“It would be a lot easier to walk away if it weren’t for the blog.”
Especially this year.
That’s what a friend and fellow real estate blogger said to me a few weeks ago, and I agreed wholeheartedly.
The truth is – I am far more tied to this profession now than I was four years ago, thanks in large part to the knowledge and relationships I have gained and developed from writing nearly every day, and I hear similar anecdotes from more people every week.
Self-gratification and validation is nice, but more importantly – consumers are more tied to their favorite real estate bloggers because of their blogs. If real estate blogging were just about hanging out with other realestistas it’s be cool, but not that cool.
Blogging accomplishes several things, perhaps most of all a conveyance of transparency and honesty in a world of consumers who are desperately seeking both:
Thanks for taking a couple minutes to speak with me. I am so relieved to find that there is a realtor in the Charlottesville area that realizes that Charlottesville is not immune to the ups and downs of the market. I have talked to several agents thus far, most of whom giving me the speech that Charlottesville’s real estate market is steady and should hold solid regardless of what is happening on the open market.
Emails and conversations like the above as well as the constant innovations and lessons learned from friends around the RE.net, and provide the sustenance to continue.
Blogging allows one to differentiate oneself from the chaff. Those of us who have been doing this for a while know this; those who are just entering the real estate blogging world may need encouragement and validation that consistent writing is rewarding.
The blog ties one to one’s community in a public, persistent and sticky way that makes extrication much more difficult – and this is a good thing.
What’s the takeaway? If you’ve been doing this for a while, keep doing what you’ve been doing – look up to the leaders of our world and copy their successes at every opportunity. Having just finished Made to Stick, this statement stuck with me –
“We don’t want to be first, but we sure as hell don’t want to be third.”
If you’re new, do the same.
Jayson
January 20, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Definitely true Jim, a blog makes it harder to just quit and walk away “what about the readers what would they think” it makes your footprint in the industry larger. As you mentioned, consistent writing truly pays off – it’s like anything else in life, practice makes perfect.
Andrew Olson
January 20, 2009 at 6:02 pm
I have been a big proponent of blogs for real estate professionals but this is one area that I haven’t covered much. The illustration of “burning the ships behind you” through blogging about your goals, ideas, etc. is definitely something that can help you persist when you might otherwise have given up.
Chuck G
January 20, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Jim,
I feel the same way about blogging. I started my main blog about a year ago, and I don’t need to tell you that blogging is a mix of fantastic highs and unbelievable lows. But when I get emails from clients who have taken the time to ask ME questions about real estate, schools, development programs, etc… I almost hear the voice in my head saying “You absolutely can’t walk away from this now..” No matter how bad the market gets.
It has become the centerpiece of my marketing, and the very first thing I do every day when I wake up.
Sounds like there may be a 12-step program in our futures…
Chris Lengquist
January 21, 2009 at 10:02 am
Wow. I’d never stop to think it through but I just have to agree with about every word you said. Great post.
Jim Duncan
January 21, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Thanks for the comments, folks. Everyone hears how important it is to write down goals – this is a way to publicly display one’s dedication and commitment to the business, profession and the community.
David Pylyp
March 9, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Where can I get a summary of those 12 steps again?
Thanks for the smile!
Steve Babbitt
January 5, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Thanks so much for your example to us old guys!!(32 years in the business) who are learning new tricks!
I’ve been trying to write for the past year and it is just now starting to make sense and be a little easier. Thanks for setting the pace!