5 Ways Twitter Jump-Started My Business
October 29, 2009
By: Joshua Ferris
Author's Website: http://www.housemeetsowner.com
Drew’s post of Matt Dollinger’s video on Web 2.0 paralysis by analysis made me think back to how I have adapted technology and whether it has affected my business in any way over the past year.
My initial foray into social networking definitely consumed more time away from my business than it should have but I now block out time before or after the work day to jump on Twitter. Despite the learning curve that took precious time away from work, I’ve learned a ton about building a business and integrating technology into it by using social media.
Using Twitter I:
- Became a recurring attendee of Lucky Strike Social Media Club meetings run by the already (in)famous Rob Hahn (aka Notorious R.O.B.) It’s not technology per se but we all talk about geeky stuff over dinner in Manhattan. I first met Rob and learned about LSSMC through Twitter.
- Started using Freshbooks and the unrelated but equally useful BookFresh. The latter of the two was recommended to me by @jasonsandquist who has already picked up a few clients with it.
- Discovered who Gary Vaynerchuk was. Seriously, I had never heard of him but people I follow kept writing to @garyvee so I investigated. His latest business book is awesome. The vook (videos + book) [iTunes Link] is even better. Buy both, it’s worth it for the business building plan of attack alone but be warned — it’ll motivate the hell out of you.
- Brought a new buyer client to contract (closing in April 2010, new home) on our first tour. My client didn’t use my IDX to submit his contact info but he did register to receive @mikesimonsen‘s Altos Research market reports on my website. Didn’t know these automated market reports existed before but now I’m a customer for life. Thanks to @ericstegemann for recommending Altos to me!
- Learned more from and met some of the most brilliant people in our industry including @1000wattmarc, Marc Davison; @topbrokerOC, Bob Watson; @sueadler; Sue Adler; @jolenta, Jolenta Averill, and @ericbramlett, Eric Bramlett. The countless things I’ve learned from each of them have significantly impacted how and, most importantly, why I run my business.
Definitely check out Matt’s video because he nails it when he talks about not allowing technology and social media to consume your business. Business should always come before experimenting. Now that we’re approaching the traditionally slower winter months of real estate I think now would be a good time for some experimenting. 
New to Twitter and don’t know where to start? Check out @nik_nik‘s Twitter guide: Twitter For Real Estate Twits.
- Stumble it!
- Categories: General, Marketing, SMM
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Matt Dollinger on October 30, 2009 6:24 am
Josh,
Your post literally sent chills up my spine and I can track much of what I have learned and inspired me over the last couple of years the same way. I applaud you for doing what I will can as the Implementation Three Step.
1. You listened
2. You researched/evaluation
3. You Acted
Biggest part that's missing is the follow through to the third step because how many times have you gotten to that spot and suddenly “Wow! Look – Google WAve!” – Then all of your action is gone.
Great work, great post, and glad someone got something out of my rambling video!
MAtt
Top real estate posts of the day for 10/30/2009 on October 30, 2009 8:52 am
[...] 5 ways Twitter jump-started my business – I think he really nails down one of the best features of Twitter and doesn’t even realize it. [...]
Josh Ferris on October 30, 2009 3:26 pm
I like having a good spine chilling post before Halloween.
It's so easy to get caught up in the glamor of being an early adopter and trying to catch the next big wave. The problem with doing that is how many little waves (of business) you are missing while you keep messing around. Let other people adopt things early (Google Wave and the like) and if it sticks, join up. Otherwise, be glad you spent that time generating business!
By the way, as you said in your video Matt, now is the time to plan and put into motion your business/plans for the Spring. It's been very busy here and if I simply ignored these buyers now waiting for a “big fish” buyer to come along I wouldn't have so many potential closings coming up in the Spring.
I still advocate experimenting with technology but business comes first, even in the slower months!
Jessica Deal on October 30, 2009 10:54 pm
It's hard not to let social media consume your life, so I can see it being a problem when it comes to consuming your business. Thanks for the links!
Joshua Dorkin on November 2, 2009 11:56 am
Like all aspects of our lives and businesses, social media is just one individual component. While for many, an important one, it seems that many people have forgotten that there are many other ways to build your real estate business. Remember . . . all of 5-10-20+ years ago, when people actually did a little face to face, print marketing, door knocking, cold calling? They actually did pretty well.
We forget that people can still make a living in real estate without social media . . .
The key is to have some form of balance in your life. Social media is certainly a powerful tool, but that is all it is. Use it properly and you can thrive!
Eric on November 3, 2009 8:19 pm
I have just recently starting using Twitter, Facebook, etc for my business. So far the results have been positive. I have gained new visitors I probably would not have had if I had not started with the whole social networking….but I guess you have to start somewhere.
I am still new at it, but hopefully I can gain good links and followers using it.
tastatur on December 28, 2009 10:03 pm
Hi,
I always believe in social media sites as they are very helpful.Even Psychological research shows that feelings of connection to other people lead to longer, healthier, happier lives. Social media sites such as Twitter or Facebook connect people in ways that aren’t possible offline, which helps people feel less isolated and more supported.Well Thanks for sharing your experience.
tastatur on December 29, 2009 6:03 am
Hi,
I always believe in social media sites as they are very helpful.Even Psychological research shows that feelings of connection to other people lead to longer, healthier, happier lives. Social media sites such as Twitter or Facebook connect people in ways that aren’t possible offline, which helps people feel less isolated and more supported.Well Thanks for sharing your experience.