The internet and blogging are just tools … not the answers

Thanks to each of you (both Agent Genius contributors and readers) who have made this point before… the internet and blogging are just TOOLS, not the answers to all things real estate.

How True! I bring this up because I had this conversation (among many others) with Lani and Benn the other day … and it was NOT via email, NOT via phone and NOT via comments on a blog.

It was face to face.

I went to Austin, Texas and actually sat down, at the same table with Lani and Benn. I got to look them both in the eyes and have intelligent and meaningful conversations with them.

Please note: I did not use the word “mature” J (… and for those of you wondering what the rest of the elusive Benn looks like, I cannot tell you. He actually conducts all business and social interactions with a cup (or phone) in front of his face. I mean it.)

Yes. The internet – blogging in particular – is what introduced Lani and Benn to me. (Yay for that!) But it was the evening I spent with them in Austin that “took it to the next level” making me really understand, appreciate and love WHO they are. (Although I cannot vouch for their opinion of me, as I was the only one in the rainbow stripey knee socks riding a small canon like a pony at the Austin capital building in the middle of the night… Long story.)

I think that too many people hide behind the computer – the technology – the web 2.0 instead of going out and doing some major hand-shaking, hugging and all around don’t-be-afraid-to-embarrass-yourself personal interaction.

The internet is a GREAT tool. I LOVE it. It exposes both us and our businesses to the world – in a medium that no other medium can. But once that introduction is made, it is the HUMAN interaction that really concretes who we are to our clients and other business professionals. Continually hiding behind a cup, er, I mean the internet will only take our businesses so far.

So, when you are building your business plan and figuring out all the cool ways to integrate the internet into your business, make sure you add as much (if not more) HUMAN interaction, as well. The internet may create clients, but it is your human interaction that creates clients for life … and friends.

Thank you Lani and Benn for making my short trip to Austin completely memorable. You guys ROCK!

Article originally published January 18, 2008.