That's right.
The tide is overwhelming. I have to give in to the peer pressure. Why should I try so hard to be different?
- Everyone says that I need to have my picture there instead of an impersonal logo. That is what everyone else does to be memorable. The average agent sets themselves apart by having their picture on all of their marketing materials.
- Everyone says that I need to work a geographical area, not some sort of lifestyle or affinity group. After all, that is what works, right? Except for a couple of agents that specialize in golf, equestrian, senior or waterfront properties. Working with auto enthusiasts to help them find their dream home with the dream garage isn't average. The average agent sets themselves apart by concentrating on a ZIP code or a location.
- Everyone says that blogging is a waste of time. Seriously, 94% of agents don't have a blog. They have a static website (with their picture lovingly watching over it from the sidebar). Instead of spending the time blogging, I should spend my time looking like my picture in the grocery store. The average agent sets themselves apart with a broker website like the other agents in their office.
- Everyone says that I shouldn't share so much information about real estate until after someone signs a contract (buyer or seller). Giving it all away for free means that people can do exactly what I do all by themselves. I need to have login requirements before allowing access to MLS feeds on my website. The average agent thinks that the information they have access to is what makes them valuable, and that information needs to hidden and protected.
It is too hard to go against the grain. It is difficult to be a trailblazer. It is so much easier to be average.
Happy April Fool's Day!
I'm NEVER happy with average.
Unless otherwise noted, all content of this blog is the property of Lane Bailey, ©2012 Lane Bailey.
I'd love to hear from you...
Oh someday I hope to be like everyone else. Monkey see, monkey do.
Kevin - That is exactly it...
Jessica - You are exceptional, and EVERYONE knows it. I knew when I wrote this that you would have a reaction, and I knew I had to write it anyway. I did describe an average agent, but you have transcended that stereotype in so many ways. Perhaps because you didn't just sit back and do what everyone else was doing... you went way beyond. If I wrote about just the things I know of where you eclipsed what the average agent does, I could have a new blog series...
Lane - I like it better for the blog, seriously. I like talking to a face, not a garage. That said, you could post an image of your logo at the bottom of every one of your posts as a signature.
sorry, I'm spoiling the fun by being serious. :-/
I'm disappointed you gave in, if you wanted to test the logo you shouldn't be swayed so fast.
Steve
You see...look at that friendly face :) I like all your ideas but your picture was a little more personal (transparent lol) than the garage pic. As for grocery store stuff.....well, whatever works for you I guess.
And.....I'm in the 6% that believes blogging is productive and lots of work. If I'm working at it how can it be a waste of time? If I'm getting closed transactions from it...how is it a waste of time?
P.S. I know what you're saying though....I just liked your profile pic that's up there :) You're not average Lane...never will be :)
In 1994 less than 5% of brokers had a company web page. By 1997 80% had one. Now agent pages are the norm. I agree with Chris Butler, blogs will become the norm.
Karen - What can I say?
Steve - <friendly poke> Pay attention!
Sally - Maybe I'll feel differently tomorrow...
Makea - I may not listen enough..
Missy - I know that you got it... I agree. Purple for me.
Jo - Thank you.
Chris - The NAR published it a few months ago.
Steve - I bet that blogs won't be the norm. There are a lot of agents that have a website, but they have no involvement. Blogs require involvement. Unless brokers start buying and running licensed material for all of their agents (talk about boring, 143 agents having the same junk on all of their blogs...)
Sally - It wouldn't have anything to do with the last lines of the post, would it... and I haven't edited it.
Dave - An above average sense of humor?
Lane,
Be different! It sets you apart from everyone else! Being average is boring! Best wishes!
Sandy - Is it worth it? I want to be popular at the Association meetings... ;^ )
Marilyn - I don't know... we'll see.
Everyone did figure out that this was my April Fool's Day post, right?
Wendy - Do what your customers respond to...
Kim - I always wonder about that word... Who wants to be SO ordinary that they are extra ordinary?
Teri - All of my competitors can be terribly ordinary... I don't mind.