Written by: Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker Keller Williams Realty Phone: 919.454.8864 Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
I love ActiveRain and what it has done for my business so much - that I want to tell everyone about it, including real estate agents who work for competitors.
Why? Well...
We should live by the Abundance Mentality - rather than from a place of Scarcity. I believe there are more than enough Buyers and Sellers for everyone, even in a perceived down market.
So, why not share the wealth with everyone?
(This reminds me of that song, "Magic Penny" that we learned in the first grade. It says, “Love is something if you give it away, you’ll end up having more!” The same is true about the knowledge we have. Bless someone else, and you, too, will be blessed. But…I digress! I was talking about blogging.)
When I mention to agents who've never blogged before that they should try it - a common response is:
"I hate writing.”
“Darleen, were a journalism major in college so it probably comes easy for you." OR
"I could never blog because I don't have anything to say."
Nonsense!
Even if you don't love to write - you have something to share with the World that only Y-O-U can provide. It could be a certain experience that you've had with a Buyer or Seller, or maybe something that happened to you as you've just been going about your day-to-day life.
Some would argue that blogging on a real estate Website should always be about real estate. I disagree.
It’strue…Buyers and Sellers want to see that as a real estate agent, you are knowledgeable and good at what you do. However, people do business with people they like and who they feel comfortable with, too. In other words, they want to work with a real person.
If used properly, your blog can allow you to be seen as a real and personable individual who clients will flock to.
If you're sitting on the fence, try blogging for 30 days. It could very well change your life - and your business.
Happy Blogging!
And check out this video of children singing “Magic Penny”. Enjoy…
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by those who are part of the
ActiveRain community, including those providing comments relating to this blog, are their opinions and their alone - and do NOT reflect the opinions of Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty. Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty are not responsible for the accuracy (or lack thereof) or content provided by others.
Mike~ Great point that you make. I have run into those individuals who just don't want to blog, which is fine. But there are some people that I run into who wantto blog but are afraid to do so. For those in the latter category, I hope that they will find the courage if it's something they really would like to do.
Fantastic post, Darleen! I can think of no better way to get yourself out there to let people know what YOU are about or your area is about! Flagged this baby for Feature - it is great!
Mike ~ You are exactly right about sending folks to AR to read. However, I took the time the other day to walk an agent through what to do. You and I are comfortable with technology and writing - but there are so many real estate professionals who are nervous about "sharing" that much of themselves. I guess I can understand that...
Yes, I have walked a couple of people through it. And expect to do it many more times. I even started an office Yahoo group for blogging discussion.
You know, I don't blame older agents who have built a practice and keep doing what they have done for 25 years. It is a people business, and working their database and SOI will continue to pay off, I think. The technophobic 28 year olds who are failing to gain traction and a track record are the ones headed for trouble, IMO
Mike~ Indeed. This is a people business. And you're right, the newer agents who may not have the book of business built up like the more seasoned real estate pros do must embrace technology - since most people are looking online for homes and may choose to initially contact their agents that way, too.
Cynthia ~ I guess it's like the old saying goes, "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink." Oh well...they're missing out! You've told them...
My company, Sidhe Communications, has used keywords effectively in blogging to attract clients who relocte or retire and move from other states.
We're teaching a half day seminar in Raleigh about this specific type of website writing. If interested visit www.SidheCommunications.com and register.
I agree that abundance is to be shared, not horded. That's why we work to help make small to medium sized businesses competitive with larger companies -- all on the Internet.
Darleen McCullen, Broker-Raleigh, NC Real Estate
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Darlene, What a great inspirational post. I also love your motto...Mission not commission...that is very clever :-)