Last week, I realized that I have managed to attract agents to our company from each of my personal top three social networking sites (AR, Twitter, and Facebook). I have found that agents who are already embracing social media have some of the best potential around.
SO, HOW DID I FIND THEM?
I guess the quickest answer is to say that most of them found me. Two of my current agents, Christi Baylor and Marisa Ladd, came from my blog right here on ActiveRain. They were already AR members before we met, which made our "in person" connection that much faster/better. I thin
k both of them have the potential to be stellar agents in 2009 and beyond. They are certainly ahead of the curve in my opinion, based on my own experience running a brokerage for 4+ years.
Since I am a very active member here (pun completely intended), this first section of the post may not come as much of a surprise, but I bet the next part may. If not, then I'm sorry to have disappointed you. Okay, you got me. I'm not really sorry.
Considering the sheer number of people I have encountered who:
- Haven't started using Twitter
- Use Twitter for spam purposes, OR
- Don't see the value of Twitter,
I am guessing that you may be shocked to hear that I have recruited TWO very solid agents there in the past few weeks, both of whom have new home sales experience. Since their licenses are not yet transferred, I am not at liberty to publish their names here yet, but I will share the quick story of each here briefly.
I was chatting with one local Austin guy on Twitter a couple of weeks ago, then a mutual friend of ours (also an AR member) noticed and mentioned that the guy was looking for a broker. A few days later, we had a great lunch and he plans to start working with us in the next couple of weeks after he gets back from vacation. Pretty cool stuff, huh? Well, it actually gets even better...
I received an email a few days ago from an agent who wanted to meet with me. I am generally always available to meet with agents who are looking for a good place to work, so I set up an appointment with her. It turns out that her boyfriend is Mike Chapman, co-founder of the Austin Social Media Club, and he strongly suggested that she meet with me, since he had read my blog and he follows me on Twitter. He said something along these lines, "Jason has this stuff wired. You HAVE to talk to him!". Cool! After a solid and long interview the other day, she has already sent her license sponsorship change form to the Texas Real Estate Commission, and she intends to start with us in April.
But wait! There's even more!
Facebook is where I first began to realize that "friend" can often have a different meaning online. My best statement on this topic is to state that I have over 2600 friends on Facebook, each of whom is extremely 
close to me and will probably name their first child after me. :-) Truthfully, I probably actually know about 20-25% of my friends there, but all of them have the potential to send me business at some point (this has proven to be the case a handful of times).
Let's get back to the recruiting story...
Recently, I had connected to a bunch of people from my high school. After all, I needed to give them a chance to reject my friendship again 20 years later, right? Well, I was catching up on reading about some of them, and it turns out that the little sister of a girl in my class is in the process of getting her real estate license here in Austin! We are planning to meet soon to discuss her options over coffee or lunch.
_________________________________________________________
I guess I just wanted to point out that ANY of these sites and/or tools can be beneficial, and you never really know where the next lead or good contact will come from. Soon, I will write a post about how many newspapers and magazines have found me over the past year because of my blogging. Since I am starting to teach classes on this stuff, that is yet another opportunity.
My personal keyword for 2009 is "UNAFRAID". I am meeting people, teaching classes, and in general doing things that I never would have imagined possible two years ago. I look forward to what this year will bring.
Follow me on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/jasoncrouch.
If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?
If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can visit my primary Austin real estate website at www.austintexashomes.com. If you're interested in social media training, visit 210 Consulting. Thanks!
Jason- That is great! No one in our town Twitters, especially not agents. Local agents do follow my AR blog and are not members or are not active members. I do get sellers from out of town from Twitter as well as a lot of my coaching biz comes from Twitter also.
I have also received listing referrls from Facebook, Linkedin and Forums.
Of course, Active Rain and our expired marketing program is what keeps the phone ringing every single day with sellers!
But in order to get buyer agents and other positions filled, I have to depend on good ol' WOM and Craigslist:)
Jason,
I guess congrats are definitely in order here. I hope that I have half the success that you have had here at AR. I just got through my first series of classes for my GRI. I have to say I am full of new ideas and looking forward to getting back to blogging. I learned a lot of neat new tools to use with my computer and I can't wait to utilize them. Well I hope all the new recruits work out.
Jason, social media is a tremendous way to gain new relationships and re-establish old ones. To embrace Facebook, Twitter and AR is generate business for years to come. Take care and happy blogging!
Jason, the power of social media is incredible. This is an excellent example as I am contemplating moving to Austin TX from Portland Oregon if my fiancee cannot get back to Oregon because of her career. Now, because of my social networking on Active Rain and Facebook, I now know of you, who is obviously on the cutting edge of technology.
Jason, It certainly isn't your grandmother's social circle anymore (guess it hasn't been for some time now). Congrats on all the recruiting success!
And...................... there we go. With just a few clicks I have just requested you as a friend on Facebook and placed you on my Real Estate connections list.
Doug - I would be happy to meet with you when you make it to town!
Jason, I think that you being you and your active presence here proves what kind of person you are, that is why people are magnetized to you
Jason, I guess that I need to break down and start utilizing twitter and facebook better! Thanks for the post and positive examples!
I really need to start twitting or tweeting. I did not put that into this years goals but It seems I need to revise that.
I'm glad you wrote this. It was my goal last week to start tweeting. I still haven't done it. I wrote a short post here asking for info. I was advised to just jump in and learn as I go. I haven't jumped in yet. I don't totally get it. I'll have to do like AR and just learn as I go.
Jason,
Congratulations are in order! Great job and you are an inspiration to all of us. I'm finding the blogs I have posted on my open houses are effective. I had three come in last Sunday who saw my open house from my blog! I also got an email via ActiveRain from someone I met at the open house who wants to see another one of my listings!
I do love to network through social media - just have to find out more how to manage the time!
I am always fascinated when someone says they found me on Twitter or some other social networking site. Do you track the traffic to your site? I have noticed Facebook showing up as a referring source more often lately.
Ahh the power of social media.
Jason - You are using "Unafraid" for 2009, My motto (from a Pastor I respect) is "Be Radical"! There's so much to learn and so much life to live! Thanks for the info!
You are the king of networking and the social media! I like your keyword for 2009.
Jason,
I have got to become more adept at using both Twitter and Facebook.
Jason it is great that you have been able to capitalize on the proper use of social marketing. I see it paying dividends for me as well.
Good stuff. I have also recruited one loan officer from FaceBook and have a meeting set up with another. Even in these slower times people are still interested in getting into the business and I think that is really cool.
Jason, it is all about connection and you have thrown out a wide net with these three. I find it interesting with social networking it is a pull not a push in developing a relationship.
Gosh, you make me feel bad...I can hardly keep up with Active Rain and Facebook. I'm scared to Twitter...when will I ever work?
....and who says social media doesn't work?
Way to go Jason
Bo
These are GREAT mediums to be using. I am lucky - I have a young, innovative Broker - who "Gets It" and uses all of these tools!
Jason - AR was very instrumental in our choice to move to North Carolina. If I had not met Elizabeth through AR, then who knows where we may have moved to. And I can truly say ... I have met (face to face met!) several wonderful people from AR alone. Social media ... it's where the future is!
Very interesting to see how these new technologies and social networking are having an impact on many aspects of our lives. Thanks for sharing these examples.
I'm adding social networking sites selectively, making sure I'm entirely comfortable with one before moving on to the next. So far, I haven't gone to Twitter, even though I know it's "the thing to do" right now. Facebook is serving me well, as are a couple of other forums I'm on besides AR. Eventually I'll get to Twitter (it's the next one on my list), but I like to make sure that I don't overload myself and do a poor job on all of them.
Congratulations on your success with them!
Wow J....good stuff. As of this day, I still fail to see the value in Twitter, but I'm not nearly as intelligent as you. I'm an attorney and mortgage banker who just can't seem to tie his shoes outside of Active Rain. Expect my two calls for help bro.
Jason - Very cool - It's good to see that you are getting results from the efforts you expend.
Jason - That is such encouraging news! I really appreciate all that you share... Take Care! :)
I plan to implement more social networking this year--and read more posts on making the best use of my time on those sites. You are an excellent example of maximizing the benefits of social networking.
I am guessing that you may be shocked to hear that I have recruited TWO very solid agents there in the past few weeks,
Hey Jason,
Congrats on growing your brokerage! With all your internet exposure, I'm not surprised at all. Twitter is actually gaining national momentum. I've recently heard it mentioned twice on major tv shows.
My personal keyword for 2009 is "UNAFRAID". I am meeting people, teaching classes, and in general doing things that I never would have imagined possible two years ago.
P.S. I like your keyword! Would you be willing to teach a brokerage in Florida?
"Don't see the value of Twitter", That's me. It's not that I don't want to so much as I am in awe of all of you who find to time to be such a large presence on all of these sites. I am struggling to find the time to explore here on Active Rain and still do my job, keep up with the family, car pools, sleep, etc. Kudos to all of you who have managed to be able to incorporate all of these tools into your day and still get your work done. I expect some day I'll get there.
Thanks for the insight. I've been resisting getting into this arena for some time now, but I've been hearing so much about all the connection we miss out on when we don't participate in social networking. It's good to hear that it's really worth it.
Hello Jason, I have been embracing these social sites recently with some success, I think. I haven't gotten to Twitter as of yet. I will check it out. Thanks again. kevincavanaughonline.com
No doubt about it - blogging and social networking work in so many ways.
Jason, that is a great post and you have a very positive outlook. I am going to adopt the "Unafraid" mentality. Our market is not that bad in Waco, with the exception that some people are polarized by the news.
Jason- this post is SO encouraging! Active Rain, Twitter and Facebook are so crucial in this day and age and your post is proof. I really appreciate you sharing this information about acquiring solid Realtors for your office!
Jason,
I agree! Facebook serves as both a social and business tool. I haven't used facebook for recruiting, but I love the Real Estate networking it provides. A handful of local Realtors in my area are my facebook "friends" and it's a great way to keep updated on Realtor events. In fact, I recently held a subdivision Grand Opening event and the turn-out was HUGE, in part by marketing and sending invitations through facebook. I also keep in touch with my clients and new homeowners through facebook - you never know when they'll be looking to move again, or if they'll refer your services to a friend who happens to be relocating to the area!
Jason
Social networking is certainly becoming a new asset for broker-owners to take advantage of . Good going!
Jason,
I agree! Facebook serves as both a social and business tool. I haven't used facebook for recruiting, but I love the Real Estate networking it provides. A handful of local Realtors in my area are my facebook friends and it's a great way to keep updated on Realtor events. In fact, I recently held a subdivision Grand Opening event and the turn-out was HUGE, in part by marketing and sending invitations through facebook. I also keep in touch with my clients and new homeowners through facebook - you never know when they'll be looking to move again, or if they'll refer your services to a friend who happens to be relocating to the area!
It is a great avenue for lots of things... I'll have to see what agents come my way....
Jason,
I don't give these compliments out much, especially to people with whom I have never met, but you seem like a geniunely cool and earnest person to know.
Glad to hear good success and wishing you more.
Sean
I'm into Twitter and Facebook now, and really enjoying them ... not to mention, of course AR.
Jason- Congratulations Jason. This post just reminded me of one of the many things that I need to do-Revamp my Active Rain Profile. Have a great weekend my friend. Great post.
Jason, All of the social networking helps everyone in different ways. Just by getting to know each other and being involved in TwitterTuesday on Blogtalkradio.com, I have met more people that I follow and they follow me on Twitter. This is a benefit for all of us. We can help each other, referrals etc. Good for you for finding solid agents through the use of social networking.
Great story! i have been actively using these same next works to get my name out there and find potential agents as well. I have been surprised to see how much traffic twitter brings to my website. I have created a page for my company on facebook as well. I really think this helps your sphere of influence know that you are in Real Estate and the next time they want to buy or sell a home who do they think of? YOU. These are incredible tools that many people are missing out on. Good to hear an encoring story like this. Hope all turns out well with you and your new agents.
Great story! i have been actively using these same next works to get my name out there and find potential agents as well. I have been surprised to see how much traffic twitter brings to my website. I have created a page for my company on facebook as well. I really think this helps your sphere of influence know that you are in Real Estate and the next time they want to buy or sell a home who do they think of? YOU. These are incredible tools that many people are missing out on. Good to hear an encoring story like this. Hope all turns out well with you and your new agents.
Jason really well said, "I have found that agents who are already embracing social media have some of the best potential around".
If you want to buy a pair of shoes, you don't go to Bog O Tires. :)
Jason - I might have to steal your 2009 keyword. It says it all in one little word (and everyone knows I can't use just one word, so maybe it will help me shut up once in awhile).
Very cool Jason. Social media has really paid off for you! I love it! KM
Jason, I love Facebook, but not reading all the updates of people I don't seem to know that well! Glad it is working out for you
Jason -
I have already gotten three good business leads from Facebook, but not recruitment possibilities yet.
Will keep working it - may want to call you to discuss this more. OK?
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
That's interesting stuff. It makes sense though. I'll have to pass this onto our team leader. Thanks Jason!
Jason,
I can see the potential for sure....I have gotten know some pretty cool people (like yourself) and as they say, great minds think alike!!!! So people who see the potential are going to naturally want to get connected with others that are like mined!
I'm starting to catch on a little bit with Twitter & Facebook, (even have them tied together w/my AR Blog now)...but what I really want to comment on is your motto for the year: Love it!
Be Unafraid...very unafraid.
Hello Jason! Congrats on your success with your social media. I recently got a listing from a Twitter bud. I just got a Blackberry (I know, why did I wait so long!) and can't figure out how to get the settings to forward to my phone. Any suggestions?
Hi Jason -- That's amazing, and kudos to you! You have substance as well as style, and together, that is an unstoppable combination!
Jason - rock on ! The power of the internet and social media is truly amazing ! Is great that you are harnessing it... awesome updates ! We have a lot of work to do to catch up !!
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I recruited one of my agents because a mutual facebook friend knew I was looking for agents. I just added 2 more agents due to my 'internet presence'. All I can say is: Social Media online works :)
I need to get on the social media bandwagon. I want to use twitter, i just dont feel i have enough to say!
Jason - your results are awesome, I'm starting to see the benefits of using SM as well :)
Jason,
Good job! I joined all three plus more! I really believe in social media and those that join in will benefit. I was at our local MLS for a Technology Expo today, mainly about social media. It was amazing how many were not involved and viewed it as a time waster. Well, I disagree and obviously you are getting the benefits and so are your agents.
Jason.. looks like you found your new nich for recruiting.. Keep up the great job !
Jason, this is really good information. Thank you! I hope you and Pam have a lovely Valentines Day.
Later in the rain~Deb
Great to hear, hope to catch up with those stats someday. I do currently have a former classmate who has contacted me via facebook about purchasing a home.
I think you've picked a great keyword. It's such the antonym for what so many are thinking and doing right now.
Great job Jason! Although San Antonio is just "down the street" from you guys in Austin, we are worlds apart when it comes to technology. Most people down here don't know what Twitter is...... :-O
Nestor & Katerina, I found one Twitter person in Wellington, FL http://twitter.com/jessg. There are also a ton in West Palm Beach which is very close.
Jason, I love your blog and your use of social media in real estate. You are one of the people that helped me to realize that my plan to use social media and the web as my MAIN form of marketing wasn't so crazy.
Thank you for all you do for us here on Active Rain and for the real estate profession as a whole.
Jason,
Thats great that you have been able to recruit from those outlets. It definatley shows that they are ahead of the curve by finding you there.
Hi Jason! GREAT job getting out there in the social media--honestly, that's where it's at these days, right?! I applaud you on being able to maintain your social status on all three networks--I have another blog that I try to get to, my website that I personally maintain and then there's 10/10 on AR--my time is running out when I 'jog' by Facebook and Twitter! I have NO idea how you manage to spend enough time on those sites to recruit agents--YOU GO JASON!
As for your word for the new year--I LOVE it! I am watching you (and no, not in a stalking manner!!)--I can't wait to see what you and the WALDman come up with!! Happy Valentine's Day Jason!
Thanks for sharing your success. It really shows the great potential and benefit of online social networking to improve business.
Hi Jason;
Congratulations and lots of luck with your new agents.
Jason,
Real estate agents who are active on ActiveRain, Facebook and Twitter are also progressively working towards making their careers a success. Excellent candidates to recruit, I say.
Congrats with your success in taking advantage of the online networking world. Schell brothers and myself have started to become very active on all the software you mention and reading your blog just reinforces the potential that is out there by using this social chain.
Hi Jason, I forwarded this post onto my broker is is just now getting on facebook. Anything that gives you an edge is worth doing. Happy Valentine's Day to you and your beautiful wife.
Thanks for sharing these ideas. I am still learning how to use all three sites.
Interesting approach. I can see the facebook as you can gain a pretty good feel of who someone is on Facebook. thx...
Nice work Jason! This is truly a testament to the more productive and powerful capacities of social marketing and broadcasting.
hmmm just putting on the finnishing touches on my twitter post and lookie lookie.....so what are the chances of getting featured now? yup (lol)
You are a virtual wrecking ball of prosperous popularity, my well connected friend. Come, let us lay waste to these online killing fields and sup on the finest meats and cheeses in all the land.
virtual wrecking ball of prosperous popularity
Ha! Paul sure knows how to coin a phrase. :)
Jason-I have used all 3 to build my business.
The inter connectivity of the internet networking scene is like kudzu without the choking effect.
This is EXACTLY why I say using social media takes what we're supposed to be doing in real estate (networking) and makes it more efficient!
There are so many good places to find good people. I was recently looking for some temporary graphics/design help so I went over to San Diego State University a mile away and easily found a young woman to help. She was thankful for the work in this economic environment.
Great post! It is much easier to speak about twitter to those who tweet! lol 6 months ago I was a twitter twit. But now I get it, and our corporate office gets it! By sending out daily updates on the company, thousands can "get the news, and be intrigued!" Twitter on!
Jason, great post ---- I have been wondering if Brokers were getting any agent leads --- I just atarted on AR this past Sept and just in Jan. 2009 started with Twitter and Linkedin and Facebook. I have plenty of time--I love this social networking. I am an excellent broker in Charleston, SC.
Great post Jason. I love your 2009 Keyword. I love to social network, I just started using twitter. Follow me on twitter @lisaborders38.
With this comment, I surpass 100,000 points. I couldnt think of a more deserving person. Thank you for all of your help both here and elsewhere in the RE.net world. You da man!
Its great to hear good results from Socai Media. As social media evolves, We who are in it are making it work for us in a way that is unique and individual, but its great to get ideas from others who have had success.
Love this testimony Jason and "if you use it they will come" as you are living proof!
Keep living "unafraid"!
A congradulations is in order here great job you are a real insporation to us all. Keep on posting.
This is some good stuff right here, I got a ton of good LO's from Myspace,Active Rain,and just plain ole internet surfin. Cold calling everyone hates for the most part, however active rain makes it so much more easy, its more of a warm call. Thanks for the good info and you are so right, keep up the good work homie.
Jason - I am really excited to hear your business success on those social media and HOW FUNNY - I went to add your twitter link and come to find out I am already following you...:) Keep up the great work!!!
Tara Jacobsen (aka TARAdactyl)
Marketing Speaker, Coach and Author
www.MarketingArtfully.com and www.ThriveContactSystem.com
Twitter - www.twitter.com/taradactyl
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/taradactyl
Hi Jason, By using jason crouch in the recruitment title? hehe. All kidding aside. You're so well known that people are finding you. For those that are in the austin area and who don't know you by now, we send them there. Speaking of we saw a new member from Austin tx on the 9th. Don't worry we already told her to find you for all the best information in Austin, TX. :)
Always looking out for ya.
Sincerely, Castellum
Thanks for that! I actually have two interviews TODAY with agents who came from my blog. :)
Jason .. great news that you managed to meet new agents for your RE business at Facebook, Twitter and AR.
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you.
Jason, great post, and great info.
Jason, Your post is such an encouragement to us who are just getting started in the world of internet networking. Thanks for setting the example.
This is all so new to me. I am learning so much on at. I have a twitter account but i really don't use it or understand it. Thanks for the info and the help I can get is so much appreciated.
Wow, Jason, your results are outstanding! Congratulations to you! I, too, am on AR, Facebook and Twitter, don't understand too much yet but am making headway with adding friends and colleagues every day.
Keep up the great work. I look forward to following your blogs here on AR, Twitter and Facebook.
All the best,
Julie
Hi Jason - good stuff here, thanks for sharing. I read a statistic the other day that said more than 80% of consumers are on social networks like Twitter, Facebook, etc... but only 11% of Realtors are on these social networks.
I just co-developed and launched a new site for Realtors. I would love your feedback on it. The site is intended to help realtors both understand and implement their online strategies with Social Networks & Blogs.
http://www.WebRealEstateTools.com
I had a broker contact me off of Facebook. The scope of these tools go beyond getting connected.
Great blog. I am going to look further into Twitter now. I never thought of recuiting LO's from a social networking site, but why not.
I found active rain through Twittering. I'm a newbee here....so if your not Twitter person try it!
Thanks for your post Jason see you in twitterland,
Decordiva
Jason,
You are so right on - the new social networking is fabulous. I have made many more connections via the internet than attending conventions. I now have some great referral connections.
Victoria
Great post Jason! I am learning to do things differently too and we have to use all the tools that are available. I also find that using the tools is the best way to teach our agents how they can benefit them as well.
Great post Jason...but you always have great post! I too have utilized FB, Twitter, AR to strum up business and encouraged my fellow agents to do the same. It's about staying up with the times and building those relationships!
Jason,
Great Job and thanks for the constant reminder. I find myself sometimes thinking I don't have time to stop and blog, set time aside for that. But you have shown me the light, I will make time and use my social network to it's full potential. I am off to twitter!
Hey Jason: Thanks for sharing your success stories. I can definitely see the potential Twitter, A|R and Facebook hold in bringing me some business. I do know I need to work on using Twitter more effectively though and not as sporadic...I tend to forget about it, whoops! :-)
Have a great day,
Anne Rains
I'm relatively new to all of these sites, but I am out there and trying! Your comments about recruiting are fabulous! Thank you for sharing and keep the ideas coming!
Jason,
Great stories! I'm one of the one's who doesn't "see" Twitter yet. My grandkids just got me into Facebook.
Very nice post, Jason. I love your new word UNAFRAID. That's what you have to be in this business to succeed. Keep up the great work. I totally admire you.
I just joined Facebook two days ago and probably should try Tweeter, too. I'm dragging my feet though, so I'm listening...
Jason, I recently took the plunge and joined FaceBook and Twitter .... still learning but do understand the value of the social networking sites. Congrats on your new recruits!