If you don't understand, at least believe

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with T&S Web Design

Two days ago I taught a brief workshop on social networking to a group of real estate professionals. When we got to the topic of Twitter, I was explaining briefly how it worked, how to get followers in your target market, etc. Once I was done, I asked everyone if that made sense. One individual snorted and replied somewhat snidely, "No."

Knowing there was something he was thinking but not wanting to come out and say, I decided to play innocent. "Which part didn't make sense?" I asked.

He then told me he didn't understand why people were using Twitter, with the implication that it was a waste of his time.

In part of that, he's not alone. Not in a general sense, anyway. With all the new technologies coming out, we can't always understand why people are using some of them. I often wonder why people are still on MySpace. Or why anyone uses Plaxo instead of LinkedIn.

But it doesn't matter if I understand their reasons. Because regardless of whether I understand or not, it's still happening.

What I told the real estate agent who scoffed, and what I'll say here is this: It doesn't matter if you understand them or not, you just have to believe it.

I don't know why some people still use MySpace instead of switching to Facebook. But the why doesn't matter. I accept that it's happening, and use MySpace for marketing.

So while you don't have to understand, if you're going to succeed, you still have to believe it and act on it.

Okay, that's my soapbox for today. :)

Comments (7)

Ron Tiller
Star Referral - Grand rapids MI - Grand Rapids, MI

First my space, then Facebook then ??????????? I can understand the reluctance of some to participate when it can all change next week ( or this afternoon). Howveer, you are right. Don't try to understand. It just IS.

May 22, 2009 04:21 AM
Steve Glose
Keller Williams Legacy - Orlando, FL
TRC, CIPS, 407-616-7286, Orlando Real Estate, Orla

We see the same think in our market center. Most people do not see the need for social media. This is usually because they dont know how or why it would impact their business.

May 22, 2009 04:22 AM
Xinh Truong
Connect Realty.Com, Inc. - San Leandro, CA

2 words..."I BELIEVE"

May 22, 2009 04:23 AM
Donna Harris
Donna Homes, powered by JPAR - TexasRealEstateMediationServices.com - Austin, TX
Realtor,Mediator,Ombudsman,Property Tax Arbitrator

4 years ago, I said the same thing about Blogging.  Why were people blogging and why did they think real estate needed to be part of it... 3 1/2 years, I gave in and started blogging, and my business has increased leaps and bounds.

I still don't get Twitter, and i don't understand why people have the need to tell me they're stopped at a red light. Why are you texting while driving?  Why do I care that you're at a ball game?  Watch the game!

...but people are there, so I must be there, so I gave into Twitter a few months ago. It hasn't increased my business like blogging has, but I'm still there.

May 22, 2009 04:26 AM
Cliff Anderson
Winter Park, CO

Marketing is always changing & as real estate professionals we have to adapt to that change and you're right - even when we're skeptical!

May 22, 2009 04:48 AM
Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

A good soapbox, and thanks for stating this.    Marketing always has to use the vehicles of the moment/the future, as that's where the consumers are.    "Understanding" why isn't the point, at all.

May 22, 2009 05:45 AM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

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