In a recent post, Brian Brady said he’s been talking to me and that’s kinda sorta true. What’s really going on is that he’s been doing the talking while I’ve been doing the whining, just like a lot of us in real estate. What he didn’t tell you is that he gave me a much needed swift kick in the arse. He gave me some great practical advice on networking, and he challenged me to create a bigger Twitter channel than he. I’m up for the challenge- how can I lose? So what if Brian gets more channels than I, what did I lose? I now have more connections and contacts than I did before. Tell me again what I lost?
From Brian to me, from me to you: Bad market? Okay fine. So what are you going to do about it? I’m still pretty new to all this, Dayton isn’t the easiest place to be selling homes right now- so what? I’ve still got a job to do, I need to do it.
How can you spend anytime reading in the real estate blogiverse and not be inspired? Jazzed? Excited? Twitterpated? Are you really that stubborn? I was going to say pig headed, but I don’t want to offend anyone.
Five great ideas: Brian, Greg, James, Teresa, Todd– within a week? Are you kidding me? Who am I missing? Who else has offered up inspiration the last few days or months? Where are you getting inspiration? Have you tried any of these ideas or are you simply showing up to whine about them? Are you waiting for someone else to make it work, then you will monkey-see, monkey-do, or are you engaging your brain- coming up with your own twist to ensure that something does work for you?
I remember, back in the day, when Greg wrote about blogging about listings, but I sat on my ass hands and did little about it. I remember when Jeff wrote about hyperlocal blogging and getting out there and door knocking, again I sat on that information. Brian’s been using SMM for how long now? I did take that idea to Twitter– that’s beginning to pay off in small ways which will only grow with time. How about you? What are you doing?
When the RE.net is at it’s finest, most glorious, most powerful, it’s an idea factory- information freely and generously given, and once ideas begin to flow, it’s very hard to stop them. But you and I don’t have to have the big ideas, we only need to use them. Why not grab a few ideas? Or just grab one and drive it like you stole it. Don’t like a particular idea? Fine- go find another. The fact is this: There are more ideas out there than anyone person can use.
I’m going to miss the deadline for the Black Pearl Contest, but I’m working on a few ideas: Brian’s Twitter Channel; a twist on Todd’s and Greg’s ideas about blogging other listings using Brian’s networking advice (I’m waiting on a legal okay for my idea); combining the use of Real Estate Shows and Jeff Brown’s door knocking in order to be the community; Teresa’s flickr uses; a few others… Only one of those ideas costs me anything other than time. REShows is $125.00 unlimited for a year, pennies per use by the time I’ll finish with it. And yes, I”m showing houses, and making time for my family. How many hours are there in a day?
Why show up to this party if you are not going to fully engage in the thoughtful use of ideas? If you are scanning the blogiverse looking for something to bitch about without offering up an alternative, I’ll leave you to your bitching. As for me…I’ve got work to do.
Golly Gee says:
What I cant figure out, is are these blogs for servicing the consumer or talking about the industry as it applies to being a REALTOR. Half the stuff talked about applies to me, not the consumer. Yet everyone talks about how blogs help the consumer
March 5, 2008 — 1:03 pm
Chris Shouse says:
Yea Teri this is very inspiring and now excuse me I have work to do:)
March 5, 2008 — 1:18 pm
Jeff Brown says:
Leave it to you to say it far more politically correctly than I would have. 🙂
Agents have the same problems in this market as they did in the boom. They’re afraid someone may not have a hug waiting for them. Get over it, or go back to your previous paycheck. It’s always easier just doing what you’re told. Creating something from nothing? Not for lightweights. 🙂
March 5, 2008 — 1:44 pm
geno petro says:
I can tell you one thing RE doesn’t stand for: Real Easy.
March 5, 2008 — 3:44 pm
Mike Farmer says:
But if all of us quit bitching about the blogiverse how are all the idiots going to know that they are wrong?
March 5, 2008 — 3:49 pm
Teri Lussier says:
Well Golly Gee-
Some blogs are for the industry and some are for the consumer and some are a little of both.
March 5, 2008 — 5:36 pm
Teri Lussier says:
Hey Chris-
Inspiration abounds! Go grab yourself some.
March 5, 2008 — 5:37 pm
Teri Lussier says:
>you…say it far more politically correctly
Then I have failed! Darn. 😉
No hugs? Stop! Yer breakin’ my heart here, Jeff…
March 5, 2008 — 5:43 pm
Teri Lussier says:
Geno-
But I’m sure I heard it was easy- once, when I had insomnia, watching an infomercial…
March 5, 2008 — 5:46 pm
Teri Lussier says:
>how are all the idiots going to know that they are wrong?
When they have turned in their licenses?
March 5, 2008 — 5:48 pm
Vance Shutes says:
Teri,
Being a mid-western neighbor, I understand all too well about your marketplace. That said, I applaud you for taking the high road. It takes a bit more effort these days to earn the same GCI, but the business is there if we just work at it. You’ve provided an inspiration to those of us slogging about in the snow and cold – and to those in warmer climes – to both serve our clients AND continually add the tools we will need in the future to really kick arse (your term ;)). Many thanks for your post.
March 5, 2008 — 5:52 pm
Mike Farmer says:
That would be a sure sign.
March 5, 2008 — 5:52 pm
Teri Lussier says:
>You’ve provided an inspiration
High praise, indeed. Thanks so much, Vance.
I recently asked a top producer what he did in a tough market. His answer: “Work harder!” Oh. Duh. 😉
March 5, 2008 — 5:59 pm
Kevin Tomlinson says:
T-
Most agents are whiny and bitchy
Most agents are greedy and lazy
That makes it easier for the rest of us.
March 5, 2008 — 9:55 pm
Brad Coy says:
Teri,
In case I have not told you lately, you’re an inspiration. Thanks again for sharing your mind at work.
Jeff,
>They’re afraid someone may not have a hug waiting for them.
Very true. For most, resistance comes hand in hand with creativity. What is called for is facing that fear and finding out what is on the other side of it. The results are not a loss, but a strengthening of one’s will.
March 6, 2008 — 12:26 am
Teri Lussier says:
Hey Kevin!
>That makes it easier for the rest of us.
I think you are right. I plan on using that to my advantage.
March 6, 2008 — 5:15 am
Teri Lussier says:
Aww. Thanks, Brad. 🙂
March 6, 2008 — 5:31 am
Lola Audu says:
Teri, glad that I stopped by this post. It is about doing…not just reading and gathering up notes. Any one idea today has so much potential in it that it would knock our socks off it it was applied in the right way, at the right time with the right audience. Getting all the “rights” in place is what this learning period is all about.
March 8, 2008 — 8:39 am
Teri Lussier says:
Howdy Lola!
Thanks for stopping by.
>Getting all the “rights” in place is what this learning period is all about.
Do you think of this as a learning period? I do. Sometimes I think that’s most of what I’m doing, although it is being applied. Perhaps the application is more subtle than the Eureka! moments of inspiration and learning?
March 9, 2008 — 4:21 am