The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

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An Opportunity to Speak at GPAR on Blogging and Social Media

I want to thank the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors ( GPAR ) for asking me to speak this past week on blogging and social media.  When I was asked if I would speak on the subjects to my colleagues, I accepted immediately as I knew it was an opportunity to give back.  Of course I was a little nervous in that there are a lot of smart Realtors out there doing the social media thing.  I certainly did not want to flop or be a disappointment to GPAR or the folks that took the time to show up.

Then I found out it was 2 separate topics, blogging was one topic and social media another, each topic being an hour long.   2 hours is a long time to speak in a structured fashion !  So I had some planning and preparation to do which I took head on.  There is SO much to talk about that some conferences go on for 3 days with these subjects.You vs Your Competition

 

The big picture is that I believe there is a huge opportunity for those Realtors who want to build their brand on the Internet through blogging and social media.  Especially in Philadelphia since there are not many real estate bloggers utilizing new media. With the huge growth of mobile and video and the web, it is important for Realtors to stay ahead of the curve to be able to communicate with their customers and clients on these platforms and to be able to market listings with enhanced Internet Marketing skills to give sellers that necessary additional exposure that they need and want to get their properties sold.

Looking back about four years ago, I was just starting to blog myself on Active Rain ! It is amazing how much things can take off with hard work, goal setting, consistency and a strong mind set !   In the crowd there were a lot of potential new bloggers.  I gave them some examples of changing business models that are inspiring for Realtors (and any entrepreneur) looking to be innovative and bold:

 

 

 

 

 

Amazon vs Borders

Netflix vs Blockbuster

Yelp vs Zagat

You vs Your Competition

It is up to YOU !!!

 

Feel free to subscribe to our blog or our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

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A Year in Reflection as I walked (in FEAR) over the Ben Franklin Bridge !

A year in Reflection as I walked over the Ben Franklin Bridge !

It was about a year ago that I started blogging.  One of my first blogs was a post that I wrote "Overcoming the fear of Heights" (I enjoy looking at some of my old posts).  I was so scared that day walking over the Bridge.  I could not believe that I had gone from being a bold risk-taker as a skydiver and an adrenalin junkie to the point where I was terrified of heights and needed to hold my wife's hand to ease my fear as we walked over the bridge and back.  

We have done it a few times since then and we did it again today as it was such a beautiful day in Philadelphia.  Each time we have gone, it is a little less scary but my heart still beats hard and fast !

As I was walking I reflected how far Stephanie and I have come in that one year with our blog here on Active Rain as well as Philadelphia Real Estate Voice .  We have received a lot of business and notoriety (both locally and nationally) from our blogging.  Two of our blog entries during the year were picked up by RE/MAX Times:

  1. Featured in RE/MAX Times !
  2. Highlighted in RE/MAX Times Online !

In the last year, we have made countless connections here in Active Rain as well as many other real estate industry and web 2.0 contacts.  As a result, we went to the Inman Conference earlier in the year and Real Estate Bar Camp Philadelphia 2 weeks ago .  I was invited to speak at a Keller Williams Expert Panel a few months ago from being recognized as a leader in technology in the Philadelphia real estate market.   And in a few days, I will be speaking at the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors "Ask the Experts" Panel... again on technology.  I am already a bit nervous but excited about the opportunity ! 

I think my main point here is that great things happens once you cross your limits and overcome your fears.  I really believe just by diving right in to your industry and getting involved, being proactive and positive leads to results FAR beyond your expectations.  With us, we just dove into blogging and social media !  We still have a lot to learn but the beauty about it is that you can grow and build at your own pace.  The point is (not to sound too much like the Nike commercial) is to JUST DO IT !  You will be happy you did. 

And afterward, instead of feeling fearful and terrified like I did a year ago, I was smiling all day today !

Below is a photo from our walk today over the Ben Franklin Bridge.  Additional photos can be seen on our Facebook page .  Also, if you have not done so, please connect with us on Facebook (just click the link).  And while you are at it, please subscribe to our blog as well !  I think the next year is going to be even more exciting !

View from the Ben Franklin Bridge

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The Somers - Chris and Stephanie Somers

If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612 . You can connect with us on Facebook and Twitter .  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub !

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Areas of specialty include Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

Feel free to subscribe to our blog or our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

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Leads from Blogging - Active Rain Works !

In the last couple of weeks, Stephanie and I have received more calls or acknowledgement from Philadelphia buyers or sellers that have indicated that they came across us or contacted us due to our site - The Somers Team or our blog - the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog .

It is a testament that more and more people are doing their research and homework online.

Today we met with a group of investors at our office because they saw our recent blog on short sales in Philadelphia .  As a result of this meeting, I am excited about potentially working with some new clients !

 

Kudos to Active Rain !

So I wanted to take a moment and applaud Active Rain for providing this forum and opportunity for everyone in the real estate industry to network and expand their business.

The fact that Active Rain ranks so high in Google searches is awesome.  And the fact that the resources and information available is vast and comprehensive. 

And most importantly the people are incredible !!!

We look foward to growing and expanding our blogs and our sites and I firmly believe that the realtors who have a large web presence combined with their expertise and experience will continue to be the top producers in their areas in the years to come !

 

Chris and Stephanie Somers - The Somers Team

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Feel free to subscribe to our blog or our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog  The Somers Team on Facebook  The Somers Team on Twitter  The Somers Team on LinkedIn

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