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Ask An Ambassador: What's Your Style? Are You a Gashole?

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

Earlier this week I was batting around blog post ideas and titles with a Rain friend, and for the same topic we would come up with entirely different post titles. 

His titles tended to be the more eye catching, but his style of blogging is entirely different than mine.  Most of my posts wouldn't be a natural fit for his blog, nor his for mine, and that's perfectly okay because as many members of ActiveRain as there are, there can be that many different approaches for how to best use your time in the Rain.

Blogging for business leads down one path, blogging for entertainment down another, and sometimes the two paths merge.  If you can educate and entertain in the same post, that's a win in my book.

And it's not just blogging where we demonstrate our style.

Often commenting reveals more about a person than their blog posts.

Do you demonstrate that you've actually read the post?
Are your comments constructive?
Can you differ with the writer in a civil fashion?
Do you even attempt to engage in a conversation, or is it just "gimme my 25 points"?

IMO, the relationship building in this community comes more from comment threads & the Q&A section than it does from a blog post.

Those venues offer the opportunity to demonstrate if you build others up, or kick 'em in the shins. 

You can guess which category will sustain followers the longest.

And the more about the members you know, the more you'll know about who you can talk to, and who can teach you how to make an AI photo from NightCafe (if you look closely, you might find Skynet).

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

Bill & Liz aka BLiz

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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
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Comments(20)

Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Thank you Bill for your post! Blogging for business, blogging for fun and entertainment or inspiration can all lead to win/win of educating and entertaining your audience and if it can be done in the same post that really is a win/win.

Aug 13, 2024 12:04 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Some topics certainly lend themselves to doing both.  On the other hand, subdivision and patio home posts tend to be pretty factual for me.

Aug 13, 2024 02:59 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

 

I like the title of this post ... and I like the term Gashole!   

We do learn who we can talk to and equally we learn who we do not want to talk to or engage with here in the Rain and other social media platforms Bill Liz and Bill Spear 

 

Aug 13, 2024 12:19 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

I can't claim the term as my origination, but it's a good one!
And yes, I've got some people on my avoid list.  Some lines once crossed are difficult to come back from.

Aug 13, 2024 03:00 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

I am still deciding whether to use AI for pictures, even though they look kind of  nice. Liz and Bill Spear, I am sure I can always ask you for help, even though I have not asked for it in quite a while. It did take me a bit to get your title. Now I am laughing at myself 

Aug 13, 2024 12:35 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

And now I am laughing as well ... with you Miss Hannah Williams - not at you. 

Aug 13, 2024 12:51 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Hannah, I'm a fan of puns.  Pearls Before Swine is one of my current favorite comic strips (although nothing will ever replace Bloom Count, Far Side or Calvin & Hobbes for me).  As far as AI, last night was my first attempt.  I've missed the majority of Paddy's classes, so a bit of stumbling around initially to get what I wanted.

Aug 13, 2024 03:02 PM
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home again, home again...

It will come as no surprise to you that I, too, like the term 'gashole'.  I assume you're talking about giant red stars, right?

Aug 13, 2024 12:35 PM
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308

Alan May 

I sure hope so! Liz and Bill Spear are you? I was hesitant to view because of the title:) Katina

Aug 13, 2024 12:45 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

I wonder where I first heard that term?  I think some guy in Chicago might be the source??  And actually my prompt was "nebula black hole".

Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308 , there are a small number of people here in the Rain (or at least I think it is small) who would drop the "g" when they refer to me :)

Aug 13, 2024 03:03 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Well "gashole" certainly captures the attention. LOL

I rarely blog anymore, but the friends I've made here are priceless. I enjoy the information and the humor and the genuine caring I find every time I stop by.

 

Aug 13, 2024 12:48 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Sharon, It's an attention getting term, so I borrowed it for attention today :)
And no doubt, plenty of people I've never physically met in the Rain, but know when and if I ever need any help, they'd be there for me.

Aug 13, 2024 03:06 PM
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I am definitely blogging for entertainment these days than for Business …………………..

Aug 13, 2024 01:43 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Get enough evergreen posts out there and there's not a lot of demand for new posts.

Aug 13, 2024 03:06 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Gashole! I love it! I may have to use this. I agree that the commenting part of AR is quite interactive. It is how I have come to know some great Rainer's.

Aug 13, 2024 02:24 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Commenting has definitely been the foundation of a lot of Rain friendships.

Aug 13, 2024 03:07 PM
Charles Ross - eXp Realty LLC
eXp Realty LLC Salina Group - Salina, KS
Love To Help People

Liz and Bill Spear, your post on blogging styles and community engagement is a great reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Embracing our unique styles while fostering positive interactions in the community is the key to building lasting connections. Keep inspiring us all to be our authentic selves! 🌟 #StayMotivated #BeYourself

Aug 13, 2024 02:36 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Negative behavior in the Rain is a high risk activity.  Some posts and comments are never forgotten, and for all the wrong reasons.   The nice thing about blogging as I am and for what I am, there's nothing to have to remember that isn't already part of me.  I try to be very upfront about my life and how I take care of my business.

Aug 13, 2024 03:08 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Bill- I may start using the term Gashole instead of the other colorful words I tend to use. I love this post!  It's not easy biting our tongues but it's often better to sleep on it before pressing "enter."    Nice job on your feature photo. 

Aug 13, 2024 04:34 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Kathy, there have been a number of posts/comments I have been very tempted to rebut lately, but (so far) I've managed to keep my keyboard in check.

Aug 13, 2024 08:11 PM
Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Liz and Bill Spear - Catchy Title! I loved it!

Communication is "Risky Business." When someone steps out of line, it is not as entertaining as Tom Cruise dancing in his underwear. It scores no points on AR. All too often, someone will make the mistake of leaving a bad comment or a meaningless one that could do more harm than good to our R.E. profession.

In my opinion, it's a poor reflection on them, not the author. If a person doesn't deliver a constructive comment, I'd rather they did not leave a comment at all. Good thinkers with a contradictory point of view, could use the Personal Contact instead of any unhealthy comment airing out their distaste like dirty underwear. Are they trying to persuade followers to come on over to their side? Are they writing canned comments to earn points? Where does it leave the skeptics who don't know why those comments were made if they are clueless? People make decisions based on knowledge, respect, and trust. As Charles Ross - eXp Realty LLC pointed out, there's no one-size fits all approach. So why not write your own blog post without throwing stones? 

Aug 13, 2024 05:04 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

There needs to be a realization that one bad post/comment/answer can undo a LOT of good work done over the years.  As you point out, some things are better said out of the public view, and if a relationship is damaged, and least it's theoretically just limited to one and not an entire crowd of people seeing the misbehavior.

Aug 13, 2024 08:13 PM
Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP

Liz and Bill Spear - Risky Business has consequences. 

Aug 13, 2024 08:20 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

How many times have we seen someone claim "freedom of speech", but discount that there is no freedom from consequences?

Aug 13, 2024 08:26 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Bill:

Love the feature photo and the catchy title...but of the course the best part is the wise advice you shared in particular about commenting.

Jeff

Aug 13, 2024 05:15 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Over the years in the Rain (and Facebook) I've seen entirely too many people step in a steaming mess that could have been avoided rather easily just by showing some restraint.

Aug 13, 2024 08:14 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Our posts demonstrate our ideas, personality (sometimes), information we want to share. The comments are where the relationships are built. And it's easy to tell when people are leaving comments just to get some comment points. Agree!

Aug 14, 2024 05:11 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

I feel comfortable that I know quite a few people in the Rain well enough to feel they're worth referring to.  You know you're on my Good List :)

Aug 14, 2024 08:50 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Phew, Liz and Bill Spear - :-)

Aug 14, 2024 10:03 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Bill (and Liz too) - like countless others, my AR membership started more as an experiment than an experience.  Traveling on this thoroughfare has shown me much.  And while there have been detours, the trip continues to be insightful.  Like on any road trip you can observe many types of drivers and techniques. 

I'll close now.  I can sense a slightly veer into a conversation about energy wasting diversions.  But that seems to be a point of no return.   

Aug 14, 2024 05:51 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

Feel free to meander at any time :)
I've taken a few left turns and few right turns in the Rain.  Some worked, some didn't.  Adjust and correct course as needed.

Aug 14, 2024 08:51 AM
Michael Jacobs

Bill Liz and Bill Spear - even with exceptional navigating devices, wrong turns seem a part of the course.  And sometimes, the curse too.  

Aug 14, 2024 09:17 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I would say that I comment mainly to interact with others and support them.  I tend to support those who also support me, so I don't comment on posts from people who don't comment on mine at all, haha.

Aug 14, 2024 05:53 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

I'm not so good about getting out and about, (as you know), so I appreciate you giving me the benefit of your comments even if I only show up every few months :)

Aug 14, 2024 08:52 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

Hope your listing sells quick!

Just kidding, Bliz. Commenting and being a sincere participant matters for followship/fellowship but also life in general. Have never thought of the gas-hole thing but have known to be an ask-hole at times when curious!

Aug 14, 2024 04:25 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

It sold so quick I had to sell it twice :)
And I'd far rather work with an ask-hole :)

Aug 14, 2024 08:36 PM
Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

Great post! In this business relationships can equal referrals! 

Aug 16, 2024 09:27 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

That they can!

Aug 16, 2024 07:46 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Love the title and the AI graphic, Bill! Funny but, I thought I commented on this back on Wednesday but, glad I checked! 

I will never forget my first AR client: I always thought everything I posted had to be about Charlotte NC - living here or real estate. Someone started the Meme posts and others encouraged me to share some personal things here. 

So, I did and my first $1M listing came from AR - and I was told that the reason I was selected to interview was because they liked my 'online persona' and when they met me, I was who they thought I was. They talked to me about my personal life and of course what they mentioned, had been posted in the Rain. They said they felt like they already knew me before we met. 

It's a win-win in my book too...and has been over and over again! Not so much recently as before but, it helped lay the groundwork for a great referral network for my business.

Aug 16, 2024 09:52 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Debe, that is one of the things I love about blogging.  Potential clients can view and determine if our expertise is a match and if our personalities are a match.  And as long as we are who we are in person as we appear online, there's not reason to have a problem going forward.  And based on the number of people such as yourself who I have met in person, that's rarely an issue.  I don't think I've met any Rainers in person and then thought "well THAT wasn't what I expected".

Aug 17, 2024 01:00 PM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

After seeing the title and image for your post, I had no idea what to expect. It was a good read.

Aug 17, 2024 01:10 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Borrowing a word from my friend Mr. May and combining with an alternate definition for AI artwork and we can go just about anywhere :)

Aug 17, 2024 01:52 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

That photo alone makes me interested in topic no matter what it is so you could It definitely works on me!

Aug 18, 2024 11:01 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Playing with AI photo generation.

Aug 19, 2024 02:49 PM