I’ve been a real estate agent for 25+ plus years, and I’ve developed some amazing relationships in this business by bumping bellies and shaking hands. Now let me preface this by saying that I still believe that the most successful real estate agents are the ones that know how to build and maintain effective, long-lasting relationships with their clients by regularly following up with them in person and over the phone … and that, my friends is not possible using 140 characters or less. Okay, that’s off my chest. More on that topic later.
Those of us older Gen X-ers know exactly what I’m talking about with that last statement. However, I can appreciate the evolution of technology and recognize that in order to stay competitive in this over-populated industry, I must begin shifting some paradigms. These shifts include hugging the internet, embracing the world of real estate blogging, speaking in 140 characters or less when appropriate and being okay with complete strangers following and commenting on my every move – positively and negatively.
But if you’re like me and you’re new to all of this social media madness, I’ve found a few links that have been life savers in helping me determine what platforms are most important for my business objectives and how to effectively use them. It’s one thing as an agent to have a blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Linked-In and Google + account, but if you’re not utilizing each of the tools correctly and implementing specific marketing strategies for each, what is the point? Have you heard the saying, “Jack of all trades, Master of None?” My advice, baby steps. Especially if you’re going at it alone like me.
Don’t feel pressured to launch all of your platforms at once. Figure out the “secret sauce” for achieving positive results within one medium and then apply those same principles to your next platform. And if you have a team, share the love. I’ve chosen to start with launching a blog, as well as a Linked-In and Google+ account, and then when I’m comfortable with those, I’ll make my way into Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
If you’re reading this and you are already successfully managing these various social media platforms for your business, to you I say ‘congrats’ and be sure to subscribe to my feed, Link-In with me and connect with me on Google+! I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments on these platforms and if you’re seeing personal success using them. I’m certainly no expert, and it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks, but I’m willing to give it a try so be sure to follow me on my Lewis & Clark-style adventures as I navigate the choppy waters of social media marketing.
A few of my life saver links:
http://realestate.about.com/od/agentstartupmarketing/tp/marketing_plan.htm
http://realestate.about.com/od/internetmarketing/a/linkedin_import.htm
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/
http://www.awoa.com/blog/how-social-media-spreads-news-how-to-go-viral-on-social-media/
