I was at an open house yesterday held by an agent in our office, and she was kind enough to provide us with a delicious lunch. As I dressed my homemade chili with scallions, cheese and sour cream, I made eye contact with a man that I had not met.
I instinctively held out my hand and introduced myself. He shook my hand, and said: “you look familiar…”
“Oh, you’re the BLOG guy!”
I admitted that I was and he stated that he frequently read my blog. Immediately, a conversation started among the agents in the room about the value of blogging. Most alluded to the fact that they are aware of blogging but that they had not tried it because they didn’t know if it worked.
Interestingly enough, the fact that the gentleman recognized me was the best testament to the effectiveness and power of the blog. It creates awareness and a public persona that otherwise would cost a fortune to create in print, radio, or television.
Yes, it does take a lot of work, dedication and perseverance. But it is a way of generating a genuine connection to the general public unlike any other.
And I’ll keep doing it as long as the ideas flow and I am able to do so. After all, I like being a celebrity!
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Richard - After being on here for 3 years, I realized some people have it, some people don't. It's okay. More to the flavor, I guess. Just like I dont play well in the Cold Calling and Expireds side.
It is always amazing when we realize that people are reading our blogs but don't get that the value of it for our business. When was the last time someone recognized them from a print ad or shopping cart?
Richard, with the combination that you put together, 'As I dressed my homemade chili with scallions, cheese and sour cream', they may have listened with interest, but definitely from a distance. Were there mints for desert? As for the blogging, at RC, it was pointed out that less than 2% of real estate professionals get involved in blogging. To the writers got the spoils!
Blogging does take work but the payoff is much larger than the investment made.
Hi Richard, that conversation is great!
When I was on tour Tuesday I cossed paths with a young Realtor who I admire and like a lot . She met me and said, "oh, you're my hero," referring to my foray into blogging here on Active Rain. That was fun! (Hmmm--I think I'll write a blog about her!)
Good Job Blog Guy. I havent been concentrating on my blog quite as much lately as I have been working on U tube.
Richard, I am surrounded by agents still mailing out hundreds of postcards, traditional farming etc.. but they don't seems to want to make that next step forward to SM. I'm not knocking their methods as I have used them all myself but for me it can't compare to my website and blogging.
Richard, what a compliment to you! And for the record, you ARE the blog guy! Too bad the agent and so many others just don't get it. Let's hope it will stay this way for a while!
Hi Mr. Blog Guy! I never understood why people do not do something like blogging all because they are not sure it works. I wasn't sure either but did it anyway and it works for many of us. And you are right, it's cheaper than print, radio and tv advertising.
LOL, I, too, am known as the Blog Lady in our community! I think what holds people back from blogging is plain ole writer's block. When I first started blogging, I tried to make every entry a college-essay-worthy story. I soon realized that what people in my community want to read about is what's going on...upcoming events, people in the news, photos of community events. What they DIDN'T want to be flooded with on a daily basis was real estate listing information. I try and keep the content fresh and relevant and sprinkle it with real estate information. And it's helped make Waterville Valley Realty's website the go-to source for Waterville Valley Resort information. My hope is that potential buyers will then think of WVRealty when they want to make a buying decision because we are, after all, the resort experts!!!!!
Cheers, Jan
Blogging helps an agent focus on the relationships and the dynamics of the business. Ideas flow from the experiences that can be conveyed to others. Charlie Gantz, Greenwood, IN; J.D., M.B.A.; Owner/Principal Broker, Atlas Commercial Real Estate, LLC
Loreena....
And when they meet us, they feel as if they already know us! And that is AWESOME. THX
Cindy...
I think that it;s the work part that frightens most of them. But I will keep extolling the virtues as long as I am able! Thanks so much.
Ed...
We well all eating so I think that aspect was a "wash!" lol and thanks.
At Raincamp one of the things they spoke of was becoming the mayor of your neighborhood with your blog. You are a good example, Your Honor!
Richard - A great result for all of your blogging efforts. The masses are definitely becoming more and more aware of blogging and social media, but most won't devote the necessary time and energy. I struggle with that aspect of blogging myself, but am determined to keep at it.
-Scott
Richard, I think it's great when someone recognizes us because of our blog. Apparently people read these things! :)
Richard, That is an encouraging story. Keeping the ideas flowing can be a challenge. Getting known in your area of influence does take some work.
Thanks for the sharing this with us.
Recognition is great - except when you are running from the authorities! You have a super platform on the Internet and you are using it quite well!
Richard....that's a great tribute to blogging and certainly to your ability to blog well....I also love reading your blogs.....it's only been a few months for me, but I dedicate a tremendous amount of time to blogging and I am also maintaining my direct mail postcard campaign, as I have for years....the phone is ringing and we have a good amount of business because of both.
So your the Blog Guy. It goes to show that if you do things consistently it will pay off.
Richard..you are indeed the blog guy in Georgia...It is great being recognized for all your hard work.
Richard, I think recognition is job one in the blogoshere, I have also found it to be a great ice breaker, and a way to engage old friends in to the "Localism" of your market area.
Richard, that's just great stuff. I had a similar experience and, like you, I'm going to keep blogging as long as the ideas flow and people keep reading them.
Richard,
What a great compliment. I love the story and look forward to being called a "blog lady/chick/girl".
I know I have a ways to go:-)
All the best, Michelle
The Blog Guy Huh? This is great Richard. Enjoy your celebrity my friend
Richard, I continue to be amazed at my own experience being similar. Even when I talk directly to agents about blogging and how it helps my business, they just look at me. I can't even get them to engage. There are four bloggers that work at it in all of Shasta County CA. I think we are at about 800 agents right now. I hope your fellow agents read this post....perhaps one will start blogging. It is daunting when I think about starting over, however. The train has rather left the station. Anyone with determination can be effective quickly, however. AR now has staff to help train and get people ranked in that number one or two spot. We never had that....we did it the hard way. So for new folks, just sign up for some training from AR!
I was contacted yesterday by a title company that apparently has been reading my blog and wants to meet to talk about the local market...they said "you have your finger on the pulse of what's going on". I don't think that I know any more about our area than anyone else, I just take the time to write about it and share that knowledge. Blogging has been a boon to my business and I can't figure out why more local agents aren't doing it.
Blogging seems to be as much of an art as it is a science. Congratulations...you seem to have both of those down. I feel like an armature by comparison but we all have to start somewhere.
It does take a lot of work, and you're one of the most dedicated bloggers I've known. Your reach is global. I would hope your AR fans realize what a great gift your labor produces. You share a lot of good ideas and thoughts very eloquently and generously. And as a bonus, for those of us who stop by to read and comment, we also get to share in the 'Google Juice'. "May your ideas always flow."
Hi Richard. You certainly are the blog guy...
Perhaps we all are.
Ken
Hi Richard, you've inspired me from my beginning here just a few months ago. Thanks for keeping it up!
Richard sounds like you stole the show. Really did you put sour cream on chili?
I have had that experience a couple of times. It is interesting that after you see each other's pictures and read their ideas you do develop a type of relationship.
Your picture today is nice enough to frame and hang over the fireplace. What a beautiful setting.
Richard: I get that from agents I meet too. And yet, so few really take the challenge of blogging seriously. But for those who do, there is so much to be gained. Not just business.
Richard: I get that from agents I meet too. And yet, so few really take the challenge of blogging seriously. But for those who do, there is so much to be gained. Not just business.
Richard..2 new calls because of my position on teh internet, caused by my blogging! it has taken a while, but I am finally there!
Home-made chil with scallions sounds pretty good!! I am always amazed at how many people actually read these blogs. Keep up the good work, blog guy!
That is a great testament to the power of blogging when someone from the bricks and mortar world actually recognizes you.
Don...
It's a lot of bang for the buck. THX
Lottie...
It's fun when it happens! Thanks for the comment.
Laura...
OMG, is video next for me too? Thanks my friend.
THE BLOG GUY!! Love it! I love when discussions turn to "is blogging effective?" Seems to me if you got tagged by somebody you'd never met before as THE BLOG GUY, that would be a definite YES. Thanks for being such a great BLOG GUY, Richard. I always enjoy your posts. :)
Richard,
of course blogging works, as this person just admitted. Great way of illustrating it in your post. Thanks. :)
Steve
Richard ~ All you hard work does pay off. You are THE BLOG GUY in my book. You are so passionate about it and it shows. I used to be know as the Tip of the Week girl here in town when I ran an Auto Repair shop. Each week I put a tip in the free local paper with my picture and soon everyone would say hey your that tip of the week girl and we look forward to it every week. NOW you got my wheels spinning. I may just get back to what worked so well in the past. Thanks BLOG GUY!
Richard, it is to your credit that you were recognized as, "The Blog Guy." My hat is off to you with your dedication in this area.
Always nice to be recognized in the real world, and your consistent high-quality posts make that easy for you. We could have used some of that chili with all the rain we had this week!