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Face to Face or Facebook.....Twitter or Talk?

I am torn. For a while, I was posting at least once a day, sometimes more. My Facebook account was spit-shined with updated pictures and snappy quotes. It isn't that I wasn't producing, but I must admit once I stuck my head back in the real world (aka had actual not virtual conversations, visited instead of tweeted, talked instead of text, and actually hand wrote a few thank you notes) my business certainly did not suffer.

I don't think the virtual world has become such a force that it can replace a smile, a handshake, or a shared cup of coffee. I do believe it has nurtured friendships that otherwise would not exist as well as made us all a bit more aware of the world beyond our porch.

Active Rain has proven to be a wonderful asset to my business. I have learned. I have laughed. I have met some great people. It is a tool I will continue to use as it has proven effective.

Without a doubt social media will continue to etch it's mark in our industry. Maybe I am a bit behind or a bit old-fashioned, or maybe just a bit old...but I think it will be a sad day if social media ever replaces social graces.

Posted by Cherimie Crane, www.Marine1Realty.com on 10/27/2009 04:25 PM

Comments (93)

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93 Comments on Face to Face or Facebook.....Twitter or Talk?

OCT

I think everyone gets wrapped up in the latest gizmo or contraption that is supposed to make their lives/business easier. We forget that we are all still human and like the human touch. An actual telephone call, face to face visit, and yes, even a REAL (not e-Card) card in the mail. Great post and best of luck to you. Glad to hear your business is doing well.

I don't think anything will ever replace face to face; these other avenues are just extras. It always helps to have different balls rolling at the same time and hope one of them produces!

Jerry,

I got wrapped up:)..it was fun for a while, I learned alot but I also had almost forgotten how to strike up a conversation in person..lol. I am trying the whole "balance" thing out:)

Taylor,

Good point with the balls rolling! I like that:)

Let's not confuse the primary objective of social media. That is to be social. Just as you use the phone, thank you cards, and a hand shake, social media is just another tool in your growing tool kit to communicate with customers.

I think you're right - I love that term 'social graces'...........online networking definitely fills a void - but face to face should always be our first choice - if at all possible......

James,

You are right...but sometimes I CONFUSE the primary objective. I am learning... I think it is my personality type to go all or nothing...maybe I should call Dr. Phil

Great post and I can hear Dr. Phil now, lol. :)

I think of it as the water cooler conversation place with people throughout our lives that HAD been in the water cooler conversations ,in person , at some fixed snapshot during our lives. They just get to still be there.

Cherimie, I will take the real world over the virtual world ANY day, but the virtual world CAN lead to real connections.

There is nothing like meeting people face to face or talking to somebody on the phone.

I'm not sure why you feel you must choose. SM should not replace RL. Use them together. My goal on Twitter is to add more people to my world. In the last month I have had three lunches with local people that I met on Twitter. Tmw evening I am going to a music studio to interview a singer/songwriter (who I met on Twitter) to write a local bus profile for my blog. So don't make a choice just consider SM as an extension of your real life socializing.

Cherimie, LOVE YOUR PERSONALITY!! It is easy to be caught being a little too much in our office or home and not out in the public! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!! Great comments!

Liz,

Social graces got me through college:)

Jackie,

Honestly, Dr. Phil scares the mess out of me.....he would be able to devote an entire show to all my imperfections!

Cherly,

good point!!!!

Gary and Russ,

I agree completely!!! I can't mispell in person:)

Cherimie, I cannot agree with you more. I see this Social Media craze as a great way to break the ice, but NOT in any way replace face-to-face contact. A lot is to be said for having a sphere of influence that we can, as you said, shake hands with and have a cup of coffee beside. All the best.

This post is so great! I get more leads when I talk to people first hand then when I blog or tweet!

Rick,

I wish I was more of a balanced person, unfortunately.....I can't do anything just a lil bit:) I am learning though.

Laura,

Thank you!!!!

Joe,

I love handshakes....even in swine flu season:)

Cherimie, I am with you. Online is great, but I get so much more energized when I meet people live and in person.

Judy,

Thanks...it's the truth...I am such a chatty kathy that once I start online I can't stop....certainly not always a good thing!!!!

Kathryn,

I love the energy I get from meeting people..

I absolutely agree with you and face to face is always better! I also believe that people still get excited when they get a handwritten note in the "snail mail"! Excellent post & comments!

I think you go through spells too where you really want to post and twitter and all and then you just need a break. My best posts come when I am in the mood for posting and tweeting.

Social Media isn't a replacement for human interaction. It is just another tool... Does the phone replace talking face to face?

Cherimie,

I agree with you 200%. (That's because I totally agreed with you, then I went back and read your post again, and still agreed with you....)

I think some agents are probably better off meeting new people on social media sites. Like a lot of the guys, for example.

But others are just voluntarily giving up a tactical advantage (in terms of body chemistry and personal attraction) by spending more time on the "even playing field" of the virtual world.

Let's use an extreme example: if Angelina Jolie got her license and moved to your town (or my town, or any town), I promise you that she could be the hottest agent and top producer within a year without even turning a computer on-- much less staying up until 2:00am every night sending twitter messages. And she could do it by just going to parties and social events around town. (Especially if it turned out she was actually professional and very good at the job.)

So, if I was a Cherimie Crane type, I would go out and meet as many new people as possible and smile and shake hands, too. What's that old saying, "an ounce of good old fashioned personal chemistry is worth a pound of 'tweets' "...

Cherimie - I have always considered social media tools as stuff that enhances face-to-face meetings. I don't think they should even completely replace the "in real life" gatherings.

You expressed exactly how I feel about all of the social media. I find it hard to keep up with AR, Facebook, Twitter (which I still don't totally get) and Linde In. If I dedicate much time to all four of the social media I have to let something slide in my business, so I have to choose to focus on one of them, which is AR!

Would someone PLEASE briefly fill me in on how Twitter can help me with my business? I cant think of too many people I would like to "follow"!

3 Cheers to Cherimiefor the hippest most original photo!

Cherimie,

I couldn't agree more. In real estate, you can't just hide behind the social media. Every once in a while you have to meet and greet.

Rich

Laxson and Joyce,

Thanks so much for commenting!!!! Really, I appreciate it!

Lane,

I know you are right, I just go overboard with tools sometimes...I guess like a new present at Christmas.

T. Wilson,

Never in my life have I been in the same post as Angelina Jolie...bless you!!!!

Jason,

You are so good at finding a balance...I hope to learn!

Sybil,

AR is simply the BOMB:)

Hi Cherimie~ I do far better with my in person contacts then I do with virtual contacts. Personal contact supersedes virtual contact any day! So, I can totally understand what you are saying!

Larry...How Sweet Thank you....can you believe that photo was taken by a four year old little girl!! We were rolling around on the floor of our homemade fort and she was playing with my camera.

Rich..I love to meet and greet

Cherimie- 4 years old? Someone need a SLR with zoom for Christmas!

Seeing how I have gotten 2 referrals off Facebook in the last 2 months, I don't want to quit doing my social networking....But there is nothing like face to face!

Everything in moderation, but nothing says as much as a personal visit or handwritten note. Nobody ever said it couldn't be to someone who you met on facebook though

Good perspective, Cherimie. Good to have additional tools, but not to forget the basics.

Hi Cherimie -- Whatever path one finds a client, eventually, it becomes face to face (for 95% of us anyway) and we need to be able to connect, relate, have the right stuff, etc.

It is definately a fine balance that we need to walk in this realm

I agree, there has to be a balance of the virtual and the real world too. Thanks for the reality check...Blessings for a great week.

Oh yeah...I can relate...was just thinking today, on my monthly list of posts, the numbers are surely dwindling...maybe it is a phase we are going through? Seasonal?

Social Media should be meant to meet and maintain relationships. You still need to take things offline. This should never be in question. Do both at the same time. I go through my facebook while waiting for an appointment. Send a tweet when standing in line for coffee.

All social media is, is a tool. Like scotch tape, or a pencil sharpner. Actually is probably more like a phone or a fax. So use the tool to leverage relationships.

Cherimie - I believe that all online material should compliment your work instead of replace the daily face-to-face or even phone calls. Since buying and selling a home is normally such an emotional transaction, it is always highly beneficial to have more face-to-face interactions.

OCT

In my experience, social media is great for relaying information but is seriously lacking in the ability to help people connect at a deep level. I prefer deep, both personally and professionaly.

Think you have the idea when you say balance -- you can't give up on the personal touch by doing all electronic.

Fun Topic. Face to Face is almost always the best. I do think you use the social medias to enhance your relationships. Balance as in all things is the key.

My mother always said "Calls first." Email & blogs & twitters are fun, but for business need that personal touch, even if it's a voicemail.

I was wondering what happened to you. I had hoped that you hadn't exited without saying goodbye to everyone.

Glad to see you back.

So True, Real Estate is about Real People, it's not a virtual market. Technology has improved how quickly we can connect with one or many people, but never replaces a warm heart.

I rely quite a bit on electronic methods of communication and for me it's great. What we have to remember is, sometimes our clients aren't as fond of it as we are! Earlier this week, I had a buyer ask me why I don't just make a phone call. As it turned out, the correspondence was between me and the seller's agent and e-mail means I have a record of our communication. It did make me think though, I need to pay more attention to each client and make an effort to discover their preferred method of communication.

Everyone of those are just tools that will help us enhance our relationships, Obvious the best method still face to face

i'm a boomer, and don't forget there's a lot of us.

my business has always started with a smile and a hand shake.

that's me at my best.

just remember.

the more things change, the more they remain the same.

I really don't market to folks in facebook - we are there together to have a relationship and I post pics of my kids and talk about the weather and have a conversation there.

Twitter I use mostly as networking with other professionals and that is more of a learning tool. I have met some AMAZING Realtors on twitter...

Thanks for the post. A good reminder.

You raise a good point. It's only a real client and not a virtual client who is going to buy you a coffee.

And, it's only a real client not a virtual; client who is going to write you a cheque.

Don't you worry, Cherimie! Social Media will NEVER replace a friendly smile, an honest handshake or a good belly laugh with a friend over a cup of coffee!

Cheremie, you have made a wonderful point here! We do have to balance our social media with our reality! There is nothing better than actually seeing your friends face to face, making a phone call or writing a note to say you care! I love both!!!

Hi one more comment. Thought about this when I read Robert Savage's comment above but I hear this often.

A the beginning SM is about relaying information. If you choose to (and there is no one that says you must choose) it can be about relationships - deep human interaction. It happens all the time to those who put the effort. Here's one quick example.

I met a guy on Twitter about a year ago. He's a local guy to me but we've never met. He mentioned that he was a cancer survivor. We chatted about some stuff from time to time and became friendly. A few months ago he posted that his cancer was back and he had to go through another round of chemo. We started chatting back and forth more. I didn't do anything for him other than become a friend. He is starting to look at going back to work but needs a new job. I offered to send his resume around to all my contacts - he sent it to me. We're going to meet for lunch one day in the next couple of weeks.

I suspect that we'll be friends for some time. He's not a client. I am not looking to ask him for referrals. He did, however subscribe to my R/E newsletter.

I've made a number of other friends - all now part of my circle of people that I know and who know me. No difference from people I might have met at neighborhood party.

So the potential is there in SM to build relationships. You don't have to engage in it, but the platform is there.

Cherimie - I know I restating what many others have said above, but FB and Twitter are just pieces of your marketing pie. Social media is not the be all-end all for Realtors. You are in the ultimate face to face profession. Use social media to lead to more and more actual conversations and notes and meetings...

Cherimie- Good post, yes the world is more accessible than ever through social media maes it possible for more people to meet face to face, smile and share a cup of coffee...Thanks

Even a phone call is better than the virtual reality. Thanks for the post. It brings us all back to earth.

Nothing is better than face to face, and a phone call is next best.

Still, there are some clients that I would rather text than call :-)

Cherimie: I agree with you. Here I am on Active Rain agreeing with you! Ha! Seriously, I personally try and press the flesh through networking events, lunches, or coffee at least twice/week. This is how I build my business and I believe this is how we say we are different. I think it's important to embrace technology but online will never replace face-to-face in my opinion. We are in the people business! Thanks again!

I agree. It also can be time consuming to keep up with everyone and every new thing, gadget,etc.

It is a great tool though and do like it, just hope it never turns into the myspace type site, which it seems some apps are leaning towards,,I don't like that, don't have time for all that quiz and game stuff.

Cherimie, just want to point out though that you have an advantage; you have a beautiful smile.

Cherimie, like this post and I algo agree the social media tools do help my business, but I still prefer the telephone in most cases.

Well said. I do like the term social graces. I think it will become a buzz word around here.

Social networking sites are great to keep your name out there, but face to face will always be number one.

One thing I do like about Facebook is how it keeps me updated on friends that I usually only see about one a year, or on special occasions. I love the updates!

Cherimie, this is a great thought-provoking post and very worthy of the feature. Social media can be a good supplement to a marketing plan, but can't replace "in person" talking, handwritten notes, or even a personal phone call. I met some clients last week who -- surprisingly -- don't even use email!! So they want in person and phone contact ... each to their own.

Amen

It's good to have a balance of both. Thanks for the post.

I think there needs to be a balance between social networking and face to face. But nothing truly beats the face to face with clients.....

I happen to think that unles you embrace the communication channels that today's buyers use, you will cease to communicate with them and thus cease to be relevant. There is a buyer pool today that continues to connect traditionally, but the Gen Y is bigger than the boomer generation. From my career standpoint, I want to be able to represent people in my generation but also in the generations below me (I am an X) so I will adopt the communication channels the Y's and beyond use in an unending effort to remain relevant and thus a successful agent. I think the law of diminishing returns will begin to apply as Gen X'ers age in another 20 years. When we're all 60, how many of us will still be buying and selling homes? It will still be easier to adopt new technology while I'm younger and stay current.

Certs is a candy mint! Certs is a breath mint! Stop! You're both right!

To me the social graces are face to face, taking the time to interact with someone on a personal basis. Then the telephone and personal notes. When is the last time you received a handwritten personal note in the mail? I had some friends/clients over for dinner a couple of weeks ago and shortly after, in the mail was a small envelope with a real stamp and inside was the most delightful personal thank you note. It made my day! Electronic communication is certanly efficient and has its place in our business but personal interaction creates that long term bond and that should be nurtured. Good post! Thanks! Richard

I agree and think that a good work life balance is one of the most important things we can do, also one of the hardest.

I'm all about facebook (I actually keep mine more business like....minimal photos, posts about RE, etc.) and I do not have a twitter acct. Just a little too much information to me! Face to face is soooooo important in our changing landscape!! Cool Post!! All The Best!!

Cherimie,

I agree. Today it's facebook, twitter, tomorrow it's something new. Yesterday, I got another invitation to another social site I've never heard of. Not joining. Have use your time where it's most valuable. Make the dollar stretch.

Hi Cherimie. I agree! While social media is great for business, there's nothing like meeting in person with the one your doing business with!

Cherimie, YOU ARE FANTASTICO! I appreciate your honesty, willingness to learn, yet keeping yourself in "check" while trying to balance the social media gig as well as your face to face with real, live human beings. Your post completely resonated with me at this very moment. Thanks for sharing.

Your writing style is adorable! and the info is so true! Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

Cherimie - I love social media, especically facebook when it comes to keeping up with friends, family, past clients and even current clients. I too love ActiveRain for all that it offers.

I think anything that will grow your S.O.I. and or database is worth investing time in ! But it still is a people business !!!!

Cherimie - SN is just another tool! And aren't we lucky to have all the tools that we do today in our business? So exciting!

Hi Cherimie ~ Thanks for the reminder that it's all about balance. Social networking has a tendency to be all consuming, because of course there is ALWAYS someone online. Finding a balance is not as easy as it sounds though, especially if you're a newbie at social networking like me and currently in the learning process. I'm working on it though...

I think we have to keep up but nothing will ever replace face to face.

Cherimie-

Two false dichotomies in a single, title--that's a feat! You are getting at some real issues here, but I ask you:

Have you ever heard, or otherwise encountered, a single person that thinks social media will/ should completely replace f2f interaction?

You're feelings are real, but I think you've got less to worry about than you might suspect.

What about the people you just really do not want to talk to? There are people out there you can definitely close a deal with through e mail / texting / what have you. If you can, why not? I am sort of half joking with this, but again, if you can why not?

Cherimie - Great points. In addition, you must follow your personal style... You will always attract similar people with that approach.

Cherimie,

My favorite part of that was this...'it will be a sad day if social media ever replaces social graces.' Lovely.

I am starting to wonder that since every REALTOR in the world joined Facebook this year if I a might have a niche if I quit facebook. I do tire of the constant "REALTOR" talk on Facebook.

For me, Facebook is great for those folks/friends/past clients who I do not see or talk to on a regular basis. It makes keeping up easy and when I do see them we get to concentrate on what's happening NOW. No matter what though, face to face is my favorite.

Michael

I don't expect social media will replace the offline (real) world though it is a way to keep in touch with a larger number of people than is feasible to see or talk to on most days.

OCT

Hi Cherimie...Nice Post, Well Done You Said it Well :O))

Cheers, thanks for sharing :O))

PS: Social Media is now part of the world we live in, you better embrace it....soon

Congratulations on the feature! I couldnt agree with you more. While Social networking is a good thing... It cant replace the good old fashioned hand shake, hand written note, face to face conversation, or even a phone call. You can get much more accomplished with a 2 way conversation!

But people do read your updates. I was going to send you tootsie rolls when you posted about them- even purchased a bag... unfortunately I everyone in my office ate them before I had a chance to send them, (everyone in my office thanks you for putting the idea in my head!)

Cherimie,

I agree with you and will take it one step further by offering connect with you over the phone since I'm on the west coast. I love meeting people face to face and believe it's a basic human need to be connected with each other in some way. The social mediums are just a tool to help us foster that connection, it should never and will never replace our need to connect in the real world.

OCT

Cherimie,

I agree with you, I feel it does not replace toe to toe/ Face to face, but it can be a great asset to adding more relationships to your database

Great post! I agree! Love the boats in the background!

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