It’s not odd really – the majority of the clients we work with will utilize our website in their property and info searches, but they don’t utilize social networks or read our blog regularly. The only reason we have such a high readership on our blog is because I converted it into a push email newsletter sent out once a week. Very few of our readers even utilize RSS.

The clients I do obtain just from web marketing find us doing searches – and our blogs and sites pop up high in the search – and they then come to us that way – but in the grand scheme of things, the clients we obtain that way are less than 5% of our total business.

I still use twitter, facebook, linkedin, jott, blogs, etc – but I use them mostly if they work to make MY work easier. For example, feedblitz I love because I was able to eliminate Constant Contact and use a source I’m already creating (my blog posts) to push out to our clients and prospects already in our database.

I check each prospect/client to see if they have profiles on facebook, linkedin or myspace and I’ll add them accordingly, but I don’t go onto those sites just to market out – I simply don’t have the time to be answering questions on 20 different social networks for a random lead or two. I’d rather target my niche and less than 5% of my niche even reads a blog via RSS.

The key is – I know my niche demographic – my clientelle. I know where they live, what their typical incomes are, what they like to buy, etc. I also know that right now, the majority of them respond strongly to direct mail, although a small % enjoy email information. Therefore, my push is to get them to read my blog – just like in the ‘old days’ it was to point everyone to our website.

Lane, same here..it started to add up real quick.

Catherine thanks for the comment. I don’t understand the comment “99% of the clients and customers we work with simply don’t use it “..that seems a little odd. Maybe you can expound.

$1000 was a great deal. $5000.. not so much.

The Orlando event is a different story. I know that if I go to NAR that the family is coming down. Not an issue for me to add the BBU even to the trip.

2) The upcoming Orlando one looks like it is going to be a conflict as well – since Women’s Council events are just prior to National, on the same day that BHU is currently planned for.

I’ll be honest, Women’s Council has some excellent educational events and frankly, every event I’ve gone to has given me actual
cash in my pocket business within weeks (because of referral networking, not including things I’ve implemented that I learn at the events) – each and every event – not including future potential because of networking relationships I’m developing.

I know web 2.0 is important, I also know that 99% of the clients and customers we work with simply don’t use it to the degree (if at all) that is being promoted at BHU. This is the ’99′ that Greg always talks about. I have a successful business, so I’m not talking a few transactions that I glean this from.

Additionally, I am very selective in the events I do attend as I already am booked to travel 6 times each year (not including personal time). I want to make sure that I’m paying for and going to the best ROI for my time and money, period. I want to know full detailed schedules ahead of time – allowing me to clearly and intelligently decide if the event is one I should put in my schedule.