When is "tooting" your own horn TOO MUCH?

Chris,

We need to show there are homes being bought and sold in this market.  Part of this is the art of the possible.  I show homes under contract and sold in my print materials just so potential clients can see a sale is possible in this market.

I'm inclined to think it's a good time to spread good news.  Being busy in this market is good news!  It means things are selling and EVERYONE wants to hear that.  I would be sure to make the announcement more about the client than about myself.  Otherwise, my 2 cents is broadcast the positive!

I'm all about getting the positive news out there but there is a fine line we must all walk. If we make it too much about ourselves I tend to think we just might be turning some people off.  I agree with Ilona!

"Posting testimonials is one thing as those words come from our clients, but when we share how good we're doing....is the public actually taken back by it?"

Since Gen X & Y represent about 70% of the business being done in the real estate market today, what they have to say on this is extremely important.

My understanding Chris, is that tooting your own horn is a turn-off to them (X & Y), and they are more inclined to seek social proof.  So you might want to have clients post a recommendation on LinkedIn, or post something on your FB wall Chris.

Best wishes, John

Chris, I'm all for tooting my own horn, but in moderation. It can be a little too unbelievable if done in excess. If I am posting a testimonial, I keep it very short, making sure to attribute it to the writer(using their initials) and I make sure that I keep the original in case I'm ever asked about it.

Chris:  I believe we need to project as many positives in our industry right now as possible.  It's okay to toot our own horn as long as we're sticking to the facts.  Beyond that, people want to know that things are actually selling.  Testimonials are okay in moderation.  People want cold hard facts regarding sales, prices, days on market.  Congratulations on your success!!!

When using Social Media of any type, it's important to go for a soft sale to get people interested. 

One thing that I find as a good rule of thumb is what Grandpa told me years ago... "It's not what you say, it's what you do that makes you a good person."  By employing this into Social Media, you are simply showing your results without being pushy, and making your company stand out as the best source of information for what you do. 

Many companies or Agents make the mistake of touting themselves with opinionated or cliche loaded statements like "We're on your side", "That's why you should call me", "Professionalism at it's best".  Although these make great taglines for an ad or logo, the public sees right through them.  After all, most Agents are on your side, most beleive they can handle your call, and I hope that they are all Professional.

Here's another cliche... "Lead by example", in other words tout examples of your success, and let the reader make up their own mind with minimum steering from yourself. 

I truly beleive that most who read are smarter than we think. (I think...lol)