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I give up...

That's right.

The tide is overwhelming. I have to give in to the peer pressure. Why should I try so hard to be different?

Everyone says that I need to have my picture there instead of an impersonal logo. That is what everyone else does to be memorable. The average agent sets themselves apart by having their picture on all of their marketing materials.
Everyone says that I need to work a geographical area, not some sort of lifestyle or affinity group. After all, that is what works, right? Except for a couple of agents that specialize in golf, equestrian, senior or waterfront properties. Working with auto enthusiasts to help them find their dream home with the dream garage isn't average. The average agent sets themselves apart by concentrating on a ZIP code or a location.
Everyone says that blogging is a waste of time. Seriously, 94% of agents don't have a blog. They have a static website (with their picture lovingly watching over it from the sidebar). Instead of spending the time blogging, I should spend my time looking like my picture in the grocery store. The average agent sets themselves apart with a broker website like the other agents in their office.
Everyone says that I shouldn't share so much information about real estate until after someone signs a contract (buyer or seller). Giving it all away for free means that people can do exactly what I do all by themselves. I need to have login requirements before allowing access to MLS feeds on my website. The average agent thinks that the information they have access to is what makes them valuable, and that information needs to hidden and protected.

It is too hard to go against the grain. It is difficult to be a trailblazer. It is so much easier to be average.

Happy April Fool's Day!

I'm NEVER happy with average.

I'd love to hear from you...

Posted by Lane Bailey - REALTOR & Car Guy on 04/01/2008 09:28 AM

Comments (25)

April Fools Day in the ActiveRain Channel

active rain, blogging, business of real estate, website, technology

Originally posted at: Looking Out From the Garage: I give up...

This post has been included in Georgia Information Gwinnett County, GA Information

25 Comments on I give up...

APR

2008

Oh someday I hope to be like everyone else. Monkey see, monkey do.

I could kick you....

Kevin - That is exactly it...

Jessica - You are exceptional, and EVERYONE knows it. I knew when I wrote this that you would have a reaction, and I knew I had to write it anyway. I did describe an average agent, but you have transcended that stereotype in so many ways. Perhaps because you didn't just sit back and do what everyone else was doing... you went way beyond. If I wrote about just the things I know of where you eclipsed what the average agent does, I could have a new blog series...

Lane - I like it better for the blog, seriously. I like talking to a face, not a garage. That said, you could post an image of your logo at the bottom of every one of your posts as a signature.

sorry, I'm spoiling the fun by being serious. :-/

I'm disappointed you gave in, if you wanted to test the logo you shouldn't be swayed so fast.

Steve

You see...look at that friendly face :) I like all your ideas but your picture was a little more personal (transparent lol) than the garage pic. As for grocery store stuff.....well, whatever works for you I guess.

And.....I'm in the 6% that believes blogging is productive and lots of work. If I'm working at it how can it be a waste of time? If I'm getting closed transactions from it...how is it a waste of time?

P.S. I know what you're saying though....I just liked your profile pic that's up there :) You're not average Lane...never will be :)

I absolutely agree but I too fell into the trap of listening to every one else my brokers, Top producing agents all telling me to do the same thing and how all the other stuff did not work. Where I went wrong was when I would get a Idea to do something I would run It by my Broker or mentor and off Top I would be told oh no that will never work and then next thing I know some one else would take the idea and not do it the correct way and then just give up. I one day decided to do my own thing and Ive never looked back and yes blogging is one of the many things out side of the box that I do.

Lane, Happy April Fools Day to you. Average is like a Seth's field of cows, I'd rather be purple. I hate that when seasoned agents squalish the dreams of young ones. I have such a good story to write on this in 2 weeks, (( sush....) You'll hear on Twitter first.

Lane, you are a hoot!

Lane - Interesting stat that 94% of agents don't have a blog.... I wonder what that stat will look like in five years.... Equally curious how many builder's have blogs.... I'd venture to guess that it's way less than 1%....

In 1994 less than 5% of brokers had a company web page. By 1997 80% had one. Now agent pages are the norm. I agree with Chris Butler, blogs will become the norm.

Karen - What can I say?

Steve - <friendly poke> Pay attention!

Sally - Maybe I'll feel differently tomorrow...

Makea - I may not listen enough..

Missy - I know that you got it... I agree. Purple for me.

Jo - Thank you.

Chris - The NAR published it a few months ago.

Steve - I bet that blogs won't be the norm. There are a lot of agents that have a website, but they have no involvement. Blogs require involvement. Unless brokers start buying and running licensed material for all of their agents (talk about boring, 143 agents having the same junk on all of their blogs...)

You will....how come I think you're going to pull the April fools thing on us?

LOL yes, it is easier to be average. Average people strive for comfort. Above average people can handle discomfort. Good to see someone who is above average still has a good sense of humour too! :)

Sally - It wouldn't have anything to do with the last lines of the post, would it... and I haven't edited it.

Dave - An above average sense of humor?

Lane,

Be different! It sets you apart from everyone else! Being average is boring! Best wishes!

Glad I got to see your picture. Something tells me it won't be there, tomorrow.

Sandy - Is it worth it? I want to be popular at the Association meetings... ;^ )

Marilyn - I don't know... we'll see.

There's a time and place for photos and for logos - not always the same. On ActiveRain, for example, I generally don't comment on or follow any members with logos instead of photos. On business cards, I think it's more professional to have a logo. That's just my opinion, and five other people will have five other opinions. One thing is sure - being "average" is not what makes anyone successful.

Margaret - For A/R I think I have found a suitable solution. I do like to see faces since I'm interacting with people... but I think the logo is very important to my branding. My big decision now is logo or photo up top.

APR

2008

Well your post just convinced me to put my photo back up. You know, there is so much darn pressure to do what everyone else is doing. I am glad not everyone goes with the grain.

Lane: Fun post and one that reminds us that--especially in markets like the one we are currently experiencing--it is the EXTRA-ordinary real estate professional that will thrive!