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Ask An Ambassador: The Lurkers Are Out There

By
Real Estate Agent with Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com SAL.2002007747

Right now I'm more spectator than participant when it comes to social media. 

I've taken a sabbatical from daily blogging and for right now I'm just doing Tuesdays to honor a commitment I made years ago.

Facebook?  I've went from posting a photo almost daily to weeks with nothing new posted.  Sparsely enough that a friend reached out to me today to make sure I was still okay.  (I am).

Most of the other social media I've never been a big hitter on.  I dabbled in Pinterest for a bit.  Twitter never appealed to me and I have no IG account.  And I'm not going to chase the next bright and shiny, been there, done that, burned the T-shirt.

And in the Rain I'm currently not reading too many blog posts, nor leaving many comments.  I'm more of a lurker and not really putting the "Active" in ActiveRain.

When I'm ready I'll return to a more engaged status, but for now, I'm mentally fatigued with a lot of social media.  Want to argue about politics, masks or other topics?  I'm just not that interested in that life suck.  I'd rather spend time doing practical things that help our business and our personal lives.

I've got active referrals out there with other Rainers. 

Despite COVID, we're wrapping up one of our better years.  Past work is paying off.  I've got posts working for us because I've written enough evergreen subject matter that I'll continue to get call years after those posts were written.

I've got ideas for more to write, and more will follow as I'm ready.

And what I know is this, the lurkers are ALWAYS out there. 

I've had a handful of consumer comments on blog posts over the years, but mostly they lurk, and then they call when they're ready.  I've had clients let me know that they've followed my posts on and off for years before they ever contacted me the first time.

We're always being watched by potential clients and our peers.

You're probably like me, you've got agents you'd refer to in a heartbeat, and others?  Never going to happen.  It might have been a direct interaction, or just a lurk, but the Yes/No decision has been made.

It's not just the person you get in a Facebook tussle with that notices how you act, but everyone else that crosses that thread.

Lurkers...

Until next Tuesday, just Ask An Ambassador if you need help,

Bill of Bill & Liz aka BLiz

 

Posted by

Serving Warren County Ohio & Adjacent Areas

The Liz Spear Team of Transaction Alliance
Elizabeth Spear, ABR, Ohio License SAL.2002007747

William (Bill) Spear, Ohio License SAL.2004011109  Kentucky 77938
Ask for us by name if you visit the office!

EHO
Bill Direct:  513-520-5305
Liz Direct: 513-265-3004     
Fax: 866-302-8418

MailTo:  Liz@LizSpear.com

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Comments (22)

Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

There always are people out there willing to take advantage but thankfully there are people with love in their heart as well.

Dec 08, 2020 07:08 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

In this case I don't look at the lurking as trying to take advantage, just observing and making decisions.

Dec 09, 2020 05:09 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Michael Jacobs Never feel that bad about it because we’re all busy pretty much equally around here and we’re here to support one another. :)

Dec 08, 2020 07:09 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Anna Banana Kruchten CRS CRB, Phoenix Broker I’ve had some help as well and when things went from 10 to 20 comments per day I thought it was a lot. We all need a break now and then

Dec 08, 2020 07:12 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Bill:

You have to do what feels right and meets your personal and business needs, among other concerns! Life before social media!!

Jeff

Dec 08, 2020 09:10 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Finding the balance that works for this particular time.

Dec 09, 2020 05:10 AM
Erik Hiss
Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty - Worthington, OH
You can trust me for all your real estate needs!

Social media is here to stay, but the platforms will surely change over time. Be consistent even if you're not in the mood. But I hear you...I'm lurking myself ;-)

 

Dec 09, 2020 05:37 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

There's often a new and "THIS one is THE one" buzz, and I tend to be the skeptic.  Just not enough time in the day, and I'm not hiring any of the 100s of companies offering to manage our social media for us.

Dec 09, 2020 05:55 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Good morning you lurker you.

We all have to find a healthy balance in what we spend our time doing. And social media can be draining at times. The fact that you are still doing your weekly Ambassador post speaks volumes about how seriously you take your commitments. It's great that you have all the evergreen posts to keep those calls coming!

Enjoy your week!

Dec 09, 2020 05:51 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

Self-imposed I can change, what I commit to for other people I feel much less flexible about, so the AAA posts continue :)

Dec 09, 2020 05:57 AM
Brenda J. Andrew
ULTIMA REAL ESTATE - Willis, TX
Professional Realtor in Conroe/Willis, TX

Hi Bill and Liz, I completely get it. I know I am not nearly as active as you here in the rain - or on my social media sites.  I have been less active on social media over the past few months.  It was taking too much of my time and energy - so I took it off my phone just to get some mental sanity.  This has been my best year yet.  People who appreciate me and know the job I do for them continue to find me.  They do the same, call when they need me.  Have a great day and I appreciate your activity in the rain.  I need to be more active!  Have a great day!

Dec 09, 2020 06:17 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

It can become a huge distraction, too many rabbit holes and no chance of actually changing minds.

Dec 09, 2020 03:23 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Hi Liz and Bill Spear - I also understand. After all, you're a Busy Bee! 

Personally, I want to thank you for all the times I reached out to you and you promptly replied with valuable answers to my questions. I always knew, I could rely on you. In addition, I really like the fact that you're a bee keeper and doing good things for nature. May you continue to succeed in bees and business. 

There's one thing that really resonated with me: "We're always being watched by potential clients and our peers." That is something I learned through my State and Local Associations. It has been pounded in my head and I know for fact that "our peers," and all people in the RE Industry via NAR and TX are checking what's on SM where I live.

What I enjoy the most about your blog posts is that they are filled with valuable content. I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Also, thank you for so much for all that you have done over all the years and for answering questions when asked. For me, you were always kind, prompt, and credible. I look forward to your weekly posts. Thank you.

Dec 09, 2020 09:01 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

I'm always happy to help, whether I'm blogging regularly or not.  There's a lot of value in this community.

We've finished our beework for the winter, they'll mostly stay inside their hives with their honey stores and the candyboard we provide until Spring and fresh blooms appear :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too!

Dec 09, 2020 03:24 PM
Tom Bailey
Margaret Rudd & Associates Inc. - Oak Island, NC

Great post Bill! I have never done much blogging, but I still love to read the rain. I don't comment much, but I read AR Every day

Dec 09, 2020 09:02 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

I've picked up a lot of great tips from this community over the years.  It's still a daily stop, just perhaps not as long of a daily stop as it used to be.

Dec 09, 2020 03:25 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Bill you picked a good time to be a lurker, but I really would not call you one. Just seems you are taking a break.  Things still not working right here cannot change anything. - Have a great day until next week 😉

Dec 09, 2020 11:39 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

We did lurk when we first joined :)

Dec 09, 2020 03:25 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Bill,

Its good to take a break sometimes and observe and make decisions..its not a better time to jump out of the fray for awhile. I've done it too. There are so many crazies out there I've learned to tune them out. 2020 has been a crazy year but actually has ended up being a great year in real estate which was a blessing. Time spent reflecting on things is  another blessing...I'm in a better place now but watching my boundaries to keep me on track and sane!

Dec 09, 2020 12:26 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Keeping priorities straight can make a huge difference in our happiness levels.

Dec 09, 2020 03:27 PM
Joe Jackson
Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty - Columbus, OH
Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert

Thank you for posting this! 

Dec 09, 2020 03:08 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

You're welcome!

Dec 09, 2020 03:27 PM
Eva B. Liland Century 21 Doug Anderson
Century 21 Doug Anderson - Lancaster, CA
Glad to be of Service 661-714-1643

I'm not A SM person either. I actually got a Facebook Messenger text from an old friend in Sweden, asking me if I was okay! Take the time you need, there are more important things to do Liz and Bill Spear .

Dec 09, 2020 05:21 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

From a pure business perspective, blogging has been important for us.  For the most part, other social media forms have (at least for my personality type) more of a distraction than a positive.

Dec 10, 2020 02:20 PM
Mike McCann Nebraska Land Broker
Mike McCann - Broker, Mach1 Realty Farm & Commercial Land Broker-Auctioneer Serving Nebraska - Kearney, NE
Farm & Commercial Property For Sale 308-627-3700

Boom! Great blog and thanks for the reminders...You hit the nail on the head with this comment: "We're always being watched by potential clients and our peers."

Dec 10, 2020 06:05 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

And it only takes once of going well out of bounds to erase all the prior good.

Dec 10, 2020 02:20 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

At times, I go behind the scenes to observe as well Bill, especially when needing more information before proceeding. When my mother passed away, I took a much needed break to grieve and put things back in perspective. Didn't want to be the wounded, lashing out , misplacing anger because of my pain. Glad you are at least posting once a week in the Rain!

Dec 10, 2020 10:22 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

I've killed plenty of posts and comments because I didn't like my tone.  Sometimes nothing said is the best thing to say.

Dec 10, 2020 02:21 PM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I haven't been very 'active' either. All the fighting on one platform or another is exhausting & as you say a total energy suck.

Glad you are ok & doing well this year.

Dec 10, 2020 11:55 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

There are times I'm tempted to chime in, and when I give in to that, I usually wind up wishing I hadn't.

Dec 10, 2020 02:22 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I decided to also come back to this one to really analyze the idea of lurking and I think you’re right on the money but with this one.

Dec 16, 2020 09:51 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Lynn Afton I have to say that I stay off of social media probably more than I should but I really do need to unplug as a meditative practice sometimes. It’s good for a healthy mind

Dec 16, 2020 09:53 PM
Chris Griffith
Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL - Bonita Springs, FL
Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent

I am an Active lurker, too, but decided to comment on this post. It has been hard to be around social media this year, for sure, so I have spent less time on it.. I have found a few work arounds for engagine in social media so I can take a break. I have help - a young person who watches for customer engagement that I need to respond to and she also posts my evergreen content.  I also found a way to post current "what I am doing now" stuff and have it syndicate to a few other sources.  I post to instagram (photos and commentary) and have it set to automatically syndicate to my facebook biz page and twitter.

Dec 21, 2020 04:20 AM
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

Taking a break from social media can be very relaxing. Over the past few months I've seen friendships, families and strangers argue over politics and riots as well as other issues. So many strong voices behind the screen. You are so right, Someone is always watching.  Spend time and energy on activities that make you grow and feel comfortable. Social media will be here when you are ready to jump in.

Jan 29, 2021 10:14 PM