Mike Mueller, Social Media.ist

Meet John Harper.

He’s just one of the many Harpers of the Harper Mees team.
(there’s quite a few of them)

John is a full time Real Estate Agent and is responsible for leading the team direction in it’s internet and technology.  On top of that, he is an Instructor and Speaker.  He’s got his hands full.  You might imagine, even being as smart as John is, it’s hard to keep on top of all the emerging technology, especially that concerning Social Media.

So what did John Harper do? (here’s where the Genius part comes in )

He reached out to local Social Media types, changed the dynamic and did exactly what I’ve always touted as the real reason for Social Media.
Bringing it all Face to Face or as they say on Twitter - #IRL (in real life)

Just as easy as that!

And last night we did meet at Amber Bistro.  I met and chatted with owner Eric Janssen.  Soon Reggie and Nicole Nicolay of (MyTechOpinion.com ) arrived as did the Mees half of the team, Ginny and Paul.

The wine flowed, the food and service was top notch. More important than that, many new ideas blossomed, new relationships formed and existing relationships were strengthened.

One of the best ideas we talked about was Ginny’s project:  http://www.singlewomanhomeowner.com/

a website for a national network of professional women dedicated to helping you with the unique challenges you face when it comes to real estate and home ownership.  You’ll find the answers to your questions, gain insight into the real estate market and have access to a network of professional women who share your interests.

Check it out, join the site.  It’s a virtual support group for all Women Homeowners everywhere.  What a great concept!

Now, do you really need to go to such lengths as John did?  Probably not.
A simple “Hey! Let’s meet for coffee” would generally work.

Moral of the story: Social Media is just a tool.  It’s not a tool to broadcast your message “Buy from Me!”.   It’s a tool to start the conversation.  From Twitter to email to phone call to coffee (or dinner) to a real human relationship.

John Harper understands that and that’s why I say he’s a Genius.

*  And yeah, just for fun I did Photoshop John up on a pedestal, sorry John!