"Singing in the Rain!" Kitsap County WA Real Estate

"The Advent Conspiracy" - a new Christmas Tradition

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:19:30 -0600

Take a moment and watch this video, and perhaps you and your family can start a new Christmas tradition!...

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG, Crabbing in the Hood, Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

"The Weiner Wagon" - Late Entry for Another Wordless Wednesday

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:28:18 -0600

The Oscar Mayer Weenie Wagon came through Silverdale WA yesterday. Does anyone remember the Oscar Mayer whistles we used to have as kids? Boy, am I dating myself or what?

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

"Social Media Sushi" - Developing a Social Media Strategy Part IV

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:12:24 -0600

Okay, so this post marks the 4th installment in this series on 'Developing a Social Media Strategy.'

So far, we've realized that "Social Media is a Conversation, not an Advertisement!"

We've answered "The 'WHY' of Social Media?" (Why We should Make it Part of our Annual Marketing Plan)

And, the importance of "Taking AIM" (Audience, Image/Brand, and Message)

This week, we're going to start to unwrap the various tools that are available for you to create, package, and serve up your message so that it reaches your intended audience(s).

Serving Up Social Media Sushi

Samurai Real Estate Professional

Anyone who knows me will tell you that my favorite food is sushi (next to fresh cracked crab, of course!).

In a former life, I was the Export Sales Manager for a mid-sized corporation and traveled to the Pacific Rim on business. During that time, I made two trips to Japan which I thoroughly enjoyed. The Japanese people have a fascinating, time-honored culture, but more importantly, they have TONS of sushi! Just about every street has a restaurant that contains a conveyor belt packed full with every conceivable kind of fresh sushi. Each plate is color-coded to determine the cost of the sushi. You simply pull a plate off the conveyor, pork out, and the waitress tallys up the stack of empty plates when you're finished.

As Real Estate professionals, utilizing the various Internet technology tools, we become masterful sushi chefs serving up delicious platters of fresh social media content!

To Blog or Not to Blog

One of the first basic steps in developing your social media strategy will be to determine how you're going to generate/publish your content, and then how that valued content will be distributed effectively. Authoring a blog isn't for everyone. Like any kind of effective marketing method, it takes time, effort, and commitment.

In my own journey, I started blogging back in 2005. I created a blog on Blogger.com and also posted articles on MySpace (although, I don't think MySpace really counts). I doubt anyone ever read any of my posts on either platform. For the most part, it felt like I was talking to a brick wall.

ActiveRain, the Change Agent

However, during the Summer of 2006, things changed dramatically when I joined the newly launched ActiveRain network. ActiveRain offered a fun, encouraging, non-threatening environment to learn the blogging ropes. In those early days, even before we reached our first 1000 members, it was like the TV show 'Cheers' where everyone knew your name.

From there, another ActiveRain member, Mark Flanders, and I went on to create our own local WordPress blog SOUNDBITEBLOG. Eventually, I created a 3rd blog, CrabbingInTheHood, to share about one of my favorite recreational pastimes.

Now obviously, given the fact that you're reading this article, you're probably a member of ActiveRain, and have already begun your blogging adventure! You've made an excellent choice of where to begin, especially if you've elected to upgrade to RainMaker status. Not that there isn't enough value as it is with a free membership, but RainMaker status enables your blog content to be crawled and indexed by the search engines, thereby dramatically improving your chances for consumers/potential clients to find you through organic search results.

Those 'Other' Networks

Still yet, for those of who aren't necessarily involved only in the real estate business, there are some additional blogging platforms for your consideration:

BlogEngage.com Blogster.com WordPress.com Blogger.com LiveJournal.com TypePad.com

What you'll find is that some blogging networks don't provide you with very much exposure or ranking with the search engines. You can advertise and promote your blogsite URL (Uniform Resource Locator - the Internet address for your blogsite), and achieve some measure of traffic. But your 'Find-a-bility Factor' - the chances of having your content/articles pull up on consumer searches will be greatly limited.

WordPress isn't a Dirty Word

Ultimately, one long-term goal you might want to set for yourself would be to eventually have your own WordPress.org site. Granted, not everyone has the necessary technical skill-set to successfully create, launch, and maintain their own WordPress blog. It can be a rather daunting undertaking. There are many resources here on ActiveRain to explore this possibility. Well-known AR veteran, Maureen McCabe, founded the group "WordPress Blog." You can also access the "Where to Start" page at WordPress.org.

And then there are those folks who either don't have the time or don't want to bother with all the techie stuff, and will pay someone to build them a custom blogsite, such as The Real Estate Tomato.

Right as Rain

But for less than $500 a year, becoming a RainMaker here on ActiveRain simply makes good sense, especially in the formative stages of your social media journey, and is tough to beat. In addition, you'll benefit greatly by the relationships you develop with potential referral partners, and the sheer wealth of valuable knowledge being shared freely everyday!

Your blog on the ActiveRain network is an excellent place to begin generating your own unique content, and can serve as the Social Media conveyor belt to distribute your appetizing articles to consumers/potential clients who are hungry for quality, relevant, and practical information. Bon Apetite!

For Additional Articles in this series:

"Developing a Social Media Strategy, Part 1"

"The 'WHY' of Social Media - Developing a Social Media Strategy, Part II"

"Taking AIM: Developing a Social Media Strategy, Part III"

To Access the entire 'Blog Tips for Rain Drips' series, go HERE.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:38:15 -0600

While I personally prefer the more personal FTF connections of live REBC experiences, logistics and budgets don't always allow for such events. Here is another viable alternative made possible by the Ketchup King!

Via Real Estate Tomato (Real Estate Tomato):

We're Back!
Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

Our first event was such a success, we decided to parlay the momentum into the launch of another.

January 4th - 9am until 4pm PST
9 Hours, 28 Incredible Speakers, 1000s of Attendees!

It's Free!

What Is Virtual BarCamp?
How Do I Register?
Who Is Speaking (To be determined)
How Can I Sponsor?

In an effort to always improve, we have made some changes to the event format:

There will be 4 Webinar Rooms (previously there were just 3 rooms).
Presentations will be 45 minutes in length (previously they were 30 mins).
Total number of Speakers: 28 (we had 27 last event).
Each Webinar Room will have its own accompanying Live Chat Room (previously there was just one).
Session Topics will be chosen by our Registered Attendees (last time it was first come first serve).
Session Presenters will be selected by us (last time it was first come first serve).
Sessions will be recorded (we were unable to record last time).

We have boosted our goals for the event as well:

Registered Attendees: 3000 (previous: 1000, actual 1928)
In-Office Events: 100 (previous: 40, actual: 71)
In-Real-Life MeetUps: 50 (previous: 20, actual: n/a)
Number of Sponsors: 15 (previous: 10, actual: 13)

We have a new website: www.VirtualBarCamp.com

Just because we hold virtual, online events doesn’t mean that we can’t create an incredibly social community. One of the best aspects of the BarCamp atmosphere is the ability to connect, network, meet and mingle. We took this into great consideration as we planned out the architecture and user experience of our new website.

The tighter the community, the greater opportunity we all have to learn, network and teach. Get involved by involving others!

If you have any other suggestions on how we can improve on our first effort, please let us know!

"Taking AIM" - Developing a Social Media Strategy Part III

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:54:34 -0600

"If You Aim at Nothing, You'll Hit It Every Time!"

~ Zig Ziglar ~

Okay, so the first two installments of this series helped us to better understand what Social Media is, what it isn't, and why we should consider using it to grow and promote our business:

"Social Media is a Conversation, Not an Advertisement"

"The 'WHY' of Social Media"

In this 3rd part, I want to begin to dial things down, and become much more basic and practical. If this is covering old ground for some of you, I apologize. It's always challenging to know where to start when there is such a huge disparity between various levels of knowledge and ability. Some of this initial stuff may seem rather elementary, but I think it's crucial for building a solid Social Media Strategy foundation.

Taking AIM

The first primary elements of your Social Media Strategy can be found in the acrostic A-I-M:

Audience: Who are you trying to reach?

Image: What kind of image are you trying to project? What is your brand?

Message: What information are you trying to communicate?

Audience - Who are you trying to reach?

Identifying your target audience is critical because it determines the nature of your content/message and the particular platforms, tools, or applications you will choose to connect/communicate.

As a real estate professional, I have several target audiences I am attempting to reach/attract. First and foremost, I want to engage potential real estate clients, primarily Buyer clients since more than 85% of all Buyers are accessing the Internet in their home buying process. Much of my social media content will be geared towards Buyers, but I will publish information relating to Sellers as well.

Secondly, another audience I want to target is my Sphere of Influence (friends, acquaintances, and past clients in my database) and people in general within my geographic market area.

And lastly, I want to develop and maintain connections with other real estate agents, fostering potential referral relationships.

Image - What is your image/brand?

Much has been said lately about 'branding.' My sense is that many people make it out to be much more complicated than it really needs to be. No doubt the stakes are probably much higher for huge billion dollar conglomerates whose global success depends upon effective branding. But for smaller businesses and real estate agents, where our markets are significantly smaller, what exactly is crucial?

I think your primary goal in branding is for people to remember you. In the endless sea of real estate professionals, what sets you apart? What distinguishes you from all the rest?

What does a tomato have to do with real estate? Absolutely nothing. But Jim Cronin has done a phenomenal job of branding his business, The Real Estate Tomato.

And when have you ever seen a Zebra buy or sell a home? But Daniel Rothamel has done an amazing job of setting himself apart by becoming The Real Estate Zebra.

It can be a logo, an image, or a catch phrase. It simply establishes your uniqueness among the masses, and helps people to remember you.

Here on the Kitsap Peninsula WA, surrounded by the waterways of the Puget Sound, a popular pastime is recreational crabbing. Ask anyone about my personal passions, and they'll tell you that I love to catch and eat crab! So it only made sense to use a crab as my brand. Follow me on Twitter, and you follow the Crab. Read any of my articles here on ActiveRain or SOUNDBITEBLOG, and you'll see the Crab. I even have a blog dedicated to the sport of crabbing.

Message - What do you want/need to communicate?

Take a moment and read some of the more popular definitions of Social Media:

"Social media is content created by people using highly accessible and scalable publishing technologies"

"A category of sites that are based on user participation and user-generated content, and are centered on user interaction."

"Social Media are primarily Internet and mobile-based tools for sharing and discussing information among human beings."

"Online technologies and practices that people use to share opinions, insights, experiences, and perspectives with each other."

"Software tools that allow groups to generate content and engage in peer-to-peer conversations and exchange of content."

Allow me to recommend a few key elements about your message from these definitions:

Your message should be your own 'unique' content
Your message should engage the reader and stimulate participation and interaction
Your message should share your knowledge, experience, opinions, and expertise

Put yourself in the shoes of your intended audience. What information can you share that would be most helpful and beneficial to them? Empower your readers by helping them to better understand your local real estate market and make informed decisions. But don't forget to convey a sense of your unique personality, passions, and perspectives (The 3 Powerful P's of Conversational Blogging). You'll bore them to tears if your message is nothing more than an endless string of market statistics.

"Communicate to Connect!"

For Additional Articles in this series:

"Developing a Social Media Strategy, Part 1"

"The 'WHY' of Social Media - Developing a Social Media Strategy, Part II"

To Access the entire 'Blog Tips for Rain Drips' series, go HERE.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

"Blogging for Food" - Another Wordless Wednesday on the Kitsap Peninsula WA

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:40:45 -0600

I posted an article on SOUNDBITEBLOG yesterday about getting 2 invitations to a private sneak peek taste of Fujiyama Japanese Steak House & Bar, a new restaurant here in Silverdale WA. Who says blogging doesn't work?

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

A Detailed Lay Out Of My Social Media Marketing Plan

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:57:34 -0600

A great complimentary post to my new series on Developing a Social Media Strategy...

Via Sara Bonert {Real Estate Internet Marketing} (Zillow):

I often say that social media can be overwhelming if you don't have a plan. However, sometimes without specifics, this might not make sense. So instead of blogging about the theory of planning, I am just going to lay out my personal plan. This is just what works for me, I am sure others have very different strategies and I would be interested in hearing them.

My goals:   1) Reach and educate real estate professionals about Zillow and internet advertising in general.   2) Keep in touch with my sphere of influence 3) Keep abreast of current real estate topics and 4) Keep abreast of local happening in my neighborhood.

Target: Real Estate professionals and Locals

Twitter- This is turning into my favorite business tool because of my short reading and writing attention span. 95% of my tweets are business related and 5% personal. I'll follow back anyone who is in the real estate industry. I won't follow anyone that hasn't uploaded a picture or whose profile description isn't real estate related. I use TweetDeck to sort out those who are particularly interesting to me and any direct messages or replies. I also use TweetDeck to follow these keywords: Zillow, Wicker Park, and the combination of "anyone know" & "Chicago". Finally use the service to follow the hash tags for any conventions that may be happening. (One exception to this is I have a column in TweetDeck that I track Celebrity Tweets, guilty pleasure). I have TweetDeck on constantly throughout the day and just consider it an extension of my email. I believe the quality of the people you follow and who follows you is more important than sheer numbers. I also use Twitter to broadcast my new blog posts.

Facebook- I use Facebook mostly because I personally enjoy it. If I never got business off of it, I would still use it because I enjoy knowing what people I don't regularly hear from are up to and seeing their pictures. 90% of my status updates are personal, about 10% are business or cause related. I don't post anything I wouldn't want my mom to see (she is now a friend of mine!). Since the "groups" function on Facebook is so easy to use, my policy is that I'll follow anyone that has uploaded a picture and some information about themselves and we have at least two mutual friends. The "groups" function then makes sure I don't miss any of the people I really care to know about. I have groups for: good friends, work friends, high school, college years, and family. The main reason I'll 'friend' anyone is that I will use Facebook to broadcast new blog posts and I want to make sure I reach as far as possible. (tip: don't auto post your blogs to facebook, go create a custom link and message). On average, I check Facebook 5 times a day for about 5 minutes each time.

LinkedIn- I probably could do more here, but I use the site in a very passive way, mainly as a Rolodex or resume. I will only connect with people that I would feel confident giving a personal recommendation about. In other words, I must actually know you. I keep my profile as up to date and complete as possible. I occasional will check my Inbox, but not regularly, as most of the stuff that comes thru this site isn't time sensitive. I probably spend an hour a month on the site.

Blogging- Blogging is my home base to get information out. When I first started I thought- I want to reach real estate professionals, where are they hanging out online? So having my blog hosted by Active Rain was an obvious choice. With so many other professionals using the site, it was an automatic audience. Writing for me doesn't come easy and it takes effort for me to post, which is why I don't post as much as I like. My goal is twice a week. I will also occasionally blog on the Zillow Corporate Blog, when there is something to say that affects the real estate community. I guess I average 3 hour a week here.

Commenting on Blogs- Google alerts here are priceless. Whenever my name is mentioned in a blog post, I will leave a comment. I also try to leave at least one comment a day within the Active Rain community. This is an area I wish I was better at because I think commenting can be a huge play. Without commenting on other people's blogs, authoring your own loses something I feel. I guess I average about 2 hours a week leaving comments.

Reading Blogs- As blogs become more popular, there is so much more to read. I have about 40 blogs to which I subscribe to their RSS feeds and new posts go straight into my Inbox in an RSS folder. This way I don't have to constantly go to blogs to check for updates. I can also catch up on my blog reading when I am on planes by setting these feeds up, as I can read them offline. I will scan the featured blogs on ActiveRain daily and just do a few random searches each day. Finally, I find myself more and more just reading blog posts that people Twitter about. Reading blogs takes up about 45 minutes of my day.

Forums- Again, think about where the people you want to reach are hanging out online, and get there. For me, this means Zillow Advice (obviously!).  In the Professional section of Zillow Advice, many professionals leave posts about things they need help with, so this needs monitoring if I am going to be of help. I am also interested in what is happening locally, so I subscribe to get alerts whenever anyone leaves a post that is tagged to my neighborhood and Chicago in general. I like to interact with these people as well. The auto alerts are great because I can just click on an email, and give an answer that usually takes me about 2 minutes to type.

YouTube- My goal this year was to get more into video and I am starting to creep into it. At Zillow we have been working this year to create training videos for various parts of the site, we now have about 25 that are hosted by YouTube. I then use all the tools mentioned here to get these out.

Yelp - 100% personal. I admit, I am more of a taker than a giver here. I read reviews for just about any place I go to eat and professional service I use. I try to do a review here about once a month, more because I feel guilty about not giving back because I use the site so much!

This post was a little long, but I hope it gives some meat around how I personally have crafted my social media plan. There isn't a one size fits all this! Sites that people have a lot of success with, that I don't use, for example FlickR and blip.fm and fan pages on Facebook. Any other good tools out there?
Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog and be notified when I post something new.

Connect with me on:

"Is Social Networking an Excuse for REAL Marketing?" - Counter Point

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:55:02 -0600

Liz Provo, with Mass Marketing Resources, recently published a semi-provocative article on ActiveRain which garnered an expected amount of comments. It was entitled,

"Are We Kidding Ourselves about the Value of Social Networking?"

She starts out by stating that she's having 'serious' doubts about the overall value of social networking. She then cites as an example a local business she's been following on Twitter who posts upwards of 20 tweets a day to a following of 140 Twitter members, most who, according to her, are from outside their geographical market area. She suggests that this company is wasting time trying to market their message to people who are not interested, and that they're neglecting their real customers and potential customers.

From there, she makes a rather large transitional 'leap' and berates social networkers for taking the 'Easy' way out. We're simply 'zoning' out, she says. We're too lazy to answer our phones or engage in real conversations. We hole up in our offices, ignoring our customers, and play 'Mafia Wars' all day. Social networking is just our 'excuse' for not doing any 'real' marketing or serving our clients.

While I will agree that there are those who can get easily distracted or sidetracked when using social networks to promote their business, there is a significant amount of real estate professionals who have successfully leveraged social media (and especially social networking) to effectively promote and grow their business.

I think it would be safe to say that there are many people who have attempted to use Twitter in their marketing efforts, but for whatever reason, have failed to make it work. One size doesn't fit all in the social media arena. Part of the journey is trying out new tools and seeing what works best in your particular location. For many people, Twitter has definitely become a valuable marketing tool.

She ends her post by saying:

"So, I'm reconsidering my time spent with this new medium....I will not use social networking as an excuse for other marketing and customer service.

Interestingly, she later states in a comment within her post that she thinks social networking has a place in a balanced marketing plan.

Excuse me? Which is it? Either Social Networking has value or it doesn't. And I thought political candidates were the only ones who flip-flopped!....

Evidently, the point she was trying to make was that there is a difference between connecting/forming relationships and merely chasing numbers.

Okay, I'll agree that some people get caught up in how many 'friends' or 'fans' they can get on Facebook. Or how many 'followers' they can achieve on Twitter. Or how many points they can earn on ActiveRain. But those things, in and of themselves, don't negate the value of such platforms.

And one of the primary benefits of social media and social networking is the ability they provide to connect and form meaningful relationships.

A perfect example is ActiveRain. ActiveRain is a social network. It has literally revolutionized the way I view marketing and the manner in which I grow my real estate business. Many of my business successes and accomplishments over the past several years can be directly traced to my involvement here. And many of the friendships I have fostered and developed here will no doubt last a lifetime!

So I guess I'll just continue to take the 'Easy' way out and keep depositing those commission checks from clients I've attracted through social networking!....

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

The 'WHY' of Social Media - Developing a Social Media Strategy Part II

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:11:54 -0600

"Social Media is the new Water Cooler.

It's where People Connect and Interact"

~ Rich Jacobson ~

Before we jump into the nuts and bolts of developing a social media strategy, I thought it would be best to understand the bigger picture of why you, as a real estate professional, should be using social media to grow and promote your business.

Here's one of the best definitions I've come across for social media:

"Social Media is the collection of tools and online spaces available to help individuals and businesses to accelerate their information and communication needs." - Axel Schultze -

If there's one area that people in our business typically neglect, it's in developing and implementing a detailed and deliberate marketing plan. Most of the time, we simply play 'Follow-the-Leader' and employ whatever methods those around us are using. We get a website, send out postcards, giveaway calenders, call on 'expireds,' join the Rotary Club, and then cross our fingers, hoping that new business will come our way as a result. Rarely are we intentional in our marketing efforts, nor do we take time to analyze and evaluate what methods are the most effective.

And so it is too with many who wander into the social media arena. A fellow agent in your office has encouraged you to join ActiveRain, so you signed up. Or perhaps you overheard someone sharing with excitement how they had attracted a new client through their blog on ActiveRain.

The fact that you're here, reading this article, demonstrates your intrigue and interest, and more importantly, a willingness to adapt or try new things. Your courage to step outside of your comfort zone is to be commended.

So why social media?

Expanding Your Digital Footprint

First and foremost, using the tools of social media allows us to expand/enhance our digital footprint. With more and more consumers accessing the Internet for their home buying and selling needs, one of our primary strategies should be to spread and enlarge our web presence. It's not enough to simply maintain a website. Our end goal should be to dominate a specific geo-targeted area and maximize our 'findability' for select key search terms. In other words, when consumers enter particular key search terms into a search engine, terms that are relevant to your local market, some element of your digital footprint should show up in the search results, i.e. blog article, website, pod-cast, video, etc..

One of my former managing brokers always used the analogy, "The more hooks you put into the water, the greater your chances of catching the Fish!" An effective social media strategy necessitates varying levels of participation on multiple platforms, networks, and applications.

Connecting with Your Sphere Digitally

Using social media empowers you to make meaningful connections/interactions with your Sphere of Influence and potential clients. It enables meaningful 'touches' to occur faster, more efficiently than more traditional methods. That's not to suggest that you should abandon your previous marketing efforts. Utilizing social media should simply augment, not replace the tasks you've been doing up to this point, especially ones that result in new business. Nothing will ever replace the value of face-to-face contact. And some people just aren't engaged in using the Internet on a regular basis. But what you'll find is that social media can become one of the most cost-effective and results-oriented marketing methods you can employ.

Now that you hopefully have a better understanding as to the 'Why' of social media, in our next installment we'll begin to map out some specific practical strategies you can use to develop your own successful social media strategy!

For Your Further Reading Enjoyment:

"Developing a Social Media Strategy, Part 1"

"Hello?! McFly!? It's called Social Media for a Reason!"

"Establishing an Internet Presence: Are You Creating a False Front?"

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Another Wordless Wednesday: Dungeness Crab Pot Pies

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:28:33 -0600

Fresh out of the oven - my own recipe, "Crab Pot Pie" which uses generous portions of Dungeness Crab meat that we catch right over in nearby Hood Canal WA. The base is a roasted garlic Alfredo sauce, complimented with fresh green peas, baby carrots, and sliced zucchini squash. The ingredients are placed into a porcelin ramekin (a set of 4 costs $3 at Cost Plus). Use a spare ramekin to cut-out your cover from store-bought pre-made pie crusts. Bake on 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Goes great with a tossed Romaine salad, Sour Dough French bread, and a glass of Pinot Grigio.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

NCAA Basketball 2009-2010

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:58:50 -0600

Ah, it's that time of year once again!

Our favorite collegiate squads take to the hardcourts and compete for a spot in the big dance!

Of course, we all know who the current #1 pick is..... The Kansas Jayhawks!......

Their first real test against Memphis was a tight one, but the boys of crimson & blue emerged victorious!

What are your thoughts going into this season? Do you have any longshot Cinderella teams? Will your team make it to the Dance?

Should be a great tournament this year!

Rich Jacobson

New Series "Developing a Social Media Strategy" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:48:34 -0600

I have to confess, I hesitated for the longest time in writing this series. If there's one thing I've learned over the past several years regarding the use of social media for business it's that 'One Size Doesn't Fit All.'

By that, I mean, what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for someone else. Not everyone has the skill and ability to blog consistently and attract potential clients through their writing. Not everyone is sufficiently 'wired' to make Twitter a valued and meaningful marketing investment.

However, there are some very basic, foundational aspects to social media that can be applied to just about every situation, and that's what I want to attempt to communicate here in this series.

For I've encountered many of you who have just recently plunged head first into the social media waters, and there are times when you're feeling rather intimidated and overwhelmed. There's so much to absorb, it's like you're trying to take a drink of water from a fire hydrant!

This series of articles is for you then. A rudimentary road map, if you will, as you navigate along the social media highway!

Step One // Social Media is a Conversation, not an Ad

First and foremost, remember that social media at its core is an ongoing series of engaging, interactive, connecting conversations. With the advent of Web 2.0, the Internet marketing paradigm has shifted significantly. Gone are the days of incessant self-promotion, glamor shots, and annoying 'interruption' marketing. Consumers have learned to tune out the elevator noise of how great you are, how many designations you've earned, or which Million Dollar Club you belong to.

Today's sophisticated, Internet-savvy consumers want good, consistent, relevant, practical, helpful, and qualified information. They want it served up fresh in formats and social media venues they frequent and use in the course of their daily lives.

At the turn of the century, townspeople congregated at the corner general store, sitting around the pot belly stove to hear all the local buzz. In the 50's, Moms met at each others homes for coffee and conversation, while Dad's huddled around the water cooler at work. In today's culture, people connect, share, and communicate through Internet-based platforms, applications, and mobile technologies.

In order to successfully grow your business through the Internet and make meaningful connections with potential clients, you have to go to where the conversations are taking place, and communicate in ways that contribute to the discussion, building trust/credibility, and adding value to whatever product(s)/services you are providing.

Unfortunately, as creatures of habit, we tend to drag the deeply ingrained baggage of our 'old school' marketing methods along with us and attempt to employ them into the newer social media environment. What typically results is borderline SPAM and more resembles a one-sided self-promoting advertisement than it does an attempt to impart valued information, or stir up meaningful dialog.

On Joseph Ferrara's Sellsius Real Estate Blog, guest writer and veteran AR member, Laurie Manny, shares about a cool web tool on Futurenow called the WeWe Calculator.

The folks at Futurenow make the following observation:

"As proud as you may be of your company and your product or service, most customers only care about how well you can help them meet their wants and needs. If you want more of them to buy, your focus has to be on your customer. How do you communicate that to them? With the words you use on your site. Are you talking mostly about them and their needs or are you talking mostly about yourself?"

The WeWe Calculator is a free tool that quickly analizes the word content of your site, and determines if your published content is more customer-centric, or 'you-centric.'

Therein lies the first secret to your future success in implementing the use of social media to grow your business - invest your time and energy sharing information that satisfies your customers needs/wants. It's not about you. It's all about them!

For Your Additional Reading Enjoyment, consider:

"Hello! McFly?!? It's called 'Social' Media for a Reason!

"Don't Turn Your Blog Into a Refrigerator Magnet"

"Would You Like a Side of SPAM with Your Comments?"

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Razor Clams: Another Wordless Wednesay on the Kitsap Peninsula WA

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:52:36 -0600

It's that time of year again! Razor Clamming out on the Washington State coastline! The WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife allows selected weekends during the Fall and Spring to harvest Razor Clams along specified State beaches. For more information, access their website WDFW.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

"Why I Love Being a Real Estate Professional in Kitsap County WA"

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:38:03 -0600

Today was a great reminder why I love this business so much!...

Today we closed on a home I had listed out in Lofall WA.

It was a nicely maintained Cedar-sided Ranch on acreage.

The owners had been trying to sell their home for nearly a year.

The first agent had the home listed for 6 months.

The second agent for 5 months.

I was fortunate to be Agent No. 3.

The owners were really great folks. But they were discouraged and frustrated.

They just wanted to achieve their retirement plans of moving to South Florida.

I assured them that I would do my best.

I had it under contract in 20 days.

But that's not Why I Love Being a Real Estate Professional in Kitsap County WA.

Implementing my marketing skills and succeeding where others have failed is simply icing on the cake.

The Buyers were represented by a part-time agent who lived on the far Eastern side of the State.

Between his day job and the remote nature of his location, his involvement and assistance in the transaction was a tad bit lacking.

The Buyer's Lender (an out-of-state Internet Lender) ended up contacting me directly in order to obtain information and documentation from the Buyers.

The Buyers called me on several occasions when things got a little stressful and they needed reassurance.

Today, after the transaction funded and recorded, I delivered the keys to the new owners.

I wish you could've seen the excitement and joy on their faces! The husband was smiling ear-to-ear. The wife was giddy as a child on Christmas morning!

As I drove away, the lump filled my throat.

That exact moment. That deep, abiding sense of joy and satisfaction.

That's Why I Love Being a Real Estate Professional in Kitsap County WA.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

"Hello? McFly! It's called 'Social' Media for a Reason!" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:39:17 -0600

As we test the social media waters for the first time, we all make our fair share of naive mistakes and newbie blunders.

Yikes! Just go back through my early blog archives and you'll find boatloads of them! I wouldn't advise going there, though, it's pretty scary! There's been many times when I've been tempted to go back and delete a bunch of my early articles, but they're a good reminder of the lessons learned and the progress I've made along the way.

One of the most common mistakes that people make is trying to shove a square Web 1.0 peg in a round Web 2.0 hole. What I mean by that is our tendency to bring our old 'interruption' marketing bag of tricks along with us and attempt to use those same techniques as we begin our journey into the virtual realm of social media.

The most helpful tip I could give anyone is to remember that ultimately, at its core, social media is an interactive conversation. The old paradigm of Web 1.0 and static websites, like interruption marketing, was a one-way, one-sided communication. We simply dumped or plastered our self-promotional marketing message wherever people congregated, hoping it would stick and capture their attention.

Unfortunately, consumers have become more and more sophisticated and selective in what they watch, read, or listen to. They don't respond well to one-sided interruption-style marketing anymore. They ignore it like elevator music or TV commercials.

Here's just a few suggestions that will help you avoid some of the same mistakes I made:

Create Content that Causes Conversations

Don't use your blog as just a billboard advertisement or a virtual refrigerator magnet. Share information that is interesting, engaging, and useful.

Reward Reader Comments with a Response

Whenever you receive a comment on one of your blog articles, go back and acknowledge/thank your reader for taking the time to leave a comment, especially those who leave more meaningful/substantive comments.

Don't be a 'Hit-an-Run' Blogger

If you are syndicating/pushing your blog content over to Twitter or Facebook, then you need to spend time on those platforms engaged in actual conversation. Otherwise, you're simply dumping SPAM. Use a basic 2-for-1 rule. For every one post that you syndicate to Twitter or Facebook, go in and comment on at least two other updates/tweets. If you're not willing to invest the time and energy to personally participate on these platforms, then don't send your content there.

From the wikipedia definition of social media:

"Social media depends on interactions between people as the discussion and integration of words to build shared-meaning, using technology as a conduit. Social media has been touted as presenting a fresh direction for marketing by allowing companies to talk with consumers, as opposed to talking at them"

"Don't Turn Your Blog Into a Refrigerator Magnet"

"Would You Like a Side of SPAM with Your Comments?"

To access the full archive of Blog Tips for Rain Drips, go HERE.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

New Homebuyer Tax Credit Overview.

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:55:12 -0600

As usual, my good friend George does an excellent job explaining all the various elements of the recently extended $8000 1st-Time Home Buyer Credit and the new Move-Up Home Buyer Credit. Thanks, George!

Via George Souto (McCue Mortgage) FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages CT.:

As promised below is an overview and comparison between the present Tax Credit and the New. The information below was just given to us by Senator Dodd's Office.

Homebuyer Tax Credit Overview:

First‐time homebuyers (those who have not owned a principal residence in the three years prior to the purchase date of their subsequent home) are eligible for a refundable tax credit of 10 percent of the purchase price of a principal residence up to $8,000 for homes bought between January 1 and December 1, 2009.

If the home is sold within three years, the taxpayer must pay back the credit (called "recapture").

Income limits for the current credit are $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers, phasing out completely after $95,000 for individuals and $170,000 for couples. Income limits are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).

Extended and Expanded Homebuyer Tax Credit:

Extends the availability of the $8,000 first‐time homebuyer credit to taxpayers who have a principal residence under a binding contract before April 30, 2010, allowing 60 days to close.

Creates a new $6,500 credit for move‐up buyers. Move up buyers are defined as people who haveLike the credit for first‐time buyers, lived in their current home for 5 or more consecutive years during the 8 year period ending on the date of purchase of the their subsequent principal residence. this credit is available to taxpayers who have principal residences under a binding contract before April 30, 2010, allowing 60 days to close.

Raises the income limits for both the first time and move‐up buyer to $125,000 for single filers, $225,000 for joint filers with a $20,000 phase‐out. The $20,000 phaseout means that no credit can be claimed by those with MAGI above $145,000 for single filers, $245,000 married joint filers.

Both the first‐time and move‐up credit are available for principal residences with a purchase price up to $800,000. Purchase price is defined as the adjusted basis of the principle residence on the date such residence is purchased.

Includes strong anti‐fraud provisions:

Gives the Internal Revenue Service math error authority which they have requested when processing IRS form 5405. This would allow the IRS to correct certain errors during credit processing, and avoid the need for a post‐refund, labor intensive audit.

Requires a copy of the settlement statement (HUD‐1) which would verify the date of purchase, the residence address, and the purchase price.

Introduces an explicit age limitation, allowing no one under 18 to claim the credit

Excludes individuals who are claimed as dependents and married individuals who purchase the home from the family of their spouse from claiming the credit

Eliminates the recapture requirement for military personnel and members of the Foreign Service and intelligence community who are forced to sell their homes within three years as a result of an official extended duty of service. In addition, these individuals have one additional year to qualify for the credit if they served for at least 90 days outside the U.S. in 2009 or 2010.

Purchases made in 2010 can be claimed on the 2009 tax return.

The score of $10.8 billion over 10 years is paid for by a seven year delay of the worldwide allocation of interest rule until 2017, not stimulus funds.

Effective after the date of enactment.

Homebuyers who were eligible for the first‐time homebuyer tax credit pre‐WHBAA will be able to continue to claim the credit. Homebuyers who qualify for the credit under the expanded terms will only be able to claim the credit if they close on their home purchase after the date of enactment of this bill (the binding contract can be signed before enactment).

Some of this, like any new Legislation, is going to take a few days to fully understand. As further clarification is made available I will try to provide it.

*****************************************************************************************************************

Info about the author:

George Souto is a Loan Officer who can assist you with all your FHA, CHFA, and Conventional mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, Portland, Higganum, Haddam, East Haddam, Chester, Deep River, and Essex. George can be contacted at (860) 573-1308 or gsouto@mccuemortgage.com

'Very Arbitrary' = VA Appraisals in Kitsap County WA

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:10:57 -0600

Being a licensed real estate professional here on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula in scenic Washington State, I have the honor and privilege of serving a sizeable military community, consisting primarily of active-duty US Navy service members and their families stationed at Naval Base Kitsap.

As such, a large percentage of the Buyers and Sellers I represent are involved with VA Financing. As a Navy veteran and former submarine sailor, I know firsthand the benefits of using a VA home loan. We bought our first two homes using VA Financing. It's one of the few ‘Zero-Down‘ loan products still available in today's lending market.

Unfortunately, there are some potential pitfalls associated with VA financing, especially as it relates to VA Appraisals.

To get the full scoop, go to VA ('Very Arbitrary') Appraisals in Kitsap County WA at SOUNDBITEBLOG (opens to a new window for your viewing ease)

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

Real Estate Market Report for Kitsap County WA - November 2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:32:24 -0600

Each month I publish a real estate market report for Kitsap County WA on my local blog, SOUNDBITEBLOG. It provides an analysis of the combined single-family home and condo market within Kitsap County, Washington for each particular month, including data for Bainbridge Island WA.

Included along with the relevant market statistics is my own personal take on the current markety dynamics/conditions.

In addition, I always provide engaging information that highlights our area and showcases all that Kitsap County WA has to offer.

This week, I share about the pending extension of the $8000 1st-Time Home Buyers Federal Tax Credit and where to find your 'Sushi' fix.

To access the latest market report, go to Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report for November 2009.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

Life on the Kitsap Peninsula: A Last Minute Installment for Wordless Wednesday

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:15:57 -0600

Now appearing at a Holiday Inn Holidome nearest you! A Ricky Ricardo Cover Act!

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

Kitsap County WA Home Buyers: Tax Credit nearing Extension

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:46:26 -0600

According to an article today on Forbes.com, it appears that the $8000 Federal Housing Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers is very close to being extended!...

With everything else that's been going on out in Washington D.C. of late, i.e. massive debt to bailout Wall Street, dismal 'Cash for Clunkers' program, government take-over of Health Care, indecision on Afghanistan, etc., it's encouraging to see progress on legislation that is truly effective for a change, and makes a difference for taxpayers and the economy.

For additional coverage on this breaking story, go to the full article at SOUNDBITEBLOG (opens up into a separate window for your viewing ease)

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

My Favorite Active Rain Members To Follow On Twitter

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:47:16 -0600

Time to play "Follow the Leader!"....

Via Sara Bonert {Real Estate Internet Marketing} (Zillow):

A few weeks ago Twitter announced that they now offered the ability to create Lists. Personally, I still like TweepML better for this functionality for many of the reasons outlined in this TechCrunch article: Twitter Lists Competitors Respond: We Can All Get Along.

I went thru the list of people I follow on Twitter and compared that to people I enjoy reading on Active Rain. I then came up with this list of people who are active in the Active Rain community, who I recommend following on Twitter. Click on the link below and you can follow them all (or select a chosen few) in one click.

Favorite Active Rain Twitter Tweeps

There are so many great Twitterers and Active Rain blog authors, I am sure I left off some people that should be included on this. If you have a favorite person you follow on Twitter (and who is active on Active Rain), please put their Twitter handle in the comments of this post and maybe I'll add them to the list!

If you are just getting started with Twitter, these people are great to follow and see the many ways Twitter can be used effectively.

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog and be notified when I post something new.

Connect with me on:

"Learning the Balancing Act of Social Media" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:21:20 -0600

"Moderation in All Things"

Terence - Roman comic dramatist (185 BC - 159 BC)

For those of you who are new to ActiveRain, Social Media, and blogging, one of the most difficult lessons to learn is the importance and discipline of balancing your online marketing efforts with your past, more traditional methods of promotion/business development.

In our industry, there is a natural tendency for people to become so caught up in the latest and greatest marketing craze, to the extent that they often neglect to continue doing those things which have worked effectively in the past.

Let's face it, accessing and utilizing Social Media tools, especially social networks like ActiveRain, can be fun and extremely addictive! And, the more addicting they become, the more time-consuming they become as well. Eventually, we end up expending a lot of time and effort that doesn't necessarily translate into increased business/revenue.

And isn't that really the reason you began your Social Media Adventure? Because someone told you that ActiveRain and blogging was the latest and greatest method for generating business and attracting potential clients?

Well, allow me to share just a few basic suggestions to help put your Social Media involvements into perspective:

Don't Throw the Baby Out with the Bath Water

Remember that Social Media (blogging, social networks) is simply one more tool in your marketing tool belt. Don't neglect those methods and practices you have used in the past to generate business and promote your services. While is could be argued that utilizing Social Media can be a more efficient and effective use of your time and energy, it should not replace those methods you've employed in the past. It should supplement and compliment them.

Be Deliberate and Disciplined

What are your goals for using Social Media? Develop a detailed and intentional Social Media marketing plan. What tools, platforms, applications will you use that will enable you to achieve your goals? Remember that the effective use of the right Social Media tools should SAVE you time, not rob you of your time. Schedule your Social Media involvements as part of your daily ritual and routine. Discipline yourself to stay within the allotted time-frames you establish.

Consistency is the Key

Whatever plan or schedule you determine, stick with it. Any meaningful kind of successful marketing effort takes time and consistency to be effective. This is especially true when it comes to blogging. In order to develop any traction with the search engines, and be 'found' by potential clients, you will need to regularly publish good, relevant content to your blog.

Pace Yourself

If you're new to ActiveRain, Social Media, or blogging, things can be a slight bit daunting and overwhelming. Take baby steps at first. Don't bite off more than you can chew. Trying to do too much at once will only leave you feeling frustrated and defeated. Do one thing at a time until you gain a sense of confidence and comfort. Then move on to the next thing.

I hope you've found these suggestions insightful. For more helpful information, check out the Blog Tips for Rain Drips Archive.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

"Curse of the VA Appraisal" - Halloween comes to Kitsap County WA

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:00:42 -0500

Maybe it's just a bad dream, a horrible nightmare, or worse, another badly produced installment of 'Saw' or 'Friday the 13th'!

But's it's the Halloween season on the spooky Kitsap Peninsula, and another one of my transactions has fallen prey to the "Curse of the VA Appraisal!".....

What began as a seemingly normal and relatively smooth contract between my Sellers and some wonderful Buyers, has suddenly spiraled into the deepest, darkest recesses of VA Hell...

To read the rest of the spine-tingling tale of VA terror, follow this link to SOUNDBITEBLOG (opens up into a new window for your viewing pleasure)

UPDATE: I just received the following email from the Buyer's Lender that further re-states VA's extremely subjective and baseless requirement:

"Yes, I spoke to our underwriting manager and she said since the SAR (staff appraisal reviewer) ruled that the deck needed a rail in order to be in compliance with VA guidelines regarding Safe, Sound, and Sanitary conditions. I also spoke to the VA office in Denver and the gentleman I spoke with gave me pretty much the same answer. (except not so kind) I also asked both parties if this was documented anywhere and they said the section of the handbook addressing the Safe, Sound and Sanitary conditions would cover this issue."

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

Life on the Kitsap Peninsula WA: "High School Football and other Life Lessons"

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:37:49 -0500

Few things in life are better than watching your own kids participate in athletic competition.

Especially when their team wins!....

Alright, I know, winning isn't everything,.... but it sure beats losing!....

For the past several years, our youngest son, Luke, has played football. He was involved in our local Silverdale Pee Wee Football league for 3 years. In his last year, he was the starting quareterback.

When he played for Central Kitsap Junior High here in Silverdale WA, he was fortunate to earn the starting quarterback postion for both his 8th and 9th grade years.

Now in his first year at Central Kitsap High School, things are a bit different. The school is larger, there are more students, and sports are much more competitive. There are two teams - the Varsity Squad, and the Junior Varsity Squad. For the Varsity home games, everyone suits up and stands along the sidelines. But unless we're ahead by a gazillion points, the Senior and Junior starters are the only ones playing. At the Junior Varsity games, most of the remaining Juniors and Sophmores get the opportunity to rotate in.

And so it's been a year of change, struggle, and adjustment. Instead of being the primary 'Go-to-Guy' Luke has been relegated to the 3rd-string Sophmore dweeb back-up. In order to get more playing time, he's learned to play strong safety on defense. A few weeks ago, he scored his first high school touchdown when he recovered a blocked kick and ran it into the end zone.

Last week, while on defense, he intercepted a pass that set-up for a score. He later went in as quarterback and led the team down the field, where he threw his first high school touchdown pass!

Still, most of the time, he's either on defense, or watching someone else take the snaps.

We've had a number of great Father/Son conversations in the car on the way home after his games. I always try to say something encouraging and how proud I am of him. He's usually more concerned about whether or not I'm going to stop by Taco Bell.

Playing high school football is a lot like living life when you're grown up. It takes hard work to succeed. Things are rarely handed to you, you have to earn them through commitment and solid effort. Life isn't always fair. Sometimes you get passed over. Someone else gets promoted before you. You can become bitter and complain, or you can focus on becoming better. You learn the importance of contributing to the success of the team, rather than simply being concerned on what's in in for me.

But for now, I just enjoy watching my son play, and I'm proud of the man he's becoming.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

"Perception vs. Reality" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:20:10 -0500

Perception Versus Reality

I remember when I first began my career in real estate back in Lawrence, Kansas.

(Rockchalk, Jayhawk, GO KU!)

I was affiliated with Realty Executives/Hedges Real Estate, a franchise owned by Bryan and Laura Hedges, great friends and even better brokers. I had a wonderful experience there and it served as a solid foundation for the years ahead.

Follow the Leader

When you're a new agent, you seem to spend an inordinate amount of time observing what everyone else is doing. Right, wrong, or indifferent, we real estate folks have the habit of playing 'Follow-The-Leader' and simply mimick the behaviors and practices of those who have gone on before us. And many times, we make the mistake of trying to be something we're not.

Smoke & Mirrors

There was this agent in another office across town who appeared to be very successful, or at least, created that perception through her promotional advertising. She used glamor shots that would rival the air-brushed photos in Cover Girl. She took out ad space at the local theater, and before the previews would run, the audience would have the privilege of viewing her glorious visage plastered across the big screen.

Weird thing was, when I finally had the opportunity of meeting this agent in person, she actually bore very little resemblance to the image she had created and promoted. I remember feeling disappointed and slightly deceived. I learned then that perception can be reality, until such a time as reality contradicts perception.

Monkey See, Monkey Do

And so it is with blogging. When we first enter the social media fray, we lurk around conversations. As we feel braver, we add a comment or two to various threads. We spend time observing what others are doing - what they're writing about, how they convey themselves, how they format their blog, etc.. We then attempt to mirror the efforts and style of those who are seemingly successful. But eventually, we make the painful discovery that we're trying to be something or someone we're not.

Finding Your Voice

For beginning bloggers, it's usually referred to as 'finding your voice.' It's the journey that most of us are familiar with, a road we've traveled before. I call it the "3 P's of Conversational Blogging" - Personality, Perspective, and Passion. It's the process where you learn to comfortably communicate a sense of who and what you are through your writing. It's where the essence of what makes you different and unique is revealed in your blog posts.

Being Comfortable in Your Own Skin

And therein lies the real beauty and effectiveness of blogging as it relates to our real estate business. Do our clients and potential clients want hardcore real estate information? You bet! Do they want market conditions and statistics? Absolutely! Are they interested in currently available listings? Of course! But additionally, they want to know our convictions, our ethics, what distinguishes and sets us apart from the masses of other agents out there.

And they also want to know the 'real' you, the genuine you, the 'authentic' you.

When you are fortunate to finally meet-up with clients you've attracted through your blog, will they recognize you? Will your profile picture match-up accurately with what you look like today? When you speak to them, will your words and style be identical to what they've come to know about you through your blog? Or will they feel disappointed and deceived?

For more "Blog Tips for Rain Drips" go to the archive HERE.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

"Singing in the Rain!" Kitsap County WA Real Estate

"The Advent Conspiracy" - a new Christmas Tradition

"The Weiner Wagon" - Late Entry for Another Wordless Wednesday

"Social Media Sushi" - Developing a Social Media Strategy Part IV

Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

We're Back!
Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

January 4th - 9am until 4pm PST
9 Hours, 28 Incredible Speakers, 1000s of Attendees!

It's Free!

In an effort to always improve, we have made some changes to the event format:

We have boosted our goals for the event as well:

We have a new website: www.VirtualBarCamp.com

"Taking AIM" - Developing a Social Media Strategy Part III

"Blogging for Food" - Another Wordless Wednesday on the Kitsap Peninsula WA

A Detailed Lay Out Of My Social Media Marketing Plan

"Is Social Networking an Excuse for REAL Marketing?" - Counter Point

The 'WHY' of Social Media - Developing a Social Media Strategy Part II

Another Wordless Wednesday: Dungeness Crab Pot Pies

NCAA Basketball 2009-2010

New Series "Developing a Social Media Strategy" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

Razor Clams: Another Wordless Wednesay on the Kitsap Peninsula WA

"Why I Love Being a Real Estate Professional in Kitsap County WA"

"Hello? McFly! It's called 'Social' Media for a Reason!" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

New Homebuyer Tax Credit Overview.

'Very Arbitrary' = VA Appraisals in Kitsap County WA

Real Estate Market Report for Kitsap County WA - November 2009

Life on the Kitsap Peninsula: A Last Minute Installment for Wordless Wednesday

Kitsap County WA Home Buyers: Tax Credit nearing Extension

My Favorite Active Rain Members To Follow On Twitter

"Learning the Balancing Act of Social Media" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

"Curse of the VA Appraisal" - Halloween comes to Kitsap County WA

Life on the Kitsap Peninsula WA: "High School Football and other Life Lessons"

"Perception vs. Reality" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

"Singing in the Rain!" Kitsap County WA Real Estate

"The Advent Conspiracy" - a new Christmas Tradition

"The Weiner Wagon" - Late Entry for Another Wordless Wednesday

"Social Media Sushi" - Developing a Social Media Strategy Part IV

Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

We're Back!Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

January 4th - 9am until 4pm PST9 Hours, 28 Incredible Speakers, 1000s of Attendees!

It's Free!

In an effort to always improve, we have made some changes to the event format:

We have boosted our goals for the event as well:

We have a new website: www.VirtualBarCamp.com

"Taking AIM" - Developing a Social Media Strategy Part III

"Blogging for Food" - Another Wordless Wednesday on the Kitsap Peninsula WA

A Detailed Lay Out Of My Social Media Marketing Plan

"Is Social Networking an Excuse for REAL Marketing?" - Counter Point

The 'WHY' of Social Media - Developing a Social Media Strategy Part II

Another Wordless Wednesday: Dungeness Crab Pot Pies

NCAA Basketball 2009-2010

New Series "Developing a Social Media Strategy" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

Razor Clams: Another Wordless Wednesay on the Kitsap Peninsula WA

"Why I Love Being a Real Estate Professional in Kitsap County WA"

"Hello? McFly! It's called 'Social' Media for a Reason!" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

New Homebuyer Tax Credit Overview.

'Very Arbitrary' = VA Appraisals in Kitsap County WA

Real Estate Market Report for Kitsap County WA - November 2009

Life on the Kitsap Peninsula: A Last Minute Installment for Wordless Wednesday

Kitsap County WA Home Buyers: Tax Credit nearing Extension

My Favorite Active Rain Members To Follow On Twitter

"Learning the Balancing Act of Social Media" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

"Curse of the VA Appraisal" - Halloween comes to Kitsap County WA

Life on the Kitsap Peninsula WA: "High School Football and other Life Lessons"

"Perception vs. Reality" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

We're Back!
Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

January 4th - 9am until 4pm PST
9 Hours, 28 Incredible Speakers, 1000s of Attendees!