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EVERYONE'S NOT DOING IT...

By
Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty

Social Media that is. And who are we to get excited or inform so knowledgably when asked why we do so?? There is a way to "play nice" with those among us in this new Real Estate culture who don't do what us cool kids are doing! Not every colleague I meet is open to using social media to the level many of us do. This goes for those in the business who are also casual acquaintances and those colleagues who are actually in my close circle of friends. At some point, you may in the future be querried by officemates as to why you use it for your business to the level that you do, only to have your reasons dismissed because "that doesn't work." The truth of the matter is, no one can afford NOT to, to sit around with a dormant profile and indulge in the act of "Anti-Social Networking". So how do you play nice? What are some good steps to take while engaging with the existing connections as well as displaying to our peers in the event they get curious and ask what we're doing?

 Here:

1. Don't stiff arm, merely inform and share what excites you about this particular aspect of business.

- Display your Facebook business page, show them your blog, let them peek your ActiveRain profile...the proof is in the pudding!

2. Show how you "ride for your brand" and show them where that has gotten you.

 - even if you are not the top producer in your office, if you've done it right, they should be patting you on the back for a job well done when they see how much those connected to you appreciate your input, knowledge and expertise in such a forum where you're all about meeting people where they are...

3. Never stop learning and welcoming new experiences

- we're all our own social media experts in our own way! So by all means, coach and advise those that come to you and seek your input (they will if you ever get the chance to show how you work the advantage of social media). You'll in turn, learn something when you are demonstrating and giving a little crash course in the ins and outs of an effective Facebook presence or helping somone with a Google profile.

 ...and as always, have fun! This business, even with all it's policies, bylaws and "No Nos" should be one where we are creative and sharing to the point of engagement that's inclusive!

Posted by

Shantée Haynes
REALTOR®
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty
216 7th Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
DIRECT: 202-355-5544
OFFICE: 202-608-1880

Ryan Smith
Keller Williams Energy Real Estate Brokerage - Pickering, ON

Great post! Its hard getting people to see the impact of social media on our industry sometimes and some people just dont want to hear. Thats fine for me... When I get the social media business and they wonder why they dont, thats all they need to know...

Oct 09, 2010 01:18 PM
Shantée Haynes
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty - Washington, DC
Helping the DMV On The Move...

Yes indeed! It's a fun way to get business, although not completly easy! I got recognized out walking the new neighborhood where I moved and somone wanted a media kit through a conversation they had, they connected to my FB Business page because one of my FB friends was on it. Weird coincidence, but helps prove my point. Not to mention there are TOO MANY low-cost and FREE events to go to that teach and inform about how to properly used social media. REBarCamp is a REALLY good one, and it's free! There is too much being left out on the table as far as missing out on business and opportunities, not saying that you need to make a pimped out page and be on it 24/7, but these already optimized sites are the way to go and put yourself out there, I think anyone coming into the business now as a new agent has it easy and has it pretty good not having to rely on things that are going to cost you money...

Oct 09, 2010 01:38 PM
Nicole Beauchamp
Warburg Realty Partnership - Manhattan, NY
Your NYC Real Estate Resource

Great post. I think there is an overload of information,and so called experts around.

Too many people are too quick to dismiss new things,or throw money at things they don't understand (and are being taken advantage of one could argue as they are not being or becoming educated consumers-and are pretty content to pay snake oil salespeople).Too many want to jump into the deep end of the pool,but are missing certain basic fundamentals that are necessary (in any ) business-and for many people social media may not be part of the equation.Its not the bandaid that is going to magically fix all that ails,if there are issues or problems,people need to get to the root of that.

Fundamentally,it seems more that people are lacking in a strategy.Write a business plan,a segment of which logically is marketing/advertising etc. If you don't have a plan,social media or not....things aren't going to go very well. This isn't the market where any half brained twit can list and sell something.

All of these things that aren't going to cost you money are no good if you don't have a plan and the ability to execute such.

Oct 09, 2010 02:02 PM