RealTown's RealTalk

Quick question for those who love and have had success with Facebook --

I've been there 3 months this week, have about 180 FB Friends, roughly 75% of which are either past clients or old schoolmates who I have reconnected with through FB, give a weekly CHFA (first time buyer mortage program here in CT) update and have posted pics on new listings I have taken, being careful to not be too obnoxious about real estate stuff there, along with the general joking around and posting stuff not real estate related like my racing escapades (pics & videos) in a feeble attempt to appear human.

So, my question is - Now what the heck do I do?

Seriously......

Al in CT,JIM

I was going to use Facebook only for friends and family and use Linkedin for real estate, but so many more people I know are on Facebook. Most of my SOI are on Facebook. I have tried to advertise general real estate info on Facebook and not advertise myself as a Realtor but as a knowledgeable and friendly person. Thus, when there is news to share like reminding people about the tax credit deadline, I make a comment or provide a link. I think, like a number of online activities, Facebook can be useful, but it can also take a lot of time. It has to be budgeted into your Plan...

Here is a free resource for everyone...www.AnnounceMyMove.com/socialmedia. we offer live and recorded past webinars from some of the best CRS instructors who train on social media. They are also agents making money using these tools in their business.

BTW...the BEST way to promote your listings on facebook is through your seller. Take a look at our listing announcements on AnnounceMyMove.com.

Janelle Odishoo

Co-Founder of AnnounceMyMove.com

888-823-0919 ext 151

I too find that Facebook can require a lot of time and consistency. Mostly I chat with friends and post inspirational quotes. Have not really mastered the use of facebook with client followup or acquiring new business.

I have read a few of the replies, and I believe that face book is like any other kind of exposure in our Profession. It take months for your message to get out. I share vital information once or maybe twice a week and in the first 3 weeks I have picked up and sold 3 client selling one already. Two people I know the one that I sold was a t totally stranger. Yes you will meet old Friends which is great ,but you must tap the millions of others by getting involved with local groups. For instance I'm from Chicago and we have multiple groups such as sports , social , etc. You have to tap into these groups and share your knowledge in there niche group . I have had tremendous response in the month I have been on I keep my wall all business just like a Real Estate website and have over 300 Friends in 1 month that i can share tid bits of info with

Why not continue doing what you are doing? Maintaining contact with a network of family and friends. I don't spend a lot of time but I check my Facebook 2 or 3 times a day spending maybe a total of 30 minutes a day there. From time to time something is happening in my corner of the world that I consider worth sharing with my circle of friends on Facebook. Likewise I learn about things that are happening in their lives that I probably would not hear about if it were not for being able to see what they have posted on their wall.

The main point of Facebook is to maintain contact with friends, family, past clients, sphere, etc. To also generate some new prospects by being introduced to those within their sphere that follow your dialog on the page. Be active in Facebook. Post photos, let folks know about things you are doing or things that have happened to you and your family throughout the day. Post comments on your "friends" sites. Engage in conversations. If you reference business do it in a non intrusive way such by talking about how good it felt to just get that contract through for your buyer because it took skill that not everyone has or how good it felt to have helped this family in distress sell their home. Maybe about finding just that perfect house today while out showing and how fun that is. Don't over whelm them and don't only post that kind of stuff without engaging in other discussions frequently. This is prospecting the same as if you were at a social function. Enjoy it for what it is and don't focus on the business. The business will come as an aside.