Are Social Networks Worth It?

I like your comments. I have an extensive web presence with our web sites (more thatn 12) and I also just started a blog web site, which is great and I also just hooked up on FaceBook. You have to do it!!

I think for many it’s a time issue- and some fear of technology and new methods. What we may be forgetting is that our old ways of networking- civic groups, business associations, chambers of commerce- are not what younger prospects do. With a daughter just entering the working world, I’m being forced to re evaluate how to network, and the blog sites and social networks are a must.

Hi All,

Well, personally, I feel like I’m on “marketing & networking” overload! I’ve been in real estate about 13 years, so I learned when everything was done on paper. Yet, I started pretty young so I’m all for getting up to speed with technology.

However, I’m spending SO much time now with all this “stuff” that I can’t seem to focus on “working”. I guess it’s still “working” as I have gained valuable contacts a few clients, etc. but it just seems that every day there is “another” site that we “should be on”… I just wonder where it all ends. How do you decide which are best as obviously I’ve got to narrow down to only a few….

It’s not enough to just sign up….you really have to participate. Not only am I trying to set up all the networking sites right now but I’m also completely transforming my website because of course it’s not enough to just have a web presence now you have to have video and all this interactive stuff.

Am I saying “stuff” a lot??? lol

Anyway, back to what my point was. I’m setting up the network sites, etc. BUT we also have to participate in “local” sites, etc. so people in are area know we exist.

I think the concept of it all is truly fabulous, but honestly, I’m feeling quite overwhelmed!! I guess maybe once I can finally get everything “set up” maybe it’ll be less of a struggle. Don’t forget, we need to blog as well…..

The other thing is you don’t just go on these sites “My Space/Facebook/Wannanetwork/etc. and “just sign up”….you really have to add all the bells and whistles to the site-have you seen some of these sites???? Who has the time to learn all of this?

OH, and in regards to newspapers…well, the “marketing experts” are telling us in these seminars that we should “place specific ads in newspapers to get people to call us”.

Just my thoughts….

you need to check out http://www.zolve.com its coming out in 3 weeks and is going to be huge.

CHris Freeman

its myspace for realtor, our link to high producing agents across the country soon to be world…… http://www.zolve.com check it out, you will hear about it soon!!!!

chris freeman

sudscribe me

I took a course on internet marketing this summer and it was all about Web 2.0 which is all about social bookmarking. I am just getting involved in many of the social bookmarking sites, linking them to my blogs and web sites. I know it can only improve my presence on the internet.

I read the paper, but online. I tend to read only the local news. I will pick up the paper now and again or search the classified ads online…just to see what others are doing. The newspapers are trying to keep up but are failing in the printed media department anyway.

I think most agents don’t understand the whole concept of web 2.0 and its potential.

No one can not be without a social online network and survive in real estate

I haven’t thought about it or how to get it started is why I haven’t created a LinkedIn account or Facebook

You are right again. I look forward to reading your posts. Thanks for keeping me up to date.

Jamie, considering every web 2.0 app out there, and how fast technology changes, it can be very overwhelming! One thing you want to keep in mind is this: a lot of the new apps that come out are not necessarily new. They are just slight improvements or modifications to current apps. There are tons of bookmarking sites like del.icio.us, but they all pretty much do the same thing: bookmark web pages. A lot of time it pays just to sit back and see which best app rises to the top.

I’m one of the oldies, still getting use to social networking and blogging! Surving in Real Estate has to be easier through the net. It can only reach more people. Now, if I had some expertise advise on how and what to, perhaps I would do more. And, I will! I am still learning as I go about with paper and pen and loads of files; someday soon, time will be on my side to spend on the net—networking and blogging. Keep sending me the sights I should talk to. Thanks.

Mary

I belong to Active Rain. – A real estate networking site. I joined mid-June. A collection of Real Estate agents, Mortgage brokers,Stagers -you name it. I blog and read and comment on others. It is by far the best tool I have ever found in our industry!Invaluable leading edge ideas and referrals. I just got a lead Thursday from someone who read my blog and needed someone to represent them in a oceanfront purchase! I belong to facebook as well.

Thanks for Sharing Paul and it’s good to hear you are getting leads from your blog. That’s what counts. Also, would you mind letting me know how your Facebook profile does, whether you get leads from it or not?