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When I talk about the concept of YEO, You Engaging Others, the word "engaging" is used as a verb. This is not an accident.

Reading through the comment stream of my post last week, I occured to me that some were responding to the word "engaging" as an adjective. In it's adjective form, engaging means, "Interesting; charming; attractive, especially of a manner or behaviour." And while I think that's all well and good, that's not what I mean when I use the word "engaging."

I mean the verb:

  • To gain over; to win and attach; to attract and hold; to draw.
  • To gain for service; as, to engage friends to aid in a cause.
  • To employ the attention and efforts of
  • To embark in a business; to take a part; to employ or involve one's self; to devote attention and effort; to enlist; 

For our purposes, whether or not you are "engaging" is judged by other peoples actions, not by yours. It is not judged by how charming you are, but by whether or not your followers take action on your behalf.

The path to engagement is through awareness and interaction.

Awareness To Interaction To Engagement

Focusing on "engaging" as an adjective may get you to awareness and interaction, but only focusing on the the actions required to make it a verb will lead you to engagement, to someone taking action on your behalf.

One additional thought.

Often, engagement must look like this first. If you want others to engage on your behalf, engage on their behalf.

you engage first

Jeff Turner aka respres

 
Post is included in group: Out Of The Box!
Post is included in group: Social Networks

72 Comments on You Engaging Others - Concentrate On The Verb, Not The Adjective

MAY
08
2009
1,544,332 Points 416 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I have attributed my success in real estate sales as the ability to "engage", (THE VERB) home buyers. 

There you go. 

 
5:30am • #1
823,987 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jeff, great post, it seems that most words that we use in success terms are verbs. 
5:51am • #2
1,036,221 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jeff, This is great advice. It is important to engage others so we understand their needs if they are buying a house.
5:55am • #3
3 Featured Posts

Total agreement Jeff. "To Engage" involves action, reaction. Something you cannot put on autopilot.

all the best...
6:27am • #4
773,340 Points 19 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

One must know how to relate and talk to people when selling real estate. Thanks for sharing the information above. Make it happen
6:53am • #5
153,250 Points Outside Blog

Hi Jeff, Good post. Thanks for sharing.

Best - Sash
7:27am • #6
548,980 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hubba...

If you write it, they will come :)

TLW...ROAR!
7:28am • #7
848,522 Points 153 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

 I hated grammer in school. LOL

But, I get it this adjective and verb for what we need to do.
7:35am • #8
509,325 Points 70 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Jeff !

I totally understand and agree with your YEO analysis, and proper engaging of others will stimulate them to be raving fans of yours and expand the promotion of your services !

Great concept !

 
7:57am • #9
730,477 Points 143 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jeff,

Language Arts at its finest, thank you.
8:21am • #10
242,464 Points

How right you are engaging always requires an effort from both parties. Thanks for sharing.
8:23am • #11
655,811 Points 93 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I just updated the graphics for this post. The best relationships have mutual benefit, but I wouldn't wait to make the first move. If you want others to engage on your behalf, you must first engage on their behalf.
8:53am • #12
1,302,090 Points 313 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jeff - I'd say you will engage a few folks via this post.

Jeff
8:53am • #13
113,909 Points Outside Blog

Hi Jeff, Yes this is good! Engage others=buy houses! Thanks
8:57am • #14
497,205 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jeff - nice post about engaging others, and that really is a very important aspect with our relationships and interactiosn with others.
8:58am • #15
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Hit Router

Morning Jeff - If properly used........as you have layed out "engaging" is very powerful.

Cheers
9:07am • #16

Jeff - you have such great advice to share.   it was great to be able to sit in on two of your sessions at the VAR conference in February. - Phil
9:22am • #17
751,250 Points 7 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Yes, if you engage others..they will come (ang buy/sell a house)
9:22am • #18
278,556 Points 15 Featured Posts

When internet marketing by Realtors first got started, it was alway about permission based marketing. It was great that we gave the potential client the power of permission, we just forgot to give ourselves permission to engage. To me, engage means to invite and be open. Welcome to the new world.
9:37am • #19
145,416 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog

It's always easier to "engage" (verb) people if one is also "engaging" (adjective). Folks like to be around folks they actually like and then if you give them substance...how you go wrong?
9:43am • #20
168,739 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Wow - this fits life on so many other levels.  If I think of people here on AR, some are engaging, some engage.  People like Gary Woltal engage.  He always poses a ponder, then engages you in thought, and challenges you to apply it to your life.  Others, I won't point any out, simply are engaging, funny, fun, but it's a one way street from you to them. You are invited into their world, but they don't reciprocate. Im there alot.  I'll think about this in future posts. Engage, don't just be engaging.

Then looking at internet strategy, it certainly fits there too.  Just entertaining the public isn't enough.  They want interaction, you need to step into their lives with information, with something helpful, thoughtful, something free, somethig more.  Obviously, I'm  not as clear on this one... but I kind of get it.

Thanks for the Friday Filosophy.
9:48am • #21
655,811 Points 93 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sarah, there's not question, in my mind anyway, that those who are engaging (adj) will have an easier time engaging (verb) people. What I'm noticing though is that without focus the adjective doesn't necessarily lead to the verb.
9:58am • #22
269,874 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jeff - The continuing expansion of your YEO posts is great to see.  The concept is simple, but the execution is critical.  I've learned a lot from you and thank you for all the help you give all of us (and of course for RES).  Thanks.
10:24am • #23

Thanks for sharing that distinction.  Very powerful.. Now, to go out and engage [verb].
10:26am • #24
145,416 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jeff - Without a doubt, the one does not always lead to the other!
10:31am • #25
391,376 Points 4 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Wow - see how engaging you are - lots of interest in your post, even though the title reveals it as a grammar lesson. It's because we all know something good will follow.
10:44am • #26
288,572 Points 38 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Good stuff. Pictures add such a clear objective and meaning to your post. This "engaging" can be reflected in so many areas; referral partners, proespects, family members, ANYone. :)
11:33am • #27
546,156 Points 11 Featured Posts

Hi Jeff -- I love pictures, they drive home a point like nothing else.  Well said, and the end result must be action.
11:34am • #28
219,012 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jeff - you "engage" me :)
1:02pm • #29
577,130 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Right on point, Jeff, and I like how you visually demonstrated it, so no one can be left out of getting the point. The reciprocity of engagement is key to building lasting relationships, is it not?
1:08pm • #30
759,447 Points 62 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You rock Jeff.........so right on target with this post.  Love the graphics. They drill the point down very well.  This is the key to long term relationships.  Excellent post!
1:44pm • #31
384,516 Points 28 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jeff,  The light just went on in my head.  When I joined Twitter, I felt like the "new kid" and didn't really know how to engage or get engaged.  Now, I totally get it.   Engage on their behalf.  Thanks for the light bulb moment :)
3:27pm • #32
199,852 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I am really enjoying Twitter, though it is down right now. Went down for maintenance in my mid tweet.

So helpful to stay current, so informative, such quality content. Hope to gain more local followers, but am amazed at quickly others find you.

Engagement with so many people though is missing - I guess their tweets are on autopilot, interested in advertisement.

Most users, even established entities, are very responsive.

Richard
4:43pm • #33
155,990 Points Localism Sponsor

I love engage as a verb.  That is how business is won, clients are won and how relationships can deepen in trust.
8:59pm • #34
5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

I found that my years of experience as a B to C marketer over the years taught me invaluable lessons about consumer engagement that I now use daily in my real estate career. Good point you've made Jeff regarding the misinterpretation of the word.
9:29pm • #35
412,093 Points 1 Featured Post

Great post today, thank you for getting it out to AR.

Portsmouth NH Real Estate
9:43pm • #36
865,261 Points 50 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Excellent explanation.  I think that by helping others, we do the most good for ourselves. 
10:23pm • #37
MAY
09
2009
827,890 Points 156 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Jeff, To me Jeff, what is of even of greater interest than the post itself, is that you demonstrate and live this in your own life. Now, how would I know that? Because that is how we met. Who could not admire a man that "Walks the Talk". And for me at least, it is so much easier to emulate and learn from a person that I have a profound respect for ,such as yourself. But the illustrations are good. But they are really exponential when practiced in real life.
12:46am • #38
655,811 Points 93 Featured Posts Outside Blog

William, thank you. The respect is mutual my friend. And one of these days we're finally going to sit across a table from one another and share a meal and some laughs and complete this circle.
1:37am • #39
591,941 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Well done. But focusing on all those circles makes my brain hurt. LOL  j/k  It's a thoughtful, well-written post. And contains a lot of wisdom.
1:47am • #40
4 Featured Posts

JT, your comments about making the first out reach to others is definitely key.  If you want to be engaged then you must 1st engage yourself and give selflessly.  Case n point, this week I connected to Connie Green on twiitter, we had the casual what are you doing this week conversation and then shortly there after she invited me to a big event in our town. 

Connie's actions were genuine and true and it made me want to learn more about her and her business.  It's the classic givers gain mentality, thats how You ENGAGE others.

Lastly, I just want re-itierate Williams comments.  I'm fortuntate to see you live your posts by example every day.. Thanks for the continuous inspiration and guidance.. You're awesome bud.

M 
2:29am • #41
250,608 Points 77 Featured Posts Outside Blog

You are going to think I am being a smart a$$ but I don't understand this. I think it is the part about others taking action on my behalf that itsn't clear to me. But I don't know what question to ask because . . I don't.
5:49am • #42

Gret Post Jeff!  Love the graphics!  Thanks
Diane Wiley
7:18am • #43
425,348 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Jeff~ You make it all look and sound so simple.  But, then again, you are a "natural."  I agree with what Sally Dunbar that states above "Others, I won't point any out, simply are engaging, funny, fun, but it's a one way street from you to them. You are invited into their world, but they don't reciprocate."  You, Jeff, are one of the few who are able to invite others in and reciprocate unselfishly.  You don't need to brag about you, and others just naturally respond back to you.  There is nothing "one way" about you!  More of us need to follow your lead.....
7:33am • #44
194,561 Points Localism Sponsor

Hi Jeff,

Perhaps it's all about the intention:  maybe some want to be "engaging" without asking/expecting others to "engage"?!
9:01am • #45
655,811 Points 93 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Vickie & Sally, thank you.

Marzena, that's certainly part of the equation.
9:13am • #46

Excellent post Jeff. Well stated and clearly purposed.  There is a reason I keep the initials "YEO" on the whiteboard in my office.

 

Will you be attending the NAR Mid Year Meetings in DC?
Jeff Merrinette
9:30am • #47
655,811 Points 93 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Teresa, I'm glad you said you weren't being a smart ass. :)

This is what I know for a fact. It's possible to be successful in the social media space without turning that success into any business at all. For the average consumer who is not trying to grow a business, this is certainly true. It can also be true for someone who is trying to grow a business, but NOT trying to do so using social media. Breaking news... some people use social media just to be social.

The potential for social success in social media to be translated into buess business success is real. Some don't know how to do that. Some don't seem to understand how to move from interaction to influence. 

You don't have that issue. You do what I'm talking about in this post naturally and without having to think about it.."Take action" in one social meda space, your blog for example, look different than "take action" on Twitter. Or it can.  And you use each of your social media outlets differently. You don't expect the same outcome from Twitter as you do your blog and you don't need to.  But you would not continue using any of them they way you use them if there wasn't a reward at the end.

As I'm writing this I realize this is a whole different post, focused on what  people need to be able to do to turn social media sucess into business success. I think I'll expand on this next Thursday.  Thanks for the post idea!
9:36am • #48
655,811 Points 93 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jeff, yes I will.  I arrive Tuesday night.
9:43am • #49
115,233 Points

As always, thanks again for another insightful lesson this week Jeff. Mucho appreciated.
9:56am • #50
810,523 Points 7 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

What an engaging thought!
11:12am • #51
163,178 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Jeff, as a "visual" kind of person that I am, your graphics make the point very clearly. It made me think of how I interact in my social sphere, not only on line but also in our physical world, the one we sometimes forget to live in, because we are out there in Cyberspace... circling about trying to find a safe place to land successfully. This is what a post is all about, IT MAKES YOU THINK and hopefully you take some action that will change the way you approach certain things in life and in business. I really appreciate your post!

Antonio
11:17am • #52
MAY
10
2009
545,348 Points 7 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Jeff:  You have really identified the core values of social and professional networking. Now, to apply them consistently... Ron
12:36am • #53
Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Professor Turner, you have become quite the social media intellect, when are you starting your online University, I want to take a couple courses:)?
8:51am • #54

Well stated information and the graphics are great. Being able to 'engage'  people, home buyers and sellers is definitely important. 
11:13am • #55

Engaging others can be hit or miss but I know it takes practice and patience. Any tips?
10:16pm • #56
124,162 Points

Thanks for the advice.  I always enjoy your blogs.
10:18pm • #57
MAY
12
2009
Outside Blog

Jeff, very interesting post. The comments, expansions on your post, and examples further illuminated the difference between verb and adjective. I've just started in Growth Leader and will consider how I can apply what you have addressed so clearly.
1:33am • #58
MAY
28
2009
4 Featured Posts

Jeff,

I wish more individuals understood that "communication" involves several dimensions. The most important is "listening" not talking. A person cannot be engaging without first listening. You go a long way in explaining this. Great post, excellent content. I always enjoy your posts.

Cowgirl 
5:41pm • #60
MAY
29
2009
565,799 Points 79 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

YEO   and YES!
11:40am • #61
JUN
05
2009
107,647 Points

Great post on a concept I have always tried to practice, but not had the best words for.

 

All the best!
12:55pm • #62
JUN
11
2009
284,607 Points 37 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jeff, I'm just checking in as I have been so busy selling real estate I haven't had time for anything other than email.  The exciting thing for me is to realize that I am busy selling real estate because I successfully engaged others with my blog who were planning to move to NC.  The challenge is to find time to keep up with the online relationships when we are so busy working!  That is one thing I simply haven't conquered! 
4:55pm • #63
JUN
17
2009

I'm just becoming familiar with the concept of reverse networking.....it makes perfect sense....I can promote myself till the cows come home, but it's far better to take action to promote and support my affiliates. Not only will this come back to me in spades,[like most actions in life], but it's an easy and natural thing to do!
Melva
7:43am • #64
JUN
18
2009
655,811 Points 93 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Diane, the time factor is probably the biggest issue I hear from anyone involved in social media marketing.
9:24am • #65
288,572 Points 38 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I came back to re-read - it would be good if I read this several times a week :) It could create one or two extra small actions that could really snowball and grow the business.
12:40pm • #66
JUL
24
2009
Outside Blog

Great Post!
10:17pm • #67
AUG
29
2009
1 Featured Post

Cool diagrams!

 

YEO all the way!
9:44am • #68
SEP
12
2009
548,980 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hubba...

If you're going to leave it there, then I will give it a song :)

TLW...ROAR!
11:45am • #71
548,980 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hmmm...

I bet my taste in music says a lot about me :)

ROAR :)
11:50am • #72
OCT
29
2009
121,748 Points 1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp

Wow, I'm really glad to have found your blog & am now subscribed too.
6:25pm • #77
NOV
21
2009

Good explanation.
5:46am • #79
NOV
27
2009
403,484 Points 6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

I came over to check out your blog to learn something and I did.  I will bookmark and revisit - to ensure I get it all.  For now:  I am working on ...To gain over; to win and attach; to attract and hold; to draw.
1:08am • #80

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Jeff Turner

Santa Clarita, CA

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Real Estate Shows

Office Phone: (661) 244-5812

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Jeff Turner helps people grow their business through the effective use of emerging technologies. I am the President of Zeek Interactive and Founder of RealEstateShows.com. Father of 6. Husband of 1.

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