I've been wondering how someone defines success in terms of their social media efforts. Is it how many friends you have on Facebook? How many followers on Twitter or tweet's you've tweeted? Is success defined by the list you're included on of Top This or Top That? Is it how many blog posts you can pop out in a week? Maybe others view you as an expert and now you're even contemplating becoming a social media coach to take advantage of your "success".
I believe that before you can define what determines success with your use of social media, you need to decide what your primary goal is. Why are you using social media? What do you hope to accomplish?
I'll admit that when I started blogging in late 2006, I really didn't have a goal. It was really just a need. I had to vent (or blow up!) about the mis-reporting regarding loan officer licensing which was brand new to Washington state at that time. I never dreamed anyone would read my blog or follow me on Twitter...or that I would still be writing The Mortgage Porter. It did take me some time to realize that I do have (and need) goals with regards to my social media efforts.
My blog has been a great resource to allow consumers to find me when they google search terms. Facebook has been a wonderful way to stay connected with my past clients, friends and family. Twitter has been a "fish finder" for me by tweeting out useful tidbits of information and having great dialogues with my "followers".
I've discovered it's not important to me how many friends or followers I have on the internet, what is important is the "who" - not the "how many". I've also accepted that I don't have to know or be on the newest social media platform...I believe that we can only do so much...and I'm NOT one who will ever pay for content or outsource my status updates on Facebook or Twitter. I do have limited time because social media is not my career; originating mortgage loans is.
If your goal is to increase your real estate or mortgage business, do you know where your business is coming from?
I know in a few weeks, I'll be seeing hundreds of real estate and mortgage professionals at the 2011 Seattle reBarCamp at the Seattle Center on March 3, 2011. I hope those who are newer to this medium have a chance to really focus on what's important to them and what their goals are before this fantastic event. There's so much social media out there and only so much time.
If you've been considering adding video blogging to your marketing efforts, you'll want to come a day early to the NW Video Marketing Summit on March 2, 2011. For more information or to rsvp, visit www.videomarketingsummit.tv.
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