I was watching an old movie recently and it got me to thinking about movies I love.  There were three thumbs downmovies in past that I absolutely did not want to see, and I ignored them for years.  After a little pressure from a friend, I went to see "The Way We Were."  It turned out to be one of my favorite movies.  That was followed by, "Fried Green Tomatoes," and "Million Dollar Baby."  Again, they are two of my all time favorite movies.

Why did I ignore them initially?  I don't really know, but there was something about the way they were presented to me that caused me to say no to the movies.  What I learned (very slowly) from the experience is that good things may not be of interest to you initially, but they can make the difference in your life and business.

Blogging was one of those things.  I had no desire or interest in blogging.  My wife kept pushing me toBlog Image do it, but I wasn't interested enough to even investigate it.  I convinced myself that I was to busy.  I didn't think I had anything to say.  It seemed to laborious.  I didn't think anyone would read my blog.  I really didn't see the value.  She finally won out.

When I finally started blogging, I took off slow like most people do.  Over the course of a few months I picked up the pace and started blogging regularly.  Then it happened.  The phone started ringing.  Not only did it start ringing, but it started ringing a lot.  A large portion of my business is a direct result of blogging.  It is the number one funnel for new business into both of my companies. 

So, before you convince yourself that blogging isn't for you, give it a try.  Make a commitment to blog for six months to a year and see what happens.  It didn't take six months for my blogging to take off, but give yourself at least that much time.  If you get to the end of the test period and it hasn't produced anything, ask yourself a couple questions.

  • What did I blog about?  Was it about my puppy, children and vacation, or did I blog about things a buyer/seller would need to know in order to hire me?  Personal blogs are OK as a part of your thread, but if you're blogging for business, you will want to blog about things that clients need to know.
  • Are my blogs laid out in a simple understandable way?  Or are they clunky and awkward to read?
  • Was there a point or call to commitment in my blog?
  • Did I include links to my website in my blog? Did I get the best SEO use from my blog?
  • Is there a way for readers to contact me? I'm amazed at how many blogs have no contact information included.
  • Did I educate myself about blogging along the way? Blogging is not rocket science, but there is a learning curve.
  • Can I honestly say I gave it 100%?  Be honest.

If you're like me and those three movies, you may find that blogging becomes one of your favorite marketing tools.  I seriously doubt that that there is anything that will keep me from blogging in the future.  The numbers compel me to stick with a system that works, and I didn't even want to do it initially.  I'm glad I finally took the first step.

Blogging isn't for me!  Really?

1. Buying your first home in Winchester VA

2. What to look for when buying a foreclosure in Winchester VA

3. Short Sale inventory in Winchester VA

4. Winchester, VA - The best bedroom community for the Washington, D.C. area

5. Passion is contagious - Infect somebody!

6. Winchester, Virginia is a great place to buy a house at great discount!

7. This simple electrical test could save your life.

8. Turn setbacks into springboards

9. Reduce your mortgage by pre-paying principle and eliminating interest

10. What can I do to sell my home more quickly?

********************************************************************************

Mike Cooper, Real Estate Broker, Winchester, VAGive me a call for all your real estate needs, and let's make something amazing happen. 

Mike Cooper @ Cornerstone Business Group, Inc., 888-722-6029


Real Estate Sales and Property Management         

 

(Disclaimer:  All grammatical mistakes, punctuation breakdowns and misspellings are purely for your amusement and entertainment.   Feel free to cackle.)                                                                                                

 
Star Posted by Mike Cooper on 09/09/2012 05:52 AM   Comments (56)   Online Marketing in the ActiveRain Channel   benefits of blogging  
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56 Comments on Blogging isn't for me! Really?

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

SEP
09
1,028,044 Points 237 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Mike - congratulations on a very well deserved feature.  We are all human and sometimes we have to "ease" into some things slowly and with some trepidation.  I bet this post will help many out there who keep running to the edge of the lake and are just dying to put more than their big toe in it!
9:12am • #37
857,728 Points 174 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

The article about 13 things agents do recently touched on the focus of blogging.  If folks just stay focused, write meaningful local posts with good keywords, start small, and stay steady, the leads will come.  it takes focus though.

 
11:32am • #38
160,205 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

The moral of the story is "listen to your wife!"  haha

I need to do more business-related blogging, so thanks for getting me re-energized!
11:34am • #39
160,647 Points 1 Featured Post
I am giving it a shot. Good post.
11:39am • #40
502,304 Points 25 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Mike, this is some really good advice. I've been "blogging" only about a year and a half now, but I'm figuring it out more and more as I go.
12:19pm • #41
465,950 Points 50 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I've had success early on in when I started blogging. Today, not so much, but alot of it has to do with I'm not as consistent with my blogging. Great post and glad to see you rise to blogging stardom! 
1:52pm • #42
551,418 Points 146 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks, Roger.   Have a great week.

Thanks, Mark.  I'm often experimenting with things. 

Same here, Melissa.  I've had more trouble lately because of business, but I still try to make it a daily habit.

Amada, you won't be sorry.

That sounds like a good plan, Richie.

I hear you, Debbie.  Same here.

It has offered a lot of surprises, Dick.  I found you through blogging.  8=)

Absolutely, Bliz.  This year I've tried to concentrate more on local material, but I've got a long way to go on that.

At least once, Chuck. 8-)

Agreed, Wallace.  It can really boost output.

Gary, you're probably right on that.  I was lucky in that my phone started ringing early, but I can see why some give up too soon.

I like strong women, Leslie.  8-)

Go for it, John.   There are a lot of great archives on Active Rain, and you can use the AR University for online training. 

That would be nice, Kathy.

You bet, Bryan.  It really is that simple.

That's what she says, Kat.  She also noted that the friend (a former girlfriend) talked me into a movie, but she talked me into blogging.  Now which one has been more profitable.   8=)

Great to hear, Nan.  We'll cheer you on.

There is a bit of a curve, Eric. 

Thank you, Pamela.  Good luck. 

2:34pm • #43
587,523 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Mike, I think that many of us can relate to that slow start, but the end results are very rewarding, as you can see my the increased business from our blogging. It seems like the more I blog, the more I learn, and better my posts become for gaining new business.
2:34pm • #44
551,418 Points 146 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You are so right, Jerry, and you do it well.
2:39pm • #45
1,113,842 Points 101 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Not only has it (eventually) brought me business, but I really enjoy it.  Sometimes it's great therapy to blog about something.
2:43pm • #46
298,751 Points 48 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

This is such a great reminder, Mike.  Especially the question "Am I giving 100%?"  I'd have to say that my answer to this is "no".  I have let other things distract me lately, but I need to return to a more well rounded marketing scheme!  I would "suggest", but you have already earned the well-deserved feature status.  Nice!
3:07pm • #47
1 Featured Post

Good post Mike.  I was just sitting here thinking "what am I going to blog about today".  Logged in to AR and I see a blog about "blogging".  hahaha..htanks for sharing...

I have a blog I've been working on for a couple of months now...stop by, check it out and leave me a comment or a thought...maybe you have some ideas for improvements....

http://www.listnowsellfast.net

Cheers!

D
5:20pm • #48
630,902 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Its obvious that your a blogging success since I'm #49 to comment and you also earned a FEATURE.
6:19pm • #49
408,898 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I always learn something from your blogs.  Thank you for always sharing.
6:31pm • #50
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Great post about blogging. It took me a while to get started like not watching the movies but glad that I did. Good list of questions to ask yourself to stay on track. Thanks for the tips!
7:23pm • #51
1,348,164 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Mike - Blogging works for me though I must say it was hard, and I wasn't totally convinced at the beginning.
10:18pm • #52
SEP
10
667,050 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

Morning Mike congrats on the feature.  I also was not interested in posting a blog.  Once I got started however for the last year I haven't stopped and now I enjoy it.
3:13am • #53
551,418 Points 146 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

That's a good way to look at it, Tammy.  We need lots of therapy in this business.  8-)

Thank you, Jennifer.  Have a great week.

Enjoyed the blog, Dennis.

Thanks, Carl. 

Thanks for checking it out, Kathy.  I appreciate your support.

You bet, Tiffany.

I hear you, Christine.  I was a total skeptic at first.

Glad to hear it, James.  It does make a difference. 

5:03am • #54
SEP
22
993,421 Points 4 Featured Posts

Congratulations and I am glad to see it working for someone I am convinced that it will work but it is like farming in the old days it takes time.
7:44pm • #55
551,418 Points 146 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks, Charles.  It does take time, but once you have a good body of work on the web, it continues to work even if you're not able to add to it. 
7:50pm • #56

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