Unlike standard real estate websites and print advertising, real estate blogging really allows your personality to shine through to potential clients, current clients, and others within the real estate community. The things that we write, the information that we share, and the stories that we tell all give readers a little piece of ourselves. Even a seemingly dry and straightforward real estate market report can be jazzed up with enough personality to make it truly individual to us.
Recently, with the release of the hit movie "The Bucket List", several people have posted information about their "Bucket Lists." I haven't yet seen the movie, but from watching the trailer and reading Sally Cheeseman's recent article What Really Matters......In This Life?, I get the gist. Basically, a bucket list of Things You Want to Do Before You Die. Everyone should have one of these. I'm still young (34) and hopefully have a very long life ahead of me. However, I wrote down an extensive list several years back. I have it hanging next to my desk and computer so I can look at it everyday. These are the reasons that I work -- so that I can achieve my life goals and aspirations.
Additionally, I took it one step further and created another list.
I call it "100 Interesting, Exciting and Fun Things That You May Not Have Known About Brian." This list serves as a repository for those interesting experiences that I've had that make me who I am today. One of my greatest feelings of accomplishment comes when I'm able to transfer something from the bucket list over to this list. This list also serves as a great icebreaker with new clients and acquaintances. It's a fast and easy way to get to know a little bit about me beyond the formal resume.
Try it yourself. After all (You've Got) Personality
Here then are a selection of my already completed Bucket List items (if there's a link that means you can learn more about that particular item in one of my previous blog posts):
Brian - what a great idea! Yes, I completely agree with you about BLOGGING and using it to attract more business, yet letting the readers see your personality. I will try and make a "personality" bucket list post in the format you did. You should have everyone label it, so we can read all the others.
Brian-this is an incredible list and makes for a very unique you. I am going to do this...I think it must have been very gratifying and heart warming to think about these memories! I am really moved by this post...sounds corny but true!
Now I am tired after reading all that. You are a smart eclectic man there Mr. Block very impressive... I wonder if I am even capable of completing a list...
Thanks for making me think... Hey how about a contest for your group with this?
Brian, It is so true that blogging lets your personality show through. I always send people to the about Jimmy section of my website before they meet with me. Just to share personal information as they will be sharing their personal information with me. I did number 71 on you list. As a child I visited the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and they had on display an actual capture U-boat. I also, toured a sub in Charleston, SC but I can't remember the era it was from. Good luck with your list.
WooHoooo! You did it! Good one Brian....now I could never top this one....nor want to ....I don't have as much time as you do lol! You have done a lot of things in your life. I was a ballet dancer...so there. lol!
Brian: You have accomplished quite a bit to be so young. I have been fairly guarded about letting my personality show through but after reading your post, I will think about putting myself out there a little more.
Brian, you are a little ahead of me and I am significantly older. That means that I better get my list in order and start moving them into the "bucket". I will use your list as an idea generator for mine. Thanks for sharing.
BTW: I had to read your post about your proposal to Deborah, then come back to this post. Now, I go to put my graphic into the box and I am reminded of your romance on an island...the word is love-in-a-mist. Keep loving Deborah. It will come back to you ten-fold.
Just think I read all 110 items and didn't see that you have rubbed a bald guy's head...not high on the list? Pretty nice list Brian...keep it going....I told my wife I want to be shot by a jealous husband at age 100! I never get good reviews from her over that statement. Fun post Brian.
Brian - I must admit, this list is quite impressive. I don't think I could top this one. Great job - I know that this probably took some time to compose.
Hi Brian, Wow! What a list! My question is when do you find time to work? I have a mental list but I must admit most of your achievements are not on my list. But I have done something you have not done, gave birth. :0)
What's nice is that you have so many experiences to draw upon when you are meeting new clients and building a relationship...it always starts with finding a common interest or experience, in my opinion. Great list!
You have to be ex-military???? I was in the Air Force and can tell some wild things I did as well. Did your list have jump out of an airplane? I am smarter now and will not do that again!!!
Looks like you've had a very interesting life thus far. This post is inspiring; I'm sure that not only is it nice to have a list like this, but this also seems a great way to really to know yourself again.
Wowsers!!! Great concept Brian! What an interesting & exciting life you have and continue to lead. I'm pretty dull & uninteresting myself.....I attended Professional Wrestling School and drank Hootie (of Hootie & The Blowfish) under the table.....that's all you are getting buster:-)
That is quite the list of accomplishments Brian! How inspiring that is. I need to write my Bucket List and see the movie. Thank YOU for sharing YOU with us.
CHRISTINE: Thanks for your comment. I'd certainly love to see everyone else's lists as it is a fun way to learn about someone's experiences and get an insight into that which makes them unique. Please be sure to let me know when you've posted up yours.
MIDORI: Thanks for commenting. I'm happy to hear that you were moved by this post and plan on making your own list. Sometimes when things aren't as exciting, it is gratifying to look over this list of things that I've done, experienced, and achieved.
DESIREE: Thanks for your gracious compliments. A contest? Maybe... let's think about that. Tired after reading the list? Imagine how I feel after doing all these things. Luckily, they are spaced out over my life!
MARGARET: Don't worry, I've got plenty of other stuff in reserve. Plus, maybe I'll complete some other things on my bucket list before next time. Consider this post a MeMe times 20!
JIMMY: In addition to touring a WW-II submarine, I went down on a dive in an operating submarine down in St. Thomas. That was a really cool experience as well. Thanks for your comment.
LENN: I do enjoy adventure and doing new things. I remember reading on your blog that you're an experienced and talented skeet shooter. I've shot a few times out at Izaak Walton in Centreville with some friends. You might know a couple of my friends who are avid skeet and trap shooters and who've won numerous competitions.
SALLY: Thanks for encouraging me to post this list. I'm looking forward to adding things like "surfed the waves in Hawaii," "saw a live volcano," "swam with dolphins in Hawaii", and "met Sally Cheeseman" to this list.
DONNA: Clients and others that we meet do indeed want to know about our human side and I enjoy sharing my experiences with others. I'm glad that I've inspired you to do the same.
GARY: Rub a bald man's head? Now, why would I want to do that. I do have friends who are bald. I think I see why your wife doesn't like that particular ambition of yours. Thanks for your fun comment.
JASON: The post itself wasn't too hard since I already had my list saved on the computer. Thanks for your comment and compliments. Of course, there are many things that I still want to do and add to the list.
CYNTHIA: Thanks for your comments. Obviously, these things are spread out throughout my life, so I am able to schedule my work around my life! Of course, I'll never experience giving birth myself. However, my wife and I do hope to have children in the near future.
KELLY: While there are many more activities and interests than I have the time or desire to explore, usually I can find a common link or story with most of my clients. And, it's always interesting to learn from them.
MIKE: No, I was never in the military. My experiences with the Aircraft Carrier, KC-135, Pentagon War Room, etc. all came from a seminar course I took in college called the National Decisions Program. It was a foreign policy class and the professor felt that it's one thing to learn about foreign policy decision-making at the academic level, but quite another to see that policy implemented in the field. As such, we had these exciting field trips arranged by the professor who had many friends and contacts among the military brass and political arenas. Amazing experiences for a civilian that I will never forget. I have the utmost respect for the men and women of our armed forces. Jump out of an airplane? No thanks.
JASON: Don't sell yourself short! Professional wrestling school and drinking with Hootie are pretty interesting. I'm sure if you dig in, you'll find lots of very interesting things. Certain things that I don't even find that interesting about myself actually fascinate others.
JASON: I'm 100% sure that there are no pictures from my bachelor party. No photos were allowed. I do have some photos from when my wife and I visited Vegas. Two very different trips. 'Nuff said.
KAREN: The WonderBread tour was something we went on back in elementary school in Massachusetts. We had a WonderBread factory a couple towns over. I don't think I've eaten a Twinkie since.
NICHOLAS: There are definitely more adventures to come. Oh, I left off my Class 5 Whitewater rafting from this past August. I've got about 75 things on my still to do list.
Brian- WOW, you have done some amazing stuff! I love all the people you have been able to meet. In my coaching one of the first exercises that I have my clients do is make a list of 100 accomplishments to show them that they have accomplished great things already. I am always met with resistance upon the original request but then they start writing and are amazed all they have done! Katerina
KATERINA: Thanks for reading and commenting on this post of my experiences, adventures, and achievements. I've certainly met some interesting and influential people and haven't included everyone on this list. I think that's a great exercise that you have for your coaching. Many people are surprised when they complete a list like this and realize all that they've done. Too often we live day by day and forget about the big picture.
OMG! That is SO great! I've done just a few of those things....this post required much thought...I must sit down and figure out if I have as many cool things as you and if not put them on my list! :)
Brian! What a great list. I am so inspired by this list and it's interesting how much information is woven in these one sentence blurbs. Wow, really has me thinking about my list. I'm not sure I'm as interesting as you, but I have certainly had some unusual experiences. Thanks for sharing you and this format.
WOW! You have done a lot of very interesting things. You are quite adventuresome. Hmmm.. you have me thinking about my own list. I don't think it would be anywhere close to as exciting as yours! Perhaps your next "list" could be 100 pictures of things you have done! :o )
Brian-Great post, Impressive except that (#8) you worked for and played softball with Bill Weld, Did you intentionally make #69 #69. Seriously though we should all post a blog like this. My number 1 would be that I rode a camel in Russia.
Brian -what a great list. You wrote this post almost 9 months ago and you are still getting responses. It's amazing, how much more "shelf life" is in a post like this as compared to the dry real estate matter. I am sorry I missed it originally.
I love the idea, of transferring the experience to a new list! So much better than just crossing off of the first list, allows an opportunity for reflection, and imagination, also will be a great thing to pass on to your legacy!
Brian: What an incredible list. I am all tired out just reading it... think I'll go take a nap. And... are you sure you are not triplets ? Again... just an amazing list. Thanks for sharing.
You have inspired me! I have been working on my Bucket List for quite some time (even before I knew what to call it) but, now I have begun my list of fun, interesting things about Phylis! I am excited about finishing it and sharing it on my website. Thanks for a great idea!
Quite interesting.......rather fascinating.........its so true we so often think of all the things we want to do that we haven't yet.........but its a good exercise to acknowledge all the things we have done! My daughter is a jiu jitzu fighter..:-)
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advertising, real estate blogging really allows your personality to shine through to potential clients, current clients, and others within the real estate community. The things that we write, the information that we share, and the stories that we tell all give readers a little piece of ourselves. Even a seemingly dry and straightforward real estate market report can be jazzed up with enough personality to make it truly individual to us.
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