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If You Are In Here You Are Not Out There

Points. Blogs. Features. Websites. Rankings.

The power of the internet and all the tools we have to promote ourselves is increasing. I stopped and asked myself a question today after reading a blog post on points and ranking, "Are we becoming more obsessed and focused on blogging and earning points than we are on doing our job?"

I am amazed and I have to admit it - impressed - at the breadth of some of the blogs some people have - not only here on AR but in other blog sites. I know how much work and effort it takes to maintain a site and post things consistently. It's like another job. To be at the top of any search engine and be found on the net takes specific strategy and marketing focus. I know I have just scratched the surface of what I could be doing online, but I already feel slightly overwhelmed just trying to manage two blogs, an e-magazine account, and e-marketing campaigns.

When there are only so many hours in the day - I have to choose my focus, and so will disappear for days or weeks while handling other (to me) more important things - and then come back to see what I have missed. And there are those of you that never seem to miss a day or night of blogging. It IS like another job but do you have a time set aside each day or is it more like "Sorry - I cannot make dinner - I have blogging to do" or do you just have more hours than I do in my day? I am an effective plate spinner and I would go up against the best of you - but I concede in this category to those more super-human bloggers that manage to post and post and post.

It is E-Mazing.

I know marketing is part of my job as well - and I know all about how the internet tools are used as a key marketing tool for any business owner. But I think the scales could tip or are tipping to the point where time spent on a site or building up points outweighs the actual work being done - and for me that is a concerning thought.

Am I the only one that has ever had this thought?

Are we moving to a place where just because we share how fabulous we are online, that makes us "better" than someone who does not blog about it or blog as much about it? To me that is both fascinating and frightening at the same time. Seriously.

If I am in here all the time - and let's face it - this site has the ability to suck us in and time ceases to exist - "Wait a second - it was only 10:30 a minute ago - why is it 2 AM now?" If I am "in here" - then I am not "out there." When I am "out there" working and actually doing Staging projects, marketing. training, and doing face time, then I don't have time to be "in here."

On one hand I have to give kudos to those that manage to do both effectively - and yet I know BUSY is a relative term. For me - my goals of the quantity of jobs I want weekly may be someone else's monthly goal. I also have a family with 4 children (8-13 yrs. old now), and I know others may have "been there/done that" or not there yet, or don't want to go there. So I know that those that are "in here" all the time AND out there working have more discretionary time to put towards blogging - or maybe you manage to compartmentalize your time more efficiently. It is a wonder to me. I burn the midnight-1 AM-2 AM oil- plenty of times. I just cannot do it day after day or else I turn into "Zombie Mom" or "Wild Hair with Dark Circles Stager."

So - please don't take this as a judgment against anyone or a group - it's is just an observation. And my concern is that we write about what we do - but are we actually DOING it? At what point do we (or someone else) just become experts at blogging about something we knew about - versus actually doing the work to remain on the cutting edge?

The internet has become such a powerful screening tool - I know there are wonderfully talented people that have failed to harvest the power of presentation online, and those that are not so talented that may be technologically advanced and more savvy. And with the internet becoming more of a first line of reference, are we headed to a place that talent is passed over by technology?

And prospective clients "out there" become impressed by a person's ranking, points, feature, site, etc. - but are they really getting the best Stager or are they getting the best blogger, best internet user? How can you tell - and is it going to be "buyer beware?" or will we have to come up with yet another way to separate those that are actually qualified and quality, versus those that just write about it.

With the wealth of information on this site and other blog sites, online magazines, and more - it would be easy to "become" a Stager and not ever stage a house! I could read all these posts and become an "expert" just from what I read. Does that concern anyone else?

Yes - we put up photos and testimonials of our work to demonstrate our skills - and we trust that what someone puts on a site is actually their work and their client's words. With Realtors, their success is online for all to see - their sales can be looked up and verified at any time. Stagers don't have that measure - and so can claim just about anything. Again, I am not questioning anyone specifically - but a person could conceivably create a whole company, with photos and testimonials and have little or no experience. A person could write about Staging and build groups around something they have never even done personally, get a following, and it would be like the Pied Piper - in the lead but without a path based on truth leading others astray.

I am not saying we have arrived there - yet - but there needs to more to the measure of success than how many points we have, our ranking, our features, and our blog posts. Hopefully talent, skill, success and personal interaction will still outweigh the words posted online. And I know it is still the personal touch that gets the work - relationship and skills matter. But I also know that many opportunities are found because of being found online. And I feel for those that have not harvested the power of online presence effectively because they are missing out - and the public is missing out on some great Stagers.

And yet I do feel that in order to be good "in here" we have to be "out there" too - so keep the balance and do tell if you have a way of spinning all your plates AND blogging about it too without turning into a Zombie.

And now with this post - I am going "out there" to Stage. I have cut my time so close, my hair is not combed so I hope I don't see anyone I care about. Darn this website and blog that sucks my time away "in here!"

- Jennie

Posted by Jennie Norris, ASPM, IAHSP on 02/08/2008 11:18 AM

Comments (15)

home stager, home staging, blogging, advice, roseville home stager, sacramento home stager, staging

15 Comments on If You Are In Here You Are Not Out There

FEB

2008

There's an old saying, "Those that can do and those that can't teach.." Without balance and great plate spinning skills, the saying might go something like this, "Those that can do and those that can't blog"...

Jennie - Your visionary observation is vital to maintaining balance during this ground-shift of our profession. I too am concerned about the sacrifice of expertise that can happen if consumers flock to those that use technology, but have not mastered the ability to serve the clients.

All I can say is that I work hard to maintain a balance of tech-skills and real world skills. I don't know how I could do it if I didn't already have decades of experience "under my belt." I guess I would depend on technology instead.

I just had a conversation with my broker the other day. He advised me, the more time I spend in the office, the less time I'm spending out there doing business. It's the same thing here, the more time one has to be on-line blogging or whatever, the less time spent on actually doing real estate business. I would have to say it's all about what is most important and being able to balance things out. I feel it's great to have a site like AR to turn to for good advise and information. Each one, teach one!

True - true - I love what all have shared. Balance is the operative word. I am not saying those that blog here are out of balance - heck I am one of them in here blogging - but where I was going with my questions was that will the public eventually consider the pretty blogs and websites as the primary determining factor, versus actual skills in the art of Staging? There is no way to escape the need for technology - it is here to stay - I just don't want it to replace actual talent in the field. - Jennie

Hi Jennie...So glad to see you pop "in" and I've enjoyed reading your new posts. I hear you about the blogging thing, mastering online presence and trying to balance it all....I know I've read in the past here on AR that frequent bloggers set aside a certain amount of time each day/week to blog.

I would hope that the public would be attracted to the pretty websites and interesting blogs...we are in the business of first impressions but I would also hope they'd take a look at the portfolios as the deciding factor. I get what you're saying though. :)

Amen Jennie!....I feel the same as you. If I'm not doing a good job, what difference does it make all the hot air I'm blowing on blogs. and gaining points..

I have to prove what I am not just what I say I am..."believe half of what you see and NONE of what you read!" Learned that one from my Mom...

Renee Pratta~ Renewed Rooms, N. Myrtle Beach, SC

FEB

2008

Good to know that others are thinking along the same lines - and I think you are right, Teresa, that those that are blogging all the time have to be doing it like a job - where they have set hours to devote to their online activities. For me - I just hope that the person that is great at blogging is also a quality Stager - because the public won't know the difference. There are some tall tales out there for sure - the more reliant the public is on the internet to screen their choices from Realtors to houses to stagers, the closer that dividing line becomes to being totally blurred.

- Jennie

Jennie,

Great post. I also have a family four children 6-11, work part time and am trying to get my business to grow. I squeeze in AR as my homework early morning, late night and steal a peak at lunch! AR can be very addicting, I get to reading and look at the clock and OH! There is lots of good info and it is great to find support from others. Sometimes I do wonder though how some have so much time to devote to blogging... I need to take a spinning plate course too!

Ana

I try to make sure I check in everyday when time permits. I also try to write a blog or two every month - even though I personally do not like writing. I have had several potential clients contact me because of my AR profile so that is why I do it for now. Once my business is where it needs to be I will have less time to spend on blogging and commenting but I enjoy reading what others in the same field are doing and experiencing. Many here on AR have a natural talent for writing/blogging along with their staging skills so how lucky for them to be able to do something they like while also increasing their exposure.

jennie- i have noticed in reading all these blogs on AR that a great many people seem to like to blog about things that happen in their working day or share ideas and funny stories that come up. i see the AR forum as a great way for stagers, etc. to "talk with co-workers" if you will. i have seen what seems like many friendships develop and many great lessons being taught to those of us who are new. it is a little crazy that this site has a point system, but that too can be a fun game as well with your new found friends. i for one enjoy reading the thoughts, stories and ideas people have found the time to place on AR. all i can say for clients is to look at portfolios and talk with previous clients to learn about a stager. unfortunately some people do talk a lot more then they work and their own portfolios show that.

but keep up the blogging 'cause i'll keep reading.

FEB

2008

Hi Jennie ~ I totally agree with you. I love active rain and learn so much here and want to share the things I am doing. However, I am finding it hard, even with a team, to stage houses, work to market myself for future business AND blog everyday (even though I try my best). This blog really made me think about some things......I guess I am just going to have to give up the hope of ever having high points. LOL

I find it particularly interesting that you would post this particular blog and 4 other blogs in a 2 day window (most of which were novel length). I think this proves that your theory has some holes, unless you aren't out there working....

Many of us use AR as an opportunity to network with other like professionals - consider this the water cooler. We also, as you shared, use this as an opportunity to spotlight our businesses, gaining ranks in the search engines.

I use AR for both of the above reasons, but also as a place to retreat and regroup.... a fun place to visit at the end of a long day. I don't have little kids around anymore - my youngest at 11yrs old has an active social life, etc and while I definately make sure I spend as much time as possible with her, there is more time than not when I could be watching TV or spending time on AR. I usually choose AR.

As far as talent vs blogging goes - I have seen some who spend more time blogging about getting jobs than showing actual completed projects but I don't worry much about that. There are some great stagers who frequently blog and show before & after shows of their work - this is great for newbies and even some seasoned vets who could learn a thing or two about the industry. I also enjoy the humor posts, memes, etc......

As my husband just said to me while I was typing and explaining the topic - blogging is like exercise - if you want to do it you can find the time.... if you don't then there are always excuses why you can't and suppositions on those who do.

Again, as for me personally - I have 3 staging jobs so far this week & two additional walkthroughs, not to mention we are also unstaging 3 homes. This is all my work -not my teams work, they would be additional jobs. If you don't think I'm working, check out my new webpage - active staged properties. I just added 3 additional shows for the webguys to add next week, I don't have the 3 we are unstaging on there & there are at least 3 more that team members have yet to get to me. My summation is that blogging does not equal lack of work or skill....

I do have to give you credit though... you are great at writing controversial blogs that get tons of attention! I'm certain that sometimes you play devil's advocate just to encite conversation, which can be a healthy thing......

Jennie I agree with you on so many levels. First off I am a terrible writer. I spend hrs rewriting my stuff, where I think others whip off something in a first draft.

The google results have been nice but not for getting jobs, it seems that only stager want-a-bee's and other business are looking for us. We have many Realtors say oh I've been wondering where to find a stager, or I used to use so and so and they aren't doing it anymore, I didn't know of any one else. Hello, if you google stagers in my town we are on the front page thanks to AR.

So yes, it is addicting, time consuming, and really produces a very limited income. But hey if I'm not on AR I'm watching HGTV!!

Becky

Thanks for the feedback.... Ana, Sandra, Sue, Tracy & Becky. Love that you understand the foundation of the blog - not based in criticism but an observation that most are finding true.

Melissa - Actually - I was not playing devil's advocate and was not posting something controversial to rile anyone up. Like you, I am out there working - just did a Staging Report today, and did 2 previews yesterday, and a large vacant home Staging job this coming week as well as Staging to Live tomorrow on my Mom's old childhood home. I added two more pages to our website and initiated the start of two new marketing campaigns. I also wrote an online article and posted more to another blog. One of the blog posts you mention I started about a month ago - and never finished it until this week - time gets away.

I also took my 4 kids to their Homecoming Basketball game (our school does not have a football team), and kept an eye on my Jr. Higher daughter and 2 of her friends, while the boys and I squeezed ourselves into the hard bleachers. After my 8 year old ate part of the plastic pom-pom (don't ask) and proceeded to barf on his sweatshirt, we called it a night. Today was church followed by a Staging report, and now watching my kids and 4 friends, and a night at the movies tonight. Tomorrow - aftger my Staging to Live - we will be going to the park or some outdoor activity to wear my kids out. Again - even when I am "out there" I am not always Staging - and it's all about balance.

Like you - I am spinning both plates and if I dip in for a day or 2 to post things - what usually happens is I am sporadic about my time and will post and then leave. If you check out my acitivty you will see that is true. I do have to disagree that if someone were in here all the time racking up points - there is no way they could possibly be "out there." Physically it's impossible. I actually read a post on a Realtor's blog about this very thing - about how some that put a high volume of points up are actually writing about nothing (her opinion) with the express goal of getting more points. THAT is what I mean.

I don't want people that are wearing both hats to get defensive which is how I am perceiving your post. There are those that blog that are doing both work and writing about it. And yet I know there are those that write about more than what they are actually doing and if that is not the actual case, the possibility is definitely out there - and THAT is the point of the blog post.

When points, rankings, placement, etc. become more important that the work that is actually done - and the public begins to place a higher priority or is more impressed with a blog or writings that actual work - then we have totally crossed the line into virtual Staging and not real Staging. That is the crux of my blog and my thought process.

When I have my kids grown and out of the house or more independent than they are now, I will have more time to devote to the blogging and other activities necessitated by business owners today. But - for me - if I am in here - I am not out there. I did not represent myself to be someone that is only "out there" and I see the value in a site that provides points that help direct business. I too enjoy the camaraderie and friendships found here - and it's really wonderful that someone like you or me can network across the country with people that we may never actually meet in person - but who we have an affinity for because of what we do in the world of Staging.

Until then - I will be cleaning barf off sweatshirts, driving kids around, Staging, Training, and enjoying friendships made here and "out there."

- Jennie

Jennie - sorry if you took my post as a defensive position..... I suppose there is some truth in it seeing as you wrote your post right after my tongue in cheek blog on Did you know about this? Top 25 Home Stagers in AR. In addition an AR person, who shall remain nameless, actually accused me of inflating my numbers and level of work! She advised me that it was basically impossible to do the work I do and still spend time to post on AR.... I was actually with a bit of fun that a project that had been in the works for several weeks was lauched on Friday - our active staged properties page.

I suppose that between the two I do take offense to this thought process as I do find the time to do both. I do not have the children related schedule you do and take the time in here to unwind from my daily life. Sometimes I find the time in the morning before work, but usually it is in the afternoon between jobs or in the evening when I'm unwinding for the day..... When I am super busy you'll notice, like you, I don't comment or post - but since I use this as unwind time - I try to make time to be here....

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