Social Networking Results From the Past Year
November 15, 2008 by Nick Bastian
Filed under Social Media
The recent NAR convention reminded me that it was about a year ago in Las Vegas, at the time of the previous convention, where I decided to get out and meet some of my peers in the “blogoverse.” At first, I was a “lurker” for quite some time. I quickly learned that, blogging and social networking was so much more than “pimping” listings. I’m not sure why, but I didn’t really expect to find any real value in this ”over hyped” type of prospecting. I had read about blogging but didn’t have a real grasp of it’s true meaning or usefulness. I did have an idea for a “hyper-local” niche but wanted to learn more and effective ways to take advantage of it. Heck, the term “hyper-local blog” didn’t even have nearly the buzz as it does today but I knew I was on to something. I began to read more and more and would comment on an occasional post or (gasp) even try to write something once in a while. You see, in the beginning, my niche idea was going to be “just” a web site. We think it will be a really cool site (soon) but, bringing in the blog aspect to our project has been WAY more fun and successful than I could ever have imagined!Here is kind of what has happened over the last year.
I decided to try and learn from the “best” bloggers and most knowledgeable people I could find. The following people have really been helpful to me or have been someone I have come to respect their work. (in no particular order) While there are others, I have personally met each one of these people and truly consider them friends. If you are new to blogging, you “need” to read all you can from each of these people. Heck, even if you are not new to blogging, you “need” to know these people. Following is a “small” list of some of the country’s best bloggers that I can call my friend. I truly believe I can pick up the phone and have a great conversation with each of these people at any given time. (more common to “talk” with them via Twitter or their blog though)
“The” Jeff Turner. One of those guys that really “gets it” when it comes to social networking. When Jeff talks about this stuff, it is really easy and beneficial to listen. Jeff and I have had some really great discussions here in Tempe, in Las Vegas and in San Francisco. We have had some fun and I appreciate all he does for so many people.
Ines Garcia. The Miamism.com blog absolutely rocks. They write about the community and show pictures that really make you feel like you want to live in their area. Serious, when I think Miami, I think of Rick and Ines Garcia. When I think of a friend that has done a great job branding a community, I look at the ways they do it in Miami.
Ok, this could get really long so, I’ll just mention a few more of my faves that are my friends across the country and then some here in the valley.
Daniel Rothamel, the “Zebra” rocks the stripes! Also works with Inman News. He is a “big deal” with an amazing personality.
Dustin Luther, amazingly talented and brilliant! Ever heard of a little thing called Rain City Guide? Did I mention brilliant?
Todd Carpenter, a pioneer in the mortgage business and a blogging supah star.
Pat Kitano, another truly brilliant mind and one of the nicest people you could ever meet. I feel truly blessed to be able to participate in Pat’s seminars on Social Media. You really need to participate in these knowledge packed sessions, they WILL help your business. Sign up for the series NOW!
Nicole and Reggie Nicolay, they know how to “sell” social media. Tons of fun, loads of talent.
Heather Elias, a smile to die for and a blog that rocks.
Mike Mueller, my “roomie” in Vegas. HUGELY talented, a great “people person.”
Ginger Wilcox, she is a great example of “giving back” to her community. Read her blog!
Brad Coy, really understands how to use social media. A good friend.
Andy Kaufman. sorry but just, “wow!” you gotta get to know this guy.
Laurie Manny My friend, opinionated, controversial & fun. “Google” Long Beach Real Estate. enough said.
Ricardo Bueno, this star is rising fast and doing some GREAT things!
“Active” Brad Andersohn: I really enjoyed meeting Brad at the Inman Connect real Estate Conference in San Francisco. Brad has helped me on several occasions and I am grateful to call him my friend.
“Active” Rich Jacobson. Great guy, we had a chance to talk for quite some time at the “Blog World Convention” in Las Vegas recently. Rich gave me some great ideas on how to effectively use Localism. We will be implementing them in the very near future.
OK… those are great people I have met from all over the country. Below is a short list of some of the bloggers (and people) locally that I have become friends with.
Calie Waterhouse, Jay Thompson, Dru Bloomfield, Christoph Schweiger, Paul Slaybaugh, D Patrick Lewis, Candace Robinson, Justin McHood, Steve Belt, Phil Sexton.
Of course, this isn’t a “complete” list of the friendships I have made and I know I will kick myself for leaving a few out. I almost didn’t write this because of that fact. I really do believe this is a great list of people and, who knows, next year, I might write an even longer post to share.
So, in summary, why should YOU blog? Why should YOU engage in “social networking?” The reasons vary as greatly as anything but, I will tell you this: It works. These friendships I have made are priceless and the benefit to my business is truly exciting. We each, in one way or another, can help each other and that is fun. Sometimes, a “helping hand” is as simple as someone linking to my blog. Sometimes, it is generating a great referral base of qualified and successful agents. Without my blog, I would probably not have met these people and would probably not have recently been featured in the Arizona State Press, contacted by the Arizona Republic, or had the opportunity to be in November’s issue of REALTOR(R) Magazine. Soon, I will update Rail Life with some of the other recent “press related” benefits we have had from writing a “silly little blog.”
Please feel free to check out some of the social media sites below and to add me as one of your friends or contacts. As one of the writers for the Arizona Real Estate Blogging Network, it is my goal to help share as much information as possible with you. Please join us at our monthly meetings.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=d3665ea1-3c34-457d-bb49-7d6e227ed4cb)
You’re way too kind… but I must agree that there is so much to be learned in just a short time. The whole space is so darn new that we’re all learning new things all the time! ;)
Best!
Thanks for the mention Nick. It’s been great getting to know you over the year. I feel a certain simpatico with you when it comes to understanding what we do in the business of Real Estate. From what I gain from connecting with you and most of the people you named above is immense when it comes to understanding and effectively using the web as a platform for relating to others.
it’s so ‘anti-social’ to not have a gravatar. There, that’s much better :)
Nick, What you’ve put together with your blogging and in other social media outlets in the past year is really incredible. Rail Life rocks!
I feel pretty lucky to be connected to you, plus the others you’ve mentioned here. Living in this space has opened doors for me to connect to peers, friends I’ve lost track of, clients, and many others that I have common interests with. Plus, it’s been so enjoyable to explore, create, and connect all at the same time.
Great post, Nick. It truly embodies the power and purpose of social media and blogging. Creating connections and eventually friendships is truly the engine that drives us - not just as business people, but also as humans.
With that being said - I do disagree with one small part.
“Without my blog, I would probably not have met these people” … I’m not sure this is completely true. It is because of who you are as a person and what your passionate about that drives you to social networking.
For you - that purpose is Raillife.com and the extensive value that you are providing to the community. The way I see it - your blog, while exceptional, is merely a tool used to communicate, but the effort and the time you invest into building those connections (through networking) is what has afforded you the opportunities to meet such exceptional quality people.
Remember - the connections goes both ways. All of us in your post and the other legions who you have connected with, also benefit from your efforts - whether it’s through link love, referrals, connections or relationships.
Thank you, my friend.
Dustin, thanks for stopping by. Sometimes, it is hard to remember just how “new” all of this is. Thanks for helping to lead the way. :-)
Brad, glad I met you at Unchained as it gave us an even better chance to connect at BarCamp. I really enjoyed both of those events. AND, thanks for the ride in San Francisco! :-)
Dru, as usual, you say it so well! Thanks for your kind words.
Calie, you are such a perfect example of friendships made and of someone that is so willing to help others. I really appreciate your friendship!
You are just too cool! I have to tell you that it is truly overwhelming to think of where social networking has taken us. It’s not just about networking anymore and those people in our computer are not strangers either. I feel so close to so many people and can consider many my friends, who would go out of their way to help if I ever needed them.
Thanks so much for the mention and opening up to us - Rail Life does ROCK!
Nick - You have been such a great success for me and my networking! Not only with your dedication to AZREBN, but to all your commitment to RailLife.com and making others feel connected and welcomed. I appreciate the fact our paths have crossed and I appreciate the mention with your select few. I know there are many, you are such a lovable guy! Keep up the fantastic networking and be sure to keep all of us in the know with your great posts!! Nice work on this post particularly!
Nick, I’m so glad we got the chance to spend some quality time together, especially the time with my family. These relationship we develop are real and the value they bring goes well beyond the sharing of information. That’s what makes it so powerful.
Nick, you are an awesome guy. One of the things I like about social media is that it has connected me with so many people who have enriched my life. Without it, I might not have ever met such awesome people, people like you.
Ines, thanks so much. You and Rick do an amazing job connecting with your community.
Candace, I am so glad you started this group. It is fun, entertaining and educational, I’m looking forward to watching it grow even more! Thanks for all you do.
Jeff, I have learned a lot from you and I appreciate all you do for so many people. Not just in social networking, but in the game we call life…
Daniel, thanks so much… Keep rockin’ the stripes!
Nick, you are the man! Little did I know that reading the slogan “Just call Nick” on a ballpoint pen will turn into a friendship…
Jeff Turner summed up in one sentence what social media and blogging is all about in the comment above and I feel the same way.
Chris, those pens now have more value than ever. :-) Keep up the great work on your blogging. I appreciate all of the help and guidance you have given to me and to so many others.
So you forgot me on the day I saw you in the 480, huh? Nice, Bunny. :-)
Nick,
And don’t forget your Michigan connection! Happy Thanksgiving!
Nick - interesting, I had a similar experience, but I think we still have to be a little skeptical to keep a healthy perspective. 1. I work for one of the top offices in the state, top in my brand - top agents are not blogging in Connnecticut…. but they ARE making money. 2. Also- have clients who are genY and X, and many agents that are both - again - too busy to be looking for and reading blogs, most have not heard of twitter- but are finding homes and then contacting us,. most of the time through recommendations from their friends who are our past clients. I feel we just need to be a little careful here not to drink the cool-aide.3. What I think is important right now - who is today’s buyer, what are they afraid of, what will gain their trust, confidence, desire to purchase. How many Listings with your name rider….. How many listings on every site out there…. priced right …. what are your closing skills, once they do contact you…. how many do you turn into an appointment, how many exclusive buyer contracts can you get signed…. Just a thought - Happy New Year!