I’ve heard a bunch of people talk about Social Media marketing strategies and how it’s all about them. Do this, do that for them and then they will come.

No, social media is about YOU. It’s about being you. Its taking the person that really exists within and bringing it to these social networking sites.

The truth is, not everyone in this world is interesting, or pleasant or smart. And if you think social media is a trick to make people think you posses these qualities, you’re wasting your time.  You can’t fake it. This isn’t politics.

No, what I suggest you do is look in the mirror and figure out what you do best…and bring it everyday. Bring you and then they will come. People are attracted to genuineness; they’re attracted to consistency. And if you’re faking a glorified version of yourself, you’re not going to be consistent and you’re going to come across as disingenuous.

So yes, you may be neurotic, crazy, annoying, etc. But so are a lot of other people. And you may just find that real people connect through common shortcomings and insecurities. They connect with people like you.

Doug

Join us this Tuesday (2/2/10) at 9:30 am eastern time, as I interview Rita Cox (@realestaterita) on the Atlanta real estate market over Twitter.

We will cover all the general real estate questions you would expect and then drill down into what makes Atlanta…well, Atlanta; and in real time of course.  I’m sure we’ll get to the Olympics, Coca-Cola and maybe even Gone with the Wind. Let me know if you have a specific question you would like answered on Atlanta.

This is the first in a series of interviews with local real estate agents/professionals on their hyperlocal city/neighborhood. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to be interviewed.

Doug

Are you a real estate agent/professional? Are you an expert on what’s going on in your neck of the woods? Want to give an all access tour to your neighborhood? Well, come on down and be a contestant (interviewee) on The Price is Right (DeedStreet’s real time interviews over Twitter).

Starting next week (or possibly this Friday), I will be doing interviews on Twitter with real estate agents from various neighborhoods across the US and Canada (or anywhere). We already have interviews lined up for Austin, Atlanta and San Antonio…and I want to do your city/neighborhood next (hyperlocal interviews too).

I’ll start off asking questions about what’s driving your market’s sales and a bunch of other general questions. Then, the fun will begin, as we dive down into an insiders perspective of what makes your city tick. So, if you know where the best BBQ in Kansas City is; or where to get the best bowl of clam chowder in New England, you and I need to tweet.

Don’t hesitate to contact me. These interviews are meant to be fun and will go in the direction you take it. I’m also open to using other social media platforms to do the interview if you have a good idea or premise for the interview. You can reach me via Twitter or Facebook; or email me at doug@deedstreet.com , call my cell at (480) 282-2100 or reply below.

Doug

Quick announcement. I will be appearing next week on Mike Mueller’s radio show “The M Files.” In Mike’s own words, “The show is a highly concentrated , 1/2 hour discussion around a specific topic. Conversations are usually technology and or social media relevant – but then again, why always color within the lines?”

The interview takes place this Monday (1/25/10) at 12:00 PM Pacific. The show is hosted on and can be found at BlogTalkRadio.

For those unfamiliar with Mike, he has a social media & technology consulting blog named Are We Connected. He also specializes in making custom Facebook business pages, is a huge hockey fan and is an all around great guy.

Mostly, Mike will be grilling me on DeedStreet’s real estate in real time platform. Should be fun to watch. So grab some popcorn and tune in.

Doug

“I’m not a social media guru, I just love social media.”  And thus begins one of Bill Risser’s (@BillRisser) social media workshops.

Bill, along with Paul Guenther (@mytitleguypaul), help real estate agents get indoctrinated on various real time networking sites in a series of free workshops they hold throughout the Phoenix valley. Classes include a General Overview as well as separate Twitter, Facebook, Active Rain / Google apps and “Build your Blog” sessions (both Bill and Paul work for Chicago Title in Gilbert). 

Now I know what your thinking…everybody and their brother are going around teaching social media classes; and you’re right. But what makes Bill & Paul’s class so valuable and educational is that they are not social media gurus. Their is no hidden agenda in trying to elevate themselves to guru status in order to sell some higher learning (that’s code for expensive) social media classes as many gurus are doing so today (although, if you ever have a title related question, I’m sure they’re more than willing to help).

The laid-back approach of not trying to sell “guru” status sets the right tone for these workshops. Bill and Paul are like kids in a candy shop; they’re just excited to be teaching a subject they love. And their authenticity keeps you entertained and focused at the task at hand throughout the entire two-hour workshops.

Another facet that I think Bill and Paul have down is the structuring of the classes. Instead of cramming every social media website into a 2 hour presentation, they have wisely broken down the classes into separate 2 hour presentations (this excludes the General Overview, which is really a pre-requisite for the separate sessions). Let’s take the Twitter class for example.

First, before attending the workshop, they’ll make sure all attendees have a Twitter account (as well as some other twitter relevant accounts, such as HootSuite). For the actual class, you are required to bring your laptop. Bill and Paul take you through all the nuances of getting started on Twitter (on your own personal computer) and all the necessary supporting applications. When you’ve finished the class, you don’t just have the knowledge of how Twitter works, but you’ve already had a test drive and been given the keys to “Twitter” car. Where you go from there (in Real Time of course) is now up to you.

I can’t tell you how much more valuable this is than the customary social media guru workshop, where over the course of a two-hour session, they speak of the 10 social networks you have to go sign-up for. You take notes, get all pumped up and excited about joining. The next day, you haven’t signed up for a single social networking site, the class is a passing thought and you’ve accomplished nothing.

In short, Bill and Paul are not social media gurus. But ironically, they could teach a social media guru a thing or two about social media. But don’t take my word for it. Attend one of their classes, even if you’re already an expert on these subjects, and see for yourself.

Doug