A few weeks back, I received a Facebook notification regarding a new message on my wall. Now does that sound Social networky or what? lol~ Anyway, it was an old friend and past client who was asking me for a referral in an area close by. Of couse I looked up Linda on ActiveRain, and referred her over to Tom. Yesterday, I get a Facebook notification that there's a new comment from Tom on my wall again.
Naturally I responded to Tom immediately, and then thanked Linda. :-))
Funny - Just two days ago, I was talking about referrals with Nyssa on Activerain (we were actually on Twitter..haha) discussing what we felt is the true definition and meaning of "referral?" I think this was a perfect example of a Social networking referral, and I think we'll see many more of them done like this in the future. Facebook and ActiveRain generate the contact, and the relationships and "connections" generate the referral. ActiveRain and Facebook are excellent conduits, but it's always has been, and always will be about people.
Here's two great social networks, totally different from each other, yet connecting us and providing opportunities that many of us still have yet to discover. How will you use ActiveRain and other Social Networks like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn etc. to do business and build referrals in the future? Or will you end up like me, and just be using them already without even realizing it? :-O
Brad, I think it happens like you said. It just happens from doing the things over and over without realizing your doing it. That's when the referrals and people start finding you.
Brad, I still haven't figured out how to link my fb with my AR like people keep talking about. But everywhere I look they seem to be entwined.
Brad - I too have given & received referrals without conciously using a "Social Network Resource".
Yesterday a "hot buyer" contacted me through a Goggle search and found a post of mine on ActiveRain .... $$$ ... I'm showing him three properties this afternoon.
Brad - Social networks are great for referrals because they keep you in touch with your network - front and center in their eyes. I make most referrals just as you described.
Active Rain has really become the 1st place for me to look for good referrals. I may have to learn some areas then, people to refer to. But I only come here. After reading the person's blog, I would get a "feel". Some I know that has been here for a while and I appreciate the quality work, I just hand their names off directly.
This has truly become a networking site for me.
How will you use ActiveRain and other Social Networks like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn etc. to do business and build referrals in the future? I am utilizing these tools to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones especially with professionals I would otherwise not have the opportunity to meet.
Brad, whether we are finding each other on the internet or IRL, it's all about connections, yes?
All these Networks and tools working together seemlessly for the good of the cause.
It's having an "ActiveFace" that gets you a "RainBook" of business and referrals.
@Gynell - I'll call you and help you with this on Monday. :-)
Great success story! As far as Facebook, Twitter, linked in..I am "just using them".
Brad, next week I will have my first AR referral closing. I am SOOOO very excited.
Brad,
I'm finding that these resources are helping me stay connected. I definitely have my AR posts update to my F/B as well as Twitter (selectively) only because all of the different users that only use one or the other.
In any event very useful and helpful!
Brad - all of these Social Networks are amazing at keeping us connected with our audience! AR and FB really are a match made in social networking heaven.
Thanks for sharing this postive info with us today. I have bookmarked this one.
Brad --- In the last several months, I have used Active Rain totally to handle the outgoing referrals from AgentOwned Realty --- It has been a great source of talented people. I'm seeing the advantage of using AR, Twitter and Facebook.
Thats the way to network Brad. Congrats to Tom and Linda, and yourself. Spread the referral around and one will find its way back to you in not time.
These social networking sites do complement each other! I think it does boil down to the relationships and the people.
Well with all the folks we know from AR, we should be using them for referrrals. Gosh AR has given us great friends everywhere.
That is why I love active rain, I get to meet such great people and I able to learn from everyone..Keep up the good work my active rain family
Hi Brad, Just a couple weeks ago, I referred another client to an ActiveRain member and blogging friend. The reason is after reading and talking to so many, the best referrals are to those we have come to know and respect. We don't read profiles, we read of their insight, there challenges and also their attitude. The best insight and talent as well as just the best people in the business for referrals are right here. Besides we all need to do what we can to help each other, just like we always have.
Brad,
I have made probably about 10 referrals since late last year and they all have been contacts within my social networking spheres.
Brad, I think your definition of success is quite a good one...
Thanks for the shout out! And for nudge to share my own experience!
It's been kinda of fun learning how to keep all this together.
ANd how to link it all to my website.
I will always be learning!
Referrals on social networks is becoming commonplace.
The reason I like this venue much better is because of
the transparency, like Ryan said.
When you send a referral through one of your social
contacts is easy to keep track of it.
The internet and social media are bringing us closer than
we've ever been before and it's up to us to figure out how
that can turn into more business opportunities.
I see referrals daily on my facebook page. Agents from all
over the US sharing referrals in one place. It's amazing to
see business coming together through social media. Our group
has had over 150 referrals this year. I'm expecting that number
to grow as more agents realize the power of social networking.
Jonathan - we are seeing the same results here on AR, and the numbers seem to be increasing daily.
This is a beautiful thing! :-)
Hi Brad,
There are some great webinars out there with helpful information on setting up Facebook neighborhood pages. I did one but alas, I don't know how to set the settings. Oh well, I will find out soon enough. I am using facebook for business thanks to one of your AR podcasts that introduced me to it.
Thanks for all the helpful information you post out there.
This is why Facebook (and ActiveRain) is so powerful. It's not an advertising opportunity - it's a referrals opportunity.