What is social networking?  It is the connection of communities of people who are interested in similar things, the connecting of people with similar ideas and similar interests according to Wikipedia. 

Social networking is vastly under rated, in my opinion.

A few weeks ago I joined a mini group within my quilt guild.  My goal had nothing to do with real estate, but rather, it had to do with meeting with a group of people who had similar interests to myself.  We meet the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month to talk about quilting, share our projects and inspire one another.  But, in the process I am about to gain a new listing of a large lot of land with building permits and architectural plans for a new home.  And, I've completed 4 quilt tops, planned a couple new projects and am finishing up 4 other projects.  So, joining has inspired me to quilt more but, it has also improved my business.  Wow!! 

What other venues are out there for real estate agents?  What is your passion?  What are your hobbies?  When you first join a new group what is the first thing they ask you?  Of course, it's what do you do?  What is your profession?  Take every pportunity to discuss what it is you do for a living.  You will be amazed at how quickly your business will grow. 

Real estate is a 24/7 career, you don't turn it off when you leave the office, you don't turn it off when you walk into the grocery store, or pick your kids up from school.

I volunteered for career day at my sons school and talked to groups of 4th and 5th graders about being a real estate professional.  I visited again on Math Workshop and talked to them about how I use math in my job and I visited for Writers Workshop day to talk about how I use writing in my job.  All these are opportunities to get in front of the parents with handouts in class. 

Do you have a name tag?  Do you wear it all the time or just when you are meeting with clients.  Your clients already know who you are, why do you need your name tag then?  Wear it always, everywhere you go, remind everyone that you are a realtor, a real estate professional. 

Join a group, it doesn't have to be a real estate group, join the gym, take a night class, get a hobby, join a guild etc.  Take every opportunity to get in front of people who enjoy doing the same kinds of things you do and you will be amazed at how much your business will benefit and also how much you will grow as a person in the process. 

June Piper-Brandon, Advance Realty Anne Arundel - http://www.gb-advancerealtyusa.com

 

If you are thinking of buying or selling an home in  Maryland give me a call at 410-292-0100 or start your search here and we'll talk about the market conditions and what your home could possibly be worth in today's market place if you are thinking of selling. If you are considering buying a home, there is no better time than now to buy. The tax savings and wealth building alone is worth the plunge into todays market.  Century 21 New Millennium is part of the largest nationwide relocation company and can assist with your move here in Maryland or anywhere in the United States or abroad.  Ask me how.

In keeping with saluting our heroes, during 2013 I am waving flat fees for active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you enter into a contract by the New Year's eve I will waive the flat fee at settlement. This is a $395 savings. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give me a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-730-8888 or I can be reached directly at 410-292-0100.

June Piper-Brandon ~ Associate Broker, CDPE, CIAS, ePro 

Century 21 New Millennium - #1 Century 21 in the World 

 
Post is included in group: REALTOR LIFE

30 Comments on The Power of Social Networking

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JUN
09
2008
1,419,788 Points 52 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi June - Great examples of how we can get involved in our communities. The more people that we connect with, the more chances we have to put ourselves in opportunity's way.
11:52pm • #11
648,311 Points 63 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I do a lot of my social networking on line and some off-line.  It depends on the situation.  I have found my immediate area so saturated with agents that on-line networking seems to work better.  Too many Realtors who have been in the business a while share my SOI as well. My doggie groups help though.
11:54pm • #12
JUN
10
2008
122,852 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Great advice.....we almost always need to be on 24/7 and that can be a difficult task.
12:52am • #13
1,179,676 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

You're all too right. My new goal is to be a joiner of local groups.
1:06am • #14
243,011 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi, June - Great message... there's no telling where you'll pick up business.  Congratulations on the gold star... good stuff!
1:49am • #15
1,352,282 Points 42 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

June, this is a great post and great advice as well as a reminder.
3:07am • #16

Opportunites are absolutely everywhere and if you enjoy your career...people will sense that. I was asked for two cards when I went to the Office Supply store....another at the nail salon....keep them handy...they are the bery best advertising for the least amount of money...except of course. for Active Rain..the best thing we never paid for !
6:39am • #17
1,068,429 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Ya gotta love it...and if you love it...real estate that is...people will know and know that you will approach their buying or selling with the same enthusiasm you exude about your career....Come on and show everyone....the butcher, baker and nail salon, beauty parlor, office supply....
6:45am • #18
330,753 Points 16 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

We all need to remember this - we shouldn't get mad at our friends and relatives and neighbors when they forget we are in real estate! It is up to us to stay foremost in their minds as their real estate resource...in a simple, gentle, unoffensive way, such as wearing a nametag. I also wear my Realtor "R" on my jackets and shirts - it really works well. A little silent salesman.
6:46am • #19
565,808 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

We also offer Land's End polo shirts with our logo on it for our agents, if they want to order them. 
6:51am • #20
162,021 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi June,

How very true this is, just getting out and socializing keeps you in front of new business opportunities. I have picked up business from the gym, nail salon and the grocery store! :)
7:25am • #21

Thanks for the reminder June. I love the posts that reinforce what I already knew but forgot to do!
7:40am • #22
362,524 Points 95 Featured Posts Outside Blog

June -- I too got involved with a social network that had nothing to do with Real Estate and it has turned out to be a tremendous resource for me in the community and has given me incredible exposure....  
7:43am • #23
874,595 Points 154 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

June, this is true. Realtors need to get out of the office and off their computers and into the real world. I tell people all the time on my team, get involved with your community, join the Chamber, help out at schools, volunteer for non-profits.
7:46am • #24

June- You are absolutely right. You never know when a casual conversion will lead to a prospect or a client. Always carry your business card.

Thanks for a great post.
8:35am • #25
260,844 Points Outside Blog

Great post June. Networking is the only way to stay busy. I have some really great contacts through Internet social networks but I never forget to wear my Realtor pin or name tag when out and about. Had some really good conversations when standing in the checkout line. Almost everyone has questions on the housing market these days. Those lead to buying or selling for me many times!
9:51am • #26
549,607 Points 36 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Great post! I try to go to events that are nor Realtor related. I sure won't find new clients hanging out with my associates! I usually have a goal in mind to tell at least one person what I do...get email addresses for my newsletter or hand out 10 business cards. I always have a plan.
10:03am • #27

Thanks for the post June.  Soccer and Little League have turned into the lifeblood of my business.
11:56am • #28
JUN
11
2008

June, you're right. Social Networking is more than what we do online in places like Facebook or LinkedIn, it is what we do offline that is often overlooked. Thanks for the reminder :)
11:26am • #29
JUN
16
2008

I think social networking is terrific, and there are so many events out there that can connect you with the people you want/need to know. People have to get to know you as an individual before they will refer you to someone else. This is the perfect way to see and be seen.
9:10am • #30

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June Piper-Brandon CDPE, CIAS, ePro, Assoc. Broker

Baltimore, MD

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Century 21 New Millenium

Address: 6300 Woodside Court, Columbia, MD, 21046

Office Phone: (410) 730-8888

Cell Phone: (410) 292-0100

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