You probably have been hearing a lot about Twitter and Facebook. Even if you don't intend on using these tools, it's still important that you go on these sites and complete a profile. The reason is that it will prevent someone else from taking your name and posting fake comments supposedly made by you.
The main reason to be on these two sites, however, is to build referrals. The simple way to do this is to make two posts per day on each site. On Twitter, your post is limited to 140 characters. It can be done in just two minutes from your cell phone. When you make your post (i.e. Tweet) it goes out to anyone who is following you. I started using Twitter about 3 weeks ago and I'm up to over 300 followers. On Facebook, you can start a group that shares an interest in your community. Talk about local events, the local school sporting events, what's happening in the mortage market, interesting real estate tidbits, as well as sharing your passion for golf, reading, or gardening. Notice, I did not say to post any marketing messages. This approach requires the real you to show up and be interesting.
While this may be challenging at first, the cost savings are incredible. You can build you referral database by starting a Facebook group for your zip code if one doesn't already exist. If it does, go up and read the comments. Respond to what people say, but don't force yourself on them as a Realtor. Show up as you, just as you would for a Fourth of July picnic--talking about business is not what your neighbors want to hear about. They want to hear about the new restaurant that was fabulous or where they can go to get help with getting their property taxes lowered.
Bottom line, be a real person, join the conversation, and have fun.
Posted by Bernice Ross, author of the #1 Selling Book at NAR 2008 Convention, Real Estate Dough
Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BRoss
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