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How do you talent scout for agents who can use social media and other online tools?

Posted in Real Estate Marketing 2.0 By G Dewald | Union Street Media, Monday, March 10, 2008.

In one of the other topics, a group member lamented the challenges in locating agents for his brokerage that were prepared/willing/able to use social media and other 2.0 developments. This question is about finding (and likely developing) talent.

Here are some of the tools discussed already:

ActiveRain
LinkedIn
Facebook

If you're a broker looking for agents who can do the web 2.0 thing, how are you scouting them? Is anyone actively developing their existing agents and training them in these tools and skills (anyone pay for a writing workshop for one of their agents? a digital photography course?).

If you're an agent who does web 2.0 what would attract you to a different broker?

If (like me) you're in a marketing role in support of the real estate industry, what suggestions for attracting web2.0-capable talent can you share?

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Submitted by G Dewald | Union Street Media on March 10, 2008 - 8:07am.

Sorry for the quick comment but I wanted to keep the topic in it's own thread.

Here are some ideas beyond general blogging and trolling the social media networks:

  • Try attending digital marketing events outside of the real estate market (Web Analytics Wednesdays, Blogging Meetups, User-groups). Don't get too pitchy at these things as these meetings are usually held for specific techy idea-sharing. But if you make it known to people that you're looking for a blog-capable agent these people will spread the word for you.
  • Provide some specific development training for your agents in using web 2.0 tools. Develop your in-house talent and also promote the fact that you do this.
  • Measure your success. Use your analytics and track the ROI of your efforts. Money talks.

 
Submitted by Kevin Sharkey on March 10, 2008 - 1:45pm.

I am working (ever so slowly) on a class to present to local associations or real estate companies to provide an overview of web 2.0 history, development and applications. It is my hope to raise awareness among a greater number of agents and to get a 2.0 community established in the Minneapolis area.

I tell my agents that they need to become proficient in an area and to establish themselves as experts if they want to attract clients. I am trying this same approach to attract agents by becoming a source of information about the evolution known as web 2.0.

The task of pulling information together is mind boggling. I would greatly appreciate it if anyone has some good resources for me to tap into for this project. Like where to even start...

 
Submitted by G Dewald | Union Street Media on March 10, 2008 - 2:58pm.

Kevin,

I'm currently doing a series on web site optimization for real estate over at the Union Street blog. The series is intended to help familiarize site owners with the optimization process so they can either do it on their own or so they're better educated customers for analytics/optimization services. So if you're looking for info on how to be involved in ongoing online marketing/funnel optimization that might be a resource.

I've also got some stubs in my "Drafts" pile on a few other topics (developing a measurable social media campaign is one of them that might be relevant). So do check it out now and then and please comment there. I choose topics to write about based on popular landings, conversions and communication (either via comments or directly, which is what most people do I guess, they must be shy).

g

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