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Being "Soci@l" - Two and A Half Years into the Journey

By Cara Marcelle Mancuso

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes BR564219000

November 21, 2012 01:48 AM

Being "Soci@l" - Two and A Half Years into the Journey

Way back in June of 2010, I started my rainmaker account here in Active Rain and began my new journey of blogging, networking, learning, and forays into social media.

Near the end of the month I read an online manual named, "Soci@l, Putting it All Together". What I found most interesting were the goals I'd laid out for myself after reading the "book". I found them especially interesting as I tweak my business plan for 2013.

Tweaking Things Til you Get them Right - Not there yet!

Here's what I'd planned for myself:

1. Identifying my niche in a huge market.
2. Marketing myself thoroughly in my niche so that when a google long tail phrase comes up, so does my information.
3. Creating my audience.
4. Constant interaction with my audience.
5. If necessary, I am going to implement new advertising programs, especially on Facebook.
6. Implementation of a lead conversion plan, so that all the efforts I made in creating my online presence culiminates in NEW BUSINESS
6. Enjoying the journey. Trust me, if I can embrace these things, ANY agent with a will to learn can conquer social networking and marketing. Grab yourself some inspiration from Active Rain members along the way.

So how does that help me in my 2013 plan?

Well, some times you need to know where you've been to know where you're going. Looking back at this blog posting in my first month here on Active Rain was revealing, and helpful.

We need to know if we are busy, or we are productive.

Are we using the right tools?

Use the right real estate tools

So, in analyzing those 2010 beginner's goals, I've quickly deduced the following:

I know my niche, and it's getting me leads, calls, referrals, and closings. Check!

Of the 50 people who commented on that June 2012 "Soci@l" blog post, I still regularly communicate with 18%. (networking) Check!

Google Search picks up my keywords, and my AR blog, my website, etc. Check!

Enjoying the journey? Oh yeah - check!

Another good practice - reviewing and revamping goals. Great reminders, always!

I have to say I am way more "Soci@l" than I ever planned or thought I'd be. If you haven't read the book...it's not too late!

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Jeffrey Jones

AZ Home Seekers - San Tan Valley, AZ

AZ Home Seekers, azhomeseekers.com

Great thoughts Cara,

I have not fully embraced a comprehensive plan involving social media, we are out everywhere but your vision clearly shows me we need to much more focussed and on purpose with our activities. Thanks for the wake up call

Nov 20, 2012 10:58 PM

David Grbich

Realty One Group - www.FindCARealEstate.com - San Juan Capistrano, CA

Orange County Real Estate - 949-500-0484

Cara - looks like you have this all figured out. I am a huge fan of the long tail search for every neighborhood I can find!! All the best, Dave

Nov 21, 2012 02:51 AM

Olga Simoncelli

Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT

CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Thank you for great pointers. Good way to get focused.

Nov 21, 2012 09:42 PM

Cara Marcelle Mancuso

Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes - Tucson, AZ

Call a Marana neighbor, I'm THERE!

Raymond - thanks for stopping by, nice to meet you. I'm working on a plan...I've always had a direction, and goals, but really going nitty-gritty for 2013!

Lawrence - how does being a Localism sponsor work for you? Do your track the brusiness it brings?

Jeff - As I mentioned, I started in June of 2011. I had no idea what I was starting with a Rainmaker account, but things just sort of evolved into the social media world. I've learned it's really important to channel, and to do a few things well, versus a lot of things sketchily. I'm not a SEO expert, so for me I either effectively work a focused plan...or I'd have to hire out!

David - sounds like a plan! Happy holidays. :)

Nov 21, 2012 09:42 PM

Richie Alan Naggar

people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA

agent & author

When a person reflects and inquires of themselves, this is time well spent...Cara remains a woman of value

Nov 21, 2012 09:45 PM

Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA

Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD

301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

Seem like you are on the correct path. . .

Have a great Thanksgiving holiday!

Nov 21, 2012 10:16 PM

Ken Tracy

Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL

Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Cara. Way to go! Sounds like you enjoy it!

Me too! Love how you laid out your goals and have achieved them...

Thanks for sharing!

Ken

Nov 21, 2012 10:27 PM

Tom Esposito

Alpharetta Home Solutions - Alpharetta, GA

Goal setting is what it's all about. You've gone way beyond that. You've inspired me to look carefully at where I am and where I want to be. I'm not there yet but heading in the right direction. Thanks.

Nov 21, 2012 10:51 PM

Rachell Lara & A List Properties

eXp Realty / 619.316.7445 - San Diego, CA

A List Properties - San Diego Neighborhood Experts

Great post Cara, as a newbie you like to think each step is taking you somewhere thanks for sharing your plan and results, it inspires,

Nov 21, 2012 11:17 PM

Rich Gaasenbeek

IXACT Contact Real Estate CRM - Toronto, ON

Real Estate CRM & Marketing Made Easy!

Carla, you make an excellent point when you say being busy doesn't necessarily mean being productive. It's important to identify the truly productive work and focus on that! :)

Nov 21, 2012 11:25 PM

Kathy Streib

Cypress, TX

Home Stager/Redesign

Cara- I so agree... you have to know where you've been to know where you're going. All of the social media is good but we have to look at what works for us and what isn't.

Nov 21, 2012 11:35 PM

Cara Marcelle Mancuso

Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes - Tucson, AZ

Call a Marana neighbor, I'm THERE!

Richie - you always say the nicest things!

Fernando - Being a millionaire on Active Rain, I'd say you've chosen a path as well!

Hi Ken - always appreciate your posts and Facebook items!

Hi Tom - Good luck to you. It's been instrumental to look at past goals and see what I've missed.

Happy Thanksgiving, Rachell. We were all newbies once! Time goes by quickly.

Rich - I appreciate your words - I really believe in focus because social media can really get overwhelming.

Kathy - exactly! We all have different business plans and styles. It's so important to find the YOU in all of it.

Nov 21, 2012 11:44 PM

Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV

Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA

Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Good job, Cara. It looks like you're hitting your goals spot on. I'm only about 18 months into the process of blogging, but what a difference it has made in my business model. Congrats on the feature, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 21, 2012 11:50 PM

Jon Karlen

Finish Line Realty - Louisville Ky Real Estate - Metropolitan Service Area - Louisville, KY

Louisville Kentucky real estate - Metro Area

Thats really great to hear about your success. If you are generating closings, then you are definitely on the right track. :)

Nov 22, 2012 12:43 AM

Evelyn Kennedy

Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA

Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Cara:

I love your plan for 2013. I may just borrow some items and include them in my business plan. Thanks.

Nov 22, 2012 09:10 AM

Christine Donovan

Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA

Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Cara - Reviewing and revamping goals is important to keep you moving forward.

Nov 22, 2012 10:41 AM

Ginger Harper

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC

Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

You are headed in the right direction. Keep going..

Nov 22, 2012 11:26 AM

Christina Sanchez Hood

Palo Alto, CA

#SiliconValleyHOODS | Inspired Living

Cara, thank you for the story of your success. I have been working on my 2013 Bplan and am creating the nuts and bolts of my daily activities, so this post was timely. Congrats on your continued success!

Nov 22, 2012 11:35 AM

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM

Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA

LandlordWhisperer

I am not surprised that many agents don't realize the VALUE of this approach in today's rental market......the definition of SUCCESS has not changed - the road to SUCCESS has changed

Nov 22, 2012 08:54 PM

Cara Marcelle Mancuso

Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes - Tucson, AZ

Call a Marana neighbor, I'm THERE!

Richard - you are one of the big bonuses of being Soci@l - always enjoy your posts and Facebook items!

Mike - you are a blogging machine - I'm sure you are reaping the benefits!

Jon - good to meet you - I will check out your blog posts!

Evelyn - borrow away. Everything in this post is just my opinion!

Erica - wow - another millionaire blogger. You are definitely a goal setter!

Christine - likewise - at 1.25 million points, I'm thrilled you stopped by to read my blog. I certainly enjoy yours!

Ginger - thanks for the encouragement!

Christina - wishing you much enjoyment during your journey. It is sure a process!