Last night after numerous attempts at trying to get a good picture of myself using the built-in camera on my mac, I’ve changed my face on Facebook – and after all that “work” (picknik.com is a great tool), I still find myself wondering – wondering if I’m really connecting with my friends, family, fellow Realtors, and business partners (the term “clients” always seems so impersonal).  I have a website, a Myspace & a Facebook account.  I even Twitter (trying to learn anyway).  But what does it mean to connect?  Has “connecting” come to mean that we see each others words, pictures, websites, and perhaps if we get techie, hear a recorded voice or perhaps even better see a video?  I sincerely belive that what all of us in business these days need is to help each other with referrals – I can help make times a little more survivable if I send a good referral to my insurance agent, (Pam Olson at Farmers) or to one of my trusted mortgage brokers, (James Adair) or to Margo Marver's Wellness Studio , or a good Italian Business Consultant, Max Corona , or even my wife, Monika @ Care Service Options, Inc.  Those referrals can help pay their bills. And of course,  as a Portland area Realtor, I need and appreciate your referrals – they can make the difference between my selling a house and paying my bills or using credit and not getting a home sold.  However .. as much as I may use social networking, I also know we humans love to do business and to refer to those we know and care about. 

Yes .. we need to utilize technology and social networking; however, picking up the phone, writing a personal handwritten note and being “odd-fashioned” and popping by and having a cup of coffee or a beer face to face puts a personality, a reality to Facebook.

Oh by the way .. (It's important that I ask)..  if you know anyone seeking a good Realtor anywhere in the world, give me a call.  I'm connected and personally know some Realtors that will exceed your expectations - that will make you proud that you referred your friend or associate to someone of quality.  I'm never to busy for your referrals and to give them the quality personalized service you and they deserve.