A common misconception about social media is that it is solely a means of getting your name out there. While part of this is true, the true power of social media is building your network by making new connections and providing people with information that is interesting to them.  Meeting the consumer at their point of need demonstrates that you are listening and that you are a specialist in the topic that they need assistance in.

Think of a Facebook news feed or Twitter stream as a dinner party on a Friday night where people are sharing interesting stories from their week. The last thing anyone wants is for a telemarketer to interrupt the flow of conversation by pushing their cold call spiel. However, too often we see just that on Twitter and Facebook, especially in real estate.  When this does occur friends and acquaintances often click the dreaded “defriend” or hide post button. The good news is that there are millions of creative ways to share your industry and professional news without sounding like a cold caller!

Sharon Steele, a sales associate of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Westfield NJ, consistently does a fantastic job of reminding her friends on social media that she is a real estate agent without posting “Hey I am a real estate agent! Let me sell your house!”  Instead of posting a picture of the home she is selling or posting “come visit me at my Broker’s open house at 123 Sunshine Lane” she posted an enticing photo of the snacks she is serving. Sharon gets social. She tells the story of her day as an agent through pictures and question to her audience.

“The biggest benefit of Social Media for me has been the ability to share my individual stories, along with those of my community, and deliver my personal branding honestly and authentically in a much faster time frame than ever before,” Sharon said.  “It has provided a platform to engage with people on a sincere personal level before I ever have to discuss my ability as the ideal candidate for whatever their real estate needs may be.”

Sharon uses Facebook and Twitter to remind people that she loves what she does and has fun doing it. Yesterday Sharon posted a picture of her name badge along with a Princess sticker from her client’s daughter and asked her Facebook friends if she should wear while presenting an offer.

Sharon is a socially savvy agent who constantly comes up with new ways to attract business and build her network both online and off through innovative thinking. She has done a fantastic job of positioning herself as a local expert in her area. Check out her Facebook page 365 Things to do in the Cranford/Westfield Area of NJ which has over 1000 likes and her blog The View From My Porch.

While she has become a powerhouse in the social media world she understands the importance of taking her business offline as well. Recently she sponsored a free parking day  in hometown Cranford, NJ to to support local, small businesses.

You can find Sharon on Twitter at @sharonsteelenj.

 

 

 

 

Tagged as: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, facebook, NJ, Sharon Steele, social media, twitter