Simply defined, social networks are like our SOI, only online.

It's all in the name....yep that's how I look at it.  Our reputation is developed one keystrok at a time, with our name as the only constant.  If we mess up, or don't think before using those keys, well then our name will still be there, the only difference is how other people see us now.

Cute analogy, with deep thoughts to back it up! Good contribution...good blog!

Very fitting analogy with Monopoly!  Mostly though, I loved your suggestions and I will take action on those immediately.

 Mmmmmmmmmidori... you'll have to add web 2.0 guru to your title as well, your tutorials get better by the week and they were already great to begin with. Glad you're sharing your insights here in the marketing group, I really appreciate it!

Midora- Very good analogy. Very good advice too. I love training too! :)  And each one of my subscribers is golden to me, they are my SOI online. I try to make sure every post I write is helping them in some way. I take this relationship seriously to build my business and theirs. 

Midori no need to tell me I am a social butterfly :)

Midori,

Great concept ... love the way you tied it all together.  The Monopoly theme is a great way to visualize blogging.  And I LOVE the gummy bears! too cute!  Are you a trainer for your office or for all of C21?  How do you get to do that .. I love teaching, facilitating, training... I've done it in the past, but remember I'm new to C21.  

Midori - sometimes we are so socially networked that we just need to take a break, let the band play on and sit one out. i keep having clients interrupt my networking. how is one to have time to sit and blog and twitter and comment when people continue to demand to see homes?

i am glad the weather is turning warmer. i need studio time and i need it now.

I hope I don't sound toooo dummmmmb, but what is Web 2.0.  I am no computer whiz and a lot of this stuff is very new to me.  Help Please.  Kathryn

Kathryn...I'll answer for you in a way meant to be helpful...

Any term you encounter on the internet can be searched on Google.  Just type it in and you should get pertinent results.  Anything, and I mean anything, I find that interests me, I Google.  And that of course leads to more interesting things, and hours of time spent reading about things I never imagined to exist...;) 

Hi Midori..........great post, and might I say, right on!! I ended up being on that same program last night but only caught a few seconds of your interview! Sounded good though........I think I was the last one, and they ran out of time! ;-)  I got to say some things though ;-)

Midori......thanks for the great ost and you on the mark.  Definately social netowrking does work.

Midori, Thanks for the great info, I recently attended  a networking group that had as its guest speakers Jason Feffer one of the founders of myspace and Mark Jeffery CTO for Mahalo, they were  very informative and provided tons of info on how to leverage social networks in order to build niche communities, I will be sharing some of that info in the weeks to come, but your points are right on..

Hi Midori - spot on with this post!!  Our online presence can make or break our perception in the public's eye, and that should be very precious to each of us.

Ann

Real estate (and business in general) has always been about networking. Whether you do it online or in real life, it's always been about who you know vs. what you know.

(Of course, if you don't know anything then you might not know anybody so there has always been somewhat of a correlation.)

Regardless, whether you do it online or in real life, social networking should be a very important part of your business.

Hi Midori...I've joined so many sites it's mind boggling.  But I love it! Happy Easter!

It's interesting to me how few people are taking advantage of these platforms.  It doesn't take long to set up a profile on facebook, my space, etc., and even if you don't take the time to blog, you can "connect" with other members, a keystroke here and there to send them a note and stay in touch.  Plus it's FUN!

  Really good information...Thanks

Isn't it so interesting! What a beautiful display of what we do. :-)

Midori, interesting analogy about social networking.  By the way, I love Monopoly, but it's been a long time since I've played a good marathon Monopoly game.

we are building aren't we.....   And I already subscribe :)   - Have a great holiday!

Real estate sales are certainly based on networking and contacts.

Thank you,

Hi Midori, Happy Easter to you. Monopoly is a great illustration. The networking is amazing as the friendships. I think I will try to buy Park Place, I don't like going to jail.

Real estate is all about getting in front of people and letting them know who you are and blogging is another way fo doing it.

Love the analogy.  Social networking is truly exciting, challenging and worthwhile!

Midori - Here is a definition for you - Social Monopoly - monopolizing the internet by socializing, a game played by those who understand the IMPACT of the INTERNET and WEB 2.0

Great analogy Midori and love the "social monopoly" definition Kathy. I think we all agree, social networking is changing the way real estate is done online. Let's hope that bodes well for us having a 'monopoly' on it for the future...LOL

Rich-thank you...this year my goal was to make training very understandable!

Hi Kathy-yes I agree...online reputations...face to face...extremely important! 

do you think online social networking will replace in-person social networking? Has face-to-face become obsolete? I hope not!

Michael Zinsmeister

www.MyMarketPostings.com

MarketPostings@gmail.com

Kirk-Thank you....Mark...thank you..Marti-ahhh...Happy Easter and I can't say enough good things about the group...I learn so much from you! :) xoxoxoxo....Katerina-I think you are such a fabulous trainer and coach...one of these days...I'll be calling...and probably soon!  Bill-you are the one who gets me to go places that no MAN has ever been able to do! :)  You always give good sound advice...and yes you are THE social butterfly!  Jan-I train for our 3 offices...and love it...I had done consulting work before in South Florida and I was a trainer before...don't let that confuse with with educator..to me its very different...I'll be calling you very soon.

Yes John I agree sometimes we do have to take a break...our customers that are in front of us are usually the ones ready and willing to buy or sell BUT often times the people we meet online are not that much different than the face to face...they too are ready willing and able to buy and sell.  Katheryn-no dumb questions...I hope you got my e-mail!  Joe thanks I'm glad Katheryn got her answer rather quickly...

Hi Teri-Rock on girl!  I was so excited when he said you would be on and you had me laughing soooooooooooo hard! It was a pretty good broadcast.   I watched it after because when I was on...we did not have the computer on...so I had no idea what I was sounding like online.    I had a blast and you can watch it again...one of things I noticed...the first 5 minutes is them getting ready for the show...you can't use firefox to view the link...oh...its rated pg...I would definitely do it again!  Great Job...and glad to see the Lady in Red.

Midori.....I love your posts, and love the fact that you get paid to train...the next wave of buyers are sitting, unpatiently on the sidelines...when the flood gates open to this wave...we will need well trained agents to handle a changing Real Estate & Real Estate Financing market...Keep on psoting, and we should all learn more about 2.0 and the 3.0 that is emerging...PS...My new company is looking for building lots in failing subdivisions for land bank purposes...whats your area like  you are so close  but so far away..thats why we will allways need Realtors!!!!!!!!

Social networking is key.  The more your name is out there the more potential there is to gain clients.  Step outside your comfort zone and see what happens! 

Great thoughts...I think that social networking is the BEST kind of business growth one can have.  Certainly not the only, but one of the best.  In the past two years I've focused on only one kind of social networking, my immediate, existing sphere of influence.  Time to spread my wings again!

Pam...thank you...and Michael glad it was useful!  Ann-Girl I can't wait to see you...  :)  Paul I have to agree..its not what you know its who you know and I believe the more in your sphere the more successful you become.  Monika-yes I don't know...I think its time to reevaluate what to focus on...so much...so little time!

First of all...Happy Easter Midori! 

Social networking is huge. I didn't realize until I started joining some. ActiveRain is indeed tops on the list for me. The commenting and socializing between professionals is a wonderful way to not only market...but make friends too.

Midori, good post. I like the analogy to the game of Monopoly. I have never been a 'networker', however your blog is making me re-think that.  Thanks.

We are building communities and relationships both right here in Active Rain and in our live get-togethers.  I would have never met some of the people across the country without meeting them on Active Rain.  This is such an great opportunity to meet others and share ideas and friendships.

great info and a very interesting post...thanks for the wonderful writing!

Hi Midori!  What a great analogy.  I have to admit I am a bit behind most of you, but slowly trying to learn this social networking.  I am learning it one day at a time.  Thanks for your help!

There are always new things to learn and new things to apply to the business. Thanks for posting.

Midori, I loved the post.  Yes, Social Networking is one facet of our future.  I really liked your "Get out of Jail" analogy.  AJ

Thanks for the post.  It will be interesting to see where the technology takes us.

I love the get-out-of-jail free cards. It's expensive these days....lol! I really wouldn't know. So, can we sell things off when we need to? hmmmm.....   

Indeed, anyone in any form of sales needs to be involved in social networking! great post!

Great post and a great analogy Midori. This was a motivating piece for me. Thanks.

Sounds like you know how to grow your community Midori! Great post and right on with your thoughts on social networking - it has opened up the world to new possibilities for many. This was rightly a featured post, kudos to you.

Thanks for the post, very interesting stuff you shared!

Midori, exceptional post!!!  From the title to the content.  This was power packed and I enjoyed every read of it!

Midori,

Great analogy, and unlike gaming, Blogging isn't child's play, but you can feel a childlike rush of excitement and giddiness when you hit the keyboard and your fingers start flying.

Hey, Midori. Love your Post and am using the "get out jail card" love it, love it, love it..... great reminder

Another great post and thank you for the article.