I had a completely different post planned for today. Insightful, but conventional real estate talk. You will probably see it in a couple of days, but instead, today, I have something else to say.
I want to know…
Are you missing out?
If you haven’t realized the power of social networking, you are missing out. If you don’t “get” twitter, you are missing out. If you don’t engage in online communities, you are missing out. If you don’t take the opportunity to expand online relationships and bring them into the real world, you are missing out.
I put out a call for assistance to my online network a few days ago. First of all, to actually put out a call for help requires trust. Does this mean that you can actually trust people you meet online through social networking?
Yes, you can. I can tell you that many of my “online” friends know far more about me than many of my more conventional friends. I trust them, they trust me, and we share a lot together.
So, a call went out, and I can tell you, my online community is rallying in a big way. I can’t really say why at the present moment, but I guarantee that blog post will come later. I was shocked yesterday when a UPS deliveryman drove up with a very special surprise from an “online” friend. If you looked at my cell phone records from yesterday, you would see calls around the country, from my “online” friends.
I have friends in online places, and I couldn’t be happier. When I look at my social schedule the last few weeks and months, I have noticed that many of my “in person” excursions involve online relationships taken off line. We are rallying together.
Business is occurring because of relationships formed online.
Business is coming to me, and I am going to them. I became a client of Altos Research because of social networking. I became a client of Real Estate Shows because of social networking.
In September, I had the amazing opportunity to be a moderator for ReBlogWorld at the BlogWorld and New Media Expo. The power of social networking!
Next month I will be speaking on a panel in Orlando for the 2008 National Association of Realtors Convention. My topic –“Driving REAL Business with Blogs”.
Want to know how I have this amazing opportunity to speak on a panel with some of the top bloggers in the country (Dustin Luther, Teresa Boardman, Benn Rosales, Ines Hegedus-Garcia, Jim Duncan)?
That is an all-star panel of bloggers/social media experts and I get to sit with them.
Why? Guess what? Again–social networking, social networking and more social networking, then taken offline.
Opportunity is knocking.
Friendships, certainly. Real business- absolutely. Other opportunities? Endless.
If you are lurking and not engaging, you are missing out.
Sarah Cooper
October 10, 2008 at 7:43 am
“Online” is actually just how we met. We’re FRIENDS. Love you, Ginger!! 🙂
monika
October 10, 2008 at 8:06 am
My online buddies in many cases do know me better than some of my real life friends! I’ll be in Orlando next month and look forward to meeting you in person.
Matt Wilkins
October 10, 2008 at 8:11 am
I have to say Ginger online social networking has been one of those great “kick in the pants” for my Real Estate Career. In six months of online netowrking I’ve made more and better contacts than I did in my previous 5.5 yrs in the biz. Along with the shift in professional contacts I am noticing a shift in prospective clients since I have a prescense that no one in my immeadiate market area has.
Of course nothing beats meeting and hanging out with “online” friends in real life 🙂
Heather Elias
October 10, 2008 at 8:49 am
=)
Indeed, Sarah is right..online is only how we met. Real friends can come to your life in many different ways. We have shared so much! Congrats on the speaking gig at NAR. I’d give anything to be there to hear you!!!
Chris de Jong
October 10, 2008 at 9:10 am
I completely agree with you Ginger. I used to be very skeptical of the “real life” carry over from online interaction and conversation. Heck, I am in my early twenties and don’t even have a facebook account (by choice mind you).
But after taking the plunge into social media I can happily report my skepticism was completely unfounded – I have expanded both my personal and business networks by simply adding to the conversation rather than lurking about.
For example, through Twitter I was able to connect with like minded technology enthusiasts in my area which eventually laid the ground work for our soon-to-be-launched startup. Whoever said Twitter was just for posting what you have for breakfast! 😛
Brian Block
October 10, 2008 at 11:26 am
Ginger, so true. I’ve made more online friends in 18 months than “offline friends” I’ve ever made. And the great thing is that online friends become offline friends often. Whenever you have a problem, or a request, you can always “slip on down to the oasis” because you’ve got friends in online places.
Ines Hegedus-Garcia
October 10, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Funny how I feel closer to a lot of my “on-line” friends that I do about my off-line ones – but I think it’s about taking the step from social network and achieving F2F interaction…..and that, my friend, you are doing beautifully!! Can’t wait to see you again in Orlando.