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There's No Thrift Store For Content!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Grants Pass, OR 199909023

Melinda Peterson's Southern Oregon Real Estate CafeThere's No Thrift Store For Content!  If you're a bargain hunter like me, read on.  I hate to shop at WalMart, I absolutely abhor it, but I love to sift through second-hand items at Thrift Stores.  Strange I know, but the thrill of finding a good deal at a great price is addicting.  

Perhaps my 'thrifty' upbringing is to blame... growing up poor, I learned the value of the dollar at a young age.  I learned how to spread that dollar as far as it would go.  I never had an attitude of expectation and I was incredibly grateful for whatever came my way.  I still enjoy the thrill of finding a treasure for just pennies on the dollar.  I guess old habits die hard.

There are a few things that I don't bargain shop... Food for one.  I like dining in restaurants that have atmosphere, great service and exceptional food.  If good restaurants offer these points of service, they usually come at a price and I'm willing to pay for it.  Coffee is another example... while I make my own everyday (several cups), I enjoy an occasional mocha from one of my favorite drive-thru coffee stands in Southern Oregon.  The service I receive is always exceptional.  The baristas remember my name and how I like my mocha and my coffee is always ready by the time I pull up to the window... now that's service!

When it comes to other things like blogging... there's no thrift store for content.  Every time I sit down and start typing on my keyboard, I think about the audience that I'd like to target.  My goal is not to reach the masses (although the Web makes that possible anyway!).  My goal is to know my readers and understand their expectation.  I think about how I can deliver what they want more of.  I personalize my message, I'm thoughtful in my delivery, because I want them to keep coming back.  Occasionally I throw out a curve ball to keep them guessing, but for the most part, my message is consistent.  Humor, sincerity, engagement, perseverance and hope are the basic ingredients to my blog.  And last time I checked, you can't acquire those ingredients from a thrift store.

Posted by

Mel Peterson

 Melinda Peterson, ABR, CRS

 Oregon Principal Broker

 Real Estate Cafe LLC

 541-659-1620

 TheOregonDream.com

 

 

Discover Central and Southern Oregon 

Comments (8)

Navona Hart
Century 21 Realty @ Home - Farmville, VA
Selling the Best Properties in Central Virginia

You are correct, no thrift store for blog content.  I have written many personal blogs lately because I have been so busy, I don't want to feel like I threw it together.  Good thoughts.

Mar 31, 2011 06:49 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

E/cellent analogy, Melinda.  Our blogs need to be rich in relevant content for our readers or we will lose them.

Mar 31, 2011 08:38 AM
Mary Stewart
HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, Homes for Everyone - Wilsonville, OR
Wilsonville and Surrounding Portland Metro Areas

  I l;ike your way of thinking about the blogging.  Sometimes for me, it is difficult to have good content that others will want to read and some way of bringing readers to have the desire to read what I have written. A lot of it comes with practice and experience.  Thank you for a relevant blog. 

Apr 01, 2011 04:49 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Navona, Jane & Mary ~ Perhaps the reason I spend more time blogging about my personal experiences is because I believe our readers want to be engaged.  Continually talking about real estate can be a bore.  When new clients find me on the web, inherently the first thing they say is they enjoyed reading my blog and they say I seem like a nice person.  Not once have they mentioned my list of designations, my knowledge or my years of experience selling real estate.  I find that fascinating!

Apr 02, 2011 03:47 PM
Brian L. Sirota, Esq.
Bristar Realty (Realtor/Attorney) - Orange, CA
For Solutions: (714) 501-7660

Bargain hunting and style aren't mutually exclusive.  Thankfully, Melinda, you offer your audience style aplenty!   Brian

Apr 03, 2011 04:24 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

You're very kind and also very astute Brian.  Maybe I should start a new blog and call it "Monday Morning Mochas with Mel"... except I'd have to become a morning person, oh no!   

Apr 03, 2011 05:12 AM
Brian L. Sirota, Esq.
Bristar Realty (Realtor/Attorney) - Orange, CA
For Solutions: (714) 501-7660

Monday Morning Mochas with Mel....love the alliteration!  Brian

Apr 03, 2011 07:28 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

And, you're a night owl too!

Apr 03, 2011 07:54 PM