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One of the big buzz words circulating around the blogosphere these days is 'Transparency.'

Supposedly, according to net-savvy soothsayers and proponents of Web 2.0, today's consumers are demanding greater transparency in our business practices and ethics. Aspects of our trade that have long been cloaked in mystery are being exposed and explained.

This trend of 'Transparency' has naturally found it's way into conversational blogging as well. In order to develop trust with our readers, we are encouraged to reveal our true selves - to convey a candid authenticity through our writing; a willingness to be vulnerable and open.

But is it possible for us to become TOO transparent? Can we share TOO much information in the process?

I find that TV commercials reflect similar trends in our society. Now, thanks to transparency in advertising, I have to explain to my youngest son what erectile dysfunction is. And I'm so glad that it's a 'growing' problem, not a 'going' problem!

Is it possible to take this heightened desire for 'transparency' TOO far to one extreme? Is it still considered 'taboo' to reveal too much about your personal details on the Web?

On his blog, The Reasoner, Bes Zain states that transparency should be 'relevant' to your content and the nature of your blogsite.

In order to effectively build a relationship of trust with our audience, to what extent do we need to reveal ourselves? Are there any limits or boundaries to what we should share?

For further Food for Thought, consider this additional valued article:

"Should Transparency Really include our Private Lives?" by our beloved TLW

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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

OCT
16
2007
 I suppose I'm a little old school in this regard.  There is a such thing as a healthy distance, especially in trade secrets.  Yet, with a real estate transaction it is better to be as clear as possible.  The laws are the laws and what one sells in this business in most cases as service and expertise.
1:58pm • #1
200,847 Points 11 Featured Posts

Rich: I have to agree with Bes Zain. This forum is not my personal diary, it's my business blog. I am as transparent as I would be in my office while I am conducting a transaction, friendly, but not overly friendly (you know what I mean).

Regarding TV commercials, thank God for DVRs. We pause during commercials and FF to our show after a few minutes have past.
2:00pm • #2
543,547 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Rich,

Great post. Funny, I had been thinking along these same lines. I'm a big proponent of transparency, per se! I think a more accurate word would be 'translucency'. In other words we want the 'light' to shine through but we don't want the 'nakedness' exposed. This would also solve the problem with your son!!! Thanks,   Fran
2:13pm • #3
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Fran - "Translucency" definitely has merits. How about 'Partially clothed?'
2:14pm • #4
228,777 Points 61 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Can you believe this?  I think we can be too transparent.  Yep, *I* think that.  There's plenty of stuff I don't tell you people.  

But I probably say a whole lot more than most people are comfortable with, so people think I'm transparent.  Could I be "semi-sheer"? 
2:34pm • #5
548,980 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Rich...

Here are my thoughts in a nut shell and I copied them right from my post :)

"My personal life, your personal life and the personal lives of those around us should not be invaded by a word that was meant to be a business model. Our personal lives are not our business lives. Our personal lives may reflect our business lives and visa versa. But, these lives are two entities, not one. The two should never be so intermingled that you, as a person, can no longer tell which part of your life belongs to you. As people we all need a private place to just BE. This can not be achieved if we mix our personal life in with our business life. If we throw it all out into this "transparent demanding" world, what part of our lives really belong to us?"...

I thought I said it rather well the first time around :)

P.S. Fish nets here :)

TLW...ROAR!

2:37pm • #6
543,547 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Rich,

I believe this addresses a much broader issue---'freedom' vs 'license'! License is the belief basically that 'anything goes', while Freedom is the right to do what we 'OUGHT'! Thanks,   Fran
2:40pm • #7

Rich,

I believe there is no clear cut line on what someone should and shouldn't 'expose'. Everyone has to find their level of comfort with what they are willing to show of themselves.

We've all met that person who will tell you their whole life story within hours of meeting them. Would I do business with that person? Maybe if I liked their story. On the flip side, I have friends (or maybe they are acquaintances) who I would certainly do business with even though I know very little about them personally.

These are some great questions you pose. I would guess that as more and more people from younger generations get involved in professional blogging, and bring with them the idea that it's ok to lay it all out on the internet for everyone to see, the notion of 'taboo' will almost disappear. For better or worse I suppose!

 
2:43pm • #8
4 Featured Posts

Rich,

This is a great Post!! I like to keep Business and Personal Separate. It might be too much for some to just Know Everything. Less is More I believe.

Tom Weiss
2:44pm • #9
228,051 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

My biz is pretty transparent. I try to educate my buyers quite a bit. I find that it builds trust.

 
3:27pm • #10
420,066 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
I'll echo TLW on this one, Fish Nets for me as well:-)
3:36pm • #11
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TLW - you conveyed yourself extremely well the first time. Hence, the link to your post. Thanks!
3:37pm • #12
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Jason - somehow, the vision of you in fishnets makes me lose my appetitie for lunch....
3:44pm • #13
493,748 Points 222 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Tom - good, relevant education is HUGE. Part of being transparent is the willingness to openly share the information you possess....
4:06pm • #14
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Thomas - I think we need to strike a balance. Consumers want to feel as though they 'know' us to a certain extent. The best way to do that without compromising your privacy is to simply convey your passion, personality, and perspective through your writing. Share bits and pieces that reflect who and what you are.
4:11pm • #15
493,748 Points 222 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Bobster - You're right. The is no right answer. One size doesn't fit all in Blogdom. With social media like Twitter escalating as it has been, and reality TV shows continuing to barge in on our bedrooms, any semblance of privacy will undoubtedly be eliminated...
4:17pm • #16
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Fran - so, is there a difference between having a license and being licensed? just kidding....Let Freedom Ring!
4:19pm • #17
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Fireball - yes, I've seen your 'semi-sheer.' It's the fave of my collection!
4:20pm • #18
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Mana - yes, TGFDVR's!  Ever since the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction, we've had our DVR!
4:23pm • #19
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Keith - trade secrets are the very things that consumers want disclosed and unveiled. Being 'clear' as you say, is a good first step in the process. Thanks for your thoughts....
4:26pm • #20
219,022 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Drawing the line is not easy Rich - knowing what's too much is not as obvious as we may think.  Specially in our business where we deal with people's personal lives, their homes, their activities.  To make them feel comfortable about sharing with us, we need to share ourselves as well.  That graphic is great btw.
4:27pm • #21
493,748 Points 222 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Rico & Ines - you're right. It's not always easy. I think it's different with each client as well. Some prefer greater transparency. Others just want your professional expertise and nothing more. That's a big part of what we do - accommodating ourselves to our clients.
4:30pm • #22
130,775 Points Outside Blog

I really leave out my personal live as much as possible. But I will write about what is going on with clients and so forth as the real estate world goes around.

It is not easy to do, because I want to write about myself, but I try to do more events, listing, hang up that buyers and seller run into hoping to help them get through a difficult time.
4:36pm • #23
837,468 Points 163 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

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.
4:42pm • #24
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Jason - Foremost, I think consumers want the 'real' deal (no, not Neal Bloom!), but just the genuine article. They want honesty in what we do. They want to know that we really care about them and will work diligently on their behalf. 
4:47pm • #25
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Susan - while you may leave out specific details of your personal life, your genuineness and concern for clients becomes apparent through your writing.
4:49pm • #26
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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!
4:50pm • #27
1,546,334 Points 417 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

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.
4:58pm • #28
493,748 Points 222 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Lenn - once again, your wisdom pervades the day! If only it truly were a two-way street! But unfortunately, what's good for the goose just gets him cooked!
5:01pm • #29
4 Featured Posts

Rich,

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

Thanks,

Tom Weiss
7:33pm • #30
108,533 Points 1 Featured Post
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.
7:50pm • #31
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Thomas - Sweet! How cool is that? That's truly the best compliment I could ever receive. Thanks, man!
7:59pm • #32

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.
8:10pm • #33
OCT
17
2007
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor
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.
8:33am • #34
2 Featured Posts

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". 
8:36am • #35
284,607 Points 37 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
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:)
8:57am • #36
881,493 Points 210 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

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.

1:33pm • #37
493,748 Points 222 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hey, Everyone!  Thanks for all of your input and comments. This is some really excellent dialogue!
1:37pm • #38
315,612 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
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.
1:51pm • #39
848,842 Points 153 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Can I copy and paste Lenns comments ? NO ?

Ok then I agree with everything she said.

2:55pm • #40
OCT
18
2007
 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. 
2:32pm • #41
OCT
25
2007
133,890 Points 18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor
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!)  
9:21am • #42
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Janie - What a wonderful way to start my day, to find this comment from you. Thanks, I really needed to hear that. I wonder sometimes if anything I contribute here really has any practical value. It's nice to know you appreciate them. Have an awesome day!
9:32am • #43

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Rich Jacobson Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

Silverdale, WA

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Keller Williams West Sound Realty

Address: Silverdale, WA, 98383

Office Phone: (360) 499-6367

Cell Phone: (360) 440-4758

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Providing Knowledgeable Empowerment and Relentless Representation of Real Estate Clients throughtout the Western Puget Sound, including all of Kitsap County WA, and portions of Mason, Pierce, and Jefferson Counties.

"Helping You to Successfully Achieve Your Next Adventure in Life!"

Rich Jacobson
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