It's Not About the Tools....

fter nearly 2 years of being immersed in the Internet and Social Media discussions for the real estate industry, I continue to be surprised by the ongoing conversations surrounding tools - Facebook, Facebook Business Pages, Twitter, Flickr, Blogging, video, the list goes on. 

As agents, there isn't a day that passes without being exposed to a new idea, a new tool, some new way that we can get business - and yet the vast majority of agents find themselves haphazardly securing business, flitting from one tool to the next.

It's Not About the Tools

The problem lies in the fact that it's not about the tools.  We find ourselves seduced by the promised, the new sexy thing that promises to tie all this internet mystique together.  

The reality is that the tools are only met to support and enhance the way an agent is already finding success.  If you are farming - these tools can enhance and amplify that effort.  If you tend to get business simply by being social and in the proximity of people, Facebook or a blogging can help to amplify those efforts.

Intention and Purpose

There is no magic bullet in all of these tools.  They must be used in conjunction with a real purpose and strategy that one is willing to consistently implement and execute for an extended period of time.

This is a conversation Garron Selliken and I have spent a good deal of time on.  As we continue to grow M Realty in Portland, Seattle, and Orange County - we are focusing on helping agents to find that purpose in their business and provide the tools that will help them execute that vision.

BuzzREOC - Making the Connection

We are so passionate about that conversation, we created an event in Orange County to present some of these ideas.  In conjunction with Bob Fox with Escrow Leaders, and Sharon Whaley & Sandy Dow with Fidelity Home Warranty, we are hosting BuzzREOC tomorrow morning from 9 to 12 in Rancho Santa Margarita.  

We have the good fortune to be hear from agents that are incorporated these tools into their practice daily, not just for the sake of using them, but as part of an overall intention within their business.  

We'll hear from Dale Chumbley of The Clark County Real Estate Guide and 365 Things to Do in Vancouver Washington, Robin Milonakis and her unique and successful approach to Facebook, and Tyler Wood, a long time blogger of The Big Bear Skinny.

We also will be hearing from some of the most well respected speakers in real estate internet space likeGarron Selliken of M Realty and Homequest, Dustin Luther from Mfoc.us, Loren Nason from Your Local Tech, Stacey Harmon from Agent Applause, Jon Lanser from the Orange County Register, and Robert Lunafrom Diverse Solutions.