Pay It Forward Is Alive & Well
The RE.net knows the rules of social media and appreciates the idea that what we give online comes back to us greatly multiplied. The info we share on Twitter and Facebook, the help we give to our contacts with Diggs and Stumbles, the knowledge we share through our blogs, all of these things we do with a pure heart because we understand the basic rules of the medium. We pass on knowledge and assistance without thinking twice, knowing full well that the payoff will come, either by receiving information, guidance or help, or by actual business and referrals from those with whom we interact. Contributing value to the community is a basic premise of being a good online citizen.
Take It Offline!
These same ideas of sharing, cooperation and, ok I’m sayin’ it, karma, hold true IRL too. Using our knowledge and skills in our neighborhoods and, I am here to argue, in our industry and REALTOR associations will generate the same kind of goodwill, reciprocity and actual business that we enjoy online. AND we are improving our neighborhoods, markets and industry to boot.
Look, I’m not saying you should go out and give away all your secrets, details of your marketing plans, or full market analyses as feedback on showings or Broker Opens – of course there is a limit to what you can share with competitors. But there is still a bunch of stuff you CAN share, and there is plenty of benefit to doing so. Take these few examples of stuff I have been fortunate to receive and/or pass on in my local area:
- Technical help with a website issue, how to use Facebook, etc
- Insight in to HOA issues related to transactions or otherwise
- Goodwill, not to be underestimated or written off as it can be huge when you are involved in a transaction, need a hand yourself, or in Recruiting!
- Listing Referrals: I’ve received these from exclusive Buyer’s Agents and have given out one or two freebies when I was unable to accept a listing due to conflict of interest
It’s a great feeling for me when I get a phone call from an agent in my marketplace needing a hand with something. And to know that I have the same resources available to me is extremely valuable.
Kumbaya Ain’t For Sissies
One last thing…imagine the altered perception the public might have of us if they ‘caught’ us cooperating and helping each other be better at what we do. Let them find out that we don’t cut each others’ throats at every opportunity, that we collectively add to the professionalism of each other in small ways every day, and maybe, just maybe, we can rise above the level of used car salesmen or lawyers (sorry, used car salesmen, don’t mean to offend). Seriously, how will the level of professionalism in our industry ever be lifted if we don’t each bear a bit of the weight?
