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So what IS a Blog, Anyway?

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Services for Real Estate Pros with Real Estate Shows

Pat Murphy Coldwell Banker Advantage Real EstateThis one goes out to my Dad, who is also my business partner.  When I first told Dad I was going to real estate school, he said he'd go too and we could be partners.  My sphere of influence (Realtor talk for "who you know") is tiny, Dad knows EVERYONE.  So now I not only have a partner, but I get to talk to my Dad several times a day.  We have a new connection I don't think we would have formed any other way.

Dad is "old school", he's been a salesman my whole life and even after retirement just never stopped selling.  The man can't sit still and never met a stranger.  He believes in relationships and genuinely LIKES people.  His mind is like a calculator with figures.  He's already done doing the math in his head before I can even pull my calculator out of my purse.  It's really amazing. 

But Dad is not comfortable with technology or computers, while I feel like my computer is just about the greatest thing ever.  I use it to talk to friends, share pictures, find information and lately to try to spread my business net.  Active Rain and blogging has become my latest favorite toy.  Dad had never heard of a blog.  My own BROKER had never heard of a blog!  So my bet is that someone else will stumble across this blog and not even know what it is, either. 

computingA blog is short for a "web log", or an online diary or journal.  They're meant to be more casual and flexible than a website, a way for you to get to know the personality of the author as you get to know their subject.  A blog can be about anything, but since I'm a Realtor and a WV Girl, mine is about houses, buying and selling, our local real estate market and the area I love.  I hope that through my blog, people will come to know the best of our area.  Most people will begin to look around online six months to a year before they decide to contact a Realtor. If someone spends a little time reading my blog, my hope is that they'll find enough useful information here to return and see what's new.  I write the way I talk, the way I think.  You will get to know me if you read my blog.  When the time comes to buy or sell, I hope those same online shoppers will feel like they're contacting a friend when they call me. 

Dad, you're right, it IS all about relationships.  Whether you connect online or in person, it's all about who you know.  My blog is a tool to help me meet more people.

Comments(30)

Ginger S
Wilkinson & Associates, Wilmington NC - Wilmington, NC
Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation~

You are so blessed to work with your dad. Cherish the moments.

I lost my Dad whe I was 26,

 Ginger

Feb 09, 2007 08:26 AM
Tim Maitski
Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage - Atlanta, GA
Truth, Excellence and a Good Deal
Sarah, I work with my mother inlaw who is old school.  When I started 7 years ago the big thing was trying to learn how to use email.  I think it's great to partner with a person who does it the old school ways.  It's a great combination.
Feb 09, 2007 08:30 AM
Maria Haun
Keller Williams Realty Signature - Rockford, IL
ABR, CNE
I too believe you could or should use the new and the old in this business.  I love asking the agents who have been in the business questions on "how they would do this or that", as I am sure they like it when I can help them with this "darn computer stuff!"
Feb 09, 2007 08:45 AM
Monika McGillicuddy
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty - Hampstead, NH
Southern NH & the Seacoast Area
Sarah...Has your dad read your blog? When I show my mom mine she is totally amazed...Like Ginger said cherish the time together :)
Feb 09, 2007 09:25 AM
Robert Hammerstein -
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Hi Sarah,

Hey your Dad is cute!  I bet he's good for your business and I imagine it must be fun to have your Dad to talk to.  I lost my Dad about 8 years ago and really miss him. 

Feb 09, 2007 09:35 AM
Sarah Cooper
Real Estate Shows - Hurricane, WV

Thanks to all for your comments!  Lisa, Dad will love that you think he's cute!  Can't wait for him to see that!  I'm sorry to you and Ginger for the loss of your Dads.  I hate to even think of it. 

It's great to have a partner, especially one you can trust.  It's a good mesh to have a partner with different strengths, too.  It's especially nice to work with your Dad and know that he's got your back.  And yes, Dad has read this entry although I dont' think he's a regular blog reader.  But after he hears that Lisa thinks he's cute, he'll probably come back more often.  ;o)

Feb 09, 2007 09:52 AM
Robert Hammerstein -
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Hey Sarah,

It's nice that your Dad will be happy to hear that I think he's cute!  Make sure he does see it.  If that's what it takes to get him into Blogging - then so be it.  Whatever works!  Right!!!  Join the party!

Feb 09, 2007 10:01 AM
Anonymous
Shawna Coombes
Sarah, you are so lucky that you get to work with your dad!  I'm so glad that you are able to share that with everyone.  I thought that I was the only one lucky enough to get to see my mom all the time!  Both me and her work in the escrow field.  She is an assistant, and I am an escrow officer.  We use to work at the same company together, but then I got the opportunity to become an officer somewhere else.  I really miss the time that we use to have with one another, but she works right around the corner so we still see one another every day, and I even help her out over the phone if she has any questions on things.  I also wanted to say thanky ou for posting the information about the blogs.  To be honest I never knew what they were, and in my mind if I don't know something I stay clear of it :P  Now I am not so frightened by the workd BLOG and I will probably be more open to using it in the future.  Thanks again and I wish you and your dad nothing but the best!!!
Feb 09, 2007 10:05 AM
#18
Sandra Cummings
William Raveis Real Estate - Guilford, CT
Real Estate Agent, Guilford Connecticut

I have been blogging around for a week or two and was wondering what it meant. 

Just  figured it was a Bullsh_ _ LOG  that they shortened to be politically correct.

 

 

Feb 09, 2007 10:21 AM
Jeff Turner
RealSatisfied - Santa Clarita, CA
You're one lucky woman! Your father has taught you the most important lesson in life - relationships are everything! "Relationships are the invisible energy that holds everything together and gives it identity."
Feb 09, 2007 11:18 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

SHort, simple adn to the point, but what it says. So easy to forget in the world of the Internet that relationships in our business, and many others, are so critical. Good job, Sarah, and congratulations on having such a wonderful partner!

Jeff

Feb 09, 2007 12:13 PM
Vicky Poe
Good Ole Rocky Top - Crossville, TN
Realtor/ Auctioneer
What ever works for you.  I love the computer but I work with people that do very well and can hardly turn a computer on.
Feb 09, 2007 12:59 PM
Jason Provencio
John L. Scott - Boise, ID
Yep online is where it's at for sure, with 70-80% of buyers looking online first these days before they even talk to a realtor. Might as well be on there getting free exposure hoping one sees your listing first or your blog about buying. Good job!
Feb 09, 2007 04:35 PM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC
Sarah:  I too am glad for you and your partnership with your father.  He obviously is very supportive of you.  It would be great to HEAR from him a few of his insights about working together with his daughter.  Your  post is a delight!
Feb 09, 2007 09:10 PM
Sharon Simms
Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS
Sounds like you and your Dad make a great combination! Working with my daughter and son has been so rewarding and fun - I hope it will be the same for you and your Dad. When a family relationship works, it's wonderful!
Feb 10, 2007 01:29 AM
Charlie Gerken
Gerken & Associates - Branson, MO
CRS, GRI, SRS
I work with my Dad too and enjoyed your blog. Thanks!
Feb 10, 2007 05:58 PM
Jeff Belonger
Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ
The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans
Sarah.....  I like the beginning of your blog, telling this little story about you and your dad. And life is funny in regards to how it can bring people even closer.  Thanks for sharing...plum
Feb 13, 2007 05:42 AM
Karen Anne Stone
New Home Hunters of Fort Worth and Tarrant County - Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth Real Estate
Hi Sarah:  Thanks for introducing your Dad to us.  He seems pretty cool.  This post really gives such a simple but very thorough explanation about what a blog is.  If I may, I am going to copy it and share it with all those in my office who think "blogging" is a dumb idea.  They are either "old school" or new school, but don't do their homework.  Thanks again for sharing...
Nov 04, 2007 05:35 PM
Sandy Noll
(RSVP Real Estate) 425.890.0878 - Gig Harbor, WA
RE Pro Serving Snohomish to Thurston Counties
Sarah you are very lucky to have a partner who's also your dad!  What a wonderful time you must have and the insight he can give you and now you in sharing the ins and outs of blogging!  Great post!
Nov 04, 2007 05:53 PM
Robert Havana
Park and Protect- Alberta Real Estate License Parking - Calgary, AB
Alberta Real Estate License Parking

Have not seen any new posts from you in a while. Feel free to visit me back at my lethbridge real estate blog and leave me a comment to let me know you stopped by.

Aug 10, 2010 07:44 PM