I appreciate your opinion about social media. And I have to admit, I am presently on several of these social media, at the advice of my consultant. I hope it works. I hope I have not got the time to constantly interact on these media….

Nick, here is what I really think about social media, notwithstanding that I am hoping there is something worthwhile about social media.
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Remember that you heard this first, right here, from me. Social media is destined to failure, even before it has peaked. Really? Why?

Yes, even before the peak of this social media phenomenon, I am predicting its decline. You see, social media is really not all that many advocates are hyping it to be. And here’s why.

In my mind, there are 3 primary reasons why the Twitter, Facebook, ActiveRain, Linkedin, etc., the social media of the world, are destined to ultimate failure:

1. When people jumped into these social media, they fell into a number of categories (a discussion for another time), but they were all very excited about and eager for a new (realtime) way to communicate. While the numbers remained relatively small, and recognition was high, and subject cognizance was relevant to the group and accepted, then all was well. Well, sort of. When user numbers began to climb, the attraction of the medium also continued to climb, but at a decreasing rate. You see, there were too, too many people with disparate motivations, perspectives – and lacking commonality. Social media is no longer a predictively positive posting experience. That has become a distinct disincentive for social media buffs. Not all is well in social media land. Bummer.

2. The social media were initially attractive to a demographic of users who loved trivia, meaningless interaction and to an unthreatening validation to one’s existence. Soon, responsive posting began to occur. Oh, bummer, it was just like emails and interactive online forums. Recently (and worse), vendors began to “farm” social media. After all, that’s where the consumers are aggregating. Unfortunately for those vendors who are late to the scene, social media users (non vendors) are becoming turned off to these all too obvious solicitations. Thus, the Kumbaya character that attracted so many participants is degenerating into a retail forum.

3. Finally, and most importantly, a need exists with all human beings that has been totally ignored by the advocates of social media. We all need personal, physical interaction. We all need face to face interaction and the ability to physically reach out and touch someone. We all need to talk with someone, to see them in reality. (Oh, gosh, have I committed PC blunder? Is the O Administration going to sentence me to prison?)

So here it is. The kids that drove the social media adventure are still humans. They need something more personal and meaningful than a mere electronic recognition of their existence. They want and are seeking out personal (vis a vis) interaction. What they desire is a personal touch, or at least the potential of a personal touch.

My prognostication? Social media is doomed to mediocrity and ho-humdrum. It’s a blip on the communication scale.

What does this have to do with real estate? I mean, for those of you for whom the answer to that question isn’t perfectly obvious? Easy. You are wasting you time, dear brethren. Spend your time in more conventional media: email, snail mail, presentations, print media, phone calls. Trust me, although you may snag a prospect from time to time on a social medium, consider your time spent and how much more productive you would have been be vis a vis. Consider your time on social media versus hitting the street, or directly soliciting your demographic.

There is much more to discuss on social media, but this will have to do for Part I.

Thanks for the opportunity to contribute, Nick. I look forward to meeting you.

Best,

Ed
http//www.TheRealEstateExpertWitness.com

And, you get to meet a lot of interesting people.