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You can't sell Real Estate if you blog!! Says who?

By Bryant Tutas

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC BK607690

March 01, 2007 06:56 AM

Wow, it has been three whole days since I posted on ActiveRain. That is the longest break I have had since June when I first joined. Well, let me tell you, it wasn't intentional. I have been swamped with business!! I guess that's a good thing, but I must say, this work stuff sure does get in the way of blogging. "Broker Bryant can you sell our house?" "Broker Bryant can we buy that house?" "Broker Bryant is our closing scheduled yet?" "Broker Bryant........?" Anyway, you get my point.

I read a comment yesterday, in a post written by Michael Kwan, a guest writer on www.johnchow.com, he was writing a review on ActiveRain. The review was actually pretty good. The best part was that it mentioned me. Anyway, this is what he wrote:

****"Come to think of it, the real estate professionals who have the highest point totals may not be the best people for job. After all, they're spending all their time updating their blogs and posting random entries in the forums, rather than using that valuable time doing their job. Maybe it's time for a career change."*****

Now folks, how far from the truth is that? I am ranked number 5 on the ActiveRain network, when it comes to points, and have persistently written 4 to 5 posts per week, since I joined in June.. AND I make a pretty good living selling Real Estate. In fact, so far this week I have placed 4 new properties on the market, turned down 3 other listings due to pricing, negotiated 2 successful deals, negotiated another deal but came up a little short, followed up on my 5 pendings, had a closing, bought a property to flip and cooked lunch for "The Lovely Wife" twice.

So maybe, just maybe, Michael doesn't "get it." Of course, few do, so it doesn't surprise me. The key is time management and staying focused on what you are trying to achieve.

Oh, I almost forgot, did I mention 2 of those listings came from blogging on ActiveRain? Did I mention my new blogsite, BrokerBryant.com? So, Broker Bryant says, "Blog away my friends, blog away!!!" What say you?

If you don't "get it", click here.

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Cynthia Sloop

Community Association Manager - Indianapolis, IN

Hey BB, I think that you have some how learned how to balance everything very well! You even cooked lunch for TLW twice. Was that because you wanted out of the dog house?!?!?!? Another good post!

Mar 01, 2007 11:50 AM

Bryant Tutas

Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL

Selling Florida one home at a time

Hey everyone thanks for reading and commenting. I thought Michael's review of AR was pretty good. He was mostly positive.

Ok I've reread this post and I think I came across a little to arrogant. Maybe? I was trying to prove a point but after reading it again it's to, me me me. I really need to work on that. Oh well, thanks for baring with me as I write and learn. That's actually one of the things I love most about blogging is that it really gives us the opportunity to look at ourselves and to grow in our ability to communicate. Growth is a real good thing.

Mar 01, 2007 12:00 PM

Nick M.

Certified Residential Appraiser- West Palm Beach Real Estate - West Palm Beach, FL

Realtor-Appraiser in West Palm-South Florida Real Estate Appraiser

Bryant.. that ok. we all have the same problem. i actually gave my ego my name. so nick has the same issue. nick learned to deal with it. nick talks like this sometimes. nick understands. nick says you'll be aiiight! ;)

Mar 01, 2007 12:03 PM

Bryant Tutas

Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL

Selling Florida one home at a time

Your right of course Nick. There is a very fine line between confidence and arrogance. Confidence is a very good thing and arrogance is a very bad thing. The trick is finding the right balance. Sometimes it gets away from me and I always feel bad when it does. I guess that's a good thing:)

Mar 01, 2007 12:10 PM

joanne Douglas

Terrie O'Connor Realtors - Ridgewood, NJ

BB,

You've got it and I don't think there was any arrogance in there!

I see that TLW learned all about imbedding YouTube Videos (wish I had some Real Estate relevant video to post...I'm working on it...you know, the shoemakers children have no shoes; the TV Film editor's wife has no Videos)

Doesn't matter what you're doing as long as it's what you love....the MONEY will come!

Mar 01, 2007 12:41 PM

Brett Mumaw

RE/MAX First - New Albany, IN

Your Indiana Move

BB, I have to admit I've been struggling with that time management thing... I always have. I'm trying to stay consistent and come up with a weekly routine. I haven't been as "active" lately, but will try to get back on the horse.

Mar 01, 2007 12:46 PM

Midori Miller

Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL

Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals

Bryant-I have never commented on your blogs but today I will. I normally comment on posts that may not get as many comments as you recieve, hey, that's just me!! Michael who? Never heard of him but I have heard of you. Not only on ActiveRain but other places as well. It's all good!!! I didn't take time to read the article but I took the time to check out your new blog!!! Great Work....you can see your passion and love of the business as well as the care and professionalism you offer every customer. Everyone has an opinion, including the nay sayers I know but WE know what's going on....We are pushing forward...we are the one's who will remain in business for many years to come....we aren't just plugging away....So not to insult anyone here or anywhere else for that matter, Michael who? Never heard of you....but I heard of Broker Bryant and yes, I would recommend him to anyone interested in buying or selling real estate in Poinciana, Florida. It's just another mere mortal's opinion and we all know everyone has one!! This mere mortal says, Michael who? He is so wrong.

Mar 01, 2007 01:01 PM

Brian Brady

Matthews Capital Markets - Tampa, FL

858-699-4590

My comment from his blog (not approved yet):

Excellent review! A few disagreeing points:

The top webloggers on Active Rain are actually some of the most busy; they're highly organized and committed to marketing online.

I can personally attest to a 35% increase in production and a 300% increase in online inquiries from my involvement there. The surprising part?

It's not gen Y. I was told that I would be attracting mostly the under 30 consumer. The consumer I see from online inquiries who attest that they read about me online is closer to 40; my age.

The inactive members are probably NOT at the top of their game; they may be new to the community, reticent about writing, or as I've found out from a few calls to professionals in San Diego, out of the industry

Mar 01, 2007 04:41 PM

Derek and Mariana Wagner

The Artisan Group- Keller Williams Premier Realty - Colorado Springs, CO

The Artisan Group - Colorado Springs REALTORS®

Hmmm. Interesting. I must agree with you, Mr. Tutas. I believe that some of the most competent bloggers are also some of the most competent agents. But what do I know?

gooseberry

Mar 01, 2007 04:52 PM

Renée Donohue~Home Photography

Savvy Home Pix - Allegan, MI

Western Michigan Real Estate Photographer

Here is what I say to that person: Kiss my @$$!

How many real estate agents spend time doing NOTHING every day? If I have nothing going on, I am still working a MINIMUM of 8 hours. It's called market research and prospecting and in November I added blogging to my business plan portion of prospecting.

I had an inquiry (somewhat innocent) asking about how much sleep I need because it seems like I am here all of the time. I am not - really.

I type five katrillion words per minute and my brain moves faster than that. I make outlines of my blog posts when I think of a subject. Takes only a couple of minutes here and there. I do need 8 hours of sleep or I am a complete disfunctional b*tch the next day. I spend a couple of hours reading all professional blog posts to get marketing ideas and educated on how to serve my clientele more effectively.

I stick to a schedule and worked from five thirty am to right now (almost 11 PM, breaking to cook dinner for the fam), if you count AR time. I am up later than usual because my internet leads have gotten out of hand in the last several days and I had my normal two afternoon appointments and I cannot skip my AR time!

I would be seriously worried if an agent had TOO much time on their hands.

Mar 01, 2007 04:56 PM

delete delete

delete - Whale Cove, YN

Who blogs during "business" hours? Isn't that what the wee hours of the morning are for? LOL

Mar 02, 2007 12:51 AM

Sharon Simms

Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS

He obviously hasn't looked at the time blogs are posted - often very early in the morning, or late at night. It's the old story - if you want something done, give it to a busy person. They know how to organize.

Mar 02, 2007 01:03 AM

Bryant Tutas

Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL

Selling Florida one home at a time

Sharon, I think you are right. Successful people no how to mange their time. We can be extremely busy without getting flustered.

Wally, In our business there are no business hours. Real Estate is what I do. It's entwined with my life. I work when there is work to be done. And when there's not, I choose to relax by blogging. Whatever time of the day that may be.

Renee, that attitude looks great on you. My response to Wally apply here. BTW sleep is over rated:)

Mariana, you are right on as usual. We are good because we do everything to our best ability.

Brian, I couldn't agree more.

Midori, thanks for stopping by. I know it can be a chore reading through all the comments I seem to get. I really appreciate you giving it a go. And your right, who's Michael?

Brett, It is real important to get into a routine. Once you've done this it will really free up a lot of time. Plus once things become a habit they become easier to do. Keep at it my friend.

Thanks Joanne, I was hoping I didn't come off too strong.

Mar 02, 2007 08:16 AM

Ray Nellum

Envision Real Estate Group, LLC. - Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith Real Estate

BB,

I don't think it came across arrogant. It is all about time management! The next time, please don't mention the cooking lunch for TLW, you'll have all of us out selling and rushing home to cook lunch. LOL

Mar 02, 2007 09:34 AM

Jeff Dowler, CRS

eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA

The Southern California Relocation Dude

I'd say he DOESN'T GET IT but you GOT IT. Seems to me the evidence keeps mounting on AR that blogging can add value to your business in significant ways.

Jeff

Mar 02, 2007 12:07 PM

Bryant Tutas

Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL

Selling Florida one home at a time

Ray, my reasons for cooking lunch are totally selfish. I'm 6'2 260 and TLW is 5'3 110. Her idea of lunch and my idea of lunch are miles a part. Unless I want to waste away I must cook. Plus she a terrible cook:) I guess the consensus is that I was not arrogant, so that's a good thing. My pastor preached about humility last week and a swear he was staring at me the entire time. So I've been monitoring myself.:)

Jeff this blogging stuff has been awesome for my business. I can honestly say it is the best thing I have ever done for my business. It's also been very good for my personal growth. I love it.

Mar 02, 2007 12:34 PM

"The Lovely Wife" The One And Only TLW.

President-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc. - Kissimmee, FL

Ray...

He's right. I am a terrible cook. That's my story and I'm sticking to it :)

Mar 02, 2007 01:35 PM

Midori Miller

Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL

Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals

Bryant-just because I don't comment doesn't mean I don't read. I have read all of your blogs, that's why I would refer you business. Comments aren't really hard to follow, it's reading. You could say I love the underdog, if I can add a comment to someone who doesn't get as much exposure as you have built for yourself and encourage them by commenting, to me that's just another contribution to the ActiveRain network. You could say that is the trainer/motivator in me!! Happy Selling

Mar 04, 2007 03:20 AM

Scott Daniels Florida Real Estate 2.0. Agents Earn 100% Commission.

Florida List For Less Realty, Inc. Broker/Owner. - Cooper City, FL

BB,

I don`t like your graphics either!:) Ms.Fong is clueless as to what you and many of us are doing by blogging on A/R.

She forgets the audience we attract,the referrals we recieve, the marketing tools that A/R affords us.In my opinion Ms. Fong didn`t do her due diligence.

Mar 04, 2007 06:09 AM

Ryan Hukill - Edmond

405home @ ERA Courtyard - Edmond, OK

Realtor, Team Lead

BB, thanks for pointing out the article. You're right, Blogging is a definite positive as long as it's kept in check. It's called balance. I can certainly see where Michael Kwan could come up with such an assessment as there are plenty of not-so-busy agents out there and I would imagine a few of them are hooked on our wonderful blogging community. However, if we keep it in check and have an established blogging time each day, it's easy to work it into our normal work routine, thus making us even more productive than before because of what we're getting from it. I, for one, am picking up great ideas daily on how to streamline what I do, how to be more effective at what I was already doing and new approaches to increase my business and my productivity.

Mar 06, 2007 02:50 PM

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