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Internet Presence; What Is Yours?

Reblogger
Services for Real Estate Pros with Positive Real Estate Professionals

 

When I read this article last week from my business partner Danny Thornton I had one of those Amen! moments. That moment arose not because I didn't already know the truth behind what he was saying but because I was surprised that people in all professions might not know it.

The internet may be the greatest creation in human history because it allows for the free exchange of ideas and information quickly and over great distances. It has often been said that knowledge levels the playing field or is the great equalizer. With the current ability to share that information the world grows smaller but our opportunity to understand and learn grows. The point of Danny's article is obviously geared towards using the internet for business which is a great use; understanding others, where they come from, their community, and what separates and unites us is another great use. So I ask this question, what does your internet presence say about your corner of the world?

 

Original content by Danny Thornton

I was contacted the other day about building a Realtor a new blog site that she had full control over. The statement that she left me with is what inspired this post. It was "I need to see if blogging will work for me. I need to know if I need to build an internet presence." Frankly, if you are not cultivating an internet presence, then you are missing out on something that the rest of us have embraced and ran with. Over the last few months, I have been gathering information on internet presence and how it affects you as a marketing agent. What I found was shocking to me. To begin this, I need to go back a year and a half ago.

Many of you have heard the story of how I got into blogging. For those of you that have not heard the story, let me give it to you in a nutshell. I started back in September of 2007 and I did so because I needed to start sourcing my own loans. I had been a non-producing branch manager for 2 different mortgage companies over the course of 5+ years. As a manager, I had a few contacts, but not enough to drive business to me.

I tried the lead route when I got back into sourcing business and I have to tell you, they sucked. The return for the hours that I spent on the phone calling people over and over and over, quickly got to the point that I knew that it would not be the answer for me. I needed to find another route. That is when I received an invitation to join Active Rain. Reluctanly, I did join and since that time, I have never looked back.

I am proud of the accomplishments that I have made since that fateful day. I learned how to filter out my interests and spin off new sites to draw readers that I was not getting on AR. This is what gave birth to Athletic Alley and Sportsfanatic. Since then, I have created several other sites on the net and am very active on several internet social marketing platforms.

One might wonder why I do not take the opportunity to link to the sites that I have created or the sites that I have joined. I have to answer that by saying that is not what this post is about. This post is about your internet presence. What happens when you google your name. Frankly, for me, I show up 8 differnet times on the first page of the google search and it does not stop there. I know that if someone types my name into google, they can find me. I also know that if someone looks for loan officer in knoxville tennessee, they get Rich Dansereau first and me second.

So, why do I ask the question about internet presence? Well, frankly, in today's market, you have to be doing everything that you can to get business. If you do not have a website, then you have limited what business you can attract. Marketing strategies are ever growing. Either you evolve your marketing or you get left behind.

Comments (11)

Bo Hussung
Bell Title /Triserv LLC - Nashvle, TN

Rich, I wholeheartedly concur. In fact, I commented on Danny's blog last week. All good points

Have a great day

Bo

Feb 23, 2009 03:55 AM
Debbie Malone
Londeree's Real Estate & Property Management - Lynchburg, VA
From Lynchburg To The Lake (434) 546-0369

Rich, that's one smart partner you have there. We Realtors must have an online presence, 91% of buyers under the age of 44 found their last home online (LeRoy Houser's statistic). I still haven't grasped twitter yet but I'm working on it.  

Feb 23, 2009 05:04 AM
Betina Foreman
WJK Realty - Austin, TX
Realtor, C.N.E., with WJK REALTY

Great post. We all need to be aware of this. Thanks for posting!!

Feb 23, 2009 06:02 AM
Rich Dansereau
Positive Real Estate Professionals - Knoxville, TN

Bo - I agree and felt it was definitely worthy of being re-blogged; I see his post is now featured.

Debbie - Literally everyone I know uses the internet, from my 4 year old niece who visits Disney sites to my retired father who plays box score fantasy baseball online!

Betina - I wish I could take credit for the post, but I am happy to re-blog it. It is important info.

Feb 24, 2009 05:02 AM
Carl Stars
Sutton Group About Town Realty - Burlington, ON

Yes I am working hard on my internet presence. Along with adding footprint pages , I would welcome any additional suggestions . carl@carlstars.com Feel free to send me an email  if you have time. good article and thanks .

Feb 24, 2009 11:51 AM
Rich Dansereau
Positive Real Estate Professionals - Knoxville, TN

Carl - Your site looks good and seems to had a great blog going. I just sent you an e-mail.

Feb 24, 2009 02:21 PM
Malisa Spivey
Key Real Estate Services & Property Management - Lorena, TX
My Opinions are Free and I Freely give them.

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Although a lot to learn, well worth the time!

Feb 25, 2009 12:51 AM
Carl Stars
Sutton Group About Town Realty - Burlington, ON

Thanks again appreciate it

Feb 25, 2009 04:03 AM
Rich Dansereau
Positive Real Estate Professionals - Knoxville, TN

Malisa & Damon - I totally agree.

Carl - You are very welcome. I hope you find the info helpful.

Feb 25, 2009 09:16 AM
George W. Jordan
Red Soil Real Estate Inc. - Murray Harbour, PE
Owner/Broker, Red Soil Real Estate Inc.

As a member of the PEI Real Estate Association, I greatly appreciate having expertise in Internet technology to greatly enhance real estate transactions.

Mar 14, 2009 08:18 AM
Rich Dansereau
Positive Real Estate Professionals - Knoxville, TN

George - I am with you 100%. I think that those who ignore or fail to learn at least the basics of new technology may be missing out on some real business opportunity.

Mar 14, 2009 08:49 AM