Simple and Consistent

To Anna, Christine, George & Gita - It is not always easy to be consistent and I struggle with that myself.  But what is even more challenging is getting agents to simply start - to take the first step and execute on what they can do right now.  A website address on a voicemail message not only offers your caller an option they might prefer, but you brand yourself in a very memorable way. Start today!

Oh John! I laughed so hard I nearly fell out of my chair!  I've come and gone from Long & Foster so many times over the last 21 years Wes Foster may not know I'm no longer in the building!  My little renegade heart was meant to be out in the field with the managers and the agents - the foot soldiers in this business.  And I'm bringing the message of 21st century marketing to one office and one agent at a time!  Thanks so much for your words of encouragement!

Carol, it will help your business.  It's branding, but you are also providing people with options, and you are doing it consistently without even having to think about it! Continue to implement things that work on your behalf while you work on other aspects of your business.

Susan it amazes me as well.  There seems to be a lot of misconception about online technology tools and how they are used.  I think the key here is getting the managers to reinforce the message on a regular basis.  Teaching a single class to a group of agents is not enough to shift their paradigm or their behaviors.  There needs to a system to keep everyone on point all the time.  It is indeed a mission and thank you for your support!

Yes, I know Bill from way back.  I've been asked to teach a class on Social Networking and Blogging to the Northern VA Branch Managers next month, which I'm really looking forward to and I think they are as well.  They know they need to know it, they're just very uncertain how to go about it.  If I can herd the "big cats" and get them headed in the right direction, we have a better chance of making a difference with individual agents in every office.  And I'm up for the challenge! :-)

Why Bob Carney!  Do I detect a bit of cynacism here?  Well you are in the middle of it all the time, and I'm not.  When I was surrounded by resistance to change on a daily basis, I was very frustrated too.  It has helped tremendously to be outside the arena in a consultant capacity.  You have undoubtedly made a greater impact on those around you than you realize, and I appreciate everything you've done to bring enlightenment to those who need it most! :) 

I don't think it's a matter of not believing you.  People will do things the way they've always done them until that is absolutely no longer an option.  It's the avoidance of pain that ultimately drives behavior changes.  These social media tools are still viewed as "optional."  You just keep chipping away at it Bob, and I will do the same!