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Nothing Personal

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with North Shore Suburbs & Chicago Real Estate

SharingBlogging Can Be Intimidating

Especially for blogging novices.  Each week, I meet lots of ‘blogger wannabes’ who are intrigued by, yet fearful of, venturing off into unchartered, blogging territory.  Since I can talk about the ‘Joys of Blogging’ all day long, I am always eager to enlighten others in their quest to learn more.  So, whenever I am asked for blogging advice – I always make a referral to ActiveRain.

“How Much of My Private Life Will I Have to Share?”

Recently, I received an email message from a colleague expressing some concern over blog content.  After spending a fair amount of time perusing various ActiveRain blog posts, my colleague asked whether the inclusion of personal details is a necessary blogging component.  The short answer is: No.  Of course, ActiveRain has an awesome variety of blog posts.  And sure, some blog posts are deeply personal – others are not.  The truth is:  Blogging styles are unique and individualistic – and everyone has a different comfort level.

Clearly, I’m No Shrinking Violet

Although I would describe my writing as self-deprecating at times, I don't have a propensity for extremely personal narratives.  That doesn't mean that I don't write from my heart and with the utmost sincerity.  I do.  Hopefully, my personality and persona are reflected in the words I choose.  What has truly helped me the most is the following advice I adopted long ago:

•    Write What You Know
•    Be Yourself & Find Your Own Blogging Voice
•    Find Your Blogging Comfort Zone & Be Comfortable There
•    Content & Consistency Are Key

Blogging is Not a One-Size-Fits-All-Type-of-Thing

Blogs are like snowflakes – each one distinct in its own way.  And, that’s the beauty of blogging.  Blogging looks and feels differently to everyone.  Blogging allows others to get to know you – yet you can share as much about yourself as you like.  Naturally, people connect with others for all sorts of reasons.  Find your own groove.  Just remember – whatever feels right to you is okay.  Really.

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carie shapiro

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Comments(69)

Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

I've been called shameless by one of my subscribers because of my writing style. .

I decided to delete her from my list and keep being myself to the 4000 others on my list

Dec 03, 2012 10:30 PM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Nice words of encouragement, Carrie.

Dec 03, 2012 11:02 PM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Carie, We let a little of our personal life into our blog (you know we have cats and a dog, that we live in the country, etc.).  But other aspects don't get published because it's both private and could also hurt getting new business.  For instance, Liz has been in Maryland the last six weeks for a family emergency, and it will be after Christmas at best before she's back here in Ohio.  We broadcast that and those new listings we want might think we're distracted and not able to handle it.  Fortunately we're both experienced and can cover for the other, so no impact to our clients....but the perception might be otherwise for someone who didn't know us already.  Bill

Dec 03, 2012 11:16 PM
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Carie, you put it so well, thank you! Many people are simply mortified of writing. I am glad now i had to write several essays a week in some of my college courses.

Dec 03, 2012 11:45 PM
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

This is a good post.  Thanks for sharing it with us.  Great information..I learned something..

Dec 04, 2012 12:28 AM
Carie Shapiro
North Shore Suburbs & Chicago Real Estate - Evanston, IL

Wandanna:  Great analogy!  Yes, blogging is a lot like learning to ride a bicycle ....

Kathleen:  Exactly right ... blog on!

Christina:  Thank you ... what a nice compliment :)  I'm so glad you enjoy reading my blog!

Jerry:  Thanks!  And yes, blogging can definitely include some 'trial and error', for sure!

Wayne & Jean:  Thank you!  I agree ... blogging gives you the freedom to say what you want to say ... or what you don't want to say ....

Dec 04, 2012 02:44 AM
Carie Shapiro
North Shore Suburbs & Chicago Real Estate - Evanston, IL

Charita:  That is so true ... it is difficult to keep your personal side out of your blog completely.  I've definitely seen different variations and levels of 'personal side' here, for sure!

Rob:  Well said!

Paula:  Yes, blogging can be very therapeutic at times!

Jared & Amanda:  Thank you so much!  And, you have definitely found your groove ... I enjoy reading your posts!

Richie:  Agreed ... we often learn more from our mistakes than our successes.  And, thanks for the Shakespeare 'quote' ... he was really something, wasn't he? :)

Dec 04, 2012 02:51 AM
Carie Shapiro
North Shore Suburbs & Chicago Real Estate - Evanston, IL

Fernando:  That subscriber could just have easily 'unsubscribed' from you too, right?  Oh well, you can't please everyone ....

Lottie:  Thanks!

Bill:  Exactly!  We can pick and choose the personal issues and circumstances that feel the most comfortable for us to share -- and when we want to share them.  Really sorry to hear about Liz's family emergency ....

Olga:  Thank you!  That's why I sometimes say:  "Have You Hugged An English Teacher Today?"  All those term papers and essays ... yes, I remember them well :)

Ginger:  Thanks ... glad you liked it!

 

 

Dec 04, 2012 03:00 AM
Your Way Home Team
Jim Hadden & Your Way Home Team - Augusta, GA

Blogs should be a combination of personality and knowledge.  Thanks for the reminder!

Dec 04, 2012 06:00 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Very true Carie.  I write what comes to mind.  Some days it's business others it might be a more personal story.  The readers of my blog I've met in person all say "you're just like we thought you'd be from reading your blog." 

Dec 04, 2012 07:38 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Carie - I like your summation that blogging isn't a one size fits all arena.  The gorgeous thing about the internet and social media is it's one of the latest greatest wild west realms.  We cab push the bells and whistles to see what it is made of! 

Dec 04, 2012 08:51 AM
Travis "the SOLD man" Parker; Broker/Owner
Travis Realty - Enterprise, AL
email: Travis@theSOLDman.me / cell: 334-494-7846

I'm trying to ease into Blogging and figure out "how much to share". Sorta hard thing to do!

Dec 04, 2012 09:53 AM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Carie - I add a little bit of personal information to my posts though not generally a lot.

Dec 04, 2012 01:09 PM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Carie,  finding a blogging voice is no different then entering a new business.  You take advice from experts and you try to follow it but as time goes on your personality kicks in.  The more you work at it the easier it gets.

Dec 05, 2012 11:27 AM
Jairo Arreola #SOLDBYVETERAN
PRG Real Estate - San Jose, CA
VA Home Loan Specialist - SF Bay Area
Great advice. Slowly, I have become more comfortable with blogging and I have found it easier to get unique blogging ideas!
Dec 08, 2012 05:47 AM
Christopher Campa
LONG & FOSTER REAL ESTATE - Gainesville, VA
Northern VA Realtor

Great Blog Carie.  As a newbie I'm trying to find my voice.  I've posted 1 blog so far and it was from the heart.  I've written 7 more blogs as rough drafts in word so I can rework them.  Beyond spelling and grammar, I want them to be helpful and pleasant.  I'm finding that I need to re-read my blog and make changes in order to get across the proper message.  This will get easier wont it :-)

Dec 09, 2012 07:03 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Excellent post, Carie.  There is not set rule for blogging.  You said it.  Find your own voice.  For you that is blogging.

Dec 09, 2012 09:09 AM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

"Find your own groove.  Just remember – whatever feels right to you is okay.  Really."

  What a great statement, Carie!  Thank you.

Dec 09, 2012 10:05 AM
Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL
Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices

Carie - I came from Lenn's reblog. Maybe this is not a popular idea, but blogging is not something we have to do. And if we do not know what to write about, there is no shame in not writing.

It reminds me of that question to Leo Tolstoy how to write like Leo Tolstoy. Or it is simple. yo got to be Leo Tolstoy. ;-)

Dec 09, 2012 04:15 PM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

blogging will elicit comments...good, bad or indifferent  - especially today when best frioends of 60 years won't even agree that the sky is blue

Dec 11, 2012 05:49 PM