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Facebook... I Just Don't Get It?

I knew I was lost when someone "Threw Obama" at me. (Okay people, what the heck?!?)

Freestudents clipart. I agree Facebook can be fun for reconnecting and linking up with some of my old friends, as well as furthering relationships with my WCR, AR and CRS friends. But I find it incredibly awkward to move around in.

I'd love a little direction here, as this is just beyond confusing to me; having read all the positive comments here, on how Facebook is helping others grow their business I don't want to let this resource go to waste. Of course I joined right at the change from "old Facebook" to "new Facebook." I set up on old and woke up to new.... that was a HUGE shock!

So if you are willing, I have a few questions... I am a fast learner and can hopefully help someone else down the road.

1) What applications should I be looking at to expand my business network through Facebook? I get lost/overwhelmed by all the 'Stickerz' and 'Lil Green Patches' and 'Loves'... not to mention people poking me... What's the point (or am I just a stick in the mud?)

2) Are there more useful applications I should be using to make my page rock? And does anyone know if these application I keep getting asked to download will potentially infect my computer with spyware and other noxious "slow it down to the pace of a snail stuff?"

3) Is there a way to get your listings to feed through Facebook other than as part of my blog stream? I have my blog feed to my page! Yea, one down! ... but what I can't figure out is if or how I can embed something like postlets; has anyone done this? Or is this a waste of effort on Facebook?

I will have more questions as I delve deeper into this so what I could really use are a few talented free teachers clipart.freeclipart.com "Facebook friends" to mentor me!

So I'm asking, well maybe I'm begging, ...heck, I'm frankly groveling... could someone shed some light on this system; maybe invite me to be a friend so I can see their page and help me through this mess?

Posted by Cat Zwicker-Grant, P.C., your Central Oregon Real Estate Professional on 10/04/2008 02:15 PM

Comments (84)

Facebook Advertising/Networking in the Online Marketing Channel

facebook, social networking, applications, applications for real estate

Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You
Post is included in group: Social Media Marketing
Post is included in group: Facebook Tips

84 Comments on Facebook... I Just Don't Get It?

OCT

2008

Cat- Someone just wrote a post about how to post all your listings on Facebook. I have the link to it or the directions in an email. Email me and I can forward that email. I have to do that too, have not done it yet. Katerina

I too like Facebook for connecting with many people. I haven't seen any business benefit from it as of yet, but that isn't why I joined.

Maybe some business will come from it, but only time will tell.

Sorry, I don't have answers to your questions because I don't use add-ons.

I've seen the "Poke" option, but still don't know what it is.

Cameron Novak
Corona Short Sale Specialist
The Homefinding Center^TM
Corona, California
951-212-7479

Corona Short Sale Agent Profile

P.S. What are you doing up at 3am Katerina???

Cameron-My old college roomate is as addicted to facebook as I am to AR. She keeps sending me these bizarre applications and I'm just not sure about value versus virus!

Nestor & Katerina - Huge thanks for the information, I look forward to trying it.

I'll be honest, I use LinkedIn a whole lot more than I use Facebook (at least in regard to having them as a business tool). I do connect with people on Facebook to large degree but I engage with them casually and reach out when brainstorming on ideas. But I have seen a few Agents create 'Fan Pages' on google to focus on specific communities so you might have some success doing something along those lines (maybe?).

Ricardo - I have seen the fan pages as well but was uncertain as to the value. Lots to learn I guess. I'll contact someone with a fan page and see what they say..good idea!

Hi Cat

I've been using FB to get connected with friends and family but haven't seen any business apps. Please let me know if you get the insight to use it for business purposes.

Thanks
Rich

Charlotte NC

I have not yet participated in Facebook, Youtube, or Myspace because I spend too much time running two full-time businesses and playing in the Rain.

I'm sure it's like anything else:

If it's new, there will be a learning curve.
You get out of it what you put in.

Ill park and watch as I have created an account but not used it much. I dont see a way to create much business from it. But then again I thought that a bout blogging.

I don't see much business usefulness in FB either! AR on the other hand is much more FUN!

Rich-So far no luck! But I'll let you know if I discover anything useful.

Russel - I think being busy is what prompted my question I prefer devoting time to applications and web strategy that can enhance my business.

Caren-So far I have to agree 100% with you. Although it is one more medium to provide public access to/awareness of my blog.

Cat, let me know after you wade through if it's really worth it. Once you figure it out I won't have to grovel, just walk across the room :~) I'm afraid of another addictive site to up keep. AR is fun (not so much work) but I don't know about adding to the mix. And what are you people doing blogging at such hours of the day?! If you start showing up at work cranky and tired I'll know why. LOL

Hi Cat. Usefulness to Facebook? How about increasing your sphere of influence.

Lot's of great questions you asked. I am just enjoying it. I don't see any need that it would be mutually exclusive with AR. Just more exposure.

Thanks for writing,

Ken

Terri- I was up wired on cold meds... my bad. But I have already been to the office and sent out listing paper work and shown property to buyers...Am I off the hook now?

Ken- So far the exposure is hard to claculate, but you're right in it's a potential avenue to get my face and my services out to the public. I have found I have to watch my friends posts that pulse through... not all the content is okay with how I want people associating with me.

Using Facebook would be new to me----I'll be following this post to see what evolves.

Cat - So far I see Facebook as a way to reconnect with people from my past and let them know what I'm doing now. If I can stay top of mind with them, hopefully they'll think of me next time they need a mortgage.

Sorry about the gummy bear I just threw at you. I just couldn't help it.

Hi Cat, good question! I'm parked to peek over your shoulder.

Cat, I've yet to hop on the Facebook bandwagon, even though I first heard about it over a year ago! It's all I can do to keep my outside blog and my AR blog updated???!!! If you do figure it out, please keep us posted.

I am keeping in touch with quite a few relatives on facebook and what they are up to. I love scrabble so am enjoying the scramble game offered there.

I let them know what I am up to in real estate so they don't forget that is what I do.

I have a facebook also and have been playing with it for a while. I was invited by one of our rainers. To date, I am still lost and not sure how I am benefitting from it. I'll bookmark this post for future reference.

I use Facebook and am relatively new to FB & AR. As I understand it, FB is a great because the items you post are on your page will show up on the home page of your friends. My husband & I use FB differently. He uses it to make connections with other Realtors, I use it to stay in touch with past & current clients.

As far as applications, there are many. I have found:

Blogit - you set up accounts through other webpages & you can post to your FB account and the other accounts simultaneously. Examples of other websites: Pownce, Friend Find, Twitter.
Blog Networks - allows you to place your blog page on your FB page.
Crib Finder & LivePads - you can post your listings on both these sites. I checked out LivePads & many agencies have their listings already posted here.
Neighborhoods - You can meet people in your neighborhood
Marketplace - you can add your listings here, too

That's what I've been able to come up with so far. Oh, you can post your listings on your Wall, too. You can use your status to let people know what you're doing (ie., showing houses today to a first time homebuyer)

Hope that helps!

I haven't added any applications yet. I'm mainly using Facebook to re-connect with old friends.

Cat, I'm sorry I can't help you, I never signed up for Facebook....I'm on way too many sites already and can't keep up. But it looks like groveling helped :)! You've gotten some help already and hopefully more on the way.

Cat: Look at you with your GOLD STAR! Congrat's!

Re: Facebook, I really don't use it enough to know much of anything... sorry.

Great post. I'll take a professional site like A|R or Linkedin than a Facebook or MySpace.

I use facebook and have just connected to a new buyer client. I just posted last week on my AR blog about how I use facebook. But in short, I don't do much with the applications. They are just for fun, if you want to use them. I do post my listings and clients seem to love that. I don't poke on Facebook, I don't really get that either. Facebook is just another social network that reminds your friends about what you do. It shows your personality much more effectively than a static website.

Right now the most action my FB page has seen is playing Duck, Duck, Goose. My friends are enjoying throwing Cindy McCain at me too. I've also found several long lost friends so it has been fun reconnecting. As far as increasing my business? I have several area realtors on my site and others that are within my state. Maybe they'll Throw a Listing at me:)

Cat...

From everything I have learned, Facebook and many other of these social networking sites will drive business your way.

Personally I stick with my AR topped with just a tad of Twitter. But, I'm not Blogging for business. So really I have no idea what I'm talking about :)

P.S. I get points for talking out of my rear you know :)

TLW...ROAR!

Okay...

So maybe I should quit speed reading the blog posts. I'll put that on my to do list :)

TLW...ROAR!

A little long, but not that far off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpaxaxEWMSA

i think it is a generational thing just like texting.

Cat

Maybe you should step back and deal with what you know. Additionally, one can't be involved in everything.

What I mean is that I think anyone should pick no more than three to four marketing avenues to focus on...don't spread yourself too thin.

Best Regards,

Wayne

Wow! 30 comments on Facedbook and all say Facebook hasn't been very productive for them generating business. After reading these comments I don't think I'll be joing Facebook any time soon. Good luck!

Good post Cat!!! Plenty of discussion. I'm in the same boat....started but haven't learned how to capitalize. I'll stick around and keep soaking it in.

Cat - You have had a lot of suggestions but take a serious look at Twitter. It is also free and more and more users are joining it. You can link up with different people that have the same interest you do. Also, don't make the same mistake 99.9% of all users do. When you create your user name don't use a cute name such as "CatGirl". User a Google friendly user name. Mine is IdahoRealEstate. Make sure and connect with me if you join and good luck to you.

I have used facebook to reconnect. I don't understand the applications because I don't want to be "poked' by strangers or have "mob wars." I am learning to spend more time on AR. That I am starting to understand........good luck!!

Hi Cat, thanks yes I was a bit surprised at the change and I am interested in reading all these posts. One thing I cannot handle with all my networking, blogging, and tweets just please don't POKE ME.... I do not have time for pokes.... LOL

I don't use FB. I do use LinkedIn because it's a professional network. I set up a group for my former corporate employer and have connected with many by doing that.

I am having fun connecting with friends from the past and with people I've met online. I think on a basic level it is a way to syndicate blog posts, it let's your sphere know what you do. There is some thought that the younger generation will use facebook and myspace first even before going to google (this is debateable). You can write and check status on a cell phone. I don't tend to get too involved in the applications anymore.

I do think younger people (under 25) have most ALL of their friends on facebook. It is a different way of communicating -- writing status updates, having your friends comment on your status, writing notes on their page.

Cat...when you figure it out, please share with me; I have a Facebook account, Myspace, Twitter, etc. but simply do not have the time to keep up with all the social marketing sites :(

Take it from a marketing psychologist,

Grasshopper. the power in within you. face book is ineffective.

In dire times. agents use. or should use every marketing vehicle available. Video marketing is the most underutilized. And it's free if you do it yourself. You should never spend a penny on video, just your time. The gist is that younger buyers are more apt to buy with viral type videos - and that means agent made. Professional videos are intimidating and are best used for high-end homes.

Visit Housereel.com and dominate your market. It's free

Wow, go out with clients and come home to a little a gold star! What a day!

From the bottom up: Sidney- Nothing is ineffective some mediums just have lower ROI (which in this case is my time.) However, I love the idea about videos and that too is on my to do list.

Bobby- I agree about the time commitment. Ideally these social sites need to be self feeding which is why I'm looking for applications that pull posts and updates from one site to the other. Then it's just up to me logging into the primary and updating my day!

Carolyn, SHannon and Elaine - I use Linked In, and it's a great professional tool, but not all my client base will find me there. Facebook, for me at least, has been 30-45 year olds and re-connecting with friends and family. I guess there is a youth factor out there but since I don't like to poke and play as much as they do I'm too dull! LOL

Stacey - your exact thoughts are how this post came about!

Okay breather!

For Everyone following along to learn, Andrew Stone gave a great you tube link on how to use face book! I've repeated it here so you don't have to look for it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpaxaxEWMSA

I have read all the comments and just can't possibly comment on all of them.. but I will be visiting your posts this week in thanks!

BTW George- I'm looking into Twitter! TLW, Kat and Carole -Thanks for your support...I've noticed and I appreciate it! Bob and Richelle - Thanks for the applications with business use!

I use Facebook and MySpace, and the only thing I have learned from them is that I am OLD! (LOL) I haven't even learned how to properly "pimp" my profile! I spend most of my time playing in the Rain because I have learned so much. I will keep my profiles on FB & MS, but am not going to waste a lot of time there.

Cat-

Although I think Facebook is a solid social network, I also have yet to understand the Super Poke. Be sure to keep us updated on your findings!

Kat... Don't feel alone.. I have face book too and not really sure what to do with it. And just today I signed up for Twitter..... Another intersting site

I view Facebook much as I do a business card but it is on line. its just a number of things you can do. It falls way behind your blog and website to generate business. People do find you so that is one of the aspects that works. I have a number of current and future clients that find my card there.

Facebook is like Myspace these days. I recommend using Linkedin if you're interested in meeting with other professionals.

Got to bookmark so I can figure this out too. Too much for an old man to learn.

OCT

2008

I will keep an eye on comments on this as I too am a bit confused by Facebook and keep getting odd requests, pokes, etc.

The best use I've found for Facebook is that I found my first boyfriend from over 35 years ago there! Not sure how it can help me grow my business, other than providing some backlinks to my site ...

Cat -- great post and congratulations! I'm not sure I TOTALLY understand ANY of the social networking (2.0) sites. I'm on a bunch of them - Plaxo, Linkedin, Naymz, Twitter, RealTown, Wellcomemat, greenposting, and Facebook to name a few. I love FB and do spend some time on there having fun with friends and families -- and some folks I've never met around the world. I'm on them to have a 'presence' as Joel Burslem suggests, and to manage that presence as he and some of the AR folks have suggested. Heard him give a talk 6 or so months ago -- and went home and signed up for a bunch of new stuff - was already on Linkedin & Plaxo. I'm excited about some of the responses and plan to view the video to get some more ideas.

Alexsandra, i will have to look for you on FB I'm on a bunch ot the other sites too. Guess we can learn together LOL!

Cat, I use FB for friends, family, fellow agents, old classmates, etc. It has been a great tool for me to keep in touch while working. It brightens the day, much like AR. As for the poking, well its like tapping someone on the shoulder, saying hello without words. I personally love the pillow fight app. My kids enjoy it as well. I guess it keeps me young.

Hey Cat - I agree with you that you have to be careful about what comes through on your social networking pages. Definitely don't want a potential client to read about you or see you in the wrong shade of light! I use myspace and facebook quite a bit and basically just use it to connect with old and new friends. Once we're "friends" I remind them or let them know that I'm involved with real estate.

Really, just an additional way to add more exposure.

My biggest concern with FB is people having access to my family photos. I use FB, about a month now, as a non-business way to stay in touch with old school friends and some members of AR who I am comfortable having access to info about my family.

I get requests all the time for quizzes...but I won't do them...I am terrified the app will allow strangers access to info about my family.

FB for me is an opportunity to let my hair down and relax. It's about myself, old and new friends and chatting without business.

I also get people I've never heard of request to be my friend on FB...hello? Perhaps they read my blogs but don't comment...but if I have no clue who someone is...there is no way I'll add them as a friend on FB. To me FB = social, AR = business (with lots of fun)

I have gotten rid of most of my apps.

I have been poked and prodded and had stuff thrown at me.... until I couldn't keep up.

Cat, I am so there with you. I have just spent over an hour checking my twitter, facebook, myspace and I don't feel like I got anything down - except wish a couple of people happy birthday. I'm hoping some of your answers help me too.

Cat,

The only reason I'll use facebook originally because of people I knew from high school and we were hooking up after many years and a few of my other friends...other than that some from AR I know but I have way too many people inviting me to everything and I'm too busy to keep up with it all.

The primary way I connect with people on FB is through the status updates. I recently wrote on my blog about how I've had 2 people from my sphere contact me about real estate. By updating your status (what are you doing?) you can show people what you do in the course of a day. Most people think all real estate agents are bored when some of us are really busy making things happen. One of the people that contacted me specifically said they noticed that I was actually busy in real estate via my status updates and they wanted to be listed with me. It can get tedious to do these status updates on all the different social network. I also use twitter and linkedin. So be sure to check out ping.fm. I wrote about this in my blog also if you want to check out how it works and how it can make your social networking easier.

Michele Reneau, CRS, ABR, GRI ~ Charleston, SC Relocation Expert

I have started using face book and use linked in but have not seen a business side to either as yet, maybe I'm just not using it correctly.

Hello Everybody,

We have been using Facebook over a year now to effectively reach our target audience of consumers.

To refer to the people we want to specfically reach please refer to our latest blog post:

http://www.activerain.com/blogs/agentstealth

Via Facebook you can create advetisements, marketplace listings, or eveb create a group for your business.

However, the power of Facebook lies in the News Feed. This is where people who are most likely to listen to you are located. They have:

-Taken the time to add you as a friend

-Have some level of interest in what you have to say

-Can see what you are up to

This is where you want to be found. This is like an ongoing conversation, and if what you are doing is remarkable enough - they will seek you out and listen.

Our company is compiling the first Facebook Marketing for Realtors program. If you are interested in learning how to make Facebook work for your business, please email us a request at:

contact@agentstealth.com

Thank you!

Cat, I started to write a really long response here..but instead, I decide to just write a full post I hope this helps you out.

I have blocked so many applications, vampires, cheerios whatever they keep throwing at me on facebook, utilizing it just to increase my network and keep up with pictures and posts

Hi Cat. Jeremy is absolutely right. Facebook is about reconnecting and staying connected with people you already know. Thats why the profiles are private. You can make your own group on there to talk about real estate and that way people have the option of joining, but most people do not want someone they don't know sending them friend requests on facebook. Thats what myspace is for. :)

I am impressed that you are willing to learn so much about facebook, everytime I logon I get another call from my colege asking for money.

I'm using it to reconnect with people that I could potentially consider my sphere.

AH HA!

Special thanks to Jeremy Blanton who answered my questions in this post "How the Heck Does Facebook Bring me Business?" You have to love AR for all of the support and comments!

Sweet star! Do you have carpal thumb yet from all the responses? LOL

I don't get it either, people send me drinks, handbags, pokes, good karma....you name it, I had 397 little things that were sent to me. Thank you mostly to my sister in law. I can't even find these things and can't poke back, I am not computer stupid. I think I may just not care!

Anna- I think perhaps I don't care about the little pokes and web games either. But I have learned how to perhaps give juice to my FB page and if that works YIPPIE!

OCT

2008

Cat, being on FB, Linkin, weblog and others is just another avenue for you to get exposure and to promote your articles. I'm with you as far as not having time for all the pokes etc on Facebook, though.

OCT

2008

Hi Cat! I'll admit that the navigation on Facebook could be improved, but once you figure out how to get around you'll be in good shape. In answer to your question. you can also post your listings on the Facebook "Marketplace", which allows you to add a full description, # of bed / bath and I think up to four photos.

Also, you can create a neighborhood or community page on Facebook -- see my post at:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/741485/Creating-a-Neighborhood-or-Community-page-on-Facebook

OCT

2008

Very interesting! I have a tough time just keeping up w AR. It seems like I haven't had much time home. Not enough time in the day! I was invited to facebook & have been playing around. I can't even find crib finders 9 discussed above) as an application! Figuring it out may just come with time.

Thanks for the post!

Amy, I'm still working on it but you are right that the time on line versus production and downtime can become a problem.

Thanks for posting your questions...I'm new to facebook and am enjoying the feedback you are getting...perhaps I'll be able to make sense of it as well....

OCT

2008

Cat, I'm so glad you started this blog. I'm a new user at Facebook too and I'm having a hard time learning and using the system. I've picked up some really useful links by reading through the different comments listed here. I'll return to your blog in about a week or two to see if any more comments containing useful links and instructions have been posted.

Tracy- Be sure to check out Jeremy Blanton's blog too He's a true expert!

NOV

2008

I am also a new user to Facebook, and I am not sure that I get it at all. I am off to read some of the posts listed here in your comments so I can further educate myself. Thanks for asking the question!

I dont get it either, I will be watching and leaning.

DEC

I am new also but i have met quite a few realtors all over the world I try to network for referrals etc.. BUT do beware, i got a post like it was from a friend saying Was i aware my pictures were spread all over mixspread.com when i emailed my friend she said she had not posted anything on anyones wall so the mixspread is a phising company when i went to it It asks for your name and email and your friends name and email to get on to see these so call pics on their site. Thank goodness i am cautious by nature i wouldnt do it and its a scam they will then steal info like anything credit cards etc... SO be careful like anything on the web what you accept click etc... Not sure if it is worth the risk I may cancel my FB account due to this

Hey Cat - Facebook is a great tool for social network connecting with old/new friends. It is less business-y and more informal. I think it would be good to add your business/Real Estate flair to your profile so others can see, but it may be a good idea to not to bombard your friends or facebook friends with listings, it may be a turn off. Facebook is also very popular because of its streamlined look, you may not be able jazz it up too personal like myspace or activerain, but you can post links or blogs to broadcast to your friends.

Maureen- That is a truly scary experience! I have not posted personal photos just business and area sights, which seems like a safe bet at this time! I'm enjoying reconnecting with friends and expanding existing business relationships on Facebook since I wrote this post.

Eileen- I agree that Facebook is not the right medium to post a bunch of listings. But I do route the occasional post through it and that has had a nice effect.

JAN

Trust me, if you can, use your spare time on the net elsewhere than on FB! I have an account there to check on my kids (to see who their "friends" are... mostly their schoolmates, Thank God!)... I don't even use it to re-connect w old friends simply because if I don't know where they are at this time, it's because we weren't friends in the first place... therefore I am not interested in finding their whereabouts. And unless a miracle, don't bank on this site to find clients and do business!!!

My advice is: use your website and your blog (or any other specialized "professional" sites) to promote your business, not FB! ;-)

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