Hello all: It came to my attention that even though I spend time online, it doesn't take away from my most productive activity; face-to-face, email, mail, or over the phone marketing to my database.
Don't get me wrong. I blog. I post. I believe it's important to be optimized and to be up-to-date with the latest trends. But I was having a conversation yesterday with our top producer this year. He's been in the business for 9 years and is having a phenomenal year so far. What he said I agree with. He built his database and markets to it. Whether it's a mailer, email, or personal phone call, he is doing something right. I haven't talked to him about his online presence and plan to. I would bet he doesn't have alot of time right now.
I joined Active Rain to connect with my smarter peers; I needed to learn. Then came Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter. I take the time to post, usually once/day in the early morning or late evening. I'm curious what you think about being online. How has it benefitted you? I don't think I've done any business to date. I've had a few referrals and understand about branding. I still don't think an online presence replaces what else we can be doing. I welcome your feedback. Tell me your success stories! Thanks! Have a great day!
Paul McFadden
Paul:
You have a great point. There are so many new crazes out there and they are just that - a fad of the times. Nothing will replace the good old fashioned way of doing business and that is to cultivate and take care of our Sphere and past clients. Just like the top producer in your office, I have always worked my sphere and client base very well. There is a program out there that supports these functions very well "By Referral Only". This is a wonderful approach if you have a book of business. The challenge for new Realtors, Mortgage Professional, Appraisers, etc is that they do not have a book of business and must have numerous sources out there to bring in new business. Business models are very different for a new agent out there and a seasoned agent. If a seasoned agent is on top of their sphere and past client base that they did a good job with those folks, they will probably have enough referral business to keep them going throughout their career.
Christine
I know the four top producers in my office say they just don't have time for any of the social media, and don't participate at all. Then, there are the top two AR agents in my state who get loads of business from the online presence. Go figure.
I have had some success, but it has mostly been fun relationship building at the expense of being productive.
I guess what I would say in response to Christine above is thinking of technology or social networking as a fad is very dangerous. Thats like saying the internet is going away sometime soon and its not. There is absolutely no difference in social networking as picking up a phone. If anything phones are a fad and soon to be replaced. Its a different way of communicating. We dont telegraph each other anymore do we? We will always talk abut it might not be face to face in the future.
HI Paul,
Sometimes I feel that way, but I do what I have to do...
I hope you have a great weekend!!!
Michael
Michael: I agree with you. We can never let down our guard! I appreciate your response.
Shane: It sounds like you're right up to speed. What have your results been? I'm curious. Thanks!
Robert: Thanks for your feedback. I like your honest answer!
Michael: Maybe the lesson learned is we should not dismiss out of hand the power of being online. What do you think?
Christine: Thanks for your comments. I appreciate them! I agree with you; how seasoned a professional you are probably determines where we spend most of our time. Thanks again!
Thanks, Bryant, for your comments. I appreciate it! I hear you about making money. If online does that, great. If not, we need to spend time with more expeditious endeavors! Take care.
Paul --
It sounds like you're doing all the right things and very consistently, too. I admire that. Keeping up with the social networks etc. adds yet another dimension to our busy lives, but it's a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with people we might never have a chance to meet otherwise.
Vicki
Vicki: Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it. I agree with you; just as long as we realize what our focus is. Enjoy your day!
Paul, it has helped out with referrals, networking with other agents, and learning faster about our craft. Stay with it and find your voice in blogging. Use online to make more contacts and connections offline.
Hi Paul - You're right that an online presence doesn't replace other forms of lead generation, but it can greatly augment them. The key is to have a focused plan for each of the sites. It can be very easy to start browsing through AR or Facebook and quickly lose a couple of hours, but if you go to the site with the specific goals -- 'publishing a new post, responding to comments, and commenting on five other posts' or 'adding 10 friends, updating your status, posting two helpful links, and commenting on five other status updates' -- you'll be much more focused and productive.
John: Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it. I posted in both places this morning!
Gary: I agree with you. Online, especially here, has allowed me to network with some incredible professionals around the nation. Take care.
Hi Paul: I am going to put my 2 cents in. Sure I spent too much time online - no doubt. But at least here I learn something new every day - it's still better than watching TV! Everything should be in balance.
:)
Matt: I agree with you. We're all in a business where time management is key. If we find being online is valuable and also brings in revenue over time, it's worth it. If not, it's important to spend time at things that actually make us money! Thanks!
Hi Paul: I sometimes spend too much time at online-Social Media, but I learn something while I am on it and I get to know/connect with people. It is easy to get sucked in, so I try to manage my time.
Social Media is not everything... we still have to do 'old school way' for sure... In fact, keeping my database/sphere is my first priority. I started RE business only 3 years ago, so my database is relatively small. My clients are not ready to turn around and sell their homes for a while... I have received a few referrals but still I need to create more leads/prospects. I think Social Media could be a great place to find them. We just have to be patient. I have been building up a couple great relationships through Social Media, so I know it's just a matter of time and I can get referrals.
Yuno: I think you're on the right track. I have heard that agents who haven't been in the business that long can utilize online media to grow their brand. Take care.
Paul: Great post... To me it's like talking on the phone. I can be on the phone all day long, but who am I talking to, and what am I talking about. Am I even talking to the right people? Being busy isn't working. The goals need to be clear and the action taken, smart. A good online presence is neccessary these days, but hanging out on Facebook all day and Tweetin' BS isn't working if it really doesn't have a planned purpose.
I want to market and be "top of mind", not so as an idiot...
You're making very valid points and in these times we need to ask the questions frequently...
thx...
Rene'
Rene: Thanks for you comments. I appreciate it! Our most important asset we have is our time. And we need to spend it where we get measurable results. If that's online, great. If not, we need to find other avenues. Thanks again!