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Advertise only what you are willing to answer.  A tried and true sales/marketing 101 basic that needs to be a refresher Don't Overextend Online and Become Unresponsivecourse in Web 2.0.

I look around these expanding social networks and see many faux pas committed among real estate professionals, real estate coaches, real estate speakers, real estate service providers, and marketing and sales folks.

Unresponsive behavior.

It is an especially strange sight to see from social networking and marketing trainers.   I have seen an abundance of preaching when it comes to providing the consumer with information and being responsive who I have seen turn around and not practice what they preach.

To earn respect, you should own it and give it.  Giving does involve being responsive to prospects.

When you design your business/marketing plan for 2009 and it incorporates social media/web 2.0 (which it needs to) make a commitment to yourself and your business to be responsive and proactive.  Reach out, engage your audience, and reciprocate their conversation.

 

 

 

Blunders I've been noticing.

Don't Abandon Your Internet Property

Blogs:  A post is written by a blogger and the blogger never comes back to the blog to return the conversation and  comments in kind.

MicroBlogs:  A person signs up for Twitter and never responds to their replies, denoted by using @(yourtwittername).  It's easy to respond  and check up on the conversation.  Hit the "@ replies" button they give you in Twitter and you can respond without having to be logged into twitter 24/7.  It takes literally 10 minutes to respond to several @ replies because you can only write 140 words.

If you are @the_real_shaq (Shaquille O'Neal's twitter name)or on that celebrity status level, you are inundated with @replies.  You are given a reprieve.  For the rest of twitterland, I have had @robertscoble reply to my @replies, so there is no excuse.  You may not get to everyone, but get to some.  It IS supposed to be a conversation.

Social Networks:  A person signs up for Facebook.  Facebook makes it easy and quick to write comments and feedback.  If you befriend someone and put a value prop. out there for your business,  and they ask you a question to which you are unresponsive it's like an unreturned phone call.


 

Advertise ONLY What You Are Willing to AnswerAt least three service providers have lost my business in the Web 2.0 space due to unresponsiveness,  casual aloofness (the "I'm too cool" to be attentive attitude), or carelessness.

Beware of automation.  It may appear to be easier, it can also become a business killer.

Find a way to respond faster, time isn't slowing down and neither is the internet.  Common courtesy, respect and general interest leads to relationships.  Lack thereof kills them before they start.

 

Syndicate your heart out, BUT REMEMBER, Advertise ONLY what you are WILLING to answer.

 

 

 
Post is included in group: ABC's of Real Estate Marketing
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71 Comments on Advertise Online ONLY What You Are Willing to Answer

DEC
18
2008
536,810 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

This is sort of motivating to make sure I am on my RESPONDING game.

10:33am • #2

I agree!  Very good information!

10:33am • #3
Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Very timely! Good post. I am working n my biz plan this week, between Holiday things. Merry Christmas and Thanks!

10:39am • #4
301,385 Points 1 Featured Post

Rebecca,

Once again, great post!  Thank you.

10:45am • #5
433,219 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Rebecca-this is very interesting and I sometimes fall behind on my own posts...You are right...and no excuses!  That is why now more than ever time management is important and maybe an assistant!

10:53am • #6
291,416 Points 3 Featured Posts

Too many irons in the fire is usually not a good thing.

11:08am • #7

Rebecca,

As I continue to learn about Web 2.0 and social networking I will keep this in mind.  I think your points are salient.  I love the idea of the ongoing conversation and look forward to continuing it.  Thanks again.

Warmly,

Travis Egan

Lender, Lake Geneva Real Estate

11:34am • #8
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Richard and Pat- Business plans don't have to be completely brutal:-)

Chuck- Good....that's what I was going for.

Audrey and Tony- Thank you.

Midori- An assistant sounds good.  Maybe even virtual.  I gave up trying to do everything on my own awhile ago.  In the end, the saving of money never seems to be worth it.  That was the reason I always had for not relinquishing some of my control.  More time for my kids too:-)

Heath- Yes and many irons are easy with web 2.0. 

Travis- Thank you local friend.  Always happy to continue the conversation.

1:57pm • #9
649,189 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Rebecca, I started reading your post and then realized I have an internet lead that came in that I had not followed up on.  I went and filled out their search so I could read without guilt. 

4:37pm • #10

Rebecca, You are so on it gurl ! No wonder you are a super success! Have a fantasstic New Year, I know 2009 will be very special!

5:58pm • #11
1 Featured Post

Rebecca,

...abandoned profiles should self-destruct in two weeks.

Steve

7:27pm • #12
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Marchel- lol....talk about manifestation.  Glad u attended to that so you could read guilt free.

Robert- Thank you.....I know 2009 is gonna rock.  2008 is closing strong.

7:28pm • #13
1,064,839 Points 156 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Rebecca, responsiveness is important in many areas of our life.

7:36pm • #14
141,514 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

It is important to keep up with all those "best intentions" that one puts out there. I have to admit that though I use twitter and think it is a great tool, it is the one I find easiest to neglect.

10:32pm • #15
DEC
19
2008
247,592 Points 20 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I had planned to get my profile on more networks, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought I would stick to only a few.  It makes no sense to just stick a profile up and not interact. 

12:17am • #16

wow..that's great post..

I 've learned something from you

thanks

12:23am • #17
1 Featured Post Hit Router

The 2.0 Generation doesn't wait. They demand immediate response.

12:54am • #18

wow..that's great post..

1:12am • #19
286,349 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

This is really good information.  I have so many people tell me that  the internet does not work for them.  It is for this very reason. Little or NO followup. I'm going to send them a link to this post...maybe they'll finally get it!

2:16am • #20

Those are very good points to remember as I start my blogging / promoting campaign. Thanks.

5:19am • #21
801,506 Points 35 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

You bet....you can apply that to just everything...including as elementary as MLS...amazing how many times you have to call an agent or office to set up a showing...if the sellers only knew....Happy Holidays !

6:11am • #22
212,517 Points Hit Router

Great info.  Everyone needs to respond even in the web 2.0 world.

Now if we can just get agents to answer their cell phones I would be happy.

6:24am • #23
451,458 Points 2 Featured Posts

What an elegant photo - was it taken at an awards ceremony?

6:44am • #24
Localism Sponsor

Hi Rebecca, this is great advice!  It's very disappointing in this very fast paced world that we all live in, to not receive a response back from an inquiry or question.  It happens all the time to me!  With banks, retail, etc. 

Thanks for the reminder!!

6:53am • #25

Rebecca thanks for the post. I am just learning twitter and your comments were helpful.

7:09am • #26
578,702 Points 3 Featured Posts

THat is probably why I have been slow to get on these other sites. I spend two hours a day on A/R, but hey I'm hooked.

7:14am • #27
2 Featured Posts

Rebecca, I agree that if you're going to use Web 2.0 in your marketing plan it is essential to follow-up just like you would a voice mail or email message.  Don't just put your info out there and let if float around in cyberspace.  Tend to it!

7:14am • #28

Excellent advice--if someone responds to my post, I usually try to make sure I reciprocate but some fall through the cracks.  I'll try harder for 2009.

7:15am • #29
470,011 Points

Amen,  if you are going to advertise you should be willing to answer the phone.??!!

Shelton

8:09am • #30
848,852 Points 153 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I respond to the dialog not to thanks, great post. It is too time consuming and they really didn't open the dialog with their comment. How many times can you, say thanks for stopping by and commenting. Not a good use of my time. But, I do answer and respond to thoughtful comments and answer questions.

8:27am • #31

Great Advise! Rebecca.  I am still wondering why nobody here on AR has mentioned Myspace...it is also a great networking site.

Happy Hollidays!
Shawn

8:34am • #32
782,214 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I find it amazing on something as simple as a blog that people do not respond to comments left and also do not follow any kind of blogging etiquette. If someone leaves a comment on my blog I will also visit theirs and leave a comment. It might not be that day but usually within a day.

9:32am • #33
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Gary- Very true, down to being reponsive to our own needs.  That's a big one that gets neglected.

Rich-Now that I have tweetdeck installed and humming in the background it is really to update and converse on Twitter.  The fact that Twitter feeds to Facebook and ActiveRain, Bebo, Plaxo and my other networks, including Myspace, I love it. It adds the depth to my proifile that I couldn't keep up with alone.

Melina- It's okay to have your profile up on several networks.  I won't ever stop adding, but I syndicate my blog and microblog(twitter) so there is active conversation on my profiles.  If someone comments from those networks, it comes directly to my inbox anyway, so I can reciprocate that, but I cannot humanely add new content to all those profiles without syndication.

9:40am • #34
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Kenny and Knowlesys Software- Thank you.  A nugget to be mindful of in the new year.

9:41am • #35
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Alan- Yes...immediacy is the current need.  Just one reason the newspapers are going out of business.  They can't keep up with the speed in which consumers want information.

Mykel- What a strange thing to say, eh?  I cannot imagine working without the internet right now, though if I had to I would because I believe in face to face and the phone as the desired contact.  The internet is just a tool.

9:44am • #36
177,470 Points

Good points and reminders.  I will check out web 2.0.  I just set up account for twitter but dont know how o use it yet.  However, I am not advertising to contact me on twitter.

9:45am • #37
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Craig- Your welcome.

Sally and David- It is amaing.  Happy Holidays to you both...I'll be outside again in an hour or two digging out from the blizzard:-)

Scott- One word.  YIKES.

9:47am • #38

I have been feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of sites that I am on. I've been considering pairing them down just to I can participate fully in the ones that I enjoy AND provide me with the greatest return.

9:50am • #39
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Janice- Thank you.  That was taken in Las Vegas.  I was there in September for the Blogworld Convention.

Kelly- I know, though I have noticed some companies, especially those technology related, highly responsive.  I use AWeber for email campaigns/newsletters and when I signed up, I received email confirmation, I received a phone call to answer any questions I might have an offering a tour of the product and I received a letter in the mail. 

AWeber is used by top professionals across industry fields.  Their WOM is off the hook.  Little wonder why with that kind of professionalism, responsiveness, and a great product to boot.

9:51am • #40
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Jacque- Thank you and don't overlook the power of twitter.  I know that there are naysayers, but the benefits to Twitter are very strong.  If you just feed links you don't get much out of Twitter.

9:53am • #41
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Charles- You just need to have a plan to ration your time.  For me it's not as difficult, my job entails being online all the time. 

For real estate professionals, you really need to segment your time accordingly.  Aside from chosing more than one network there's the actual real estate homework to keep up on, knowing your market and inventory, stats, PROSPECTING, previewing houses, etc.

9:57am • #42
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Heather- Well said.

Diane- That happens to me and everyone really.  Something is bound to slip through the cracks or get deleted or what have you.  We are human after all:-)  It's just that with some, the effort isn't there to begin with, it is truly strange.

10:00am • #43
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Team Honeycutt- Pick up the Phone, what a strange concept- lol.

Missy- I understand that but for me, I know some people are new and just getting their feet wet and so I don't mind but that probably has to do with being a consultant.

Also, and I am going to post about this topic, I have personallly learned as a blogger sometimes I don't open my conversation up on my blog to something other than Good Post.  Sometimes I have to ask the questions, or have enough there for someone to pick the ball up and run with.  In other words, the post doesn't necessarily encourage conversation other than "Good post" and I can look through my blog and probably pick out 1/2 dozen to 1 dozen posts that are like that.

A good example is tutorials.

10:05am • #44
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Shawn- I know there are folks here on A/R that participate on MySpace.  I am on MySpace.  I check my profile there a few times a week.  I syndicate a few posts/week to Myspace. 

Bill- I do try and do that also, often for me it is not the same day.

10:07am • #45
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Mindy and Jay- That is good, but now that if you are syndicating to Twitter, that in itself is advertising, it's just not blatant. 

Christopher- You are on the right track there.  If you work it in as a plan, it won't feel as overwhelming.  I would still add your profile to networks out there, but use syndication.  It really will save you and relieve that stress.

10:10am • #46
227,064 Points 25 Featured Posts

We periodic check builders as well as our sales staff to see how they respond to internet inquiries.  We have been retain by other builders to act as "secret" shoppers and to make recommendations.  You won't believe how many request people to make inquiries and never respond.  Bad marketing not to respond (and respond quickly) to those internet leads.

10:15am • #47
591,941 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

I have the problem of having duplicates of everything. I have a large channel on YouTube, and I'm in the partner program there. In order to make money on my videos, I created many social networking accounts. The real estate industry, as usual, was technologically behind. So now that everyone is talking about social networking, I can say that I've already done that, but I can't let my YouTube "fans" know my real last name. So I've had to create duplicate accounts. But that means I need double the time, to stay on top of everything. And to be honest, the real estate Tweets and blogs, etc. are nowhere near as fun as my YouTube friends. That makes it awfully hard to check both accounts when you know ones gonna be boring =(

10:20am • #48

I have found social networking can be overwhelming because there are soo many things on the web that you can do / sign up for.  But your point is excellent. I can only put so much time and energy into it so I have to limit the amount I choose to take on, I don't want to spread myself too thin.

10:35am • #49
807,465 Points Outside Blog

Hi Rebecca;

I think your post is very interesting and we all sometimes fall behind on our posts. I do appreciate your post. Great writing. Happy Holiday!

11:32am • #50
Localism Sponsor

That was a great post Rebecca. It was very amusing and interesting! Thank you for sharing that with all of us! Have a great day and Happy Holidays!

12:25pm • #51
5 Featured Posts

One thing I've certainly seen on social media sites is the abundance of one-way communication and thus agree completely.

There are many users who want their products / services / opinion out there but do not take the time or show any inclination to reciprocate / repost / dialogue. It's an unfortunate side-effect of social networking. The same thing happened in email and became SPAM.

I truly believe that "do unto others" in the new web will yield far greater results than "all for one"...

Great post :)

12:49pm • #52
5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

I am somewhat guilty of this Rebecca (when it comes to my "featured" posts or the ones that get several comments). It might take me a little longer (just due to the nature of my daily packed schedule), but I'm committed to acknowledging all comments. Thanks for bring this to light!

2:52pm • #53

These are great tips on how NOT to use social media and I think it all boils down to poor motives. If you're not genuinely interested in building relationships and joining the 'great conversations' that you'd like to take part in, you might as well not waste the time to post anything at all. You're 100% right- it's really the follow up (like these comments) that create the true "social" value. 

N A
3:13pm • #54
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Ryan- That's a great service that you are doing for builders.  I know what you are talking about.  I used to work on a referrals service to real estate agents.   It also pertains to service providers, marketers, seo, etc.  Really it is a shame that  people are so willing to sabotage their business.

Lisa- Sounds like maybe you need to invite your YouTube friends onto Twitter:-)

Lauren- I would choose three.  One blogging network, one microblogging network, and one social network.  Allot some time in your daily schedule for each.  Don't get yourself bogged down everywhere, that's a path to stress.

Also as a consumer, I would have to wonder how my prospective real estate agent has so much time to be on the social networks and not spending it honing their real estate skills and selling real estate.  I am not implying this to you.  I am making a completely general statement, and something to think about.

Anthony- Thanks, I dont respond to my posts usually right away for each and every comment.  The point is just to get to them.  I am not superhuman.....at least I don't think I am.  Even if I was, I dont' think I would spend my time worrying about getting to the comments everytime they came.  That's just insanity:-)

3:17pm • #55
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

James- Happy Holidays to you.  Feels like the holidays with a foot of snow outside.

Dave- It can become some black funnel.  Personally and professionally, I don't roll like that.

3:18pm • #56
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Amber- Your good, you get to them, that is the point.  Some never do, and the same with the response on other networks.  That's not the interactive web.

Just sayin'.

Andrew- I love the conversations that can unfold on a blog post.  It is the best part of  blogging in my opinion.  You are trying to engage and create relationships.  Would you walk away in person after you spoke to someone and not come back?

Usually not, unless you didn't want a conversation in the first place.

Web 2.0- It's not about me, It's about you.

 

3:21pm • #57
115,449 Points

we always need to be reminded of these thoughts that keep us on our toes. thanks for thinking about this to post

5:54pm • #58
10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Great point! From our company's leads management work with brokers nationwide, we know that agents have a hard enough time responding to emails from their ONE or TWO web sources like REALTOR.COM or their company page. Then they sign up for these MASS DISTRIBUTORS who spread their listings around the web like a firehose; and sometimes the agents don't even know where - so they fail to update them or check on inquiries or even if they look good.

It's important to be in control of your advertising, so you can be in control of the public's experience of your service and your brand.

 

8:16pm • #59

Hello Rebecca,

Thanks for the great information.  I'm just venturing into Facebook and ActiveRain so I need all the advice I can receive.

9:42pm • #60
335,746 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I think thats what gets me most about Twitter.. sometimes you are responding to an 'auto-responder' or do not get a reply.

10:04pm • #61

good points!  Thanks!

Jenny

10:51pm • #62
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Sonny and Jenny- Thank you both.

Matthew- I don't doubt that.  I worked for two lead management companies in the past and saw much of that first hand.  Always loved replacing a referral on a Saturday or Sunday.  It's much better for a real estate agent to be in control of their marketing and advertising.  I've also noticed on REALTOR.com real estate agents linking out to the broker's home page or agent list, phone number that go the office, dead links to websites. Business killers and missed opportunties right there with really easy fixes.

Charles- Feel free to holler at me:-)

John- That whole automatic thing just seems really bogus.  IMHO it defeats the purpose.

 

11:51pm • #63
DEC
20
2008
1,075,882 Points 2 Featured Posts Hit Router

Rebecca

There is way too much energy being put into image advertising rather than have the purchase finding a way to response or way their hand to get yiu.

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

1:01pm • #64
DEC
23
2008

One of the reasons I like ActiveRain is because it sends me email notifications when someone comments on my blog and I can easily respond to them.

I don't use my blog as an ongoing conversation. Rather, I use it to convey information, and when someone comments, I return the favor by commenting on their blog. That's why I'm over here since you commented on one of my blog posts on December 9. Since it takes a while to get around to everyone, I always try to comment on at least three blog entries when I'm here.

Best wishes for health, happiness, peace, and prosperity.

2:51am • #65
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Russel- Thank you best wishes to you also.  You just wished me my four favorite words.  Thank you.

8:16am • #66
589,597 Points 2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good information Rebecca, I agree whole heartedly.  Now I need to go back and see if I am one of the ones you are talking about!

9:14am • #67
173,150 Points 43 Featured Posts

Evelyn- lol.....things do slip through the crack.  We are human.  What is important is that it is the occasional mistake rather than the purposeful regular behavior.

11:13am • #68
DEC
28
2008
177,212 Points 5 Featured Posts

I can see how it can be difficult to keep up with everyone since social networking can be time consuming but you are so right!  Not responding to others or just blowing them off will eventually affect one's reputation.

11:22pm • #69
DEC
29
2008
463,432 Points 12 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

OK, I have to confess that I don't have a clue what web 2.0 is.  Can you enlighten me?  I am doing good to be cranking it out on AR and Facebook, but I know I have only scratched the surface...

12:55am • #70
1 Featured Post

I've tried to contain my listings to this: they all link back to my website and/or my email. When possible i try and include phone number so they can find me, if it is a unresponsive website the listing ended up on.

I agree with the rule of 3 - one blogging group, one SM site and one micro blogging. Commitment is the key as well as ENJOY yourself. If it is a drag to keep up with, then don't do it for "dragginess" will surely come through to the end consumer. Cheers!

1:52am • #71

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Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant

Lake Geneva, WI

More about me…

Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision

Address: Lake Geneva, WI, 53147

Office Phone: (815) 219-0691

Email Me

Real estate marketing blog chock full of real estate marketing tips, strategy, advice and inspiration to enhance your real estate marketing skills.



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