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Social Networking: 7 tips to keep from being Anti-Social

By Eric Carlsen

Services for Real Estate Pros with The Scene Lab

May 13, 2007 06:08 AM

phones It's called "social" networking. Make no mistake about it, most of us are here to network not just have fun. On the other hand, there are a few groups that are created for just for breaking away from the every day. If you are here to network don't forget the social aspects. Here are a few reminders:

1. Respond to comments on your blog - If someone stops by to express their opinion or give you some kudos, acknowledge them. Not only is it polite, but it encourages them to return.

2. Keep blog topics positive - Occasionally you may cover a tough topic, and say something that needs to be said. This will be taken a lot more seriously if you are positive in your delivery and keep topics helpful and encouraging.

3. Offer genuine commendation to others - If you read a post and really enjoyed it or found it insightful, let the writer know. I am not talking about a "Nice post" line to get yourself some points. Be specific. Mention what in the post was helpful, and how you might use it.

4. Keep comments related to the topic at hand - Nothing derails a great conversation like someone jumping in and changing the subject. If you comment, stick to the topic that was blogged about and keep links to a minimum. Blatant self promotion will only annoy others and make them ignore your future blogs and comments.

5. Disagree, but don't Attack - Having a difference of opinion is not only acceptable, it is how a community learns and grows. Personal attacks will cause others to feel that you are not objective and don't have a real point. Keep opposing arguments civil, and be sure to mention that it is purely your opinion, and that you welcome responses to change your thinking.

6. Subscribe to your favorite bloggers - It increases their popularity and is a sign you are being "active" in the rain.

7. Add selected individuals to your Associates list - When appropriate, adding someone that you have had positive dealing with is a great way to increase your circle of contacts.

Remember, it's networking but it will only be effective if you are social.

Photo Credit: Flickr

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Larry Bettag

Cherry Creek Mortgage Illinois Residential Mortgage License LMB #0005759 Cherry Creek Mortgage NMLS #: 3001 - Saint Charles, IL

Vice-President of National Production

Good stuff....I like your tipssssss. Ver helpful.

May 13, 2007 07:38 AM

Bryant Tutas

Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL

Selling Florida one home at a time

Very good outline Eric. Participating in a netwrok like AR is not rocket science but it does require common courtesy. Folks need to feel free to voice their opinions. We do not have to agreeable all the time. Personally I love a good debate or heated discussion. It's how I learn.

May 13, 2007 08:08 AM

"The Lovely Wife" The One And Only TLW.

President-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc. - Kissimmee, FL

Hello Eric...

My Name is TLW and I am guilty of not staying on topic. And for the record...I will just keep doing what I do best.

Which is of course to put forth the effort to lighten up other people's day. So if that means going off topic...Then so be it :)

Personally I feel very good about the way I conduct myself on Active Rain :)

TLW...ROAR!

May 13, 2007 08:27 AM

Jim Lee, REALTOR, CRS, ABR

RE/MAX Shoreline - Portsmouth, NH

Buying or Selling? Ann & Jim are the local experts

Hey, TLW, I feel pretty good about the way you conduct yourself here too, even after you revealed your secret name. ;-)

Lighter days are usually better days.

Happy Mother's Day

May 13, 2007 08:33 AM

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate Mesa Arizona Realtor

Homes Arizona Real Estate LLC - Mesa, AZ

AzLadyInRed

Great and useful ideas. I had already subscribed but hadn't been aware of the associate option. I saw a few that had added me............now I shall check it out further. I really like the idea of responding to the responders. I try and do that, and now will try harder.

May 13, 2007 08:48 AM

Kathleen Lordbock

Keller Williams Realty Professionals - Baxter, MN

Keller Williams Realty Professionals

Thanks for the great info , we all need a remind now & then to be sociable!

No running with scissors!

May 13, 2007 09:22 AM

Jacqulyn Richey

Prominent Realty Group - Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas Real Estate

Great post, especially number 5 and 7. The whole idea is to network after all. -Charles

May 13, 2007 10:28 AM

Eric Carlsen

The Scene Lab - New York, NY

Wow...all of the comments are certainly appreciated.

Brian - I totally agree...opposing views can really educate all of us. Differing opinions does not have to turn into a mud slinging contest.

TLW - I admire your candor. From what I have observed many others here in AR do as well. Thanks for stopping in.

Jim - Thanks for keeping it light. Great posts on Knoxville and Tennessee in general.

Teri - I wish I had it down pat...I'm just getting going and will keep trying too.

Kathleen - Good advice. I use a paper cutter for just that reason...too heavy to bring with me.

Charles - Grateful for your encoragement...let the networking free for all continue.

May 13, 2007 11:30 AM

Jeff Dowler, CRS

eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA

The Southern California Relocation Dude

Eric - Thanks for the great tips. These are things that everyone who is blogging here should make an effort to do. I know I personally read much more than I comment on, simply because of time, but I do try to make a fair number of comments. I know I always appreciate them. It's amazing what one can learn in teh process of social networking!! :)

Jeff

May 13, 2007 11:54 AM

Eric Carlsen

The Scene Lab - New York, NY

Jeff,

Your visits and comments are certainly always welcome. Thanks for the positive feedback.

May 13, 2007 11:59 AM

Lizette Fitzpatrick

Lizette Realty - Richmond KY - Lexington, KY

Lizette Realty, Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes

Eric, These are great ideas! I've learned to be nice here and leave my negative comments to myself. I love to be social too. I could use another good friend!

May 14, 2007 12:31 AM

Eric Carlsen

The Scene Lab - New York, NY

Lizette,

Thanks for your comment and for stopping by. I enjoyed reading through some of your recent blog posts.

May 14, 2007 01:40 AM

Esko Kiuru

Bethesda, MD

Eric,

Strong tutorial on how to network here in AR. I think the associates and subscriptions are overlooked features that I need to address.

May 14, 2007 09:03 AM

Ryan Hukill - Edmond

405home @ ERA Courtyard - Edmond, OK

Realtor, Team Lead

Eric, all great guidelines for any blogger to follow. I haven't quite figured out the associates thing yet, but I'm working on it. When I add someone, do they show up on my list, or vice versa? I've seen it do both, but not consistently. I guess I'm just confused. Thanks for the great pointers!

May 14, 2007 10:37 AM

Eric Carlsen

The Scene Lab - New York, NY

Esko - Thanks for your comments, hope the post was helpful.

Ryan - When you add someone as an Associate, they will show up under that area on the left hand pane. You can even create categories to keep all your Associates organized. Once they are under your Associates section, they will receive a message that you have added them. You will then show up for them under the last section in their left hand pane entitled, Associations. More to the point, when you look at your personal blog, Associates are people you have added...Associations are people who have added you. Hope that helps.

May 14, 2007 11:38 AM

Uzi Husain

Keller Williams Integrity First - Scottsdale, AZ

good stuff...thanks for the tips

Cheers,
Uzi Husain
Arizona Realtor, serving Goodyear & The Phoenix metropolitan area

May 14, 2007 02:20 PM

Ryan Hukill - Edmond

405home @ ERA Courtyard - Edmond, OK

Realtor, Team Lead

Thanks for clearing that up for me Eric. I never did understand who added who and showed up where. Makes sense now.

May 14, 2007 03:19 PM

Michelle Rosser

Maximum One Realty - Union City, GA

Atlanta Real Estate-South Fulton & Fayette

I tried to comment on one of your points but I liked all of the suggestions. I love reading blogs but it is hard to always comment. Especially when there are so many good comments already on a post.

May 14, 2007 03:56 PM

Brian Schulman

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Lancaster PA - Lancaster, PA

Lancaster County PA RealEstate Expert 717-951-5552

Good points, Eric. I especially like#4. Nothing derails a conversation like an off-topic or self-serving comment.

May 14, 2007 11:27 PM

Eric Carlsen

The Scene Lab - New York, NY

Uzi - Thanks for stopping by.

Ryan - No problem. So many bells and whistles it's a challenge to keep them all straight.

Michelle - Agreed...Commenting takes effort, thanks for making one here though.

Brian - I think most Active Rainers do pretty well with this, hopefully more catch on.