A recent comment thread at Agent Genius said (in part):
In fact, I would contend that it would be difficult to pursue traditional strategies such as building referral partner relationships and put the time into blogging. . .
I have to whole-heartedly and completely disagree with that statement.
I believe I’ve built an amazing bunch of “partners” with real estate agents across the country continent.
Yes, blogging takes time. Lots of it. But so do “traditional strategies” of building a real estate business.
I think I’ve made some amazing connections through real estate blogging. I honestly can’t count the number of people I’ve “met” in this blogging endeavor.
I jumped into Google Maps and quickly plotted just a few. All of these are agents I would refer a client to in a nano-second. I think they would likely do the same for me.
These were just off the top of my head. I haven’t even touched Facebook, Linked In, Active Rain, my pals at the Point2 forums, Relib or a couple of “private” boards I’m a member of. I know this map is not complete, and I’ll be adding to it. If you don’t see yourself here, please don’t take offense. There is much more to come.
If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in any of these areas, give me a shout and I’ll hook you up with a fabulous real estate professional. Through the wonders of “Web 2.0″ I feel as if I know all of these people (and more). I’ve met several face-to-face and would love to meet them all. As my Granddad used to say, “They are good folk”.
The commenter on AG also said:
However, traditional strategies such as building referral partner relationships or advertising cannot be taken away in one fell swoop.
Who said blogging, social networking and Web 2.0 is taking away anything?
It’s adding to it.
.
Technorati Tags: real estate blogging, Google Maps, referral network
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Carl Minicucci 02.12.08 at 6:38 pm
Couldn’t agree more…with Jay that is. What better way to get aquainted with colleagues in a referral market? If you’re part of a larger brokerage, perhaps internal networking allows some sort of mechanism. Even then, you are probably referring “blindly”. In just the same way prospective clients get a feel for a Realtor via their blogging efforts, so does the fellow Realtor in getting a feel for a prospective referral partner.
I have prior client who has been toying with the idea of investing in real estate in the US for example and asked for my opinion. I quickly (and confidentally) was able to offer assistance in suggesting I could likely put him in touch with a Realtor virtually anywhere in the US…thanks to the blogging network.
The Phoenix Real Estate Guy 02.12.08 at 7:18 pm
Well stated Carl (as usual).
And look! There’s a new marker on that map, just a wee bit north of Toronto…
Benn 02.12.08 at 9:05 pm
Bang- the shot heard round the world.
Tucson Michael 02.12.08 at 10:01 pm
I have to agree bloggin and the internet way of prospecting does take a lot of time but in the long run the efforts I think have a much longer effect and better network capabilities as already mentioned. Keep it up!
Las Vegas High Rise Guy 02.12.08 at 10:27 pm
I have to agree. I can recommend a great referral person in almost every state due to blogging.
Jayson 02.13.08 at 1:09 am
It’s in the pudding Jay. I don’t know where that guy is from but I can guess that he won’t be going anywhere. Blogging and 2.0 hookups are valuable and easier to establish than traditional methods of networking.
Dekoracje 02.13.08 at 5:58 am
Web 2.0 not only didn’t make the “traditional strategy” obsolete, it embraces it in a revolutionary way. Suddenly you are no longer limited by range and this is a HUGE plus.
Charleston Real Estate Blog 02.13.08 at 6:54 am
Jay, a fellow Relib agent from out of state contacted me to sell a condo he owned in Charleston. Even better news, it was priced sharply and went under contract in one day and is closing within the month. So I would suggest that social networking and blogging might be the best strategy for today.
Mike Farmer 02.13.08 at 7:54 am
I agree — it’s the BEST way to create a powerful referral network.
Some people tend to think of blogging as taking away time from productive pursuits, and I think it’s because they haven’t gotten past the fad stage to look at it objectively — it’s a form of communication that reaches, as Jay says, around the world. It’s a form of communication that allows us to get to know each other in a way which is perfect for the purpose of referrals.
Ron Tarvin 02.13.08 at 8:53 am
I’ve done business from across the country BECAUSE of my internet presence. It facilitated my meeting other agents who referred business to me BUT with that said, I still had to be the person on the other end. I still had to be available and trustworthy in order for someone to send business to me.
Web 2.0 didn’t detract from the power of traditional networking and marketing…it doubled or tripled it!
Melbourne homes for sale 02.13.08 at 10:47 am
I just started on the blogs this last month and have found it so much more than I ever thought it was.
Making connection with people on different issues and discussing issues in the real estate industry. Updating each other on leads that may be of interest. SEO benefits to name a few. Marketing benefits.
Robert D. Ashby 02.13.08 at 3:36 pm
I agree 100%. I cannot begin to count the number of people I have met online through blogging, not to mention the marketing aspect of it. It is a great tool to educate the masses and even to clear the riff-raff, basically getting the prospect sold on your services even before they contact you.
Matt Collinge - the 604homesguy 02.14.08 at 3:35 pm
oops, hope I didn’t just submit a blannk comment. Anyhoo, Happy Valentines Jay and Francy! Thanks for putting me on the map. All the Canadian real estate investors are in AR right now anyhow. When it gets too hot for them in July can you send them back to Vancouver. I promise they will almost never have to shovel snow.
The connections ARE great! And the SEO is pretty good too.
Terrill Fischer 02.15.08 at 11:11 pm
Blogging has been the most effective seo tool for me in this industry. Having spent a lot $$ for other marketing tools, blogging has shown me that this is best networking with other agents and consumers around the country. Smart and saavy people are in web2.0
Ken Smith 02.18.08 at 10:41 pm
There is no question that I have met some great people due to blogging on AR and other places. These are people that I would send a referral to without hesitation.