Special offer

Trying to "weed out" the "bad stuff" is trickier than you think, because first you have to identify what's "bad!"

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Richard Weisser Realty

Fleabane Daisy by Richard WeisserBy definition, a weed is simply something that appears where you don't want it to grow. Many a gardener has spent hour after hour removing unwanted species from flower beds and vegetable patches.

But sometimes these "volunteer" plants have a special beauty all of their own. The Fleabane Daisy is one of my favorite "weeds", with it's tiny clusters of white or light purple flowers. It is a staple in my natural landscape.

In business, there are often some opportunities that are considered inconsistent with our environment, and so they are weeded out right away. It could be a customer that might not appear ready to buy, or a new system for generating more business.

Fleabane close-upDaily blogging may be considered a "weed" to some and may be culled right out of the business plan. That's because a lot of professionals don't want to allow it sufficient time to grow and to bloom.

Like anything other business tool, it takes time for a blog to take on a life of its own. It needs to be allowed to mature.  Some with less patience may take the weed-whacker and summarily remove it from their business before seeing the end result.

And they may be missing out on something very special by doing so.

As for me, I allow the Fleabane in my yard to grow and manifest its lacy beauty!

Because all that is needed to reap the benefit, is time and patience.

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate of ERA United Realty Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Get the latest GA Foreclosure List Updated Daily!

Comments (57)

Frank & Jodi Orlando
Frank & Jodi Orlando Get Us A Home Realty Atlanta Homes Sale - Cumming, GA

Nice post, would you kill a website after a couple months because of a lack of results? Nope, some things need more time to see it's usefullness. Or uselessness Lol.

Jun 14, 2009 12:31 PM
Suzanne McLaughlin
Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN
Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

Richard, I agree with you.  My friends have been asking where I've been.  Busy trying to get things in order. However, I need to get back.  Your blog today seems to be aimed right between my eyes.  Are you reading my mind again.  We need to stay in the Rain to keep the flowers (wild or not) growing.  Bless you! 

Jun 14, 2009 12:34 PM
JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate

I once had a weed garden when I was younger. I am always careful about what I disregard and what I cultivate, their not decisions to be made arbitrarily. Congrats on the feature my friend.

Jun 14, 2009 12:51 PM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Barb...

Thanks ... I appreciate the support.

Harry...

They have a natural charm, that's for sure! Thanks

Maria...

Not even a dandelion! THX

Jun 14, 2009 12:59 PM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Ed...

Are we talking about blogging or gardening? lol and thanks!

Rebecca...

We have a constant struggle with the deer here too. Thank you so much for the kind words!

Bill...

Thanks so much. I worked all day but I am relaxing with AR now!

Jun 14, 2009 01:05 PM
Chuck Carstensen
RE/MAX Results - Elk River, MN
Minnesota/Wisconsin Real Estate Expert

I think blogging benefits take a lot of time.  Some have had faster success but you really have to be in it for the long haul.

Jun 14, 2009 01:27 PM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Hi Chris Ann...

We are doing a lot of this these days aren't we! Thanks, as always!

Christine...

It's just not something that everyone sees value in right away! And many discard it right away. Thanks for the comment!

Sheila...

Lots and lots of patience. Lol and thanks.

Jun 14, 2009 02:12 PM
Mara Hawks
First Realty Auburn - Auburn, AL
Inactive-2012 REALTOR - Homes for Sale Auburn Real Estate, AL

I've felt from the start that ActiveRain had a unique, organic element for growing a community. I don't know of anyplace else online where you can grow a community like this one. You are so right, it does require patience and consistency---and trust. Sometimes you don't see that first green sprout until after weeks of watering and caring. Beautiful pics Richard!

Jun 14, 2009 02:31 PM
Tony Orefice
NorthGroup Real Estate/www.TonyORealtor.com - Concord, NC
Realtor- Cabarrus County, NC

Hi Richard,

your words of wisdom never cease to amaze me...thanks for the post!

Jun 14, 2009 03:26 PM
William James Walton Sr.
WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Briotti Group - Waterbury, CT
Greater Waterbury Real Estate

Interesting thing, some weeds do add a certain charm to a lawn or flower bed. Nice analogy - and thanks for encouraging all of us to be patient in awaiting the efforts of our blogging to unfold!

Jun 14, 2009 03:59 PM
Lisa Hill
Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Real Estate

Ah hah! Now I know what those are called. I've always wondered. The purples are my favorite. Thanks for sharing ALL your knowledge you have here =)

Jun 14, 2009 05:07 PM
Paddy (Patricia) Pizappi
Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty - Pine Bush, NY
Real Estate Associate Broker Hudson Valley NY

There are benefits beyond financial for most of us who enjoy blogging.  It is something that makes us have better self confidence and that translates inot being better able to help clients too.  Good post.  I love some of my weeds and would not pull them for anything,

Jun 14, 2009 10:39 PM
Marney Kirk
Cummings & Co. Realtors - Towson, MD
Towson, Maryland Real Estate

Richard, what a great analogy. See, I LOVE the weeds. Why? They appear to be the only plants I cannot kill. YAY! THEY LIVE! Plus, without them, we wouldn't have gotten to see the beautiful photos you took!

So, like weeds, reading blogs and getting ideas keep MY business alive. Without the *weeds*, I don't know if my business would live! :-)

Jun 15, 2009 02:49 AM
Kim Peasley-Parker
AgentOwned Realty, Heritage Group, Inc. - Sumter, SC

Richard- Outstanding analogy.  I see so many of my fellow Realtors turn their nose up at blogging and social networking.  They just don't get it.  But when I get a call from my blogs, I totally get it.  I truly believe in the soft sell of social networking.  They like to have open houses.  I personally don't like model house duty or open houses, but I will use the time to blog and work on networking. 

Jun 15, 2009 04:39 AM
Coleen DeGroff
Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish Realtors - Gainesville, FL
Haile Plantation Real Estate - Gainesville FL

Richard ....

 

Great analogy.....we need to be vigilant and not get rid of things too soon....cultivation can turn a plain dirt patch into a thing of beauty!

 

And speaking of beauty......I LOVE your photos!!  Do you take pictures professionally?  What kind of camera do you have?

Jun 15, 2009 05:04 AM
Claudette Millette
The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA
Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

A lot of things in this business could be considered weeds.  You just have to be good at deciding which should stay and which ones need to go. 

Jun 15, 2009 09:35 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Richard - Neat post!  And it's so true about a weed being a plant that YOU don't want growing where it is.  I'll never forget at one house I lived, I was always fighting Wild Mustard that was invading my yard from a nearby field.  But, the woman that lived a couple of doors, was from the South.  She came to my house and would weed for free, because she cooked up those Mustard Greens. 

As for weeding out business tools there is some truth to that.  Quite honestly, I've found some of my old tried and true real estate marketing tools work as well today as they did when I entered the business 27 years ago.  However, I find blogging enjoyable for it's camaraderie and especially the collective knowledge of others who share our industry.

Jun 15, 2009 09:58 AM
Todd and Danielle Millar
Glenn Simon Inc. - Edmonton, AB
Nineteen years of excellence!

Great analogy. It goes to show there is opportunity everywhere especially where many people aren't looking. Thanks for the insight. I love dandelions by the way -  they make great wine. Another "weed" that has gotten a bad rap.  Danielle

Jun 15, 2009 10:51 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Richard: Dude, you know you have at least 10 books if you just compile this AR blog...

I agree with Gary (#36)... "we need to let the unexpected take root sometimes in our lives and see where it takes us"... Like you, it suggests discovery, acceptance, and the joy of discovery!

My X use to get so impatient with me because I'd let the wild clover take over the back 40 of our lawn... but I thought there was nothing prettier than those purple flowers, and on a June eve... they smelled so devine... and the bunnies just loved it!

Jun 15, 2009 01:26 PM
Anonymous
Aaron Justice

This is highly informative and right on point.  You should write a book.

Jun 16, 2009 04:12 AM
#57