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The Blog Post That Changed How I Do Business

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Compelling Media + Design

On May 9, 2005 - three years ago today - Seth Godin published a post on his blog called What Every Good Marketer Knows.

Sth Godin's Blog I didn't know who Seth Godin was at the time he wrote it. I might have recognized his face. Maybe not. It was only three years ago, but a lot has changed in that time. In May 2005 there was no Twitter, Facebook was The Facebook, and YouTube had been online less than three months - the founders were not Googlerich yet. Blogs were seven or eight years old, but did anyone beyond a few know what they were?

So a lot has changed. A lot more attention grabbers out there.


But through all the clutter, after reading probably thousands of blog posts, there's one that I return to time and again. And it was published three years ago today.

It's essential reading for anyone that is in the business of marketing, and marketing themselves. Which is basically everyone in the real estate profession.

The list of 30 insights and observations and things good marketers know - will have you nodding. I printed and highlighted the first time I read it.

Here's my favorite ten:

  • Anticipated, personal and relevant advertising always does better than unsolicited junk.

  • Making promises and keeping them is a great way to build a brand.

  • Your best customers are worth far more than your average customers.

  • One disappointed customer is worth ten delighted ones.

  • Conversations among the members of your marketplace happen whether you like it or not. Good marketing encourages the right sort of conversations.

  • Marketing is the way your people answer the phone, the typesetting on your bills and your returns policy.

  • If you are marketing from a fairly static annual budget, you're viewing marketing as an expense. Good marketers realize that it is an investment.

  • You're not in charge. And your prospects don't care about you.

  • Choose your customers. Fire the ones that hurt your ability to deliver the right story to the others.

  • Reminding the consumer of a story they know and trust is a powerful shortcut.


Bonus #11

  • Marketing is not an emergency. It's a planned, thoughtful exercise that started a long time ago and doesn't end until you're done.

 
Hey Seth, thanks for that great list.

Read the original post Seth Godin published three years ago today.

 

Download PDF 

 

Wayne B. Pruner
Oregon First - Tigard, OR
Tigard Oregon Homes for Sale, Realtor, GRI

This is pretty smart advice Jason. I will read the original link. Thanks.

May 10, 2008 12:30 PM
Pam Winterbauer
Pam Winterbauer Real Estate - San Ramon, CA
"Providing Blue Ribbon Service"

Jason.....great ideas and thank you for sharing these.

May 10, 2008 01:04 PM
Debbie Summers
Charles Rutenberg Realty - New Smyrna Beach, FL

Thanks for the original link...  I think that people loose focus about marketing and what it really is.

May 10, 2008 01:16 PM
Terry & Bonnie Westbrook
Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner - Grand Rapids, MI
Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re

I have heard him several times and alway come away inspired. Thanks for the post.

May 10, 2008 02:15 PM
Lane Bailey
Century 21 Results Realty - Suwanee, GA
Realtor & Car Guy

There is NO doubt that EVERY real estate agent that wants to be successful in today's climate needs to read Seth.  There may be days when he is not speaking to us, but there are also days when we can learn so much it is scary...

May 10, 2008 02:46 PM
Jason Sardi
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life

Jason - Bookmarking....this should be some fantastic info!  Thank you!

May 10, 2008 02:59 PM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Seth has a brain worth picking on a regular basis--his blog is daily bread for anyone in sales or marketing.

May 10, 2008 03:03 PM
Kevin O'Shea
Coldwell Banker - White Plains, NY
White Plains, NY Real Estate

Thanks for a great post and reference to Seth's original post.

All the best!

May 10, 2008 04:04 PM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hello Jason, I hadn't seen this before and am very impressed and agree with everything on the list. Might even be able to add a few more, but hardly the point. Excellent ! Congrats on the feature.

May 10, 2008 05:50 PM
Jason Todd
Compelling Media + Design - Halifax, NS

It seems that Mr. Godin has some other fans on ActiveRain!

Thanks to Everyone that stopped by and shared their comments and stories -

Jason

May 10, 2008 10:44 PM
Don Rogers
Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield - O'Fallon, MO
Realtor, Broker, CDPE, GRI, OnullFallon MO & St Charles County MO homes

Jason, Thanks for sharing this post.  I have it bookmarked and as you suggested I will share it with others.

Don R.

May 10, 2008 11:48 PM
Esko Kiuru
Bethesda, MD

Jason.

Godin sure knows his stuff. Choose your customers is a good one, among many others. This one is sometimes difficult to do, but over time you develop a knack for it. Don't be shy.

May 11, 2008 01:02 PM
Katie Graham
Cherry Creek Properties, LLC - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate

Great list. I've become a big fan of Mr. Godin, he really knows his stuff. Thanks for including the link to the full article.

May 12, 2008 03:47 AM
Eleanor Thorne
Equity Resources - Cary, NC
Advantage Lending 919-649-5058

Glad Marti brought this to my attention! It's GREAT!

May 12, 2008 04:30 AM
Garreth Wilcock
Sherlock Homes Frisco - Frisco, TX
Sherlock Homes Frisco

I've gone all Luddite with Seth's work - I just printed a page and am going to stick it to my sun-visor. Thanks for the link.

May 12, 2008 04:55 PM
Don Rogers
Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield - O'Fallon, MO
Realtor, Broker, CDPE, GRI, OnullFallon MO & St Charles County MO homes

jason, Another information packed post.  Thank you.

Don R.

May 12, 2008 11:52 PM
Scott Cowan
RE/MAX Professionals - Olympia, WA

Jason- Seth is an amazing person with an ability to cut through the crap and get right to the point of the matter. I really appreciate you sharing this post again. It is vital information.

Best,

Scott

May 26, 2008 06:50 AM
Steve Homer
The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate) - Round Rock, TX

Seth is awesome and a man sent to the right era!  These points and his writings are so RIGHT ON!  Thanks Jason!  Steve

May 27, 2008 12:26 AM
* Rate A Home
Rate A Home - Saugatuck, MI

Jason, great ThemThem to Seth! Thanks for sharing with the Group.

Duane

May 27, 2008 11:26 AM
Michael Sahlman
www.HomesForVIPs.com - Keller Williams Realty - Miami Beach, FL
e-PRO - Miami Beach Florida Luxury Homes

Thanks i am loking forward ot re-reading his blog.

Jul 06, 2008 12:14 AM