Keeping Up
The one thing I miss about living in Arizona, is the fact, it is so close to all the great Blog get-togethers. I would love to meet many of the people I only know through my computer screen.
I hear all the recaps and think, wow, so much talent and knowledge in one place. There’s something about being in the midst of such a learning environment which, well, makes it easier to digest all the new great wonderful tools we could be using everyday in our business. Hands on learning is always best.
While reading about the latest and greatest technology or the person who converts leads everyday from their blog, I find myself working a little harder playing catch-up. I’m not sure who I’m catching up to or what I’m catching up from, because everyday there is a new tool, website, blog, widget, idea………well you get the picture.
Now That’s a Thought
I spoke to someone recently who challenged me with an excellent thought. Who am I doing all of this for? My current and future client, of course, was my profound answer. Sounded quite logical to me! What happens if they don’t really care or know what a blog is? Hmmm…..Now that’s a thought.
I suppose I could set out to teach them what a blog is and show them how many websites their home is featured on. I could list my endless online profiles and send out links to everything I have written. Somehow, I think they would be less than impressed.
No Way to Fake It
Even when my clients say they love my website or my home search, they really don’t care about how they find me online. They don’t want to know what I do to make sure they find me. What they really want to know is can I help them buy and sell real estate. Am I knowledgeable, competent, honest, efficient and capable? Will I listen to them and hear their needs. Do I have a few minutes to talk about what they want to talk about? Do I care about their lives?
They can tell in about five minutes whether or not I do. They know if I am real.
It’s no less than what I would expect! So, while I’m not giving up on learning the best, most efficient technological tools or finding the perfect combination of online/offline marketing; for me, my very best marketing tools are raving fans who love me and tell everyone they know. I think I’ll do things their way first and fit in the rest when I can.
Maybe next year, I’ll make it to a few great Blog events.
Mack
September 25, 2008 at 7:07 am
Now that’s a novel concept, “Give them what they want and fit the rest in when you can”. Can you say Customer Service, Sure You Can!
Missy Caulk
September 25, 2008 at 8:34 am
Paula, after about 2 weeks I ask my clients to Google their address, then they see all the backlinks to their home and that makes them very happy. I use it as a stay in touch as most sellers don’t have a clue everything we do if we don’t show them.
Jay Thompson
September 25, 2008 at 10:03 am
Paula – despite it being fall and STILL 100+ degrees outside, one of the reasons I love living in Phoenix is the easy access to a whole bunch of really good bloggers. Their willingness to share is remarkable.
It’s great, but it’s not the ticket to success.
This is –> “my very best marketing tools are raving fans who love me and tell everyone they know”
Well said.
Paula Henry
September 25, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Hi Mack – It’s all about customer service! I would still like to have two of me to keep up, though 🙂
Paula Henry
September 25, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Missy – Great Idea! I know my clients care and the amount of links is impressive; initially, though, it’s all about them, as it should be.
Paula Henry
September 25, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Jay – I arrived an hour ago and yes, it’s hot here…….much too hot for fall – but the pool is beautiful and the sun is shining:) I see the info about the Phoenix blogging get togethers and am never in town when they happen. I do wish I had met more of the wonderful REALTORS in Phoenix when it was home. Funny – I know more of you now that I am in Indy.