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I Had An 80's Social Networking Deja Vu........and my Pants Are 4 Inches Lower!

By
Real Estate Agent with BCR Realtors 262359

Lately I have found myself instinctively going back to some techniques that produced income in what I call "interesting times."  Some may call them tougher times, but after experiencing several cycles in this profession, I like to just use "interesting times" and adjust my business methods as needed.  Cut back on expenses, market differently, educate myself technically, improve social networking, become more active in volunteerism etc. etc. 

But back to the "80's Dejavu" .........

Lately I have found myself immersed in lengthy information gathering visits with other brokers, builders, bankers, and other business owners sharing new ideas and methods, trading war stories , and advising one another.

Today I found myself sitting across the table from another broker I haven't transacted with in 20 years! Of course we traded stories before and after conducting business. He commented about my increased waist size and I told him to shut up and that I would have him know my pants were the same size as 20 years ago......I just wore them 4 inches lower. 

The amount of time we took to cover the  business item I was there for, was just part of the process. We also covered other issues in the community and both came out more knowledgeable.

But the Deja Vu actually happened when I realized we were sitting in 80's furniture in an 80's office building decorated with 80's pictures and both our haircuts hadn't changed since the  80's! 

Now  seriously why is all this important? Well I have found myself reverting back to some 80's networking techniques. Make a point to just get out and visit with other business owners.  Go to every business and social event you can that involves a gathering of local business folks. I have been to 2 skeet shoots, Rotary club, a home builder's meeting, a town hall meeting, a Realtor tour of homes (caravan) and several other events all in the last 7 days. This was the "pre-internet social networking" we used in the 1980's. Honestly it was a relief to find out that it still works if you want it to. I know we picked up at least one client maybe 2 as a result. The great part is that it was fun at the same time.

Am I giving up social networking on my computer? No I plan on increasing it.

Just saying there is a whole other world  to stay connected in that  we just can't forget.

Comments (14)

Steve Shatsky
Dallas, TX

Hi Trey... trying things that were successful in the past is a great idea.  Much of what is considered "current" is based on what has traditionally worked in the past, just taken to the the next level.

Aug 28, 2009 05:48 PM
Trey Thurmond
BCR Realtors - College Station, TX
College Station , Texas Homes

Yes I agree Steve.

I Just think the option of talking things over a real cold one...sometimes beats the thought of a virtual cold one, like someone sent me on facebook today...LOL

Have a great weekend!

Aug 28, 2009 05:55 PM
Charles Perkins
Charles G. Perkins, CPA - Burien, WA

I do a lot of offline networking.  Most of my business is generated this way.  Occasionally, I will get calls from social network sites.

Aug 28, 2009 06:22 PM
1~Judi Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK
BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

We call that pants style, the "done lapped" style... :) BUT your point is well made and we need to either go back to or hang on to those things that work! 

Aug 28, 2009 11:56 PM
Trey Thurmond
BCR Realtors - College Station, TX
College Station , Texas Homes

Hey Charles

It requires a little effort to get out and about but it can be effective real fast.

Aug 29, 2009 12:13 AM
Claudette Millette
The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA
Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Trey:

Getting out from behind the keyboard and meeting with real people - that's an interesting concept.  Thanks for the reminder. It sounds like it worked for you. 

Aug 29, 2009 12:23 AM
Ian Niquette
Square One Home Inspection - Markesan, WI

Trey, to me that is still the best way to increase your presence. Just get out there and show people that you are there and interested. They will follow.

Aug 29, 2009 12:24 AM
Janice MacMillan
ERA Joyner Realty - Valdosta, GA
Associate Broker

Trey~ This is the first tough time I have been through, I have not seen an easier time, yet,,,,it was this way when I started. But it would seem to me that if you used other avenues in the past that worked for you during these times it would make since that they would work again.

Aug 29, 2009 01:04 AM
Carl Winters
Canyon Lake, TX

 Trey: If you think back what you did in earlier years contributed to your success today.

Aug 29, 2009 01:41 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Trey:  Nothing will ever change the connections you make with someone face to face.  That's not to say Active Rain and online social networking isn't a piece of the overall puzzle.  Just shouldn't be all any of us do.

Aug 29, 2009 02:42 AM
Trey Thurmond
BCR Realtors - College Station, TX
College Station , Texas Homes

Charles

I guess in this day and age we should expect to work for  it from numerous sources.

Judi,I like that  done lapped thing!  Good descript...LOL

Aug 29, 2009 03:12 AM
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

Trey, I have always tried to have a number of different marketing methods going on.  That way if something happens to one I always have a another one to fall back on.  This year I have added a class called Leadership North Houston.  I'm looking forward to it.

Aug 29, 2009 02:46 PM
Dale Baker
Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH
New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information

Howdy there Trey

Business folks should always use more than just one way, to network. No matter what your doing, if you put all your eggs in one basket. Your sure to miss an opportunity.

Mighty fine reminder post, my friend.

Baker Home Inspection and Consulting AR Signature

Aug 29, 2009 02:52 PM
Trey Thurmond
BCR Realtors - College Station, TX
College Station , Texas Homes

Chris Ann

You are exactly right . This format is just a part of all we need to do.

Aug 29, 2009 03:06 PM