Millenials, like myself, often catch a lot of flack for popularizing the concept of building a personal brand. But, let’s be real, people. Realtors are the original personal brand builders. How many business cards have you seen with an agent’s face on them? Or, for that matter, websites, mailers, bus benches – which I have done!
We agents are experts at finding opportunities for personal branding, and using them to the max – but social media has created some wannabe fame monsters. Here are some ways to balance legitimate personal and professional branding with falling down a social media hole.
Give More Than Get
Social media should be used as a marketing tool for your business. Sure, you can share your personal triumphs and photos from time to time, but the majority of what you do should be for others. Use your social channels to share helpful information, to congratulate clients and colleagues, to promote your closings and listings. 10,000 selfies will not get you to your 10,000 sale – use this powerful tool to help others more than yourself.
Tip: Share articles and information that can help your clients, or better yet, start your own informative blog.
Start a Conversation
Social media was always meant to be just that – social. Some people get caught up in posting perfect photos with 10 filters on them that they forget it’s meant to help us connect with others and share ideas. Use Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as resources to help find out what your clients and potential clients are thinking about. A simple one-liner question could lead to a sale or at very least the opportunity to start a relationship on a deeper level and prove that you care.
Tip: People feel important if you ask for their input and advice – ask questions that can help you know what your clients are thinking.
Get Out and Connect
There’s no substitute for real-world, in-person connection. Use your social media channels to connect one-on-one. Set up lunches, coffees, drinks with prospective clients. Use it to promote your open houses and other events and get people (and yourself) off the computer and into real life.
Tip: Prospect your friends and contacts lists and pick 10 people per week to and invite to coffee. Find out what their real estate needs are, now and in the future.
Social media is a promotional tool we Realtors can and should use to connect with others, enrich our in-person interactions, and ultimately add to our business’ bottom line. When you make it more about others and less about you, you’ll have a great amount of success!