I had an interesting conversation. it was interesting for many and varied reasons.
- There were three people gathered in place that were familiar with my blog... and I was only one of them.
- Only one of them was familiar with Active Rain... me again.
- One of them was an honest to goodness consumer.
- Nobody got punched... the Realtysaurus only pushed me a couple of times... ok, she didn't, but she wanted to.
- The path of the conversation was VERY interesting.
So, let me elaborate.
Consumer: "You look familiar to me."
Lane: "I'm a REALTOR(R)."
C: "I think I've read your blog."
Lane: "Cool... I DO have a reader!!"
blah, blah, blah...
C: "So, how soon do you think real estate will turn around in Gwinnett County?"
L: "Tough to say, but I think that the momentum is turning now. Remember, we won't know it is turning until it has turned, since we can only look in a rear view mirror to see."
Realtysaurus: "I couldn't help but overhear you talking about real estate. I'm a REALTOR(R) here in Gwinnett County."
L: <snicker, snicker>
C: <looks at Lane and also snickers>
R: "You look familiar."
C: "I said the same thing. It's because I've read his blog."
R: "That's right... the garage guy." <eyes roll ever so slightly>
C: "So, when do you think the market will turn in Gwinnett County?"
R: "Oh, Sugar, it never slowed here. We are great."
C: "Are those the talking points you got from the NAR?"
L: <more snickering>
C: "I've seen the numbers on Lane's blog. There is no mistaking that there has been a slowdown. Is your research showing something different? Do you have a blog?"
R: <deer in headlights> "I don't believe in that blogging. It's giving away the milk for free. Why should someone call me if I give away all of the secrets on the internet?"
C: "Everything that you could possibly say is already out there. But, people might call because they see you really know th e market."
L: "Personally, I don't think I'm giving any real expertise away. If I see a TV show that talks about building a house, that doesn't mean I automatically have the skills."
R: "This isn't as tough as building a house."
C: "Really!?! It's easy work?"
L: "No. It just seems easy for us in the industry because we do it all of the time. Just like the contractors that build houses, it is second nature. But, the skills we employ, and the knowledge we have is far from second nature to those that aren't in the business every day."
C: "That makes sense. So, Realtysaurus, why is it you don't have a blog?"
R: "Why buy the cow if the milk is free? I don't think I should give away my knowledge to everyone on the internet thing... And it seems to techy for me. I have a website, though. it has all sorts of local information."
Now, let me point out a few things. The consumer was not someone that is in my target market. I would be glad to sell her a house, and her husband loves the idea of a 4 car garage, but they are not really car-centric. But, she stumbled across my blog while looking for something else. She found what she needed on my site, as well as some other info that interested her. She and her husband are not currently looking to buy a house, but in a couple of years they may downsize.
The conversation went on for a few minutes. The Realtysaurus excused herself... but not until mentioning things from my blog that lead me to believe that she read more than a few passing posts. She wasn't happy that I have given away so much "milk"... But, the fact remains that there is nothing we say that isn't being said by scores of outlets. If we don't supply the information, others will. And, it isn't the info that makes us valuable, it is the ability to act on it, interpret it, and maximize its potential. None of that comes from a webpage.
Woohoo. I have a couple of readers... ok, probably one less as of now.
