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To Blog is to Speak Effectively

By
Real Estate Agent with Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 SA5376460000

I still remember attending the first RainCamp in Scottsdale in 2009.  It was very powerful and my ears felt like sponges.  Blogging was new for me, but I had heard of others blogging so I was intrigued.   Blogging has many benefits, but it wasn't until two years ago that a hidden benefit surfaced.

 

As a volunteer with the US Green Building Council, I attend meetings monthly and ran a sub-committee at one time, the Builder Committee for the Residential Green Building Committee.  A lot to spit out, but basically we accomplished a lot of projects and I'm proud that every realtor has access to those benefits, the green features on our Arizona Regional MLS.  

 

Blogging about those projects has been a good source of business for me.  And including those posts on other social media sites helps to boost my audience.  But there's another side benefit to those blogs.  

 

Reading other blogs and commenting on them has also benefited me. Reaching back to English 101 and 102 in college, I had almost forgotten how to write when I started blogging.  Blogging didn't come naturally and neither did public speaking.  My thoughts were random and building to an answer and eventual position on a matter wasn't well planned. 

 

Thanks to blogging, the hidden benefit has affected my public speaking.  And it's a good thing because in 2015 I spoke at least 17 times at different venues with a speaker panel at title companies, lender offices and realtor associations.  I now know to rely on my knowledge of the subject matter and to focus on what effect I'm trying to share, thanks to blogging!  

 

Blogging on a topic helps your brain to organize thoughts so that ideas, opinions and subject matter flows easier.   The listenener can easily follow my point because, like blogging, I'm linking subject topics. 

 

To say this has helped me is an understatement.  I'm very grateful for the ability to speak at any function in my niche.   So To Blog is to Speak Effectively is more important than ever to me.  Thank you ActiveRain!

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Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

You took the fear out of public speaking and combined it with the written word for an outstanding and informative post! Thank you, Jan!

Nov 27, 2016 06:59 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Thank you Patricia!  It does help and serves as a training ground for public speaking, IMHO!

Nov 30, 2016 10:37 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

I can see why Kathy chose to highlight your post this week!

Nov 27, 2016 07:35 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Thank you Kristin!  

Nov 30, 2016 10:37 AM
Rob Spinosa
US Bank - Larkspur, CA
Mortgage Loan Originator, Marin County

Fear of public speaking is so prevalent that people will openly joke about it and admit it and most others completely understand and are sympathetic when they do.  Yet, I think most of us would agree that in our professions, if you really hope to succeed you have to be effective at influencing and educating others and one of the most effective ways to do that is through public speaking.  It is a skill that can be learned and you can be sure that I will find ways to teach my 4-year old when the time comes.  Great post.

Nov 27, 2016 07:51 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

You're right Rob.  Public speaking isn't for everyone, but if you learn how to do it and can be successful, it helps in our business.  Great job with your 4 year old.  Training them young is an excellent idea since they are sponges!  Thanks for commenting. 

Nov 30, 2016 10:38 AM
Adam Feinberg
Elegran - Manhattan, NY
NYC Condo, Co-op, and Townhouse Advisor

Throughout my youth and even through college, teachers and writing professors would insist that my writing skills were weak, and I always fought back exclaiming writing for the real world reader is so very different- and that is my audience. My readers (clients, colleagues, neighbors, etc) seem to agree and I would expect the same criticism if I went back for a Masters degree.  My point is - know your audience. Listen to them and not the critics.

Nov 27, 2016 08:50 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Great point Adam.  It's so important to know your subject matter backwards and forwards so that the listener doesn't have to stare at slides!

Nov 30, 2016 10:39 AM
Brian Rugg
Rugg Realty LLC Sun City Texas 512-818-6700 - Georgetown, TX
Sun City TX Real Estate - Georgetown, TX Real Est

We are all members of a lost sub group in society, i.e. those can can write and speak effectively.  I was at the airport Wednesday evening to pick up my son. In a small terminal area with a dozen or so people, the room was dead silent as each person tapped away at their smart phone with total ambivalence to the person next to them or their surroundings.  It's sad to see.

Nov 27, 2016 09:00 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Very sad to see.  I understand how you feel.  I think public speaking is vastly underrated!

Nov 30, 2016 10:40 AM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Jan Green "Blogging on a topic helps your brain to organize thoughts so that ideas, opinions and subject matter flows easier.   The listener can easily follow my point because, like blogging, I'm linking subject topics. "

Right on target - and  - re-blog!

Nov 27, 2016 11:04 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

So very true. Wow, I haven't heard the words 'blog camp' in eons lol.

Nov 27, 2016 12:49 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

I wish they would host those things again - it was great hearing professionals speak about blogging and SEO, etc.  

Nov 30, 2016 10:40 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Jan, I had never felt comfortable public speaking. I joined Toast Masters and it helped.  I still don't like it yet I am much more comfortable doing it than before Toastmasters.  Organizing thoughts and knowing our subject matter helps a lot 

Nov 27, 2016 03:05 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

I've heard that Toast Masters is an excellent way to build confidence in public speaking but have never attended a meeting.  Good for you! 

Nov 30, 2016 10:41 AM
Janis Borgueta
Newburgh, NY
Retired RE Salesperson

Blogging helps on so many different levels. I know I am not the same person I was before blogging. I have not benefitted from public speaking, but I certainly have benefitted from being a better writer. Many skills come from blogging. What a great post you have outlining your journey. 

Nov 27, 2016 03:32 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Learning to write is an art so good for you!  I'd love to be better at catchy titles, but that may be a post for another day - LOL!  Thank you!

Nov 30, 2016 10:42 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Jan Green  well deserved featured post ..love it

Nov 27, 2016 03:51 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Thanks Hannah! 

Nov 30, 2016 10:42 AM
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Hi Jan Green ,  A very good Blog. I attended my first Raincamp in 2010.  It was well worth the trip.

Nov 27, 2016 07:10 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Thank you Larry.  It would be fun if they were resurrected!

Nov 30, 2016 10:42 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Jan Green - and all the benefits you mentioned - other than ranking and business we earn - is simply icing on the cake!

And I remember I attended the RainCamp in 2009 or so, too.

Nov 27, 2016 09:34 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Yes, icing indeed!  Thank you for commenting and have a great day!

Nov 30, 2016 10:43 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I think it is the most important thing to be yourself the whole time while doing all the search engine optimization at the same time.

Nov 27, 2016 11:39 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

It is and so true!

Nov 30, 2016 10:43 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

I have a saying on my wall, which I look at every day, it comes from copyblogger - 

Composition is a discipline; it forces us to think. If you want to 'get in touch with your feelings,' fine -talk to yourself; we all do. But, if you want to communicate with another thinking human being, get in touch with your thoughts. Put them in order, give them a purpose, use them to persuade, to instruct, to discover, to seduce. The secret way to do this is to write it down and then cut out the confusing parts." - William Safire. I think our biggest mistake, well mine anyway, is often not to edit what we write and cut out the confusing parts

Nov 28, 2016 11:18 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Love that saying!  So very true.  Organizing thoughts is something I've had to learn as they were scattered all over the page!  At least you know what you need to improve.  I'm still working on that!

Nov 30, 2016 10:44 AM
Tim Maitski
Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage - Atlanta, GA
Truth, Excellence and a Good Deal

I totally agree. 

To really get it good, do videos until you don't cringe when watching yourself.

Then write a book explaining what you do.  This really organizes everything.

Then to be concise, create 60 second scripts for radio commercials.  Then see if you can get your message out in 30 seconds.

Nov 28, 2016 11:38 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

I need to do video.  I have never done it and I know it would help me.  Practice, practice, practice! Very good advice.  30 seconds it is!

Nov 30, 2016 10:45 AM
John Marshall - FORE!
LoKation Real Estate - Cherry Hills Village, CO
Specializing in Golf Course Properties

Jan, very nice, I had never made that connection before, but after writing countless posts, I am definitely well versed in my topics and am not afraid to get up in front of groups any longer, I just thought maybe I was maturing, oh well I can hope for that down the road!

Nov 28, 2016 03:40 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

LOL!  I understand what you mean.  Maturing may be a part of it, but obviously you  know your material so it is easier for you.  Kudos to you!

Nov 30, 2016 10:45 AM
Mike Bjork
Evolve Bank & Trust - Redondo Beach, CA

Very nice, Jan!  I agree that writing helps me to collect my thoughts that may not ordinarily come out as consise or to the point, if I elected to just verbally state it.  If only I can learn to collect my thoughts, like writing, before I speak, then I'd have a lot more pleasant experiences;)

Nov 29, 2016 10:47 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

I hear you Mike!  I know what you mean about collecting your thoughts.  Sometimes when I'm in board meetings I only have so much time so I have to cut to the chase about a point I'm trying to make.  Thank you for commenting!

Nov 30, 2016 10:47 AM
Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

Hi Jan, blogging on a regular basis helps me on so many different levels. I don't like public speaking, never have but certainly have become better with social media. 

Nov 29, 2016 12:26 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Good for you for pushing the envelope with social media.  It takes practice so I'm sure you're very good at it! 

Nov 30, 2016 10:48 AM
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

Well said my friend Jan. You are so correct. Writing, researching and especially teaching or presenting helps 'exposing' subject-matters so much more in the mind.... keep doing it. 

Nov 30, 2016 06:59 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you Richard Bazinet /MBA !  I'm sure you understand since you write a "mean" blog yourself.  Have a great day and thanks for commenting!

Nov 30, 2016 10:48 AM