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Virtual Business

By
Real Estate Agent with Windermere Placer County Properties

Virtual Business

 

Blog, blog, blog.  Active Rain, Blogspot, Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia.  The list goes on and on.  We're all doing it.  We all have email, cell phones, websites and lead generators.  It's all about the internet.  Virtual connections. 

There are many professionals that I use in my life.  I have a veterinarian, a feed store, a horse trainer, a farrier, a pool man, the pet sitter, my mechanic , etc.  The list goes on and on.  Now that I think about it, I don't think any of them have ever written a blog, or have a website and I don't think I know their email addresses.   What I do have, is a relationship with them.  I know a little about their families, their interests and I know that they will call me if they don't hear from me for awhile. 

We smile and wave when we pass on the road.  When they come to my home to perform their service we chit chat a bit.  I have recommended them to friends and neighbors.

I ask you, are we "virtually" putting ourselves right out of business?  Or do we need to back up a little and get down to basics?  A little handshaking never hurt anyone. A little face to face interaction with a smile, a wink and some kind words is what I look for when I hire someone.  I'll tell you something else too.  Most of the professionals that I seek expertise from will continue to work for me until they retire, as long as they make me feel like their "friend."

Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

Good point -- the "personal"/in person, is always valuable.

The internet, though, has erased geography & that's why the "virtual worlds".

Interesting to know both a 20th century model and the emerging 21st, maybe???

Li

Jul 03, 2008 06:31 AM
Patrick Lambert
ALLY Real Estate - Waikoloa, HI
Hawaii Real Estate Expert

I think we need to go back to basics with the use of modern technology. Since most buyers look online for homes before talking to a Realtor it's important to promote ourselves where they look. So, yes ... we need to go back to basics but have to accept the new and make a combination for success.

Jul 03, 2008 06:39 AM
Patrick Lambert
ALLY Real Estate - Waikoloa, HI
Hawaii Real Estate Expert

I think we need to go back to basics with the use of modern technology. Since most buyers look online for homes before talking to a Realtor it's important to promote ourselves where they look. So, yes ... we need to go back to basics but have to accept the new and make a combination for success.

Jul 03, 2008 06:39 AM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

It's always a pleasant surprise when a client drops by my office.  We are so accustomed to emailing, texting and phone tag, it's a real treat to look into their eyes and say I'm happy to see them!

Jul 03, 2008 06:40 AM
Anonymous
Claudia

I couldn't agree with you more.  The word "relationship" comes to mind.  That's what it is all about, and it is hard to have a  personal relationship through email.  TRUST is also a major component of a relationship and comes only when one knows one well enough.

Jul 05, 2008 07:11 AM
#5
Anonymous
Claudia

I couldn't agree with you more.  The word "relationship" comes to mind.  That's what it is all about, and it is hard to have a  personal relationship through email.  TRUST is also a major component of a relationship and comes only when one knows one well enough.

Jul 05, 2008 07:11 AM
#6