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I've been slimed - a message from the underbelly of social networking.

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty

The CB Blog Estate

 

Something happened to me this week that has never happened: an agent leaving my office trashed me on FaceBook.  In other words, I was slimed!

Now, I had a good relationship with this agent, and after two years of doing this I have hired agents and lost agents, and I know that sometimes it's just not a good match. 

Usually, when an agent leaves I always wish them well, because the truth is things don’t always work out.  In this case I felt sincere in my wish for him to start anew - but when I found out about his public (social networking) critique of having to actually pay what he owed on his agent account before I allowed his license to transfer, I admit, it affected me. 

Why?  Because he made it personal, and way public!

Maybe I was wrong.  Maybe I should eat his debt and call it doing business.  But I'm tired of eating "bad debt," and I believe in accountability and running a business.

Now don’t get me wrong, i'm not naive enough to believe that everyone loves me.  In fact, I know I'm somewhat polarizing.  Public success can do that.  But it's another thing to hear about yourself in a status update.

The fact is, I love social networking.  Nothing has helped me grow my office better.  I have been able to bring in some of the finest agents I have ever met by meeting them first on-line, and I have been able to connect with people all over the country because of the people power of Twitter, Active Rain, LinkedIN and FaceBook, but now having experienced the dark underbelly of the beast I feel gun-shy, wary, and maybe even a little miffed.

I have been slimed, and getting over it - well - I’m sure I will, but it still hurts.  Maybe because, unlike in the real world, I can read all about it.

 

 

 

 

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Comments (9)

James Downing - Metro DC Houses Team REALTORS®, CRS, GRI, ABR,MRP, MilRes
Real Living | At Home - Washington, DC
When Looking to Buy or Sell - Make the Right Move

Welcome to the world of Social Networking.  I suppose its bound to happen.

Feb 21, 2009 02:18 AM
Kelly Young
The Platinum Group Realtors - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126

Darrin, I'm genuinely sorry for you and know that as much as we can intellectually figure out why sometimes people do what they do we are still humans with a heart (and also successful business people hence the requirement to complete payment) and when that is touched it takes a while to let it go.  Keep being the person you are and life will naturally reflect that "no matter where you go there you are" to your former agent.

Feb 21, 2009 02:22 AM
Caren Wallace
Premier Property Group LLC - Tualatin, OR
Portland Caren Real Estate

Darrin, I recently left a brokerage with some hard feelings, but I would never write anything disparaging about that company! This was a low blow and you will actually look better to alot of people who will see this fellow for the jerk he is!

Feb 21, 2009 02:26 AM
Anonymous
Margaret Mitchell, York Maine Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Yorke

Hi Darrin - I confess to being very cautious about the social networking sites for that very reason.  I have to say that the behavior of your departing colleague will splash a lot more mud on him than it does on you.  He's just too dumb to realize it.

Feb 21, 2009 02:27 AM
#4
Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

Yes I have seen an agent bash his last office.... not many people like to read your dirty laundry

Feb 21, 2009 02:42 AM
Sondra TenClay
Grand Rapids MI Coldwell Banker AJS-Schmidt - Grand Rapids, MI

Darrin,  How unfortunate that this less than professional person found it necessary to use a public forum to vent...isn't that passive-aggressive behavior?  Since he chose to do it publically it hurts you but, for him, the harm will be longer-lasting and reflects more on his persona. 

Feb 21, 2009 03:16 AM
Bob & Carolin Benjamin
Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ
East Phoenix Arizona Homes

Perhaps you can put something on your own account that states factually what happened -- so when someone reads his rant and clicks to you they can read your side of things --  just an idea.

Feb 21, 2009 11:02 AM
Anonymous
Rolland Lawrenz

Darrin,

 

I just left an office and the reverse happen to me.  I was the agent (6 months) and the broker did some of this.  Funny thing is, I stayed with my company, just changed offices.  What can you do?  Some people are just not honest and ethical.  I am sad to hear what happen to you, but you can't let few bad apples spoil all the great things you do.  Your postings about social networking are spot on and you are on the cutting edge in our industry.

 

Those that know you, I am sure know that this is just one negative guy in life that crossed your non-stop journey of success.  Thankfully he is moving on down his road, and his actions speak volumes to how he conducts himself.  Stay on that high road!

Mar 10, 2009 11:52 AM
#8
Shantée Haynes
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty - Washington, DC
Helping the DMV On The Move...

But it's another thing to hear about yourself in a status update...

...yet another manipulative and immature tactic that has become ubiquitous in the world of social networking.

Mar 16, 2009 08:50 AM