New Connections
December 16, 2008
For those of you that know me, you know I love meeting new people. Actually, what I love, is to be introduced to new people. Being introduced takes all the awkwardness out of trying to find a common bond that you can build a conversation on. Last I checked though, I don’t have someone following me around introducing me to people, so I’ve had to adapt. All they way back (Yes, all the way back then) in high school, I was shy. So when I started entering the work force, I specifically seeked out jobs that put me front and center in the public. I figured the only way I was going to break out of my shell was by jumping in with both feet. It worked for the most part. I took a job as a cashier and then various server positions in restaurants. Eventually working my way up to the holy grail of conversation, a bartender. As a bartender you have to strike up a conversation with everyone who sits down on the other side of your “3 feet of oak” — which is the story I found myself relaying to Brian Wallace of NowSourcing.
Brian and I met through one of the many online social networking sites that he advises his clients how to use. I’ve always considered myself a geek first, and a Realtor second. So I’m constantly seeking out new technology and ways I can leverage it for my clients. One of the best ways for me to find new technology is to keep good company. Guys and gals who have their fingers on the pulse of the new marketing frontier. The new buzz word is social media. I’m not a fan of buzz words to be honest. Mostly because the word tries to become something it really isn’t. Social media has been around FOREVER.
What is social media? Simple. It is about personal connections, and relationships. Just like when you move into a new town and you need a new barber, you ask your neighbors who you should try out. Your neighbor has a working, and or, personal relationship with a barber. So your neighbor recommends someone for you to try. The Social Media buzz word grabs hold when you apply this principle to the masses across the internet. Businesses and brands also proactively try to initiate relationships with potential consumers, as well as actively listen to consumer’s feedback. Again, shouldn’t this just be called customer service? Did I mention I’m not a fan of buzz words?
That is why it was so refreshing when Brian and I sat down to discuss our lives and what brought us to where we are today. Brian obviously understands the root of the buzz words, and the technology. But, he also is genuinely a people person. Buzz words or not, Brian is on top of his game as a social media consultant. It takes more than a high skill set in the tech world to do what he does. You have to understand people, and relationships, and how people interact. Which is why Brian continues to do his homework. Not only through his blog, or twitter, or wherever else he maintains an online presence… but also at the corner coffee shop. I was lucky enough to participate in what Brian is calling “10in10″ — Each week, for 10 weeks, Brian actively seeks out someone he has never met before in person and chats. Building relationships and making friends. Isn’t that what life is really about?
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Good Stuff! I agree that being a bartender forces one out of their shell. I still think that one of my most favorite jobs…for the talking to people part-not promoting alcoholism
[...] he definitely seems to be ahead of the curve of other real estate professionals. He even put up a post about us meeting before I [...]
Great post, Scott. I just read Brian’s post and linked from there to here. I can relate to being shy and finding ways to overcome it in business. In fact, there are ways to make that personality trait work in one’s favor. I had the pleasure of being a part of the 10in10 today and I totally agree with that Brian is on top of his game.