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Will Top Producers Blog?

As part of my pitch to get our agent's on board for the upcoming company blog, I have been encouraging participation in Active Rain. To date, 170+ of our associates have taken me up on that. About 30 or so have actually posted more than one post and I get more calls and emails from people yet to post telling me how much they are learning. I am trying to find our "newbies" as soon as they come in to welcome and write some encouraging comments. I thank all of you for showing so many of our people such a warm welcome.

I have been wondering if our Top Producers would latch on to the blogging concept. It only stands to reason that they would see blogging as just one more thing to add to their already full plate. And honestly, since their attendance at sales meetings is scarce, I thought they might not even know about the blog yet.

Much to my delight and surprise, when I went to our Miami Beach sales meeting, EWM's 2006 Top Producer, Nelson Gonzalez, was there and listening intently. I must credit Kevin here, as he has been chatting up Active Rain in his office since the Project Blogger competition so they are a bit more "in tune" to blogging. Nelson asked some great questions in the meeting and really added a nice dimension to the overall conversation - his attention in the meeting made my job much easier.

Well, not only did he join Active Rain, but he put up his first post today. Nelson sells ultra-luxury waterfront homes on Miami Beach and he sold more than $60 million last year alone. His star filled client list is the envy of many Miami Beach Realtors. He knows his market like the back of his hand and is truly an "insider". He is an industry veteran and has earned his business by building a great reputation for his integrity and business acumen. He understands that he is at the top of the heap today, but won't stay there if he doesn't adapt and embrace the tools like blogging that will form the top producers of tomorrow. Besides all of that, he is also an incredibly nice guy and will be a great blogger because he is a top producer who understands the value of sharing.

So back to the title question - Will Top Producer's Blog?

My answer is an unequivocal yes... and here they are. I am looking forward to their view from the top, I know these guys will stay there.

Scott Patterson Kevin Tomlinson Nelson Gonzalez

Posted by Beth Butler on 08/09/2007 09:28 PM

Comments (87)

ewm, scott patterson, nelson gonzalez, kevin tomlinson, top producers

Post is included in group: Recruiting and Real Estate

87 Comments on Will Top Producers Blog?

AUG

2007

Gentlemen,

Welcome. If you have any questions about AR & blogging--feel free to call Beth on her cell phone, day or night!

Golly, Kevin - and I was just thinking that you were "maturing" through blogging.

nope, sorry!

Beth, I was wondering when Nelson's blog would hit!! As always, he's on top of his game. I must admit it's time consuming. Just ask my husband ;) I'm grateful for on-line poker which keeps him quiet as I blog blog blog blog blog.

I can't understand why she isn't posting her home phone number to make sure she doesn't miss those calls....lol..........welcome top producers...........thanks for participating.

Monica - on line poker, huh? Almost as addictive as blogging.

Hey Julie - it's right next to my picture - maybe I'll change it to Kevin's number.

Beth, why don't we all put Kevin's number on our "contact me"....that'll show him. Oh wait, he'll get our leads too. ;-)

I stopped by Scott's today. I need to make my way over to Nelson's. You're doing a great job of getting agents to see the value of blogging. Top Producers included.

Maggie

Beth's on speakerphone right now and she cordially thanks you for your input. Have a lovely evening.

Maggie - since I don't get lead calls but do get complaint calls - I think he will enjoy my change the most! Thanks for the mention.

Kevin- I like you as my secretary - can we make an arrangement???

Beth,

Well put. This is a hot topic at the moment...Having just returned from Inman Connect in San Francisco, blogging was dissected on every level. While many top producers have not come on board, it is our aim to encourage them to participate both in reading and contributing content.

Eric - thanks for the input. Top Producer's can add a lot of meaty content to any site. The smart one's will jump in and head out in front of the pack. I think the producer's that lag behind will find it very difficult to catch up a year from now.

You guys are having entirely too much fun in Miami - but I guess if you can't have fun in Miami, why bother trying.

Welcome to the Rain - and yes there are many top producers here in our midst...

Now Have a Blessed Day,

John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTOR®
Mission Grove Realty

Kevin, Beth cordial? Are you sure it was her on the phone?

Hey John - laughing is mandatory around here. Thanks for stopping by.

Beth - I was #8 in the state of Idaho for RE/MAX and have been an Active Blogger....LOL With the market the way it is in many part of the country I am sure you will have all levels of producers blogging more and trying to discover new ways of generating business.

This is a great place for Top Producers to stay sharp. The one thing I have noticed is that there are alot of vendors that blog. When looking for a certain technology solution my first instinct is to google it. Well... since joining active rain i have replaced to aspects of my business with a better solution from companies I have found on AR. Chances are the best new ideas are going to show up here long before a google search.

Maggie - OUCH! Just when people thought I might be a nice person ;)

George - Number 8 - thats amazing! You guys out west are so far ahead of us east coast types- we are just happy to follow along. And the generation of new business is a great reason for any producer to blog, thanks for pointing that out.

Adam- you point out another great reason to participate in Active Rain. There are so many new tools that are featured and written about here it is like consumer digest for real estate agents.

Beth

Are you working on the company blog?

On one hand.... top producers should stick with what works for THEM....

but if they dont at least LISTEN to new ideas, then they will not be top producers next yr

YES Kevin - if my cell phone would just stop ringing I could get these categories and pages up.

Tom - you are so right and I understand it is even harder to change when what you have is working now, but change you must to stay on top.

I do....so I would think others do....

Cool. I think that this is one of the tools of the future, and I know that I want to be on the front of the wave. It's nice to know that top producers see the value as well.

Observation -- Blogging makes you better lookin' -- just look (okay, stare) at the pictures of those three men!!! That should encourage the rest of us to blog away!!!! -- Just a thought . . .

I like how Nelson did the "Good Buys" at the bottom of his post... . Top Chef and those pictures of that fantastic real estate make me want to pack up my bags and head south.

-Paul

Whatever floats your boat, Karen. Enjoy, you nasty little girl. Spanky, spanky!

Leo - you would think so, right?

Lane - thanks. Best of luck to you - I think you are gonna get there!

I think that we may be seeing a changing of the top producer guard because of blogging...

if people start feeling the love that Laurie Manny is receiving, they'll be top producers in no time!

Paul - come on down - we have a place for all good bloggers :) I liked Nelson's good buys as well and I think the consumers will too.

I LOVE Laurie Manny and she knows it. We dined together.

Karen - they are easy on the eyes and honestly, the pictures don't do them justice. I am guessing there is a correlation between good looks and success in real estate - at least with these guys.

Kevin - YOU ARE OUT OF CONTROL - but I admit, I am laughing- Karen is our trainer for goodness sake - show a little respect.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'M DEEP.

David - there is a post lurking in that comment, no? I have thought the same thing - it is fascinating to watch. They will learn the love of the juice - I think they will find it addicting.

Kevin - you are a STAR - a brilliant, deep, Laurie Manny is my friend -STAR - isn't the link love enough or must you hijack my featured post as well?

No, no Beth. No ouchies there. Cordial seems uptight, which is something you're not. You're too much fun to be classified as cordial.

What the heck is a goatnut?

Maggie -sorry for the mis-read - I think I'll blame my secretary- he is such a snob. Go figure on the goatnut - I miss the fruit bowl.

Does he make good coffee at least?

Okay -- this could be its own post -- but I thought it appropriate to add here. It's late, I'm punchy, just started a new diet, and because of this new addiction, I am not spending time in the gym like I did last year for my class reunion.

What are we doing about the new disease --- BLOG BUTT? I don't know about the rest of you, but I have put off going back to the gym. Obviously, from their photos, these blogging top producers find the time. I guess I could take my laptop to the YMCA and set it atop the treadmill . . . .is there hope?

blog butt

my butt is high tite and round and sooooooooooooooooooooooo smooth.

Jon Washburn would be really impressed with your comment thread, Beth. Riveting.

Hi Beth, After reading the last comment and fabulous picture, there is no way I am commenting. A good post and I will answer for the top producers out there. If the reward is great enough, Yes, as long as they can have someone else handle it. I would love to be in on that conversation. "You want me to do What?"

Beth

Give me the respect I deserve, for without me, your post wouldn't be featured............POWER IS ADDICTING

Top producers stay on top of the trends -- of course they will blog!

Kevin, you forgot the MUHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA

ok - I give up - but before I do...

Maggie - Kevin thinks the kitchen is a nice built-in - so no - but he does pick up cuban coffee.

Karen- you are too much - that picture is over the top!

Kevin - no words can describe my affection for you at this moment

Beth, I'm going to look forward to this as well. The "will top producers blog" question has come up in both formal and informal conversations with my colleagues here and opinions have been all over the map. Just because they haven't certainly doesn't mean they won't or can't benefit. This is going to be very interesting.

Beth, don't kill me for the photo. . .but I could not resist. Everything I've written has either been techy or serious except for the time I turned myself into an M&M in front of the Aventura office. I think I'll go back to serious. I apologize!

William - we had that conversation - I alluded to it in the post and it was great! Nelson wanted to know if someone else could blog for him... I was hoping he would ask and so was everyone else. The conversation led to "voice" and how important it is - long story short- there he is doing it on his own and he will lead the way - I've got 3 going - more will follow just because those 3 are doing it. I have a few other tricks up my sleeve.

Ann- here's to hoping you are right!

Jeff Turner - thanks for stopping by this schizophrephic post. I understand the debate and I think it will happen and many top producers will post themselves. I really think they need to do this. I'll keep you posted

Karen - no apology necessary. You know I wrote a post on turning myself into a Simpson - we can't take ourselves too seriously - this should be fun even in a semi serious post. Have at it.

AUG

2007

Beth - I must commend you for getting your agents to blog - that is a pretty amazing task, especially for those agents that are doing well without it and don't see the need. A big Congratulations to you!

Thanks Ines - I am trying. Also wanted to mention that I am enjoying my Miamism feed - it is great.

Beth - Wow - I remember when Maggie intro you - you are a real dynamo - and this post shows you're not the "traditional" broker which I applaud - Keep having fun with your wild bunch (LOL)

Cyndee - thanks for your kind words. Maggie has been a huge inspiration to me and a perpetual resource on what blogging is all about. As for the brokerage - we are quite traditional in many ways. Adaptation of new technology is for top producers and traditional brokerages we all need to learn to function in the market. As for my wild bunch - what can I say?? They keep me on my toes.

Most top producers are progressive and will gravitate to blogging, because that is where part of the market is gravitating to.

Randy - I agree - but at this point its a relatively small percentage - will it be too late?

Thanks for the many laughs along the path to new blogging horizons...can't wait to see what other tricks you have up your sleeve...Hello 'Beach Boys'...looking good!

Karen,

where did you get that photo of me on the treadmill with my laptop?

Kate - calling all EWM Alumni - maybe you con contribute about the "lure" of Western NC to our local readership.

Top producers do not need blogs or a web presence. Those who have been in the business for 20 years should have a large enough client base and sphere so that they do not need to build relationships with total strangers on the interent. People like me who have been in the business for less than 10 years need to exploit any and all sources of clients.

Teresa - surely you jest. But I love that you are out there discouraging the competition ;). Ok, so now I am thinking that that only our Top Producer's should blog. Maybe we should stop talking and writing about blogging so no one knows - what do you think? Can we sweep this whole blogging thing under the rug and just call it a passing fad? I think we can get good traction with that spin. It will be our secret.

Julie -- if that photo is you and that photo is me, we must be twins separated at birth.

Beth, what a great shout out to your team.

Will Top Producers Blog? NO! sorry...just wanted to create a little controversy. LOL!!

I have met with many Top Agents as of late, and the biggest issue for them is time. That's where I come in, and share posts like this with them. Get's them thinking a bit, shows them the value and why others are doing it.

Now I am starting to get many calls for help. I am planning ahead...next, I'll be finding a cure for Blog Butt!! :-)

The number was $125M in sales last year but, who's counting! Blogging is an interesting concept for anyone. I am just learning about all of this. It does take alot of time and it is hard to juggle between our regular jobs (real estate) and family life with 3 kids, a dog and a wife. I find myself working on this well after hours. Not to say that I am not having fun because I am. I find it easier to find a title first then writing about it. Let's see where we are in 3 months. HMMMM.

Being new to the AR network, I can understand the concern about how much time is involved when you consider all we must do before and after our time in front of qualified buyers and sellers. However, the rewards in terms of network informational input are huge and well worth the extra effort needed to effectively participate!

Brad -- hope you find a cure for blog butt. I think the YMCA 4-5 times a week is my cure. I will reward myself if I DO go to the gym with equal blogging time -- instead of awarding myself with a Tazo Chai Tea Latte and chocolate brownie. . . . hmmmmm. . . . . I'm hungry now.

Beth,

Do guys have to take a screen test to join EWM?

I've been eating nothing but salads with balsamic vinegar since Inman, and we invest in an ab lounger. blogging makes you fat,. Podcasts make you read Skinny Bitch on the flight home.

ARDELL

You are not fat. You had those sexy Seven jeans on like a teenager :) Your boobs were all, well, being big and stuff.....I'm still on my killer diet too. Talk about a comment thread that has gotten off subject..

JCM would have deleted ALL THESE comments.

Kevin, Anita was in her office cracking up earlier. She read the entire comment thread and just would not stop laughing.

Did someone define "Top Producer" yet? What's a Genome?

Tracy -thanks!

Nelson - SO SORRY - I can only say it was late and I must have been stuck in 2005- thanks for being a good sport!

Brad - I hear that! Tine is the big thing for many of us. But we all find time to do things we think are important - not to mention fun.

Sarah - well said.

Ardell - of course we have screen tests - this is Miami after all. If blogging makes you fat, I guess I have been blogging for 20 some years.

KT - no deleting here- it's way too much fun to delete.

Maggie - with our market the way it is we all need a good laugh, right?

Ardell - Everyone is a Top Producer - just ask them. I don't care how you count it, there are not many real estate sales people that can claim $125 million in a year - so Nelson gets my vote. And genome is like a Top Producer - it's anything you want it to be ;)

Beth, I have laughed my head off at these comments, what fun !! I'm also curious if Nelson does blog. He would be an asset to learn from here.

Beth,

They have some tough competition with Kev's Pretty Blog. $125 mill sales volume. I think you need to lower the bar for some serious answers :)

Congrats on "most active" blog post of the day.

AUG

2007

Beth, Now I get what you and Karen were joking about in the managers blog meeting....The pig on the treadmill....you guys are hysterical and I have only had one glass of wine...

But, seriously good job at baiting....and if the Top Producers don't blog....They would be the biggest fools..

AUG

2007

Missy - Nelson will continue to blog, I am counting on it ;)

Ardell - You must absolutely know that 1 of the most compelling reasons for Nelson to blog is to keep Kevin from nipping at his heals. Thankf for the congrats.

Caroline- with our market the way it is - how can anything that is productive and fun be bad? I think most of ours will contribute and if they don't they will feel the pain of being behind very soon.

AUG

2007

Good post and I like the perspective.

AUG

2007

Beth, just saw your blog. I have been reading up on blogging and it seems that lately whether online, TV or just the newspaper article in The Miami Herald today that you sent out someone is talking about Blogging. It's a reality we cannot ignore. Thanks for your motivation!

AUG

2007

Beth..really enjoyed this...with practise your time blogging will be shorter. I think top producers have alot to offer and even a short blog would be welcome.

AUG

2007

Another take on this is: Are Top Producers "top producers" BECAUSE they blog. I know of a few that are... It's just another marketing channel.

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