Do you really think of every other agent in your area as a competitor? Overcoming a scarcity mentality

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Do you really think of every other agent in your area as a competitor? Overcoming a scarcity mentality

I read a comment responding to one of Jeremy Blanton's posts, and it struck me as old-fashioned in the era of social media. In a nutshell, this member stated that they didn't have any interest in sharing ActiveRain with others in their office, since it was too valuable a tool, and they wanted to keep it to themselves. I had to re-read the comment several times to make sure it wasn't tongue-in-cheek.

Quick question: Do you really think you will be able to keep any effective marketing tool a secret forever?

I remember back when I started my website in 1997. Very few agents had sites that were worth looking at back then. It's funny to think of keeping the internet a secret, and now it seems odd to keep AR or blogging to yourself now. The lid is off the box - blogging is ubiquitous.

Think for a moment about how blogging really works as a business tool. It's such an individualized thing that no blog truly competes with another, especially in the age of longtail keywords. Someone may respond favorably to a post I wrote about my family, or a restaurant I visited, or a post about my specific neighborhood. NO ONE else could have written the first two posts on this list but me - it's my own experience. What will strike a chord with one client may repulse another. I'm okay with that.

As of this writing, AR has over 166,000 members. When I first joined, there were about 20,000, if memory serves. This network has grown by leaps and bounds, and I get more frequent questions about blogging each month, it seems. As I see it, any agent who is interested in online marketing will probably find or hear about AR at some point. Obviously, they can choose not to pursue it, or they can dive in and make an attempt.

Earlier in my career, I viewed other Austin agents as competition. These days, I think of them as a giant support group. Maybe that's a little hyperbole, but the fact of the matter is, I am my own best competition. I realize that this may sound a little hackneyed, but you can't win a race when you are constantly looking over your shoulder to see how close the other guy is. Run your own race!

As a result of my AR blog, I have had referrals from local agents who know which areas I typically service. Recently, I even listed a home for a local Realtor who sells downtown condos primarily, and she had more confidence in my abilities to sell her home than her own. Yes, really.

It's easy to slip into a scarcity mentality with real estate (or any other business), especially when times are tough. While it's true that there are a finite number of deals to go around, if you handle your business properly, you will always have plenty of sales opportunities, economic factors notwithstanding.

I can only speak for myself, but things just seem to work out better when I am open with my knowledge, even with "competitors". Frankly, I have made a lot of solid new friends from this technique, and it's led to increased production as well.

If you have expectations of succeeding in your social media efforts, reciprocity is the name of the game, along with collaboration. Give some thought to who you are really competing with. Back when I used to view the top agents as competitors, I probably wasn't even on their radar. Looking back, I was like a high school quarterback who viewed Michael Jordan as being my direct competitor. We weren't even playing the same sport!

Sometimes, competition is a one-way street.

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/averylongwalk/3657112158/

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere or subscribe via email?

If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can also visit my primary Austin real estate website at www.austintexashomes.com. If you're interested in social media training, visit 210 Consulting. Thanks!

Posted by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) on 12/08/2009 10:52 PM

Comments (155)

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155 Comments on Do you really think of every other agent in your area as a competitor? Overcoming a scarcity mentality

DEC

2009

Wow, I can't tell enough people about ActiveRain. I don't have time to worry about competition. I enjoy it, actually.

Jason, I wouldn't even be here if someone from my office hadn't introduced to AR. I don't view them as my competition and I know they feel the same.

Hi Jason~ I shared activerain with my office and most chose not to get involved in it. Later on some of them chose to get involved. I would much rather share what I know and help others to grow. Paying it forward is so rewarding!

I didn't just share it with my office, I actually told other brokers in my area about it. A few have profiles and one or two wrote a post or two. I don't see why they can't "get it". Fact is in my own office they may not need to as I don't push me without pushing my company and my agents, but other brokers, they just keep doing their thing and well, I'll just keep doing mine.

Glad it got there, hope it arrived safely and that your family enjoys it.

Jason i enjoy sharing and introducing others too it. I believe you reap what you sew in business.

Jason, I agree with you 100%. In fact, I've pushed agents to get started with AR if they aren't going to focus on their own website. We only recently started to build our points in AR, but I really see the benefit of doing so.

Nancy

Good points Jason - I don't think we have to worry about competion or scarcity - or about sharing A/R -I had over 40 realtors sign up on a/r and to date there is only 1 that consistently posts......interesting odds eh?

I have told many of my fellow agents about the site and to date only one has started blogging and that lasted a week, so I don't worry about keeping it a secret.

Jason - I'm always happy to share and blog about things that are helpful etc. I have been asked a few times why I am giving away this info to my competitiors - LOL. Some may try, many more will never even attempt... ~Rita

Yes. Every other agent is my competition! BUT, I don't necessarily resent them for being my competition. If anything, competition is health. It makes us work harder, and do our best. And any good business person will know how to separate business from personal. Just because someone is your competitor does not mean they're the enemy. =)

DEC

2009

Jason,

The only product we have is personal service!

"Unfortunately, all to often Real Estate People see their peers as competitors. These same people think they sell real estate or mortgage money. They're wrong! Real Estate people sell advice, wisdom, consoling and comfort to clients in stressful situations. Real Estate people sell their services! No one else can sell you! You have no competitors!

Once you accept the simple truth, you have no competitors, then networking aiding and being aided by your peers is the best way to build your skills and since most work in a relatively small geographic area those same peers can become a major source of referrals.

That's why I participate in the Rain! I sell my services, because of what I've been taught by the great people I've been privileged to associate with. My service are relevant and up to date thanks to friends known and as yet unknown sharing in the Rain."

Jeremy's commenter is to self centered and selfish for his own good! Better he should sign up everyone and hold daily brain-storming sessions over coffee too discuss ideas found on AR!

Bill

Jason, As several have commented knowing AR is here doesn't mean EVERY agent will value and make the investment of time to blog. But you bring valuable insight to sharing. Thanks

Jason-

I think the word competition may be the wrong word to use, it is in the attitude about what competition is.

If you believe in the law of abundance than you must believe there is more than enough for everyone. Most people view competition as someone or something that is going to take something away from them. That is the law of scarcity. If they believe in the law of scarcity than that means they don't believe there is enough to go around for everyone in the business.

The truth is; both of those mindsets are truth to the person thinking it because what you focus on expands and you attract what you believe to be true. So if you think your competition is coming to gobble up all your clients- then that is what is going to come true for them. On the other side, if you believe there is more than enough for everyone- than you can share your marketing secrets, your Active Rain find, your secrets to success and you will only get more clients and more success.

Since 98% of all my best friends in the world are other agents, most right here in our small town- well- I can't really go to lunch with my friends if I am concerned that they are going to steal my clients!

And if you do happen to believe that sharing Active Rain is going to somehow hinder your opportunities just look at the facts: only 7% of agents blog on a regular basis and only about 4% blog for business. If all else fails, use the 80/20 rule.

But does that mean that I am going to sit back and let another agent in my town go above me in points and on top of Localism in our town? No way! I will stay on top of my game. And that is the competitive side of me. So there are two sides to me:)

Jason, I agree. There is also a very strong spiritual message inherent in what you say, i.e., that there is infinite abundance - it's a wonderful universe we live in.

Jason, I think that Bill (#11) hit the nail on the head in his first sentence...

Helping you live your American dream...

There is a balance and I will share activerain with anybody but. . I'm NOT telling you how I got 54 foreclosure listings in one shot and I'm working in getting another 30 at this moment.. .you will have to find that out yourself

Jason, great post! I must admit I used to think that way because I didn't know better.

Brad Andersohn had alot to do with the beginning of my changed mentality about "competition". In the end, I realized that we are all individuals and we attract different kinds of clientels. One thing I believe is that God will send me what He thinks I will need. I only worry about myself these days. That in itself is ALOT of work and I could only go sidelines cheering others on.

I learnt from BB that when I teach others to become successful, and in return when they do business with me, we will all end up happier in the boat!

Jason, I share it all, most still don't decide to do it.

That is fine by me, someone tweeted once Missy Caulk is sharing all her secrets in a blogging seminar.

I did.

How many used it?

Big goose egg.

A rising tide lifts all boats. Wouldn't it be nicer if the professionalism and ethics in this business were to improve by 100% because of the free exchange of ideas on open forums like this one?

Competition is what I have for breakfast every day.

Scott Miller, Realty Associates, Boca Raton, FL

Funny you should write this. Some things I just won't share. But not long ago a broker at another firm asked me how I got so many comments on my outside blog. I happily told him about AR. It isn't proprietary, so why not?

I used to think that way but now I'll share and tell my competition about AR, and even help get them started, of course it seems like most of them don't stick with it. And remember all you point hounds, you get points for inviting others!

Jason,

This is an excellent post and mirrors my belief. Our office is like an open book in sharing any and all tools. Our broker is constantly making us aware of any relevant new ways to help us be on the cutting edge. There are those that will adapt a part or all of information shared. There are always those that want to change their direction but don't. You can lead a dog to water but can't force them to drink! I too look at the Realtor community as a support group..there is business for everyone. I would rather give a referral to someone I know can handle an area I'm not familiar with and do a great job any day of the week! Trust me if I had a client in your area the lead would be coming your way!

My only "competition" is myself. Does that mean I'm not aware of other agents in my area and what they are doing? No it just means that my time is better spent worrying about my own busines. I only have one or two "secrets" that I won't share openly on AR. I've been on social media panels and talked about my experiences with blogging and other tools. I think the more agents who understand the power of the internet to their business the better. A huge percentage of them will never get it no matter how many times they are told so it doesn't hurt to spread the word.

Jason, in a phrase, as agents, to steal from an old Army slogan:

"Be all that YOU can be!"

People need to stop worrying so much about the competition and looking over their shoulders. Instead worry on being the best that you can be.

The more information we share, the better our industry becomes. A/R is a terrific vehicle for learning and sharing, and I use it all the time. I want to know about trends in marketing and technology, two topics which always get coverage in A/R. There is plenty of business out there; I don't worry about competition, just about what I am doing to grow my own business.

Many of the local agents are friends. I try and share what I do to increase my business. Some listen some dont.

Jason,

I certainly agree that it makes a lot of sense to share your knowledge with others. This does lead to referrals. Most of my true clients are really other real estate agents who need some assistance on a transaction.

Brian

I think one of the reasons I have come to rely on AR for my daily motivations is that people here do share, and they share tons willingly. Unfortunately, there are too many in my real world who do not, and they act like animals reaching for the last morsel of food. So I know that mentality is out there in some people. But it feels good to share, and I really wish they understood that! However, you can tell people all about AR but if they don't experience it for themselves, it's not going to make a difference for them anyway. And a lot of people just want "business as usual."

Jason, I agree - I have gained much in cooperation and friendship with other local agents on AR.

What goes around comes around. I have always believed in sharing knowledge and or tools to help others succeed. Occasionally it backfires on me but more often than not, I find that those who I have helped are willing to help myself when I need assitance.

Nope Nope ....not every agent is competition...there are some new best friends...some that actually have retired and become referral sources....open to...open for....you never know what a new relationship will bring !

Jason - Very good thoughts... Since there are over 13,000 listings on the market in my area- that is a clue there is enough business to go around :) We need competitors.

Jason,

I was one of those who demurred on sharing with my local "competition." When asked, I gladly point folks to AR. Have shared in office meetings about the business AR is bringing me. Asked the (non-posting) person in my office who invited me to join AR to come with me to RainCamp in January. Sent invitations to several who expressed some interest or had questions.

Your points are all good ones. Despite my very best wishes for the AR business model to thrive, I'm still not ready to actively encourage my local counterparts to jump on the bandwagon. Perhaps this post and the Christmas spirit will move me to think differently...

Jason...

As a store owner, you know that survival depends on productive agents. I look at the agents in my office as team members rather than competitors. And the entire sore benefits from the combines success of everyone!

I can't handle the entire Atlanta market by myself. There's plenty of business to go around. I just recruited a friend who lives less than 5 miles from me to join my company and get into real estate. She's going to be good and I know it. Thankfully I will have someone who can help take some of the business I don't have time to do. I'm teaching a Blogging / Active Rain class to my office in January. These agents are wondering how to get business and it's one of the best ways I know. Every agent is so different, every client is so different. It's not competition, it's finding people who work well together.

I have shared AR with many veteran agents in my office. I've also shared much of my knowledge in other forms of internet marketing. So far I don't think any have joined and I doubt any will. Many people in this business only know what they've done in the past and feel as if they don't need to try new things.

This is all fine by me...most of them haven't done much since thanksgiving. I've picked up 2 buyer clients and 4 listings.

It's all about doingthe right thing. Providing service to yourclients and treating other agents with respect goes a long way to your success.

Most people won't blog so it doesn't matter. Most of the big bloggers on active rain have their market tied up.

Jason:

I agree with Loreena on this. "We are all individuals and attract a different clientele." Our own writing style is going to appeal to certain individuals, not everyone and that's what makes blogging so unique.

even in today's economic times, it's a business of abundance. there's enough out there to go around, no need to hide successful marketing ideas like active rain. I tell anyone who's willing to listen. few have taken up the gauntlet. in fact there are very few who are really giving it a shot in the entire Chicago region.

you'd think that'd be enough reason to do it... 'cause other realtors aren't there yet. oh, well.

Jason..

we often come across collegues who keep hush hush about their marketing "secrets". We are quite to opposite. IF it works.. we share it!! I have hosted several seminars in my office teaching folks about facebook, AR and several other "secrets" I have. I don't believe that keeping anything to your self benefits anyone. THere is enough business to go around.

My theory is that even if I gave all my marketing materials to someone, they'd just put their own stamp on it, present it in a different light and change it to suit their needs.

We're not reinventing the wheel here. Just honing it to make it our own.

Jason sharing with others is the best approach, getting them to put it into practice is another story.

AGREED! I even allow reblogging by my competitors as long as they keep my links intact!! MUHAHAHAHA! I love being imitated because then I can switch it up and do something different. I am original and can be imitated but never duplicated.

There are so many niches and personalities out there I really don't care if someone doesn't want to work with me because they don't like my personality. I really wouldn't want to work with them either!

I agree with Richard. We are all part of a team and if we want to improve our service we need to assist in helping others.

I'm an open book. Like many have already stated, not many people follow through on the great information you might give them. So I don't worry about creating more competition.

But as you point out, the number of real estate transactions is in fact limited. There are only 10 spots on the first page of Google for any given term. There is only one top spot on Google which gets the most clicks. Everyone can't get to the top for the most valuable keywords. More people competing for those terms means more work for me. Which might not be bad overall but it is a bigger burden.

Jason, when I first started at my company, I told my broker about everything I was doing via the internet. She didn't understand and told me it wouldn't work. This was when things were crazy and I started doing a lot of business. THEN, she hopped on board and started doing internet things. When the economy died, she decided it was a fluke and has stopped with anything online (other than a basic website - that doesn't even capture leads). *eye roll* I've given up trying to promote anything electronic to that office. I'll just keep on doing what I'm doing and if someone asks, I'll be more than happy to share the info. Ironically, I'm hoping after Jan 1 to set up a monthly AR Blogging get together here in Nashville for anyone wanting to come to exchange thoughts on blogging. There's plenty of business to go around, so I say let's work together (even if we are at different companies!)

I guess my point is this: Not everybody is interested in blogging no matter how gung ho we are about it. It's not that I'm wanting to hoard clients, it's just that others just don't "get it" no matter how "wooooo hooooo" I can be. :o)

I think one of the greatest aspects of our members on ActiveRain is the fact that we are willing to "pay it forward" mentality. We share our secrets, our tips, tricks & tech tools of the trade with others. I am a firm believer that if I give I will also receive back. Which has happened too many times to count. Our members attitude is has mad this network the best real estate network in the world!

Jason, I agree completely, there is a lot to be gained from sharing and working together. I am my only real competition. A bunch of us with small boutique firms meet monthly to share ideas about marketing and the business. Collaboration is key for all. All the best, Michelle

Hi Jason. Great post with great information. I agree, we need to help each other. There is enough business to go around for everyone, so we need to be friends and no enemies.

Hi Jason, we do need to help each other but some agents are just not open to it. Active Rain to some is just a waste of time. They just do not see the benefits.

Jason - I am an ActiveRain "pusher"....just can't get folks hooked on it the way I am.....But at every opportunity I tell everyone - Realtor and Lenders.... I am often asked "how to you get all your business"...and that opens the door to tell them all about ActiveRain.

I have invited at least 15 people to join AR - have succeeded in getting a few to join, but so far, only one stager I recruited is actively blogging. I try to spread the gospel, really! As Jackie said, "Many do not see the benefits." You can only lead a horse to water.

Sorry I missed your show yesterday, but the audio on my laptop quit working. ?? Maybe realated to AR's proxy server issues? LOL

My friend, you already know my opinion on the subject and you have been an open, honest and helpful resource for many people including me! See you at lunch later today!

I am a sharer. I think agents who work in a collegial atmosphere end up being much more successful.

We are in a small comunity, we are in business together and i find that sharing is teh best way, i mastermind with my peers both inside and outside my company.

Jason,

It's very strange that someone would try to keep ActiveRain a secret. Do they not know that it is only a matter of time before they are found out and then those other agents are going to want to know why he didn't say anything before about it. Sounds like he is more insecure of his own blogging abilities and he doesn't want the other agents outdoing him.

You should never fear your competition, there is just too much to learn from them.

Jason: Love your attitude and philosophy. Spread the word. The more we know, the better we become.

Jason: Personally, I feel that the more people that would know, recognize, and trust the Chicago Bancorp name (through the combined efforts of Bancorp originators) ... the better. It only increases MY credibility, MY name recognition, MY marketing efforts, MY potential for MY personal business. What could possibly be wrong with that? I'm as competitive as the next person, but I also understand the strength of all our efforts together being stronger than the efforts of one person alone. I'll welcome anyone within my company to join me in AR ...

Thanks for addressing this topic ...

Gene

Absolutely, Jason none of the local Realtor as far as i see are competitors. We all need each other. As far here on AR I personally look forward to referrals and sending them to all our friends.

Hell yah! Abosolutely! I'm going to teach my first Social Media class in about a week. I WANT everyone in Pueblo tweeting, facebooking, blogging and yelling Pueblo! Canon City! We are a well kept secret - why?

Hi Jason.

I read the comment and like that she keeps it real.

~ Lana

Hmmm...keeping active rain or anyother marketing tool a secret is a myth especially given the technology and word of mouth social media. My lst mentors were my grandfathers, who practiced giving information and value in the way they operated their corner stores. I have found giving is a priceless gift people remember. Not everyone will use the information or tools so there is truly nothing to fear. Afterall, you can bring a horse to water but you can not make them drink.

Jason, well said! I have a very good friend at another agency in our town. While we compete on a friendly basis, we also help each out. I've reset her signs. She shut the door to one of my houses that had blown open one day. We send each other referrals and have a high level of respect.

Jason: You are assuming that those you tell about AR will actually USE it. I have only seen maybe 1 person in about 200 that I have exclaimed blogging testimonials to use this as a tool. Most sign up and never do anything. Even if they did, your are right in that each agent's blog is as unique as they are.

Good point Jason. I have found that if/when I have ideas (whether about blogging or marketing in general) I share it. I've learned that it actually helps me to say it out loud. Every time I tell someone, I hear it again in my head (good practice). Plus, most people will not steal your idea. And those that do, will not do it the way you vision it. There is plenty of room in this market for more than one Loan Officer and one Real Estate Agent.

Jason, I do not want to keep AR a secret. I love it here. But, I find some agents just do not want to blog. I gave a class on AR to the agents in my office 6 months ago, and they still have not written one blog...they signed up a year ago...

There is one agent now that is blogging, so hopefully the others will follow.

Give it ALL away----make room for more----are there too many trees in the forest?

Jason, I agree totally. As a matter of fact I encouraged one of my fellow agents to join active rain last week. As I see it we will all benefit more by every agent participating in ActiveRain. Consider it a group attack. Knowing our group it will also keep us very active in blogging because we are a very competitive bunch.

Absolutely right! I actively enccourage others to join AR. Not only is it good marketing, but the best place to compare notes with some of the most active, leading-edge professionals in our business. One of my goals is to learn something every day that allows me to serve my clients better. ActiveRain is frequently where that happens.

Jason: You have hit the nail on the head. When I first discovered AR a few years ago, I was amazed at the generosity of spirit and the free flow of information I found here. I felt like I had found a group of like minded individuals. I don't understand the "I'm not telling anyone in my office about AR mentality".

A couple of years ago I orgainized a Los Angeles area get-together for home stagers as part of the Stage It Forward roundtables. Many of the people who were invited I had met here on AR. We all learned that networking and sharing information was good for all of us. I am now good friends with many local home stagers and we freely refer jobs and clients to each other. Its really helped all of our businesses grow. I don't view them as competitors, but more as associates.

Aren't those competitors the ones you and I need to make offers on our Listings? You bet! I went to class that mentioned AR. I have seen only one other attendee on AR. You can lead them to water, but you cannot make them drink, or Blog for than matter.

Great post Jason! I agree with you. I definitely find I do my best work when I'm sharing with others. You can always learn from others.

Sincerely,

Kathleen

Other agents are our colleagues. It's that simple. We are competing for business in our individual markets but we must work together to get the deals done. Working together means raising the bar in our standards of real estate practice...and that includes marketing.

I want all agents to have the best information they can, they are buyers and sellers for all agents. Plus active rain is a tool that is more than getting buisness and referrals.

When I first started on AR, I was getting so many referrals, buyers, and sellers that I didn't like telling people in my area, but I told many people across the country that I knew from another "forum". As the years have gone by, I try to get people from my office to sign up, and they're not interested and don't want to take the time to learn, so I've definitely realized that other people in and around my office are not my competition. If they don't want to learn, the consumer probably won't go that direction either.

I think the support group aspect comes from the bloggers among the REALTORS...you either do or you don't...kinda like being a cat person or a dog person!

There wouldn't be any value to Active Rain if no one participated.

It is the pay it forward attitude that makes this network sooo great! I too really view myself as my own best competition.....and I don't worry about what anyone else is doing....I just do what works for me...and AR and blogging works for me!

Jason... great post. Cooperation will win over competition always. Blogging is a path to discovery and when we share our lives and thoughts we will build community with those the conversation 'rings bells' with. If we talk (but don't listen) we're just blabbing as a mechanism to generate business (hopefully)... If we share through conversing, we grow and achieve a prosperity that can also be shared.

Great post... thanks...

Jason, thank you and all you others for sharing your thoughts with us today. Have a nice day and a Happy Holiday Season! Regards,

Jason,

That is a great post. I have never thought of anyone as a competitor. There is too much property to sell. Plus, why alienate yourself from a potential referral.

Thanks for a great post Jason,

I also used to think of other agents as competition to the point where we would have our door shut during the day so noone would know what our marketing plans were. Now, I share what I am doing with everyone and at times are asked to speak to other agents about blogging, internet marketing, what I do and how I do it....

I find this so rewarding and in addition I have far more people to work with.

Jason - the name of the game is helping others achieve what they want ... sharing ideas and helping people is what AR is all about too. Technology and social media is great ... and helps business ... at the end of the day ... it's about how we serve others and connect with people!

This is another way to set yourself apart and you remind us of that. We need to be different and we need to be better so blogging is just another way to add value.

Jason...

They're not competitors. They are an opportunity to strut your stuff :)

Most Realtors don't get that and have no idea how liberating it is :)

It's right up their with firing a Buyer or Seller :)

TLW...ROAR!

I agree with TLW and with you. The other agents in the area and throughout the state and the nation just give me the opportunity to "strut my stuff."

I agree, I tell other agents everything:

How I use an MLS book to access new listings once a month, How I have 3 courier pigeons that I use for communication with clients, How I thoroughly advertise all my listings using only a yard sign, How I use a beeper so anyone can tell me to call them back (which I always do within 24-48 hours).... I tell them EVERYTHING!

Oh, and don't tell anyone this one, but I'm about to start using a bag-phone, shhhh.

:-)

Jason ---- I love it!!!!!!!!!!! "I am my own best competition. I realize that this may sound a little hackneyed, but you can't win a race when you are constantly looking over your shoulder to see how close the other guy is. Run your own race" I could not say it any better.



Happy Holidays

Perhaps the person referencing AR as a competitive "secret" was just trying to compliment the site? (I think it was a tongue-in-cheek comment) AR is too well known in our industry now to be considered a competitive tool; it simply enhances our image and knowledge within the industry.

Excellent post, Jason. I think sharing ideas helps us to become better at what we do, though I know some might disagree. Thanks for a great read.

Elyse Berman (Realty Associates, Boca Raton, FL)

Jason, thanks for the article, I tend to see everyone as competion but still try and work with them for the best results.

In a nutshell, this member stated that they didn't have any interest in sharing ActiveRain with others in their office, since it was too valuable a tool, and they wanted to keep it to themselves.

Hi Jason,

I'm not surprised. ActiveRain IS a valuable tool. Real estate is highly competitive. You are blessed to be in a good market. However, the past 18 months have been very difficult in some places. There are many agents around the country who have been financially squeezed out of the business. At some brokerages, top producers absolutely will not share their success secrets with their co-workers. I've had several clients mention this fact.

Hi Jason. Great post.

The nice thing is when we promote social media to others, we are strengthening our own network...

Thanks for writing,

Ken

We are peers I think. All on AR for the right reasons.....to learn and to be apart of this great community. I love AR, it's become a part of every day life for me.

Patricia

Jason,

I've worked in offices with agents who were blatant about considering me competition. I wasn't. What a difference to be associated with a company where not only does everyone respect others' work, but we actaully support and encourage each other. AND we even team up when in the best interest of our clients. I am blessed!

This was a (minor) fear of mine initially, but in the sake of being an upright person, I thought it best to share. It's like anything, if you are confident in who you are than others will come and go, and you will remain. Look, millions of people have listened to Tony Robbins, how many people do you think are super achievers like he preaches? I've attempted to make local AR members my affiliates and partners. I must admit it maybe a bit easier for me as a lender than for a Realtor to swallow. Nonetheless Mr. Belonger himself is literally down the street from my office, and we are friends. Plenty of "real estate" people!! Plenty.

lol - I'd hate to be that commenter right now :-D

Jason, to each his own. If something works for you, I say go for it. If someone does not want to, they have the right to be on the side lines. But I don't call them old fashioned. I call them ready to get out anyway or overwhelmed and not able to do one more thing due to health problems or someone has not shown them the merit close enough to make them reshuffle their time to allow blogging, joining other web 2.0 sites,etc.

regardless of any system or tool that works some people will never use it and for others it just may not work for them

I am glad you clarified that Jordan sport as I was wondering. Nothing wrong with sharing knowledge or anything. I think the rewards will come to them that share and assist others.

I am still surprised when I teach a class of 30-40 agents, how few are active on AR !!!!!!!!!!

Wow. The part about listing another realtor's home is pretty amazing.

Marketing is telling the market what you do. Effective marketing is telling the market what you do differently. To an extent, if you share all your successes, you are removing your effective positioning.

I know it is very novel to say that other agents aren't competition, I'm just not sure how realistic that is. It can be a constructive competition, a friendly competition, or even a supportive competition; but as long as your goal is to achieve a certain level of market share or penetration, then other agents are some form of competition. Doesn't mean you can't empower them and share your successful techniques, as long as you understand that that technique may no longer be unique to yourself.

I think AR is a tool that could be shared and not threatened, however just a blanket share-everything policy may not be productive. If you disagree, send me your database of clients... you know helpful non-competitive spirit.

I used to share my SEO techniques with people in the office. Then I began to notice they were all getting on the first page of Google which was probably cutting into my own website hits. While I agree with you on the social media aspect, I'm not so sure about SEO advice to your competitors.

Great article!! I concur with you on the scarcity theory, but it's not just in real estate. Scarcity theory permieates all facets in life.

LOVE this blog post!

Honestly, the person you mentioned is the same person during a natural disaster that would loot and hoard while others starved around them. There is very little character there. It wreaks insecurity and their days are numbered anyway once people in their area and office catch on. Relationships are built on trust and sharing. I wonder how many referrals that person gets doesn't get?

"I realize that this may sound a little hackneyed, but you can't win a race when you are constantly looking over your shoulder to see how close the other guy is. Run your own race!"

Exactly - love it!

ETA: "I think AR is a tool that could be shared and not threatened, however just a blanket share-everything policy may not be productive. If you disagree, send me your database of clients... you know helpful non-competitive spirit. " Too funny Joe and I do see your point about blanket sharing!

Didn't someone famous once say "the only thing to fear is fear itself"? Are people that insecure that they believe that the secret of AR is proprietary to them? The more people blog about a specific area in localism, the more likely your blogs are to be highlighted and featured. It's a win-win situation.

Jason- I have told numerous people about AR. Only a couple have signed up and they haven't even blogged. I like your pay-it forward attitude.

I tell colleagues about this site quite often and they are the ones who tell me 'they are not interested in blogging', 'they don't have time for it', 'it isn't for them' and so on....you can lead a horse to water...well, you know the rest.

I had a RE trainer years ago who said not to ever worry about telling people your best secrets for business- most of them won't do the things anyway. Sad, but true. I've invited 3 people but none are active.

Competition is what makes us stronger. I reccomend this to everyone!

I like this message. I may teach in one area where I am stronger and learn in another where I am not as strong. What goes around comes around so a sharing mentality works . I think at best you are 6 months ahead on any NEW product or trend.

Well, I guess this one struck a chord.

Thanks to all of you for your input. I fully realize that most people won't take the time to blog, or at least not effectively or consistently. That's why I don't mind teaching classes about blogging and social media. Actually, the same is true for SEO, although it may seem hard to believe.

I wish the comment I referenced here were tongue-in-cheek, but it wasn't. It was clearly written from a place of fear.

Joe - I would be happy to share my database of clients - no worries - they'll choose me anyway. ;) You actually summed up my point quite nicely when you said, "as long as you realize that it's no longer unique to yourself". I'm not advocating giving away anything proprietary. Hundreds of thousands of agents are blogging - this is not proprietary stuff.

Andrew - The old-fashioned remark wasn't directed at those who choose not to blog - it was the part about hoarding knowledge about AR.

Jason, to quote my favorite line from the old cartoon strip, Pogo: "We have met the enemy and he is us". Together, we make it better.

I am new in real estate (about a year) and new to AR (about 2 months) and I am all about the sharing of information! I look at people as competition, but not direct competition; more like 'friendly' competition. My room mate and best friend is a Realtor, our sphere of influence is like...50% the same people, lol! But, I still come back and share all my knowledge with her, and I hope she is doing the same! ;) I even sent her an AR blog invitation and now she is on here too!

I look at clients kind of like boyfriends; they should be able to be around all the other Realtors (pretty girls), and still want to use me (date me) over all the rest!! :)

Jason, The funny thing about sharing tips, tools, guidance, advice and what not...is that only a few people will ever listen until it becomes such a no-brainer...and then they WISH they had listened. Ahhh...the end result of procrastination. I like AR because of all the sharing...I can't keep up, try as I might!

Hi Jason...

I have shared it with others as well. Also like many comments read, most chose not to participate. I can lead a horse to water, but...

Thank you for your thoughts on it. :o)

Nice work Jason. Spread the love. Keep it in the flow.

Jason, an abundance mentality says for those that are willing to rise to the cream of the crop there is plenty of pie for everyone to share. The quibblers are just those with small ideas and small minds.

I have always shared information. Sometimes I tell about it up front and sometimes I wait to be asked. I have never used the information to build up my points or place myself above anyone else. But, I will say that I think the money in real estate will be in "teaching" the the "how to" instead of doing the actual selling. Once again, I'm not going to make any points (money) on this stuff. It is nice to share.

I do understand the hesitancy on the part of agents. AR can be powerful and if you are putting your listings on it, they will appear high on the results list very often. Not a bad thing. However, give this ability to all in your office and you will be down the list and less visible. It is nice to share, but we do have to remember that we need to be competitive. Coke does not share its formula and I am sure that MicroSoft has lots of secrets that they are not going to give away.

There are agents who can say they have been in real estate for ages, but for some of us, our advantage is the use of internet sites. If the veterans get that two, we are trumped. Trust me, I see it all the time here. I think to say we are not in competition with other agents in and out of our offices is not living in the real world. I help agents with office machines, advice about subdivision requirements, etc. However, I do strongly believe that we do need to have some things that keep us unique and special. If we do not, then why would a seller or buyer pick us to represent them?

AR and other sites are no government secret. They are there to be found if you want to work to investigate ways to promote yourselves and your listings. If agents are not willing to do the work I had to do to learn to utilize these sites, it is not my job to give away the bag of tricks I have accumulated. Sorry.

This does not mean I do not like my competition and consider many of them good friends. I have even gone to help interpret for them when needed. Have also opened a house for buyers when the selling agent could not. But I love Coca-Cola and think, like them, there are certain tricks-of-the-trade that I will keep to myself. If that makes me a bad person (and no one has ever called me that), so be it I guess. Each situation is different and so is the interplay amongst local agents.

If he invited his office, and people joined up, blogged -- he'd be getting residule points off their blogs!! You wrote you re-read his blog to see if he was "tongue in cheek" NOPE! Foot in mouth!!

I agree, Jason - we don't need to be afraid of our competition - we need to embrace them as part of our great capitalist society! Without them, where would our determination and motivation come from?

Jason, I kept AR a secret for about a year......thinking it was such a great tool, I couldn't let anyone know what I found. Little did I realize, with the help of AR, my real estate business has doubled and will continue to grow as long as I continue to learn to be a better blogger. My daughter is now blogging and her business is also picking up. Guess it's time to let others share too.

Hi Jason -- I found that most agents won't adopt if you were to tell them a "secret." Moreover, it's not really a secret, as it's a rare thing to have a lock on something. I also think it demeans us as professionals if we are always trying to out do each other with hype, spin, and the like. Level with a consumer and let them be the judge of what we bring to the table. I am a huge fan of transparency (in a good way).

Someone who sees every REALTOR as a competitor must not understand how much cooperation is needed in this business!

My biggest competitor is myself also, I should put this on my desk!

DEC

2009

Great Post and great attitude!

JAson , I do the Training for our brokerage, and share everything I know and learn. That includes A/R and Blogging , Podcasting Twitter etc. Unfortunately I find that too many won't bother to take the time and effort to extend themselves into cyberspace. So for the member who wanted to keep it too himself/herself, not to worry most won't and those that due will not hurt your efforts.

Bill

Hi Jason! Just as in life--what you give, you receive 10-fold. I firmly believe that helping and giving brings good Karma into your life. How many of my sphere are going to be swayed by another agent in the city that does the same thing that I do? None--they've already forged a relationship with me, why would they want to start over with someone else?!

Competition is healthy but, jealousy is not and the agent who wrote that is either fearful or jealous--this will get her nowhere in life. Sharing and caring WILL!

EXCELLENT post and yes, you've struck a cord or two here, I think!

Let me share this Jason, I sent an invite to Active Rain to 60 agents in my real estate brokerage. Only 3 agents responded to my invite. To this day (since Summer '08) ZERO! have been active. I didn't keep it secret, I shared it. I emailed them the invite which included the link. I'm still the only one actively blogging here. Oh well! Ironic, isnt it? or maybe ignorance?

agree that we are our own competition. Look at this site. many of us compete in the same market but learn and share here. Most competition is between the ears.

great post

tony

IWhen I started on AR several years ago, I did share it with my office. They looked at me like I had 3 heads. Of course all of my leads are Internet based. They tried once or twice, and then gave up expecting an immediate win fall of leads (not very realistic) but I kept blogging along. I realize that they are technologically challenged, but for me AR has been a fantastic tool. Not all old dogs can learn new tricks I guess.

We really need each other to service the public effectively. Can you imagine what service would be like if there were only one company in the marketplace?

Great post Jason. Thanks!!

Love, love, LOVE this Jason! I have butted heads with more than a few agents over the past years who approached this business from a fear perspective-scarcity as you call it rather than from one of abundance. There is plenty to go around and we all succeed more when surrounded by successful people!

Its Mr Jason.....I have heard there is always enough business for good agents....

Jason, I wish more local agents were on Active Rain especially from my company! I have tried to share the gospel but I think what most of them feel is that it is too much effort (time spent blogging) for too little return. I guess I would have to differ with their opinion. -Marian

Sharon Paxson and I have discussed this several times. We live and work just a couple miles apart, literally. And, yet, we get together and discuss how to make our businesses better and technology frequently, figuring there's more than enough for both of us.

DEC

2009

I have had a very, very bad experience with one of the people who I invited from my office. I may have a different perspective because of that but I am not going to go on an ANTI ActiveRain Evangelizing kick because of that or let the individual ruin my experience at ActiveRain or in the blogiverse.

I had not really thought of it from the point of view of scarcity.

Jason,

I loved the comment "Looking back, I was like a high school quarterback who viewed Michael Jordan as being my direct competitor. We weren't even playing the same sport!"

There is great information here on AR and each of us will use it differently. This is a big sand box with room for all to play.

Givers gain!

Jason, if I was going to open up a hamburger stand, I'd do it by McDonalds

DEC

2009

True... So True!!

DEC

2009

I invited everyone in our office to join AR-- but we are a unique team who share and help each other. We all pretty much work in different areas so no real direct competition--- I should send an AR invitation to my DIRECT competition--- kill them with kindness! Kathy

DEC

2009

Is the Bulldozers for Sale a joke?

DEC

2009

Jason ...

Some fairly random thoughts about competitiveness and sharing ...

A lot of agents think of their company's share of the market as a pie: the more agents, the smaller the piece each can get. In fact, a company's share of the market is usually directly proportional to the number of agents associated with the company (ignoring the non-producers), and business begets business. A competitive, negative attitude toward ones fellow agents makes no sense, in that setting. Rather, helping your fellow agents do a good job of marketing your broker's listings will ultimately benefit all.

If one looks at the broader picture, a local market may be perceived as too limited to share, but it's not, practically speaking. Continous turnover, new developments, relocations, FSBOs, next generations, etc., create an ever expanding and active market that can be captured. There will always be competition, just Listing on Internet as there will always be opportunities. Sharing knowledge and treating others as respected professional colleagues can make other agents eager to cooperate with you on a sale, rather than trying to side-step you.

SEO is another area that has agents tied in competitive knots. Some will not put listings on big sites, like AR, Trulia, etc., because that might drive traffic to those sites, instead of to their own. But what about the service owed to the seller? The agent has promised to do the best possible job in marketing that home. Surely that includes putting the listing on all of the sites where it might attract the attention of a potential buyer! Aren't non-participating agents "cutting off their noses"?

Finally, so much of ones reputation is built via the Internet, today. Surely any agent would want to be seen as a knowledgeable professional by their current and potential customers? In the 21st century, that means demonstrating your knowledge and expertise by writing about it, online. Get with it, Folks!

... Robin

DEC

2009

I cannot imagine not sharing Activerain with every agent, lender or stager I know! I believe there is wealth of knowledge to belearned and shared and wish I had been more active with Activerain sooner. I heard about it many years ago, but did not fully understand or have the time to fully explore the value of it. Well in the last few months, all that has changed. By sharing what we have learned we help each other to deliver better service to our clients and more quickly adjust to the ever-changin market realities.

MAY

Jason, I am one of the agents who keeps AR to myself. At least, in my local market. I have shared it with agents out of my area but they just don't see the value. I do agree that some heavy-hitters don't even see me in the radar. But I have been able to pick up some pretty impressive listings because of my blogging. Do I tell these agents how I got the listings? No. I know that may sound selfish but that's where I'm at right now. Maybe that will change in the future.

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Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

Austin, TX

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Austin Texas Homes, LLC

Address: 3636 Executive Center Drive, Suite 210, Austin, TX, 78731

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