Realtors are well known for their community efforts, but the problem has always been the dependence on newspapers and local media to get the word out- a true grass roots effort. The challenge is getting the word out fast enough and many times you hear about such efforts after they’ve happened.
From fund raising for local pantries to bike riding for cancer, agents around the country are involved heavily in their local communities and not for the exposure, but because when neighborhood communities are their business, the needs are countless.
Raising Awareness
It’s been proven that utilizing social media to raise awareness and energy around local causes can greatly increase the success of the effort and many agents are missing this incredible opportunity.
By using Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc. and connecting with people and organizations within the local communities (as well as deeper pockets in other cities also looking to connect with people), the potential to facilitate positive change in a community becomes tangible. Social media versus traditional media allows people who want to get involved to do so now, rather than later if they remember- they’re involved because you gave them the opportunity by asking them directly how they can help. Help through getting the word out, asking the boss for donation, or just drop off a few cans for local food banks- the possibilities are endless.
So if you’re an agent not yet engaged in social media for real estate and are looking for reason, maybe philanthropy is that very reason.
Here are three posts that will show you fast ways of connecting:
- Finding Twitter users locally
- Facebook Apps designed to get your word out
- Organizing Twitter for not so savvy
