Don’t miss the boat. New developments, particularly with regards to technology, are changing and evolving daily. The way we communicate is changing the way real estate is sold. One way communication is dying a quick death in favor of online interaction and conversations. Social networking/social media is certainly the buzz, but it is also essential to the way that we will do business and continue to communicate in the future. While this is all very new and exciting, it is important to note that real estate companies will have to answer a few questions and make some decisions. New strategies will need to be put in place.
Here are a few questions to consider:
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How will you take advantage of social media and networking?
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Who will drive it and be responsible for it?
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Is Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and You Tube enough?
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How will your agents take advantage of it?
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What control will you have over your company name and brand?
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Who will have that control?
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How much control is necessary?
The list goes on and on…
The biggest question you should probably ask is, “Am I using every viable tool available to promote the company brand, attract new business, stay in touch with current customers and trump the competition?” This is not the time for complacency. We are on a fast moving conveyor belt and we have to keep moving unless we want to be passed on the left. Hiring the right personnel to manage your social media presence and keep it moving forward is crucial.
The Marketing Department as we know it is changing into an Interactive Media & Marketing Department. Advertising is changing. The slow death of print advertising is happening before our eyes. Newspapers are shrinking, and advertisers are pulling out in favor of online marketing options and web marketing strategies.
There are two choices, embrace the new media, or be left in the dust. Those who embrace these changes and take advantage of them will quickly surpass those who resist. You can’t afford to be reactive. You must be proactive and stay in pace with what lies ahead.
