Well, Real Estate Brokers, we know that our first "job" is recruiting and re-recruiting (retention)!  However, just like our sales associates, "prospecting" often falls behind our other tasks of training, managing for profitability, and administration.

How can we use "social networking" to keep in touch with and assist both our own associates and our potential associates.

Here are several suggestions for employing social networking in these important tasks.  Remember, too, that what you do for one group (potential associates), do also for your current team of agents! How many times have we heard agents say "My Broker forgets to dance with those of use who brought him!"

• Set aside a specific time period at least once a week for your social networking contacts – remember these are ongoing conversations not one-time efforts!
• Check out your own associates as well as your “target list” on Facebook, LinkedIn, Plaxo, Twitter… Keep track of who’s there so that you know whom you can contact and with whom you can carry on conversation
•  Post positive, recognition comments on their site like  “congratulations” and “thanks for showing/selling our listing.”
• Watch for opportunities to share positive feedback!
•  Find out about social networking successes and recognize your own associates when they make connections with prospects, clients, and referral prospects using social networking -- use this recognitioin to encourage those who haven’t worked it yet.
• Blog what you’re looking for in new, “toddler,” and experienced recruits such as values, vision, technology experience, presentation skills, follow-through, and more.
• Remember to post, blog, and communicate to their generation, personality style, and interests! It's essential that we all remember that ONE SIZE STILL DOESN’T FIT ALL!  We have to consider our associates' and our recruits' generation, personality style and interests in choosing how and when we communicate with them as well as how we recognize them and their efforts and successes.
  
  Please share your ideas and suggestions and let's keep our ideas growing!