems, needs, wish-list. Customer support that’s responsive if managed well.
Hi Ricardo,
I was a late comer to Twitter and Facebook, but now I do find when I have spare time, I truly enjoy interacting with others.
I ask myself why didn’t I join sooner?
Melissa: you are absolutely right! If we believe that business is built on building relationships, then we need to make building relationships our business! The great thing about technology and social media is that it facilitates the relationship building process…
PS. Do you realize that today we spoke for the first time ever on the phone and it felt like we’ve known each other forever? That’s the amazing thing about social media, it connects people so well!
Melissa, thanks for stopping by and leaving such a wonderful comment… You Rock!
Jan: agreed. Having a presence on each of these networks is a great way to both monitor one’s reputation (to see what customers/potential customers are saying) and to engage with new people each an every day. The key is to be responsive at every step of the way!
Barbara: I think we all ask ourselves that =) Now we’re all happy to be there interacting with one another daily… The great thing is that now you’re there and engaging, having fun getting and receiving value!
Ricardo,
Cheers!
Thanks for sharing. That video is helpful for those new to the online world. Also, those sites are neat places to begin. I’d also offer a word of caution because they sites, particularly problogger.net can be overwhelming, and should be read in phases.
Your advice on launching a blog and just getting on with it is huge. People tend to think they need to prepare, which is good- have a basic plan, but just writing is a big chunk of the battle. Appreciate your work and effort, it shows.
-Mig
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