HOW EXPOSED ARE YOU?

It's amazing to me how many agents don't want to even think about using social media. They think when the real estate market settles down, it will be business as usual, whatever that is.

Kids and a lot of adults today need to use a little common sense when putting their personal lives out there. I think they tend to forget they are not just talking to their close friends when they post. I have developed some great online friendships through social media. Thanks for posting.

Oh how I preach to my three children... everything, everything, everything they type, tweet, text, snap, upload etc... never ever ever goes away!  Google, Facebook etc are all in the business of gathering data for marketing (not a bad thing buy the way), but in the process, data is stored forever!  ;-)

You are so correct, you have build an protect your reputation.

I think that exposing yourself is key but you still need to have a plan. just throwing your card in the mix is not enough. People will only hire from a small group of choices so what you do has to be good enough to get in that pool.

I love the picture you used in the post. Congratulations on the well deserved feature.

Terri, the "outside business" image is the one the 20 yr olds have the most problem with nowadays...

Balance is the key - I agree. Getting known as a local expert is so important and blogging is a great way to get the point across.

It stays on the internet a long time. Caution rules

Terri.. We have to stop being the SECRET AGENT and let everyone know What we are doing?.. We sell homes or help people buy homes.... however if we put it out there we have to be careful.

The internet is definitely the way to go.

In the Real Estate business, you must be visible for buyers and sellers to find you!

Internet has done amazing things in our business and for sure a lot is still coming in the future, so we have to make the most out of every tools, marketing campaigns and other medium to help our business grow over the Internet.

Thank you for sharing this article!

Rob Kittle

Yes, I have stopped using facebook for enjoyment.  It is too complicated.  Everyone gets offended and worlds collide.  It's not fun anymore.  But since the business and personal are mixed there is no other way.  Too much exposure I think.

Good post, and as far as researching job applicants, it's a practice that is very common amongst employers today. By just typing the name of a person, you can get a lot of personal information, that the user may never wanted you to see. You have to watch what you say online because it can come back to haunt you. Still, as a real estate professional, getting your name on the Internet is crucial.

Terri, I agree. The wave of the future is upon us and this will be the only way we will communicate and do business. Blogging is great and helps us in many different ways of expanding our own idea's in the written word.  Consistency produces results. We need to get in the blogging race now. Communication is key as well as the keyboard.

Everyrthing we type on the internet is out there in some form for a VERY long time. Watch what you do, but make sure your out there.

Terri, 

Thanks for sharing! You are so right, the days for info-hoarding in real estate are long gone.  In order to advance your RE business you need to become an open book and invite people to read.  

Like Donna Paul said we just have to stop being the secret agent and let everybody know that we are still helping people buy and sell their homes. Congratulations on the Gold Star. Have a great weekend. Great post.

Hi Terri -- Sound advice. I try my utmost to ensure my online persona and competencies match my real life ones.  I don't think I'm quite there yet, but it's a work in progress.