This is How Real Estate Professionals Should Use Social Media!

In spite of the countless books and articles that rave about the importance of business humanization in social media, it boggles my mind that many businesses still use Web 2.0 primarily to bore everyone to tears with their super-annoying sales pitch!

It occurred to me that perhaps most of the books/articles written on the topic were too theoretical to help even sincere businesses to break free from the one-way-broadcasting prison.

To them, as well as to anyone who wishes to experience business humanization in action, I dedicate today’s article. Enjoy!

It all started when Garious initiated Twitter conversations with real estate professionals in the Tucson, Arizona area to spread the word about the “Social Media For Real Estate Professionals” training event hosted by the S.M.A.R.T. Group of Arizona on January 26th.

As I was checking Tucson Realtors profiles, I noticed a recurring pattern of profiles including nothing but foursquare notifications! I Love Foursquare, but if your Twitter stream is nothing but where you had lunch and dinner, that’s not very encouraging especially for a new visitor who wants to strike a conversation!

Suddenly, I stumbled upon two profiles that saved me from my misery! They are two glowing examples of how a real estate professional can add the human touch to their social business…

1. Frances Flynn Thorsen

In her heartfelt article BLOG FOOD FOR YOU = Food for the Homeless, Frances Flynn, a Tucson-based Realtor offered a collection of her best blog posts to spread some social good during the holiday season:

…I just spent about 14 hours re-purposing and formatting lots of public domain content that is SUPERB blog food and great content for special reports!

I’m selling it for $1 and I am using whatever funds I collect to feed as many hungry people as I can this holiday weekend here in Tucson…

The only thing I can say after this selfless act of kindness is that I am filled with respect and admiration to Frances and I had to let her know that through sincere Twitter testimonials.

2. Cara Mancuso

Cara Mancuso is another Tucson Real estate professional who went out of her way to put a smile on her clients’ faces on Christmas Eve. She took the time to pay them visits and didn’t forget to bring delicious home-made cookies.

Why am I speaking on Cara’s behalf?! Her touching article You Have to Kiss a Lot of Frogs! says it all:

…Christmas Eve found my husband and I making some quick stops at several past clients’ homes to drop off cookies and Merry Christmas wishes. The last stop I built in more time, and we spent an hour with a client of mine two years’ past now – unfortunately, the husband passed away quite suddenly just before Thanksgiving.

Talk about a difficult holiday. There were no lights on, no festive holiday wear, no smiles, no tree. My heart goes out to her during this time and the months ahead as she has to regroup and carry on. I left her some homemade cookies but told her I won’t feel bad at all if they stay untouched. I just wanted her to know we were thinking of her, and reminded her that she isn’t ALL alone. We made plans for weekly visits starting right after the New Year…

Again, I am speechless! But I also showered her with Garious-flavored Twitter love…

Now, let me ask you this simple question…

What Do Cara And Frances Have In Common?

Aside from the fact that both of them are Tucson-based Realtors, I bet that…

• They both earned your admiration and respect
• You would want to share their stories with world
• If ever, in 10 years’ time from today, you needed to buy/sell a home in Tucson, they will be the first Realtors that will come to mind

Personally, I am so grateful to both of them as they presented perfect examples of how businesses should use social media. Whether you are in Real Estate or any other business, think of how you can follow their tracks.

Goodbye me, Me, ME!

Business humanization is much simpler than you think. Just give selflessly and you shall receive. Call it the Web 2.0 Karma!

Do you still think that shifting from the me, Me, ME! mentality into a “social” business is such a daunting task? Do you have other business humanization examples you would like to share? I look forward to knowing your thoughts in the comments.