Special offer

How much is too much… Follow up to “Did you know your iPhone can help get you robbed?”

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty LLC 200311024


Yesterday I wrote a post called “
Did you know your iPhone can help get you robbed? and it brings up a good question… How much information is too much information? I have heard the argument from people that they don’t want to use Twitter and Facebook because “Well, why would someone want to know I’m going to the bathroom?”

How much is too much on the information highway

The answer to that is, they don’t! But, your friends and family do want to know what you are up to, what you are doing at work, job promotions. In real estate, people like to hire people they know, they like and they trust. Twitter and Facebook can give your clients an insight to what type of person you are by letting the see what you do in your off hours and heck even what you do when you are working.

But, how much is too much? As in the previous post we found out that there are people that use the technology for evil purposes, but at the same time there are millions that use it exactly for the purpose it was intended to keep us informed and in touch. 

Stop hiding, but still be careful

Can we find a balance? Is there such thing as a balance when it comes to social media? I love to use my blog, Twitter and Facebook to keep my friends, family and even future clients and referring agents in the loop to how I work my life and business and it keeps me financially secure. But should I be worried about those few people that may use it for purposes other than it is attended?

There will always be bad people that will do bad things. Heck if someone just sits on any street in America and watches a house for even three days they can figure out a routine and take advantage of that and rob them of everything they own. I’m guessing that 75% of the people work out of the home and their homes are vacant for at least 8 hours a day. So, why do some choose to use Twitter and Facebook to target people? I think we are all potential targets every day of our lives. I think we just need to take precautions to protect ourselves. Have an alarm system is a big deterrent to a criminal, knowing our neighbors is another.

Is social media the problem or is it just another tool? I still don’t want to know that you are going to the bathroom, but I do want to know what you like to do, so I can really get to know you as a person.

 

Comments(9)

Glenn Roberts
Retired - Seattle, WA

I saw the acronym TMI a few times and it didn't take long to learn it meant Too Much Information. it alerted me to consider the consequences of reporting on my where-abouts constantly as well as how the bodily functions were progressing. Common sense in social media goes a long way.

Nov 22, 2010 06:11 AM
marti garaughty
garaughty.com - Montreal, QC
a highly caffeinated creative type...

marti garaughty, The Art of Marketing YOU

Nov 22, 2010 06:18 AM
Nancy Conner
Olympia, WA
Olympia/Thurston County WA

I agree Todd that it is all a matter of using social media like we use other means of communication - sharing info to get to know people better or stay in touch can be wonderful - sharing things that should be kept private or might put us at risk just aren't smart no matter what the media for the conversation...

Nov 22, 2010 06:36 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

I use facebook for keeping in touch with family and friends but also to market my business. Twitter is connected to my AR account and tweets when I post. And you're right Todd, there are always going to be those who take advantage, that will never change unfortunately.

Nov 22, 2010 06:44 AM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Todd, i've been robbed in my house and know what that feels like so i'm ever cautious...different mediums allow better access to lives now...

Nov 22, 2010 08:00 AM
William J. Archambault, Jr.
The Real Estate Investment Institute - Houston, TX

Todd,

I love my technology! But, it works for me not the other way around!

It's sad that so many belivie their toys make the man. The "blue tooth" head set doesn't make the honey dipper an executive!

Worse is that so many resemble smokers, they become so addicted they no longer care or even notice who they offend! The "blue tooth" head set like the cigarette is not a philatelic symbol!

Once you leave the nest almost no one cares where your at, at the moment!

Bill

Nov 22, 2010 10:18 AM
Tim Lorenz
TIM LORENZ - Elite Home Sales Team - Mission Viejo, CA
949 874-2247

we always have to find a good balance to everything we do.

Nov 22, 2010 05:18 PM
Sam Miller
RE/MAX Stars Realty - Howard, OH
Knox County Ohio Real Estate Specialist

We are no longer using location based apps and I do not see our team changing this in the future.  Safety and security is worth WAY more than announcing where I am at any given time.  I was on FourSquare for about a year and it was a neat concept but after the recent experiences with the murder and kidnapping in our community I have zero interest in making those location based announcements.

Nov 24, 2010 04:13 PM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon

I've tried to find a balance between too much information and getting new clients and who knows where that intersection is, but hopefully don't cross that line.

Nov 26, 2010 06:51 AM