OK, so Trulia Voices is a little bit about the questions, but it’s really about the answers. It’s called Trulia VOICES for a reason. Let’s dive in a little bit further.
With Trulia Voices, a consumer logs on and types in a question like, Hi, My wife and I are working with a Realtor and… Before you rush off to answer that question you should be asking yourself WHY?
Perhaps you want to be the top answerer like Deborah (she’s really a machine, no really… no, I’m not jealous… OK… I’m Jealous, are you happy?). Or you could want to convert the question-asker into a potential client. Finally, you could be one of the poor souls who have been told blogging and “forums” are good for business - something that isn’t necessarily true.
So what is Trulia VOICES all about? THE ANSWERS.
Or better yet, it’s about YOUR VOICE. Again, it’s called Trulia VOICES for a reason. I’ll contend that Trulia is an interviewing platform. It’s a home search tool, a knowledge base (FAQ even), a developing social network and now with a blogging platform. But at the end of the day it’s a Real Estate agent’s blow horn. Do you want to be a whiner like I am about the low barrier to entry into Real Estate and sit on your rear end? Or, do you want to get out there and be that VOICE that is going to resonate with YOUR clients. Do you want to show the world (or at least the 5 million people on Trulia) that you have a relevant, sometimes professional opinion that affects their current situation?
And with a voice, you will get business…
The business you get will be Truli-a Golden. Here’s why. The people who contact you through Trulia do so because they READ YOUR ANSWERS - THEY HEAR YOUR VOICE. And they liked what they read. Don’t you think that might be someone that you would want to work with? Or would you prefer to call that FSBO that has that sign that says NO AGENTS. Exactly. (Well, you should want both, but that’s another topic.) The truth is that your “leads” from working with TRULIA will be less in quantity than other methods, but the business you do get is ready to go! I like working with people who want to work with me, and that’s what Trulia allows me to do.
So next time you answer that question, think about the potential client that might be viewing on the other end, because just like the question mentioned above, that “asker” already has an agent. That leaves 4,999,999 other potential clients!
Thanks for reading, now I’m off to boost my “BEST ANSWER” numbers… 6 best answers… ugh.
Want to know more about Joshua Jarvis? Check out his own blog, or Trulia profile.
(Note from Trulia… We’ll be featuring guest bloggers during the next week. Hope you enjoy the new perspectives!)
Popularity: 43% [?]
`
August 29th, 2008 at 8:13 am
I’m honored and very excited about the opportunity to guest blog here. I look forward to continue being proactive in the Trulia community!
August 29th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Good morning Joshua!
Thanks for guest blogging here and for being such a great member of the Trulia Voices Community. As Simon from American Idol likes to say, “If I’m being honest”, you totally nailed it with this post.
It’s about sharing your professional knowledge, thoughts and opinions on a particular subject matter with a consumer or agent that is craving an answer. Consumers are looking for answers to some very serious questions - home buying and selling is a big deal. In many instances, they do not have an agent to represent them. This is an opportunity for both consumers and agents to connect. The absolute key here is to not HARD SELL. Voices is about building relationships, learning, sharing, educating and connecting….The best way to do that is to treat others as you would like to be treated….and good things may happen…
Keep up the great work Joshua…..see ya on Voices….
August 29th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Rudy! Thanks! … and yes, I am sitting on the PC right now.
Thanks again for the opportunity, not just to guest here but also with TRULIA Voices. I’m looking forward to posting about some closing from Trulia!