Social Networking has become a integral part of my real estate branding and referral network. I find it educational and rewarding to read and answer the different advice sections of Trulia and Zillow. I enjoy blogging on Active Rain and spend time daily reading blogs of other professionals in the real estate and mortgage industries.
This month's Florida Realtor magazine had a very informative and thought provoking article called Managing Your Online Reputation by G.M. Flisko. It offered both tips on how to grow your business using social media, and more importantly, some pitfalls to avoid.
The article quoted a real estate technology consultant and national speaker for the National Association of Realtors, Doug Devitre, who cautions us that the Code of Ethics we Realtors are bound to uphold apply to the virtual business setting of Social Media as well and in the day to day business world where we operate. He warns how our comments may reflect back to us stating "When you become too opinionated or criticize other people and their practices, people may perceive you as not so friendly or easy to deal with. Also remember that sarcasm doesn't work online. People could think you are a jerk."
I find that this statement is so relevant regarding how we present ourselves online, especially in the role of giving advice and answeriing questions that the consumer may have regarding their transactions. They use the social media forums to ask questions from professionals or get outside opinions when they don't understand why their transactions are failing, their offer was not accepted, a property was withdrawn from the market or their short sale transaction didn't close.
This is our opportunity to shine. This is our opportunity to shed light on the complexities of our business and show relevance of a REALTOR's participation in navigating buyers and sellers through these difficult transactions. It is disheartening to see that this is sometimes used as a forum for frustrated practitioners to cast a bad light on their colleagues without having enough information on the circumstances involved.
Many professionals use this forum to show their expertise and professionalism and probably gain a lot of customers and clients because they share this information freely. That is the goal for us all. I am proud of my profession and work hard to keep my good reputation in the business. Each time we speak about another professional in the business, we are also speaking about ourselves. My thanks to all my colleagues in the business who take the time and effort to build up our collective standing in the community through sharing their knowledge with the online consumers.
Keller Williams Realty Elite Partners
* 352-650-1029 *
Serving Florida’s Nature Coast * Hernando, Pasco & Citrus Counties
