Hi Matthew:
Getting out there in-person, being real, is also the least expensive form of marketing... with the best results!  How do you rate blogging as a marketing tool?

you're right. starting out as an agent, i had no money to market.....so my mouth was my advertising budget. everyone i spoke to knew that i sold real estate. almost every conversation i had and still have has something to do with real estate. my mouth and my business cards have gone a long way. my phone starting ringing because of my mouth.

I've spent many years behind the scenes helping businesses and real estate professionals. Now, with 2010 rapidly approaching, it is time to step on to the real estate based community service stage--and the spotlight right now and in the coming decades is on virtual technology communication in addition to just being plain old-fashioned neighborly. Thanks for posting!

Carol:  Blogging is a good tool, especially if you are using localism for the consumers. As you probably know blogging is a great way to keep your pages updated on your website, which is why google looks highly upon it, as well as other factors. I would rate blogging very high.

Kae, I agree with you absolutely.  Virtual technology is the way to go, but would you agree that you have to be yourself, not a persona you create online?

Dee:  Good points.  Again, if people don't know you're an agent they will list with someone else. 

Being yourself is key. It's all about trust, and folks can feel it, even it they can not particularly articulate it, when it's not right. Good post.

cheers 

Good post. Being oneself is the best. It does not take "designer suits" and at times it might actually turn off people.

Matthew, You are right.  We need to show the "real" person that we are for everyone to see.  Nothing worse than a fake!

Matthew, greetings from Burbank CA. I thank you for your post.  We all agree with you. Lupe

I think you have to market not only what you feel will do the best job, but also what you believe in, or you just won't do it consistently.

Good point Gary, You don't want to come across as a used-car salesman. They know that feeling.

Bob and Carolin:  Good point.  It just adds to the image of snobby agents.

Kevin:  Right on!  If you don't believe in something, you sure as heck can't do it effectively.

Lupe:  Thank you!.

Very good blog.  I agree as I too started out with just word of mouth.  I had no money to work from but with word of mouth I built momentum that still carries me through today.  I am so thankful for support in my office.  But I think picking areas close to home and putting the word out was all it took.

Great Blog Hope your new year goes well