Your Lake Arrowhead Realtor would like to share some local Lake Arrowhead Information with you.
I've been meaning to write about this for a while, as I still see many political-type posts and have been wondering "How's it workin' for you?"
What do I mean? Well, as far as your business goes, do you think these kind of posts are helpful to your BIZ? Are you alienating certain groups: Conservatives? Democrats? Middle of The Roaders? I'd say you MUST BE! How could you not be when you spew crap about a certain political party, be it a rolling-on-the-floor joke from the comic strips, or a worthy news breaking piece on TV.
Politics, like religion, can become a heated conversation under the best of times and circumstances. I KNOW. I am very passionate about my beliefs. But I realize, through trial and error, that there is a time and a place for "sharing" my thoughts. Once it goes out on the 'net, you can never unring that bell, even if you post under MEMBERS ONLY.
So my question is; does posting your political thoughts bring you business? Or are you ticking off many potential clients?
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I'm learning all the time, when I need to keep my thoughts to myself...
I'll post on blogs, but I don't like writing anything political if I can help it. Sometimes I get mad and write one, but they are few and far between and usually members only.
David: I totally understand... we all have a rant in us once in a while. :-) Thanks for dropping by.
Once in a blue moon I will post something that has a political ring to it, but only if I can show how it has relativity to us as agents.
Kat..I agree with you. I know we have freedom of speech and I respect that but I do not understand why Realtors are doing that here??
I know it works for some, but I choose not to share my political beliefs.... on line. In person, sure, once I've determined which way you lean. That way I can temper my words. We're selling real estate, after all, not our political beliefs. That should be the focus.
Ralph; If it works for you, that's super.
Pat: I second that!
Marcie: So TRUE. I used to spout off TOO much. And I KNOW it was not good for my biz.
WADR * I'm picking my bumper stickers for 2010 election this week. I want the discussion for local, state AND national politics. I want new residents to our area to become involved * either way * AND to be informed. When meeting clients for the first time, I would tell them where to find Air America or Rush/Sean on the radio * now it's just Glen/Rush/Sean....
Wallace, if that works well for you, I say go for it. :-)
Hi Kat ~ The political stuff gets so insane that I do feel compelled here and there to throw in a comment when the stuff is so ugly that I can't let it go without commenting. The political posts will drive me off this site eventually as they have others.
I know that I think of this site when looking for an agent to refer business to. There are many I would never in a million years refer people to because of what's been written here. I'm sure many buyers and sellers who come across those posts would feel the same way. It is truly a window into a world that I would rather not know about. I wish there was an anti-associates category so I could keep track without having to dig deep.
It's also unfortunate that the raving ugliness is sure to descend on your blog if you do decide to post a political post they don't agree with. Thuggery by blogging. Unreal.
Liz
Liz: I couldn't have said it better. Kudos! I'm also with you when it comes to referring not referring business to MANY people here on AR who are down right NASTY.
Kat, I agree that we need to curb our enthusiasm for politics on our real estate blog! You have to be so careful not to offend people with your views if you want their respect!
Caren: Agreed indeed. We (I) need to always be mindful of the consumers views/feelings.
I'll just say that I agree ......there's a time and place and I know what you're talking about. It's the ones who are mean and spewing hatred all over is what I disagree with too.
Kat,
Excellent post.....I totally avoid those bloggers who often voice strong political opinions or post about political stuff. Similarly with religious posts.....I feel those kinds of posts have their place but not on AR.
Jo
Woo-Hoo; Exactly.... I think we can all express ourselves without being mean. And I've been guilty of it at times.
Jo: Ditto!
Kat - You said what I was wondering. I avoid talking politics on line. I do advocate that people get involved in their local political races but never take sides. That isn't part of my job as a REALTOR®, everyone has a right to their beliefs and I certainly have mine but like you said there is a time and place. I think the same way concerning religion. Those debates are best when face to face.
Kat - I don't post political blogs except for a couple that pertained to legislation that affected either the lending or real estate market. I even tend to be a little reserved in making a political comment. While most of my friends, neighbors and clients know that I am a registered Democrat (many of them are registered Republicans), I typically keep my political opinions to myself.
I live in "Reagansville" literally (meaning I live in the same neighborhood as the Reagan library) and as a registered Democrat, I am overwhelmingly outnumbered here. Having said that though, I respect my friends, colleagues, neighbors and relatives who are Republicans. Just because we have different political beliefs doesn't mean we can't all get along and respect each other.
Kathie; Oh I think people should be involved in their local politics, for sure. But I never get into politics with my clients (UNLESS they pin me against a wall), as it just isn't good business. And I hate seeing political crap on Localism! Consumers go there for local information, they don't want to hear out views. Dumb Dumb Dumb.
Donne: I am proud of my political view/stand, which is totally different than my entire family (they are all Democrat's) and I always had to keep quiet or I'd be bashed! So now, I express my views, but more often than not, I dance around the topic. And I have MANY Democrat friends that I LOVE LOVE LOVE. We're all different.
Thanks ladies for your feedback!
Kat, Good post and something that I hope will give some people a little bit to think about before they write their next "ugly" post or comment. I have wondered the same things you expressed in your post. Great minds think alike!!!
Vicki: I hope it helps... it gets pretty ugly sometimes.