I’m taking a few minutes to update my real estate blog about my social media reevaluation. I decided a few weeks ago that I needed to refocus my efforts online and pare down what I was doing. Additionally, I needed to recommit to what I wanted to do. I decided I needed to simplify. To that end, I’ve been shedding twitter followers and brainstorming blog topics.
When I first signed up for twitter, I thought it was a numbers game. I was thinking in a conventional advertising sense without understanding how social capital accumulates, or what it means. The sad thing is that I really understand that in the face to face world. I really work to maintain my reputation and build real and lasting relationships. I get referrals from clients I sold years ago, and I send them thank you cards and make it a point to thank them in person. I understand the value of those bonds and spend a great deal of time keeping my people happy.
Still, in spite of what I knew, I did what the first blogs I read told me was a good idea. Specifically, I followed everyone who would follow me back. I tried to stay somewhat on topic, for example I followed a bunch of other REALTORS, some property managers, staging companies, and the like. Still, I didn’t get a real stream of business out of it. Naturally I got a little tired of maintaining a network that yielded me 3 leads in 2 years. The value wasn’t there.
I have a different issue with my blog. Since I haven’t really built a following I’m not sure what people want to read. Now I’m doing better research to find that out. That’s part of my refocusing. A knowledge based approach will help me find my voice and help everyone else understand what I’m about.
Bear with me through the growing pains. I know most folks don’t blog about their failures, but I feel like the few folks who take the time to read this deserve to know what is happening. If I have stopped following you on twitter and it hurt your feelings, I’m sorry. However, I only unfollowed folks with whom I didn’t have a personal connection. If you want me to follow you again, then just talk to me we can build the type of relationship that benefits us both.
I look forward to hearing some feedback on my future posts.
