There is a lot of buzz around the web in regards to Social Media and specifically Social Networking Sites.  For many these types of applications are a distraction, but for the savvy few it is their marketing dream come true.

What are the benefits of Social Media / Networking?

• Price - Most of these applications are Free
• Ease of Use - Pretty much anyone can build a profile
• It’s Viral - Because they are generally easy to use and free these applications grow rather quickly
• It’s Organic - The more active you are with it the more it grows.

The big question is "Can Social Media/Networking help you in business?"

The answer to that question is determined by how you make use of it. If all you do is post drunken pictures of yourself in a kiddy pool of jello then you may not want to promote your business.  However, if you view it as an extension of your office space then this could be one of the best things you’ve ever done for your business.

Here are some things to think about:

• Are you present online - Just as most Agents make it a point to be present at the open houses the same is true here.  People do browse these sites.  They do look at the friend profiles of their friends (hint - have a picture).
• Customer Service - Back to the open house concept. Just as you would never ignore someone who came to your open house you do not want to ignore people who are active on your various profiles. (hint - set the notifications up so that you either get an email or a text message every time someone leaves a comment or posts a question)
• Relationships - These tools allow you to do three things:

1. Reconnect with people you may have lost touch with
2. Connect with people you are currently working with
3. Meet new people

• Branding - You define your brand in the way you want.

Here is a simple formula that explains it rather well

1. Relationships build your Reputation
2. A good reputation results in referrals
3. Referrals equals business

My advise is simple, get active with Social Media!

Okay, so now you are a believer.  But where do you start? There are so many sites which one should you pick first?  There are several options, First go to what you know.  When you think of Social Networking which site comes to mind first.  Second, ask your colleagues.  Which sites are they active on?  Third (this one is earth shattering so brace yourself), where are your clients?  Trust me, you do have clients that are active in Social Media and they would more than welcome your presence.

Now that you’ve signed up the next thing is to find friends and the easiest way is to make use of the "find a friend" feature that most of these sites have.  They will literally upload your current contact list and search their database for people with those names and email addresses. Yes, it is that simple.
Next, you need to be active but be careful.  Users of Social Media are there to connect and build relationships, not be sold to.  That’s where Subversive Marketing comes in.

Subversive Marketing

Obviously you want to sell your product or service.  At the same time you do not want to alienate your customer base. You do this by constantly reminding yourself that this is about building relationships.  So, comment on their pictures, drop little antidotes about your daily life (don’t have to be to personal), answer questions that they may ask the group and from time to time mention great deals you come across like a new listing, changes in the interest rates or a closing that you just had (when possible include links).  What happens when you do that is that you become visible on their profiles and out curiosity they click to find out what your are talking about.

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