It sounds like an odd thing to say, but in a way, Twitter is a lot like real estate itself in two ways:

1. Many will try; fewer will "succeed" (and will give up prematurely).
2. The relative few are lowering the reputation of both.

The fact that most agents and offices do not use twitter as productively as they should does not therefore imply that it is a waste of time! Such logic would lead us to believe that practicing real estate in the first place is of no professional value.

I am willing to bet that the rabble-rousing Twitter malcontents, and even those who understandably see no value in Twitter, have not seen it used in the way I am about to demonstrate. I have written about this before, but it didn't get much traction apparently, and I feel that few took note. Keep in mind that this is one of the easier ways to show just one way that Twitter can aide in effective REALTOR® marketing, but it is by no means the only way. I'll also add that I received the following results on my first try yesterday.

Before I show you, I'd like to invite you to try something similar in your own community and then to share the following with us here in the comments section:

• Your search results. Were they impressive? Totally lame? Were you surprised?
• Have you ever considered or been shown this technique before?

• Your strategies about how to approach these prospective clients! On this point, I'd particularly like your thoughts. I have my ideas, but I'd love others!

• Does this in any way change your mind about the value of Twitter to REALTORS®? And by extension, why do you think this technique isn't often discussed around the RE.net?
• Whatever else you think is germane to the conversation!

Without further ado, Twitter's Prospecting Power!

Step 1: In my browser, I went to search.twitter.com

Step 2: I entered the following into the search box exactly as pictured (making sure "OR" is capitalized):

Step 3: You guessed it, click search.

Results: I've taken the liberty of blurring out the handles and including only relevant results.

From page one:

From page two:

From page three:

I could keep going, but I'm sure you get the point!

Good luck in your Twitter endeavors, and please share your answers to the questions posed above.