Comments on: The masked ball http://www.1000wattconsulting.com/blog/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html Turn On Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:01:23 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Louis Cammarosano http://www.1000wattconsulting.com/blog/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html/comment-page-1#comment-2745 Louis Cammarosano Sun, 11 May 2008 10:59:51 +0000 http://wp.1000wattconsulting.com/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html#comment-2745 <p>Brian<br /> Even media and fora designed to be transparent, can be corrupted by their users.<br /> Social networking is only as valuable as the quality of the content of the participants. One upmanship, flaming, shameless promotion could render such fora as worthless as traditional marketing platforms</p> Brian
Even media and fora designed to be transparent, can be corrupted by their users.
Social networking is only as valuable as the quality of the content of the participants. One upmanship, flaming, shameless promotion could render such fora as worthless as traditional marketing platforms

]]> By: Joseph Ferrara.sellsius http://www.1000wattconsulting.com/blog/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html/comment-page-1#comment-2744 Joseph Ferrara.sellsius Sun, 11 May 2008 09:54:59 +0000 http://wp.1000wattconsulting.com/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html#comment-2744 <p>A little like the masks worn in real life, I'd say. Only an experience with a professional will reveal the truth about their abilities. I've met many who can talk a great game, but can't play a lick.<br /> I'm also in Ricardo's camp that social media is, well, mostly social and there are risks to direct business marketing there. </p> A little like the masks worn in real life, I'd say. Only an experience with a professional will reveal the truth about their abilities. I've met many who can talk a great game, but can't play a lick.
I'm also in Ricardo's camp that social media is, well, mostly social and there are risks to direct business marketing there.

]]> By: Ricardo Bueno http://www.1000wattconsulting.com/blog/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html/comment-page-1#comment-2743 Ricardo Bueno Fri, 09 May 2008 21:23:26 +0000 http://wp.1000wattconsulting.com/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html#comment-2743 <p>"Right now, it feels to me like too many are just throwing on the mask." Brian Boero</p> <p>It seems to me that too often we forget about the "Social" in "Social Media". Sure it's a great marketing strategy to add to the business model but then again, consumers have a keen radar and know when they're being sold. If you forget to just be "you" and be "social" you can forget it, your message is falling on deaf ears. But if you can remember to be social and have a genuine interest in others, well, then it all just kind of takes care of itself. </p> <p>I guess that's why I like social media tools like twitter. With character limits stemming 140 characters, it kind of just forces you to be "you". (I don't know if that makes sense but I had a great experience the other day. I dumped the marketing act, I interacted personally, and alas I invoked a reaction from what has now become a prospect). So you see, this social stuff isn't so difficult. Just remember about the "social" in "social media."</p> "Right now, it feels to me like too many are just throwing on the mask." Brian Boero

It seems to me that too often we forget about the "Social" in "Social Media". Sure it's a great marketing strategy to add to the business model but then again, consumers have a keen radar and know when they're being sold. If you forget to just be "you" and be "social" you can forget it, your message is falling on deaf ears. But if you can remember to be social and have a genuine interest in others, well, then it all just kind of takes care of itself.

I guess that's why I like social media tools like twitter. With character limits stemming 140 characters, it kind of just forces you to be "you". (I don't know if that makes sense but I had a great experience the other day. I dumped the marketing act, I interacted personally, and alas I invoked a reaction from what has now become a prospect). So you see, this social stuff isn't so difficult. Just remember about the "social" in "social media."

]]> By: Matthew Dollinger http://www.1000wattconsulting.com/blog/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html/comment-page-1#comment-2742 Matthew Dollinger Fri, 09 May 2008 08:00:18 +0000 http://wp.1000wattconsulting.com/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html#comment-2742 <p>Brian,</p> <p>The ongoing debate of authenticity rages, and is empowered by the ease of use now. Read any real estate (or service) publication and the headlines scream, "Blog Now! You're Late... Make Money from Facebook! Get on the Bandwagon and Blog!" They continue, focusing on SEO, driving traffic, and cross-links, rather than actually APPEALING to the client, or providing service through your content.</p> <p>I have recently launched a blog (www.TheYouFactor.com) after spending a huge amount of time trying to understand my voice and my audience. Much thanks to you and Marc, I believe that I have not only found it, but it has been extremely well received by my audience. Incorporating this into my online social networks and not waivering on my position or voice, has allowed me to generate great reviews (on the content... design comes next!) and a steadily growing audience.</p> <p>I feel that the problem is that most individuals view this type of media as "lead generation" more than anything else. It's not a way to understand, connect, or provide your audience with information... as with many ventures... it's dollars first and focused. </p> <p>Too bad... but as long as I can recharge my batteries at places like yours, www.mytechopinion.com and others, I'll continue in the right direction.</p> <p>Thanks again Brian... I'm "turned on"</p> <p>Matt Dollinger<br /> @properties<br /> Performance Coach</p> Brian,

The ongoing debate of authenticity rages, and is empowered by the ease of use now. Read any real estate (or service) publication and the headlines scream, "Blog Now! You're Late… Make Money from Facebook! Get on the Bandwagon and Blog!" They continue, focusing on SEO, driving traffic, and cross-links, rather than actually APPEALING to the client, or providing service through your content.

I have recently launched a blog (www.TheYouFactor.com) after spending a huge amount of time trying to understand my voice and my audience. Much thanks to you and Marc, I believe that I have not only found it, but it has been extremely well received by my audience. Incorporating this into my online social networks and not waivering on my position or voice, has allowed me to generate great reviews (on the content… design comes next!) and a steadily growing audience.

I feel that the problem is that most individuals view this type of media as "lead generation" more than anything else. It's not a way to understand, connect, or provide your audience with information… as with many ventures… it's dollars first and focused.

Too bad… but as long as I can recharge my batteries at places like yours, http://www.mytechopinion.com and others, I'll continue in the right direction.

Thanks again Brian… I'm "turned on"

Matt Dollinger
@properties
Performance Coach

]]> By: Richard Dale-Mesaros http://www.1000wattconsulting.com/blog/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html/comment-page-1#comment-2741 Richard Dale-Mesaros Thu, 08 May 2008 20:10:24 +0000 http://wp.1000wattconsulting.com/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html#comment-2741 <p>CAN OPEN! WORMS EVERYWHERE!</p> <p>.... and in quintessential, world class blogger style, you have managed to open up an evocative issue for your readers. Good job,Brian!</p> <p>I know you're referring to Realtors, but really the same thing goes for any business; the truly dialed in, high-integrity individuals will do what it takes to handle this new medium in a manner which conveys knowledge, insight and a strong desire to deliver real value to readers/clients. This takes effort, thoughtfulness and a go-the-extra- mile attitude, which most folks just can't be bothered with. In the end, those who do take it upon themselves to get it right will find success..... the others will simply languish in their 'me too' performance, leaving them wondering what the heck they did wrong and looking for another lifeboat.</p> <p>Keep up the good work Brain.</p> <p>Yours with boundless enthusiasm,</p> <p>Richard :)</p> <p>Chief Deal Weaver<br /> www.BlackWidowNetwork.com</p> CAN OPEN! WORMS EVERYWHERE!

…. and in quintessential, world class blogger style, you have managed to open up an evocative issue for your readers. Good job,Brian!

I know you're referring to Realtors, but really the same thing goes for any business; the truly dialed in, high-integrity individuals will do what it takes to handle this new medium in a manner which conveys knowledge, insight and a strong desire to deliver real value to readers/clients. This takes effort, thoughtfulness and a go-the-extra- mile attitude, which most folks just can't be bothered with. In the end, those who do take it upon themselves to get it right will find success….. the others will simply languish in their 'me too' performance, leaving them wondering what the heck they did wrong and looking for another lifeboat.

Keep up the good work Brain.

Yours with boundless enthusiasm,

Richard :)

Chief Deal Weaver
http://www.BlackWidowNetwork.com

]]> By: Diane Cohn http://www.1000wattconsulting.com/blog/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html/comment-page-1#comment-2740 Diane Cohn Thu, 08 May 2008 18:11:07 +0000 http://wp.1000wattconsulting.com/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html#comment-2740 <p>Brian, I think what you seek online is truth. You are looking for the blog or social network that exposes its local market for what it is... good, bad or ugly. People need to know the truth to make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives, whether to buy or sell a home. An agent who speaks the truth is the one that stands out. All the other blather out there is just noise noise noise!</p> Brian, I think what you seek online is truth. You are looking for the blog or social network that exposes its local market for what it is… good, bad or ugly. People need to know the truth to make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives, whether to buy or sell a home. An agent who speaks the truth is the one that stands out. All the other blather out there is just noise noise noise!

]]> By: Ann Cummings http://www.1000wattconsulting.com/blog/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html/comment-page-1#comment-2739 Ann Cummings Thu, 08 May 2008 14:05:35 +0000 http://wp.1000wattconsulting.com/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html#comment-2739 <p>That 'me-too' thinking hits the nail on the head in my opinion. I've read a number of articles encouraging REALTORS to get over there and take part.</p> <p>I've gone there and looked at the questions and then looked at the answers - good grief, most don't even really touch on what the consumer actually asked. And no one should be answering questions about particular areas unless that's the area they service. What on earth would a REALTOR from Texas know about the laws and customs in New Hampshire, and vice versa??</p> <p>Much of the 'noise' I see there and other sites similar to that appear to be responses from REALTORS just looking to get their name out there in any fashion they can. I think that kind of thinking is pretty darn silly. I don't have any interest in being part of that kind of 'noise', thank you very much!</p> <p>"Brilliant", as Jay said! ;-)<br /> </p> That 'me-too' thinking hits the nail on the head in my opinion. I've read a number of articles encouraging REALTORS to get over there and take part.

I've gone there and looked at the questions and then looked at the answers – good grief, most don't even really touch on what the consumer actually asked. And no one should be answering questions about particular areas unless that's the area they service. What on earth would a REALTOR from Texas know about the laws and customs in New Hampshire, and vice versa??

Much of the 'noise' I see there and other sites similar to that appear to be responses from REALTORS just looking to get their name out there in any fashion they can. I think that kind of thinking is pretty darn silly. I don't have any interest in being part of that kind of 'noise', thank you very much!

"Brilliant", as Jay said! ;-)

]]> By: Jay Thompson http://www.1000wattconsulting.com/blog/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html/comment-page-1#comment-2738 Jay Thompson Thu, 08 May 2008 11:49:33 +0000 http://wp.1000wattconsulting.com/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html#comment-2738 <p>I only have one word to say about this post.</p> <p>Brilliant.</p> I only have one word to say about this post.

Brilliant.

]]> By: Jay Sunderland http://www.1000wattconsulting.com/blog/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html/comment-page-1#comment-2737 Jay Sunderland Thu, 08 May 2008 07:14:57 +0000 http://wp.1000wattconsulting.com/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html#comment-2737 <p>I agree with the idea of "Me Too" agents and the fact that the bar to enter real estate is set so low an earthworm can hurdle it. In what other business do you graduate from grade school, plaster your name and photo everywhere pay a fee and call yourself a professional? I post my MBA and other certifications in my signature because I want people to know that their real estate agent didn't enter the industry after delivering pizza or painting nails. If anyone is working on raising the bar, sign me up! And while we're at it, let's lose the requirement to put our photos on every conceivable surface. If we're supposed to be Professionals, when was the last time you saw your doctor's photo on a bus bench?</p> I agree with the idea of "Me Too" agents and the fact that the bar to enter real estate is set so low an earthworm can hurdle it. In what other business do you graduate from grade school, plaster your name and photo everywhere pay a fee and call yourself a professional? I post my MBA and other certifications in my signature because I want people to know that their real estate agent didn't enter the industry after delivering pizza or painting nails. If anyone is working on raising the bar, sign me up! And while we're at it, let's lose the requirement to put our photos on every conceivable surface. If we're supposed to be Professionals, when was the last time you saw your doctor's photo on a bus bench?

]]> By: Joshua Ferris http://www.1000wattconsulting.com/blog/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html/comment-page-1#comment-2736 Joshua Ferris Thu, 08 May 2008 01:21:13 +0000 http://wp.1000wattconsulting.com/2008/05/the-masked-ball.html#comment-2736 <p>Real estate has always been a me-too field where the vast majority of agents rapidly copy each other with no shame and claim the idea or concepts to be their own.</p> <p>The entry requirements for real estate are so low that you could become a "licensed professional" in about a week.</p> <p>What you're asking for cannot be expected of today's REALTOR population. They still teach the ways to close a deal, not a home sale for a client. Blogging is the perfect tool for idle minded, me-too agents to take advantage of, blurting out the same message they've been trained to spew for years. #1 agent, best in the business, gets the highest prices etc. It's all crap.</p> <p>Even in my tiny local market there are examples of me-too agents furthering the quality rep of real estate agents with copy and paste articles and bios exclaiming the market is slow so buy my crafts and other tupperware party style junk.</p> <p>Dump the people who don't take it seriously and get rid of the agents who don't innovate. I realize real estate is unfair in that you are rating the performance of an individual versus an entire corporation but all the more reason to innovate and be distinguishable in my opinion.</p> Real estate has always been a me-too field where the vast majority of agents rapidly copy each other with no shame and claim the idea or concepts to be their own.

The entry requirements for real estate are so low that you could become a "licensed professional" in about a week.

What you're asking for cannot be expected of today's REALTOR population. They still teach the ways to close a deal, not a home sale for a client. Blogging is the perfect tool for idle minded, me-too agents to take advantage of, blurting out the same message they've been trained to spew for years. #1 agent, best in the business, gets the highest prices etc. It's all crap.

Even in my tiny local market there are examples of me-too agents furthering the quality rep of real estate agents with copy and paste articles and bios exclaiming the market is slow so buy my crafts and other tupperware party style junk.

Dump the people who don't take it seriously and get rid of the agents who don't innovate. I realize real estate is unfair in that you are rating the performance of an individual versus an entire corporation but all the more reason to innovate and be distinguishable in my opinion.

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