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Suggest Button - Do You Abuse It?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Talk 2 Midori, LLC BK645709

I love the suggest button and its also fabulous to see many new faces on the dashboard. On top of that with the ability to call the shots, I wonder do people abuse it?  I myself have called the shots 5 times and I really value that privilege then again I was the sicko who enjoyed doing the Week in Review back in the day. 

I receive a lot of emails everyday requesting that I call the shot..the truth is no matter who you are, the content has to be entertaining and well written for me to click the button. 

In my eyes its a privilege and tends to make the dashboard so much more interesting seeing different faces and reading different perspectives of various real estate related topics. 

How about you?  Do you recieve emails from fellow Activerainers who want you to call the shot?  Do you call the shot because its quality or do you call the shot due to friendship?  How do you feel about people emailing you to suggest their post for a featured spot?

While searching online...I found the best article of when Activerain decided to hire an editor and one of the many functions was to feature post.  I felt a little nostalgic....it was a touching post but the comments made it better.  This is back in the day... it makes me laugh its only been a few years but boy has this network changed.  Check it out!

Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

I have only 4 called shots - not because I abuse it but probably because I neglect it. I read so many good ones!

Sep 26, 2010 12:13 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Midori,

I also love the suggest button and use it daily as I read many posts that are certainly worth of a gold star. I've never receive request to push the "suggest" button!

Sep 26, 2010 12:59 AM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

I figured that people would be grovelling behind the scenes for a featured post. That is pretty sad. It fascinates me the people care so much about getting a featured post. I would rather be featured by Google:)

Sep 26, 2010 01:53 AM
StepStone Realty
StepStone Realty, LLC - Austin, TX
Freedom to Succeed

For some reason, I feel the need to suggest this blog. :)  I've asked people to read my blog before, if I thought they would find it interesting, but only suggest my blog if you LOVE it and find it feature-worthy.  Suggesting just because someone asks you to seems dishonest.

Sep 26, 2010 02:15 AM
Jesse Skolkin
Independent New York State Certified Real Estate Appraiser - Fresh Meadows, NY

I think I've clicked the suggest button twice in one year.  I've never had an e-mail request to do so.

Sep 26, 2010 02:49 AM
Maureen McCabe
HER Realtors - Columbus, OH
Columbus Ohio Real Estate

Somedays I hit the suggest button and some days I don't.  I think the suggest button is a good idea.

I have never been asked to suggest a post, which makes me happy.  I think the few people who have a graphic saying "If you enjoy this post hit the suggest button"  are pathetic. 

The posts that have a flurry of comments about how great the post is and how they've suggested it are funny.  No discussion of the topic in the post, just that it is good and it's been suggested.  I have seen some of those posts featured... 

Again I am glad no one has asked me to suggest their posts.

Sep 26, 2010 03:01 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Midori - I love having the suggest button and use it when I find articles that I feel deserve to be widely circulated. Obviously many more posts get suggested than can get featured.

Never had anyone request I suggest. And I suggest reagrdless of who it is, friend, or not.

Jeff

Sep 26, 2010 03:20 AM
Damon Gettier
Damon Gettier & Associates, REALTORS- Roanoke Va Short Sale Expert - Roanoke, VA
Broker/Owner ABRM, GRI, CDPE

I suggest a lot of different posts that I think merit a Feature. I have never had anyone ask for a Suggest though.  I would be embarrassed to ask for a feature.

Sep 26, 2010 03:53 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

I suggest when I see a post that seems appropriate to get top billing.  What I don't do is announce to the world that I'm suggesting it for a feature.  That seems a bit like brown nosing to me and I'm never going to call or email someone and ask them to suggest one of my posts.

Sep 26, 2010 04:19 AM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals

Its interesting to me to see the responses...so let me address all at once...I don't spend as much time on the rain as I used to mainly because I read many blogs in the big blogosphere..the point I am trying to make is without anyone taking offense or ripping my head off...my not so humble opinion...

Asking is not a bad thing as a matter of fact..anyone who asks another to subscribe is pretty much doing the same thing...some of the biggest and best bloggers and vloggers beg...yes beg people to subscribe..its the best way that I can describe it because they make many references to subscribing throught a post or in their video...it doesn't offend me at all ..all of them making big bucks on the net..which is what we are all trying to do right?

I also get request to read blogs and subscribe and right here from AR...no different in my eyes...I am just posing the question.

Featured posts truly matter and I can attest for that...in my area...Jon Zolsky and Lisa Hill rule the first two spots...has it affected my seo...yes...has it affected my business in a negative way...no I don't think so but it could have.....why did this happen because I don't really write as often as I would like too...they both earned those spots fair and square and for a couple of years I enjoyed spot 2...so featured posts matter..and I do not fault anyone who wants to increase their points or exposure.

I don't find it offensive but I will say if you want me to subscribe to your blog or suggest your posts...darn well better be good. 

I had to add this..the only person who used a unique way to subscribe to their blog...was Bill Gassett..he did in a way...that made me do it...It was not begging but he asked in his own way. Let's just say I said to myself...wow...I like this idea...and I love his posts..I just can't remember how he did it..

 

Sep 26, 2010 06:19 AM
marti garaughty
garaughty.com - Montreal, QC
a highly caffeinated creative type...

marti garaughty, The Art of Marketing YOU

Sep 26, 2010 07:30 AM
Donne Knudsen
Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA - Simi Valley, CA
CalState Realty Services

Midori - I'll tell you the same thing that I just told Gina who also blogged about this. This doesn't surprise me at all. If there is anyway to scam a system, some people will find the way and scam the system. It's just human nature, some people are scammers and some aren't. Some people want what they want the easy way and some others work hard for it.

As for me, I'm so bored and tired of seeing the same faces on the feature board over and over and over and...

I like to call the shots but I like finding interesting and educational posts to suggest.  I focus on my subscribers first and then I look for newbie bloggers who don't have a gazillion groupies and fans who suggest everything they post regardless of how worthy or worthless the post is. 

The posts with tons of comments where everyone has already suggested are typically the ones I won't suggest.  Those posts don't need my vote to get featured.  But the newbie who has written a great post but only has one or two comments because they're not one of the popular old-timers, those are the ones that I will typically suggest.  Those are the ones that need the exposure of being featured.  JMHO

Sep 26, 2010 08:37 AM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals

Hi Donna I don't see this as scamming at all...I see it as someone reaching out...trying to get featured..nothing wrong with that...believe it or not this has happened since the inception of this network...groups do it....people do it..to me not a big deal! When I look at the big picture...we ask people to subscribe, digg etc. etc. and its ok.  What's the difference?

The difference is now there is a suggest button.  I really enjoy seeing the new people on the dashboard...I remember being a newbie myself and the thrill of being featured.  I remember someone reaching out to me to help me become better...that may be why it doesn't bother me when people ask.  I like your posts..its similiar as the week in review!  I miss the week in review but am glad to see your posts.

Sep 26, 2010 09:42 AM
Donne Knudsen
Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA - Simi Valley, CA
CalState Realty Services

Midori - I guess the only difference is that I personally don't engage in that way.  I've said this before and I'll say it again, most consumers couldn't care less how many features or points a person has or what their ranking is.  I've asked almost all of the prospects that have contacted me from my AR blog about this and 9 out of 10 of them haven't a clue what I'm talking about when I ask them if it was my points or ranking that appealed to them.  They contacted me because they liked something I blogged about.

I would really like to see newbies stop focusing on amassing points and features because more than likely, that's not what's going to bring them business, which is why many newbie bloggers are here.  They want to increase their business and amassing a bunch of points and features isn't necessarily going to be the ticket to more business.  I have seen bloggers here with a lot of points and features and they're complaining that their AR blogging hasn't brought them any new business.  Let that be your first clue people.

Anyway, if other bloggers here want to solicit for features, that's their perogative.  I've never solicited for features and I even like to feature those who wrote great posts but because they're new, they don't have the fan base to go around soliciting for a feature.  They get them the hard way, they write great posts.  JMHO

Sep 26, 2010 10:17 AM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals

Exactly perogative...you are right consumers don't care and won't know unless it is explained and chances are they could care less! 

When I talk to consumers or potential customers..its never the points..its never the placement..its all about the content...agree...and couldn't agree more.

To want to be featured is understandable...the strength of featured is understandable...and the numbers of readers are understandable.. if points were important to me...I'd do the 30 day blogging challenge and fight for the top..don't have time..its not necessary..and to me..not the right way to build your business. 

I will say when you get featured..they may not have the fans but it sure is great way to gain them!

Sep 26, 2010 11:22 AM
Chris Alston
Chris Alston (Keller Williams Realty, Silicon Valley, California) - Campbell, CA
Silicon Valley, California

What an interesting post...  I have not recieved any contact like that before, and it is interesting that it takes place...  I wouldn't have thought of that...  hmmm...  Kind of like cheating?

Sep 26, 2010 11:57 AM
Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

I think I have suggested and had them featured about 30. I had no idea people were doing this, emailing and asking folks to suggest. Not surprising but I just didn't know.

I suggested this so will see if it gets featured.

Sep 26, 2010 12:02 PM
Donne Knudsen
Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA - Simi Valley, CA
CalState Realty Services

Midori - LOL While I can see where the points for the challenge would be an incentive for many, for me, it was a tremendous learning experience, sort of test to see if I had what it takes to be a daily blogger like so many other bloggers here have claimed is the reason for their AR success. 

I did succeed in the challenge and picked up 19 new leads from my AR blog, three new clients (pre-approved & actively looking to get into escrow) and one of those clients actually got in escrow about 10 days later.  So the lesson I learned - the more I blogged, the more exposure I created for me and my services and my business.  At this point, the points don't matter.

But I also learned another good lesson, I don't have what it takes to be a consistent daily blogger.  The 30 days was almost impossible for me.  In order to make the time to blog everyday, I had to sacrifice too much time and energy that I could have (and should have) spent doing other things.  I gave up time for me and my family and there were even one or two mornings or afternoons that I delayed doing something for a current client in order to get some blog post finished.  I will never do that again.

My family and current clients will always (and should always) come before some blog.  Now that I have finished the challenge, I will probably go back to my previous schedule of posting 1-2 times a week.  If I have the time to blog more, I will but I simply don't have the time and energy to blog everyday. 

If I had a bunch of assistants who ran my business for me or who could blog for me like some members have, maybe I could get a post up everyday but I don't.  I'm a one-woman show with only a processing goddess (and a good broker when I need him) helping me with my business.

I also understand the desire to be featured.  I was like that once, I guess that's why I started my weekly review of highlighting newbie bloggers.  Just my way of saying that even though you didn't get featured, you still wrote a good post.  Newbies need to hear that, hopefully, it motivates them to keep blogging.

Sep 26, 2010 12:47 PM
Clark Cook
1st Choice Realty of Fayetteville, LLC - Fayetteville, NC
Marketing Homes For Sale In Fayetteville NC Area

Hello Midori, Nope I haven't abused it nor have I used it yet. It's a very interesting question though. I too am surprised that someone would email a request to call the shot, but as the ole saying goes, it takes all kinds.

Oct 05, 2010 06:58 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Midori, I like having the suggest button when I see a post on a timely subject, a good idea, a newer agent just getting started, and just some real good quality writing. Have never had anyone ask me to suggest their post and never asked anyone to subscribe to mine.

Just left you a voice message,

Margaret

Oct 09, 2010 04:41 AM