I know lots of people playing in the Rain truly are playing in the rain because they don't realize how powerful a professional networking site can be for them. I'm in an enviable position because I can do my work over the Internet. Realtors usually are not because they can only help Clients buy or sell a home in their area. If Clients need a Realtor in another area, they can't help. Or can they?
Here's what everyone at Active Rain should be doing.
Research the top companies in your area and find out where they have other locations. Find Active Rain Realtors in those locations and make them your Power Partners.
Companies like to transfer their low-level and mid-level management personnel all over the place to expose them to the great diversity that this nation has to offer.
For example:
Let's say that Paul McCartney is an aggressive dude and wants to be CEO of a nationwide company.
Let's say that he was born and raised in College Station, Texas, a reliably arch-conservative, Republican stronghold.
Let's say that he has a B.S. in computer science and an M.B.A., both from Texas A&M University, a reliably arch-conservative, Republican university (George Bush the First has his Presidential Library there).
Let's say that Paul joins Motorola's fast-track program which aims to put him in mid-level management within seven years, usually a District or Regional management position.
Let's say that Motorola has U.S. offices in Illinois (headquarters), Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
Let's say that you're a Realtor in College Station, Texas, and that you've known Paul since the day he was born, having gone to school with his parents. You've watched him grow up—first birthday, Little League, first date, high school prom, first car, etc.
Motorola will endeavor to take Paul from that arch-conservative, Republican stronghold where he has lived for 26 years and immediately send him to San Francisco to expose him to the nation's largest gay population, reliably liberal and Democratic, everything that College Station, Texas, and Texas A&M University are not.
Both areas, however, use the United States dollar as their currency of choice, so conservative Republican dollars spend just as well in San Francisco as liberal Democratic dollars do in College Station.
When Paul gets ready to move from College Station, Texas, who's going to sell the house that he's been living in for the past six years? You, the Active Rain Realtor located in College Station, Texas.
But what if you, the College Station Realtor don't know anyone in San Francisco to help Paul? Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters? No. Your Active Rain Power Partner in San Francisco.
Of course, for this to work, one has to have tolerance in one's own beliefs and put them aside to help Paul. It's not about me-me-me, it's about Paul-Paul-Paul and how best to help him.
15 Comments on Using Active Rain more effectively by finding Power Partners
OCT
18
2008
Russell great blog. I use the referrals very well so far. I am looking to hook up with someone from up north. There are several companies looking to transfer to my area and I know these people have to have Realtor's or friends from up there that would like to "Power Partner up" This way they can get a referral fee and keep an eye on their past clients, friends, family.
Very interesting stuff Russell. If you know of any people going to the Puerto Vallarta area of Mexico that may be looking for a home or condo and like tacos and beer. I am your Power Partner. I also do gourmet food and fine wine, golf, fishing, squash and the theatre.
Good point Russel. I have had Buyer clients selling homes in St. Louis, MO and Germantown, TN and Washington, D.C. I looked for agents for them on line, but none of them really worked out. Now that I'm on Active Rain, I feel like I have much better connections.
Russell: Excellent post and somethig that I have done from day one on Active Rain, by adding associates from all over the USA. I just subscribed to your BLOG as well Russell! Thanks for the great ideas!
Thanks so much for all the pointers, every little bit helps. Have a great day and when you have a chance, please visit www.smithmtnlakeproperties.com .
Russel, this is a great idea. Especially with some companies cutting back on relocation packages that require transferees to use a company designated agent.
Great idea -- the title caught my eye, and I really think that getting to know someone BEFORE referring to them is the way to go. It has been somewhat difficult to be sure that someone I pull out of a directory in another city. By reading someone's blog here, getting a feel for their values, a sense of how they work - how valuable! thanks for the post.
Great advise for any Active Rain member! We are here to network and make positive connections! When we help others grow their business we help ourselves! Great post!
Russel I am beginning to form alliances all over the country. It would also be nice to have a network of GLBT pros to refer to. I see people asking questions in the wrong plces when they are considering transferring here.
Russel, I had thought about this relative to military relocations, but not companies. Brilliant! BTW, the title of this post made me read it. Great title!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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Russell great blog. I use the referrals very well so far. I am looking to hook up with someone from up north. There are several companies looking to transfer to my area and I know these people have to have Realtor's or friends from up there that would like to "Power Partner up" This way they can get a referral fee and keep an eye on their past clients, friends, family.