"Is it possible to be TOO transparent?" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

Rich - I am exceptionally transparent in my personal life and in my professional life (i.e. there is a blurry line there sometimes).  I have found that people are infinitely more comfortable befriending me and doing business with me if I share a bit of myself with them.  In fact, I used to use Hobbs-Herder marketing materials, and I remember how much they talked about making the consumer comfortable before they even pick up the phone or email you. 

I think it is really up to the individual to determine how transparent they wish to be.  I, for one, will never judge anyone for sharing personal details that they want to share.  Conversely, if someone doesn't feel comfortable doing this, I don't think they should feel pressured to do so either.  I just know what works for me!  So far, in about two and a half months here, I have had one sale and two referrals from Active Rain, none of which came from my "real estate" posts.  Just my two cents.

Rich - I couldn't agree more.  I may share more personal details than others, but there is not really a right or wrong way to blog, in my opinion.  I suppose my answer to the original question posed here is no, unless you are doing something to endanger others or yourself, or if you are posting something really inappropriate.  Thanks for a thought-provoking post!

I agree completely.  We need more transparency in real estate.

• We need for buyers to be more transparent about their financials.
• We need for buyers to be more transparent about their loyalty.
• We need for buyers to be more transparent about their real estate friends and relatives.
• We need for sellers to be more transparent about their intention to sell at market.
• We need for sellers to be more transparent about property condition.

Yep.  Transparency is a good thing.

Rich,

I just learned something new from you :0) I always gain something, and good points.

Thanks,

Tom Weiss

I think transparency is the next step in "relationship" sales.  I think that in this case it is wise to make sure the next step does'nt lead you over the proverbial cliff.

Revealing bits of your personal life to clients in person is one thing. Revealing those things over the internet is quite another. It's just too dangerous. I try to be personable with my blogging, but not personal. To me there is a distinction between those words.

Hi Rich.  Excellent question.  I am in the middle.  I think customers do need to find a way to connect with you, but I am also conservative when it comes to protecting the safety and privacy of my family.  I believe I am visible in the public, but they don't need to be.  I have serious safety concerns for them + they don't get to choose!  It is a hard balance for me.  I know I am much more transparent here on AR than I am on my other blog.  I think I am still seeking the right transparent spot for me.

I think it's a sliding scale.  Be as transparent as you want to be while keeping safety for you and your family in mind.

You will attract different clients, not necessarily more or less, based upon your level of transparency.  If you talk about only business on your blog, you will attract people who like that approach.  If you spend a lot of time on a personal or emotional level, you will attract those types of buyers.

The beauty of blogging is that it tends to filter your clientele towards the people you are most comfortable with.  It's "self-regulating prospecting". 

Rich, I agree with Ines and Rick.  There is a fine line between transparency and TMI.  One thing I have found is that over the past 16 years in real estate I am much more likely now to become friends with my clients.  I used to have a professional wall and NEVER allowed myself to be anything other than a true professional.  Only since my move here have I realized it's okay to let my clients "in" a bit and develop long-term relationships.  I now feel more connected with my past clients.  I don't know if this is transparency exactly but I'll share it anyway:)

Enough to show the "real" me....not too much to stun people in going the other direction. I'm sure all of us can tell some "stories".....does everyone want to hear those while conducting business. Maybe...but most likely not. I suppose it would "depend" (no not BB's diapers) on the person I am interacting with. I told one story about myself and it stunned people here. I left it for a reason. It is a success story for me and I have spoken in conferences regarding abuse.

On the other hand...intimate details of my personal life I am stingy with. That's for family and ....friends. (and I have just a couple out of over 50k here).....it still takes TIME to get to know someone....and the only one I have shared more with is TLW. Why? There's trust there. Trust takes time...so transparency falls in that category for me as well.

I prefer to be "opaque", myself...or perhaps "glassblockish"?  We talked about this on your other post about how your faith intersects with your business. I think if it seems appropriate to share online then it  probably is - you're your own best editor after a couple of hundred posts.

Can I copy and paste Lenns comments ? NO ?

Ok then I agree with everything she said.

Great Post! I do not believe there is anything wrong with letting your personality come out in your writing. Being too transparate could be putting your personal issues online. For instance an erectile disfuction. 

Hi Rich, my comment is not only about this blog but many of your recent blogs.  They are all just fantastic, great content, well delivered and solid-take home value.  Thank you for sharing so much with the AR community, your fruits will surely be rewarded (and with more than all those gold stars you are racking up!)