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5 Common Misconceptions About Social Media

Reblogger
Real Estate Agent with The Kerissa Payne Team at eXp Realty 0587663

This is an excellent article regarding social media.  It's here to stay and savvy REALTORS are using this powerful tool to the benefit of their clients.

Original content by Rich Jacobson WA State 52404

"Social Media Won't Help.....if You Suck!"social media wont help if you suck

This post is the 2nd part of a series of articles I am publishing based on a presentation I gave at ActiveRain's RainCamp here in Seattle.

If you missed the first part of this series, you can find it at the following link:

"Social Media Won't Help if You Suck - 7 Ways to Suck-Proof Your Real Estate Business!"

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It's been interesting over the past several years to watch the popularity wave of social media gain momentum and to observe more and more real estate professionals beginning to recognize its value and begin implementing social media strategies of their own.

However, there are a number of common misconceptions people have regarding social media that I would like to dispel.

Social Media is FREE

1.   Social Media is Free.

Truth: While many of the tools and apps we employ in social media marketing are indeed FREE, there is always a cost associated with our involvement/engagement, whether it be our time, energy, or resources. As consumers, we've been spoiled by all of the FREE stuff that's out there. And we've unfairly perpetuated the attitude that if it isn't FREE, it's not legit. Some elements of your social media strategy may be worth a financial investment. As with traditional marketing expenses, be wise and discerning when making your spending decisions. Ask around, find out what's working well for others before you invest your time and hard-earned cash. And remember that the social media landscape is littered with many more companies and platforms that die out than those that go onto to be successfully self-sustaining. There's nothing more frustrating than expending all of your hard work and effort, only to see it suddenly disappear!

Social Media Gurus are Experts

2.   Social Media Gurus are trustworthy, experienced Experts.

Wiki-pedia defines a guru as one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom (the ability to practically apply such knowledge), and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others (a teacher). 

Truth: Over 90% of the people who claim to be Social Media Gurus Aren't! Actually, it's probably more like 99%! It cracks me up how many times I encounter these self-professed social media gurus leading some local networking event. They claim to have discovered the secrets for unlocking the power of Twitter, yet when you access their Twitter profile, they've only posted a half dozen tweets and only have 3 followers, and one of them is their Mom! Most of the people who I would consider to be true social media gurus rarely ascribe to such labels, and in fact, avoid them like the plague. Watch out for those slimy 'wolves in sheep's clothing' who make impossible claims and want to charge you for things you could easily do yourself.

Social Media is just a Fad

3.   Social Media is just a Fad.

Truth: To say that social media is a fad is to say that communication is a fad." Consider these statistics:

1) 2/3 of the global Internet population visits social networks, and the time spent on social networks is growing at 3X the overall Internet rate.

2) Visiting social sites is now the 4th most popular online activity - ahead of personal email!

While the need for human connection and interaction is ever-constant, the manner in which we connect, interact, and share changes. If the primary demographics of your target client base uses social media, then you obviously need to become conversant on the popular and emerging platforms/technologies, and join in on the conversation.

More Fans, Friends & Followers = Success

4.   The more Friends, Fans, or Followers I have, the more successful I will be in social media.

Truth: Effective social media engagement should never be gauged solely by the extent of our online popularity (quantity of contacts), but by the quality of the relationships, and the trust we develop.

Let's face it, we're all guilty at one point in our social media journeys of becoming a promiscuous friend 'whore.' There is this innate desire to have people 'Like' us, to be 'followed' or endorsed by people we don't know. We end up in an dead-end one-sided conversation with people who could care less about what we have to say. Rather, our energies should be focused on initiating/fostering meaningful relationships and engagement with people who willingly reciprocate. In addition, instead of being so overly concerned with the number of fans, friends, and followers we have, we should spend more of our time genuinely listening to what others have to say, and making valued contributions to their conversations.

Social Media will Save Your Business!

5.   Social Media is the Magic Pill that will Solve All of Our Marketing Woes and Save Our Business!

Truth: Social Media is simply one more method or tool that can be leveraged to effectively grow and enhance our business. It should not replace, but supplement our proven traditional methods of marketing.

I am constantly amazed at how many people literally abandon their time-tested traditional marketing methods in lieu of things like social media. Now, granted, the use of social media strategies can be a very powerful and effective means of growing/enhancing your real estate business. However, it should simply supplement, not replace, your past methods of marketing. There is still tremendous value in the power of a hand-written note. Nothing will ever replace a personal, face-to-face meeting. Social media is an excellent compliment to those successful practices of the past.

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Homes-for-sale-in-Kitsap-County-WA

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional with Windermere Real Estate, providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.comSoundBiteBLog, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

Follow KitsapAgent on TwitterFriend Rich Jacobson on FacebookJoin Rich Jacobson's LinkedIn NetworkSubcribe to Rich Jacobson's YouTube ChannelListen to My Sweet Tunes on Last.fm

Comments (16)

Eric Garrison
The Maine Real Estate Network - Waterboro, ME
Realtor, CDPE - The Maine Real Estate Network

Kerissa, nice post from Rich, very good tips. Thank you for passing it on

Jul 14, 2011 04:55 PM
Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR
Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA
(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Good Article. I think we all get hooked on social media especially FaceBook. My friends and co-workers find time to go on day and night. Amazing but I think I am a little adicted to AR. Thanks for all the facts.

Jul 14, 2011 04:57 PM
Lisa Dunham
Alexandria, VA
Associate Broker, Alexandria Virginia Real Estate

Kerissa, thanks for the re-blog!  This certainly helps to put things in perspective.

Jul 14, 2011 05:02 PM
Nor Yeretsian
Envoy Capitol Realty Inc. - Toronto, ON
Envoy Capitol Realty Inc., Brokerage Toronto

Thanks for the post Kerissa, enlightening.

Social Media has always been around us, now we're using newer technology to do it more dynamically.

cheers

Nor

www.envoycapitol.com

Jul 14, 2011 05:16 PM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

Good for you, Kerissa.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Your blog looks terrific.

Jul 14, 2011 05:17 PM
John Michailidis
Real Property Management of Sarasota & Manatee - Sarasota, FL
Real Property Management of Sarasota & M

Great post! As for your #2, the same thing goes for many so-called "short sale experts"!

Jul 14, 2011 05:21 PM
Anonymous
Anonymous

Thanks Eric!  I loved Rich's post so much I had to re-blog!

Jul 14, 2011 05:36 PM
#7
Anonymous
Anonymous

Kristen...Yes, social media can be it's own monster!  Balance is key!

Jul 14, 2011 05:36 PM
#8
Kerissa Payne
The Kerissa Payne Team at eXp Realty - Tyler, TX
ABR, SRS, e-PRO, SRES

Lisa....Glad you liked it!  

Nor....You are certainly welcome!  I totally agree.

Jul 14, 2011 05:38 PM
Kerissa Payne
The Kerissa Payne Team at eXp Realty - Tyler, TX
ABR, SRS, e-PRO, SRES

Mrs. Mimi......wasn't sure how the "re-blogging worked" ...lol.  Oh well, here's to trying....

 

Jul 14, 2011 05:39 PM
Kerissa Payne
The Kerissa Payne Team at eXp Realty - Tyler, TX
ABR, SRS, e-PRO, SRES

Sarasota Properties.....Amen to that!  

Jul 14, 2011 05:40 PM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

You did a great job.  As with a normal blog post, make sure you have 50 of your own words when reblogging.  Next blog challenge ~ pretend that you are going to tell me a story about something that excites you - then just write about it.  I look forward to reading it.  Have a blessed day!

Jul 15, 2011 02:19 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Kerissa,

Wow your first blog was a feature and your second is a great re-blogg! Way to go Kerissa..welcome to active Rain!!

Jul 16, 2011 12:40 PM
Trang Beuschlein
Homes for Sale in Campbell CA- Broker-BKR Realty - Campbell, CA
Campbell CA Real Estate - Campbell CA Homes for Sa

Kerissa, thank you for re-blogging!  I have just started using social media more and am learning on Activerain on how to do it right.

Jul 18, 2011 10:04 AM
Kerissa Payne
The Kerissa Payne Team at eXp Realty - Tyler, TX
ABR, SRS, e-PRO, SRES

Mimi...Thanks for the encouragement and the tip!  I did not know I needed 50 words.  Will do next time.

Dorie... Thanks for the kind words!  I look forward to brushing up on my blogging skills!

 

 

Jul 21, 2011 03:13 PM
Kerissa Payne
The Kerissa Payne Team at eXp Realty - Tyler, TX
ABR, SRS, e-PRO, SRES

Trang....it's been a challenge to "work it" into my daily regiment but I am really trying to work on that.  I am learning like crazy!

Jul 21, 2011 03:14 PM