In the last segment I discussed the Power of Blogging as it added to the Agent's Toolbox.
This segment deals with Net Working.
I separated the word to emphasize the Net from the Working.
The internet is a vital part of the complete marketing package.
If N.A.R.'s estimate of almost 80% of buyers starting their search for a home on the internet is accurate (and why would you NOT believe it?), then having a no internet "footprint" would mean you are only trying to reach 20% of the buyers out there. 
You wouldn't do that would you?
Of course you wouldn't!
So you are the "Net" Queen (or King) of your office.
- You list your homes on the MLS,
- You post it also on Craigslist and you post with Postlets or VFlyers so yours really stand out.
- You joined ActiveRain and have a blog here and sometimes even leave a comment or two,
- Somebody told you about Localism so you added a couple of posts there,
- You heard someone report they were "Singing in the Rain", they were referred and sold 3 houses last week via ActiveRain, but you wonder why not a single phone call has come though to you.
- You have your own website www.SusieSellsHomes.com which is a template site that look very much like every other template site, something your not too thrilled about but what else can you do?
- You "own" 137 Domain Names, and have them all point to your website.
- GoDaddy sends you a birthday card each year.
- You exchanged links by joining that link farm, then you found out that wasn't a good thing so you tried vainly to remove them all.
Sound familiar? 
Net Working is all of that, but you've just scratched the surface.
Net Working is reading 30 to 40 of the top real estate bloggers each day. Why?
Do that and you'll be one of the most informed agents around.
You'll know all about Prop. XYZ when your new client mentions it because you first read about it two weeks ago.
How do you read 40 blogs and have a normal life? - The RSS feed of course. Funnel only the best information to a single source. Skim the stuff you don't need, Read what you do need.
Net Working is about expanding your connections. ActiveRain has 36,000 members. 
With minimal involvement, I have connected to thousands across the country just by participating here.
You don't realize what a tremendous resource this community really is.
Net Working is having a problem with an FHA loan and your buyer. 
In seconds you could have a couple of the Nations top FHA experts on the phone, eager and willing to give you advice. 
Tony Gallegos
Jeff Belonger
Net Working is needing a good appraiser in a distant area, calling a "friend" on ActiveRain (who happens to be a top producer) and getting the private home phone number of the best appraiser in the area with a personal recomendation from your "A/R Friend".
Net Working is having that appraiser, someone you never met and will probably never use again treat you like royalty because of who referred you. 
Net Working is having the local news media contact you because they need a knowledgeable local expert for a 1/2 hour special on the local market.
Net Working is the news producer doing a Google search for "Sunny Acres" and "home sales" and having your blog coming up first.
Net Working is having that producer read 23 pages of your blog, firmly implanting on her, your position and feelings on all things happening in Sunny Acres.
As so many here can testify. Ask Gena Riede how that might work.
Net Working is showing up seemingly everywhere.
Net Working is guest blogging on other high profile pages. 
See Brian Brady, He's everywhere!
Net Working is helping to shine the light on others.
Tony Gallego does this at least once a week on his home blog, the Mortgage Cicerone
Ann Cummings did it here: Localism Week in Review
Jason Sardi did it with for the Mortgage Guys: Mortgage Week In Review: June 17th - June 22nd
Net Working is having a crazy idea burning in the back of your mind of something that's sorely missing in the world.
Net Working is having so many other talented writers and experts want to actively pitch in and contribute articles and help.
It's still in it's infant stage, it was born Sunday June 24th (my 18th Wedding Anniversary), but here's a peek at
Net Working is working better, faster, and easier.
Net Working is posting the first of three articles and having someone propose that there should be a 4th.
Net Working is having that person write the 4th article. See: Cheryl Johnson The Power of Blogging - Social Fun
So Net Working is so much more than just putting up a paragraph of copied market data. 
We can all see that, but hopefully your vision of Net Working just expanded a little bit.
Blog On, you Fabulous Net 
Worker!
- The Power of Blogging - SER
- The Power of Blogging - Net-Working
- The Power of Blogging - Social Fun (The Team Blogger project)
- The Power of Blogging - Sticky-ness (coming Soon)
This post brought to you courtesy of Mike Mueller.
Feel free to ReBlog or ReTweet as you like as long as you credit the source (him).
Did you know? He's for hire! He builds Blogs, Graphic Images and Widgets and Facebook Pages and besides… He knows lots of really cool stuff.
| Hire Mike (925) 456-4567
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Great Post. I agree that's the way to Net Work. Just added you as an associate.
Thanks
Thank you Darrel! - I think the effort only comes when you understand what it is that you have. In my mind, this Net Working idea is a higher level thought that so many new bloggers just haven't thought about (yet). To so many the one and only reason they are here is to score points and advertise themselves. I left out a beautiful post by John Harper about Net Working. Just not enough room - sorry John.
William - thank you for the nice words. Come back anytime.
Pete - I'm all in favor of face to face. It's how we get deals done. But this is just one more tool to have and know about in your Agent Toolbox.
Sarah - Thank you! I read every word you write - you make me proud too! By the way, I sent you an email earlier this week and it bounced.
Jeanette - Cool, we "Net Worked". I just added you. Let's put it to good use. (You did add a comment to the association didn't you?)
Hi, Mike!
You really explained everything well! Thanks for breaking it down (net working) to get it to its simplest form so it'll be well absorbed by all us on AR members who have the determination to shine soon!
Emilie - This is only one part of the story, make sure you read the other 3
Karen - It good to be found. For many search terms I beat out the DiTechs and LendingTrees.
Tony - Thanks, I just changed it to Public. Net Working is casting the net as wide as you can too.
Marlene - Net Work On!
Mike:
Great way to put networking in perspective. It's a significant part of any profession that it can't be emphasized enough. It may take some time to get results from it--especially the blogging aspect, but as Gena's experience proved, it does work. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the rest.