A blog post about the growth and significance of social media would likely provide less than earth shattering news. While there remain many Realtors who have yet to embrace it, very few continue to belittle its potential impact, particularly on their business lives. Recent studies have shown that 96% of 18 – 35 year olds utilize social networking sites and that twitter is adding 300,000 users per day.
Many in the business world wonder if it would be an advantage for them to join this demographic and do the same. It is in fact a double edged sword. Two things should be kept in mind.
A Question of Timing
Timing certainly comes into play in two regards. One is longevity. If you are writing a blog, for instance, and do so with an expectation of creating immediate recognition, you are likely setting yourself up for disappointment. It’s no different than any other marketing strategy. Nike spent millions of dollars on marketing before consumers immediately associated a “swoosh” with their brand. The same with McDonalds, Marlboro and many, many others. Since social media is a relatively new marketing platform, the verdict is still out regarding the longevity required for anyone to build a name and reputation via the various venues that are available. If resolve is not one of your strong suits, you’re likely destined for failure in any such endeavor.
Caution
Every day we learn more and more about the transparency that the Internet provides. It’s wise to be mindful of that when providing commentary or disseminating information about anything on the Internet.
A team member and I recently met at mid-day and were looking at a Facebook post that she had made days before. As we did, we saw an agent in another town who was writing various posts about her personal life. We looked at one another and smiled. We had a mild epiphany. It became clear at that moment that any of this agent’s clients who happened to be on Facebook knew at least one thing. The agent wasn’t working, she was “playing” on Facebook. Or at least that could be the perception.
Snapshot
At the very least, social media provides a snapshot of your thinking and even your behavior. Involvement in social media while maintaining a professional image is a balancing act. Be aware of perceptions that you may be creating in the minds of others. As we know in life, perception is reality. That in itself can be a dilemma.
Have you engaged ins social media for personal or business purposes?
If so, how do you distinguish between the two?
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