Social Media...It's Not Just For Breakfast Anymore! Proceed with Caution!
We all know about the social media explosion. And it's not just realtors that have climbed aboard.
It's for just about everyone. It's for anyone in sales, IT, real estate, finance, engineering, marketing, cooks, sports lovers, musicians and anyone else you can think of.
Lately, I've been getting much more involved in Twitter, Linkedin, and Facebook. In trying to grow my "connections" I have, of, course "met" more people. Some of these people genuinely want to share what they know, much like here on Active Rain. Some though, are there to make money and only make money.
Many of us who have been realtors for a long time can share some costly mistakes made in the name of increasing our business and getting leads. Mine was a tri-fold color brochure for which I paid $5000.00 back in the early 90's. I'm still apologizing to my husband for that one!! I have read stories here on AR that would make most folks hair curl. I remember one agent who said he spent $70K (yes that's $70,000) on learning about SEO. I also remember buying my share of books and cd's, all geared toward more leads and more closed business. Mostly the books and cd's ended up on a shelf which was my fault, not the author's.
But, in all businesses, there is always someone who can help you learn more about marketing yourself, getting leads, or now social media, FOR A PRICE. Imagine the magnitude of the playing field now that social media can apply to so many careers and industries.
So I say, proceed with caution. I'm not saying you should never buy a book about social media or on specific applications. I am saying that you should do your research before you buy into some of the hype out there. There are so many people offering free webinars that you could take them all day AND learn a lot. Here on AR there is no shortage of people wiling to help and guide you, JeremyBlanton, Bob Stewart, or Brad Andersohn come to mind.
Are you considering buying a particular book? Ask your friends here if they have read it? Is someone offering a webinar for X number of dollars that will help your business EXPLODE? Ask them for references.
I received a call from a marketer a few days ago, trying to sell internet ad space for a rather large nationwide organization. I listened and at the end of the conversation I said what I usually say, "It sounds good but I have to do what I always do when I consider spending money for my business and that is to call some of the agents who are already advertising with you." His voice became a bit cooler and he simply said, "That's fine. Call me if you're interested." The ad is supposed to link to the agent's website. When I looked at one agent's ad, her link did not work. I called her to ask about the ad and she said it was a waste of money and that I should not bother. She was quite unhappy to hear that her link was not working but grateful that I called to tell her.
I am not opposed to people making money off social media, but I believe there must be a genuine benefit attached, and it has to make sense for your business, whatever it is. I've seen webinars on social media being offered for $1000 dollars. They may be worth it but I am not quite ready for that kind of investment.
Are you?
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