When we post to Localism, we are the neighborhood reporter covering a beat. In exchange, we get to cast our line out to the Internet in hopes our blog will attract those that are interested in buying real estate LOCALLY.
But I say, why wait for Google to get business? You can be out and about LOCALLY, making connections with LOCALS, all in the name of your LOCALISM post.
Sure beats cold calling.
As a hopeless Barbara Walters wannabe and journalist, I have worked on various newspapers and newsletters my entire life in the role of reporter. And here is something you may not know: Calling up prominent members of the community to ask for their opinions for your blog is a very FAST and POWERFUL way to get business, get noticed, and become connected (even if NO ONE EVER READS YOUR BLOG!)
As you may know, human nature dictates that whenever someone asks us for our opinion, we are FLATTERED and have no problem spewing it out. We are, celebrities of the moment, and we get to talk with someone who is actually listening and (gasp) even taking notes. Is there anything better for your ego than that?
Getting interviews is the easiest thing in the world for all of these reasons. It is also probably the easiest way in the world to prospect for new business AMONG THE LOCALS.
Think about this: would you rather call up the Parks Commissioner to ask him to consider you for his next real estate transaction??? Or would you rather call to ask for a few minutes to discuss the new City Park expansion so you can write about it on your local blog, Seattleinsider.com?
The Parks Commissioner will not realize he has connected with a local real estate specialist who cares about the community, and cares about him. He is in the ego zone, still flattered that someone has interviewed him.
Oh, but he will.
Do not be surprised if he brings up the subject of real estate (placing you in the role of expert). Do not be surprised if he mentions you by name (when he tells everyone about the interview). Do not be surprised if he keeps your card, and thinks about you far more than that other person that sold him the last house (who has stopped marketing or who is out of the business.)
And although he probably WILL sign up to read your blog, what if he never does? His ego will associate YOU as someone who cared about HIM. He will naturally think of you as someone who cares about the community. How could you be anything but the LOCAL EXPERT?
Being a reporter gives you A HUGE COMPETITIVE ADAVANTAGE, not to mention an opportunity to know people you would probably NEVER meet otherwise. Embrace this role, become the celebrity expert yourself, and oh yes, sell some real estate while you're at it.
Congratulations, ActiveRain, on the launch of the new Localism.
Written by Janet Guibault, Mortgage Lending Expert Based Out of the San Francisco Bay Area
Posted by 
Excellent point! I actually got a lead (it didn't go anywhere) from a guy that I emailed a question to about a regular post that I was writing here on AR. I can only imagine that talking to a local person would make the likelihood of a referral all that much better!
Bob Mitchell
ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.