I'm reblogging this post, not only for the obvious reason that Julie featured me in the post, but also because it is a powerful demonstration of the value of going outside your comfort zone to find new clients and an audience. I first met Julie on Twitter (@WritingRoads) and I'm so glad we hooked up.
I just published this post on my blog and wanted to share it with you: 1) to say thank you for the incredible support and conversation I've experienced here, and 2) because I think this is an experience that we can all benefit from as we work to sustain and grow our businesses - whatever that business might be! Thanks again...to you all!
Picture courtesy of The Busy Brain
The craziest thing happened to me last week. I was on Twitter and met a smart, smart woman named Michelle Minch. She’s a home stager (helps design and set-up homes to increase their chance of selling) and I noted that she was part of the Active Rain Network. I’d heard about Active Rain and understood it to be an extremely well-populated, well-ranked and well-used social media network for people in the real estate business - it supports and is virtually built on member blogs.
As we chatted, Michelle suggested that I join Active Rain. I scoffed, replying that I’m not a realtor. And, well, let’s just that say that she proceeded to school me on the reasons I should, in fact, be there.
Turns out that just because I’m not part of the real estate industry, perhaps because I’m not, these folks are quite interested in what I have to offer. I’ve had a simply amazing time learning to use their network, being astounded by how well it’s built and how well the members use it.
The Numbers, The Numbers: as of this writing and in only 7 days, I’ve had 135 comments on 5 posts and 1,621 pageviews of those 5 posts. Wowzah! Serious, serious kudos to the Active Rain community for really participating in the conversation and supporting fellow members.
So, I’ve been chomping at the bit wanting to share this with you because there have to be more opportunities like this for all of us, right?
Here’s what I’ve summized so far:
- Look beyond where you’ve been looking to get your message out and to get new business. You’ve been going up? Go down. Left? Go right. Selling to the apples? Talk to the oranges. Promoting to the ladies at the beauty parlor? Check in with the sanitation department.
- Think of a group that could use your product or service…find out if they have a club, a network and join.
- Do you already belong to such a group? But you never thought of mixing business with pleasure or one business with another?
- As always, be human, showcase your expertise and your self. Example, I had a bit of fun on my profile bio - let’s just say, my ‘about yourself’ didn’t come dressed in a pants suit.
- Remember that this is a two-way street. Give to this new group and also learn from them, as they will do to and from you.
Have you had a similar experience? Do share…
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2010 RESA Professional Stager of the Year
Michelle has staged hundreds of Los Angeles homes, many of which have sold with multiple offers, above listing price.
She works with home sellers, listing agents and asset managers to prepare homes for sale throughout Los Angeles.
Moving Mountains Design provides vacant home staging, occupied home staging, color consultations, corporate and executive relocations, move organization, redesign, and interior design. We also stage model homes, REOs,foreclosures and auction properties for real estate investors and asset managers.
For more information about our Los Angeles home staging services, contact Michelle at (626)385-8852 or by email.
Click here to see our Los Angeles home staging portfolio
Click here to go to our Los Angeles home staging blog
Click here for more information about home staging in Los Angeles and how we can help sell your home faster and for the best price
It's a great blog, Michelle and definitely worthy of a reblog.
Kathy
Kathy: Julie was the person I was telling you about last night whom I met on Twitter. It pays to network!
Thanks so much for bringing Julie over! I enjoy her writing style and have already learned a great dealof info! She's right, you are a smart, smart lady :)
Wendy: :o)) Thanks. You can find your own Julie by plundering around places like Twitter. Put a little time into it and work it. This is what Julie is talking about. Twitter may not feel like a natural fit, but if you move outside your comfort zone, wonderful things may begin to happen.
Well, I had to look since the same exact title was listed by two different people on the same page of SIF. I'm glad I did. Great blog repost. Thanks for sharing.
Melissa: You're welcome. Julie is fabulous. Too good to keep to myself.
When everyone zigs, you should zag, right? You'll stand out in the crowd.
When everyone zigs, you should zag, right? You'll stand out in the crowd.
Michelle, I've talked a few people into joining but they haven't posted yet....they really don't realize the value. This is a perfect post to show them!
Some wonderful ideas for self promoting. I look forward to seeing more from you
Erica: Sometimes we get better results if we try a new way of doing things. I'm glad I did.
Carole: It took me quite some time to warm up to Twitter, but now that I have learned how to use its potential I really like it. Are we following each other? I'll look for you.
Great ideas and thanks for sharing them with us on AR. Take care and happy blogging!
Julie is a great tweet on twitter. So glad that she is here, her net experience is awesome, we can all learn alot from her. Sounds like it was a win win for both of you!
LKP: You will be seeing some amazing things happening for Julie now that she is on AR. Its great for her and for all of us that are now able to read her posts.
Look for great community minded social networking sites like community grapevines. you can do virtual tours, listings with eight photos, blogs, forums, and host community events. Let the local community know what you are all about.
http://www.westernmontanagrapevine.com
Thanks for sharing. I will look for Julie on Twitter too!
Michelle, Thanks so much for sharing this thought - provoking post. Great to get some fresh ideas from an objective "outsider".
Tom: Thanks for your input.
Annie: Julie is the best. You will do well to follow her blog.
Rhonda: You're welcome. Julie has some great ideas and she writes beautifully.
Aloha Michelle,
Thanks for sharing this success story and confirming the power of AR, Twitter, and blogging. Great post.
Peace,
Thank you Kimo. I love Julie's writing and wanted to let everyone else know about her.
Awesome advice! It's not easy for us to step out of our comfort zones but you reminded me that it can be a very good thing. I shall try to spread my wings more in 2009! -S
Michelle, This is a great piece, so well written. I signed up for Twitter, but have not done anything with it. I will have to go back and spend some time on it. Thanks for sharing this wonderful talent.