This isn't a potshot against anyone or any service but I do find the Tweet and the photo to be a bit ironic.

Bobby Carroll - Vice President Sales & Marketing

Dakno Real Estate Marketing

3101 Popularwood Court Suite #108

Raleigh, NC 27604

Phone: 919.926.7015

Follow Me on Twitter: @rewebcoach

Here's a quick recap of an interesting "phone" conversation I had with a Dakno prospect today. We were talking about making sure the new website worked  = lead generation.

Prospect - Oh, the broker/owner doesn't want web leads and IDX engagements on his website. He wants buyers and sellers to pick up the phone and call him.

Me - Okay, so how did you feel about calling me today?

Prospect - I was reluctant to call you.

Me - Why?

Prospect - I don't like talking to "pushy" sales people.

Me - You think home buyers and sellers feel the same way?

Prospect - Yes!

Me - Here's a tip. Go tell your broker/owner you now understand why home buyers and sellers aren't likely to call his agents like they have in the past. Anonymity is the name of the game for most consumers.

Prospect - I will! Thanks!

Me  - in my head. Another mind has boldly entered the 21st century reality of marketing :-)

Bobby Carroll - Vice President Sales & Marketing

Dakno Real Estate Marketing

3101 Popularwood Court Suite #108

Raleigh, NC 27604

Phone: 919.926.7015

Follow Me on Twitter: @rewebcoach

After having a recent consulting call with Dakno client and RE/MAX - Ottawa real estate team owner Bobbie McGowan, it dawned on me it would be a missed opportunity not to share some of that conversation with all of you. Those of you who are social media savvy know there are several win/wins for agents who effectively use social media. First, it allows you to create awesome relationships with new people and strengthen existing relationships. And second, it gives you the opportunity to possibly convert a fan, friend, follower into a client by gaining a face to face appointment. I'm sure most real estate agents who leverage SM do it to nudge their digital sphere of influence (SOI) from online conversations to face to face conversations that lead to their friend, fan or follower to becoming a "client".

Here are some other aspects of social media to consider:

1. Connect with your target audience and engage in meaningful conversations online. It's amazing what you will learn from your conversations!

2. Show value to your target audience in your conversations (and be a cheerleader when your community member experiences success and empathize when they are down). Use their "name" when you Tweet, and mention them on FB updates.

3. Enhance "Top of Mind" awareness for your brand. In other words, "be memorable"!

4. Gently nudge friends/followers/fans off Facebook, Twitter, foursquare, LinkedIn, YouTube to your online hub (website/blog/IDX) where you can be more aggressive with your "calls to action" (search for homes, subscribe to our blog, etc.). Use "targeted landing pages" from your SM platforms.

Here are some examples:

Vickie Wyman - All Access Realty in Vermont and New Hampshire

My Twitter Follow Page on the Dakno site
Vickie Wyman's targeted foursquare welcome page

The goal for Vickie's "welcome foursquare friends page" will be to have copy highlighting Vickie's "valuable foursquare tips" and linked local resource pages. It's Vickie's intention to hyperlink to content pages where her foursquare friends will learn about where to find all the terrific places to eat, where to have fun, what are the awesome must see local events and how/where to save on local deals and the best local hotels. These pages will solidify Vickie's role as the local area expert and trsuted adviser for all things about her areas of VT and NH.

5. Once you have secured a friend, follower, or fan and converted them into a "client", the next transition is to turn them into "raving fans" who will be your brand ambassadors! My good friend and Portsmith, NH real estate agent Ann Cummings had this occur for her business when one of her seller clients changed her Facebook personal profile photo from a photo of herself to a photo of Ann's "sold sign" (see attached). That's the ultimate! It just doesn't get any better than that! Think of the weight or Klout that carries with the seller's friends (who on average have 150 friends on Facebook). Congratulations Ann and Jim!

What are some other goals I missed for social media? Be sure to leave a comment.

To your success,

Bobby

Bobby Carroll - Vice President Sales & Marketing

Dakno Real Estate Marketing

3101 Popularwood Court Suite #108

Raleigh, NC 27604

Phone: 919.926.7015

Follow Me on Twitter: @rewebcoach