Who would ever thought of the impact that the Internet would have on both our social and business lives way back when? Shoot, that last sentence makes me sound old....not that there is anything wrong with that:-) Yet here I sit, this guy in Allentown, Pennsylvania. I am a guy, who because of the Internet, has friends and associates all across the land. Active-Rain played a huge part in developing that to an even greater scale. Here I am, with friends in Florida, Maryland, West Virginia, California, Arizona, and I can't forget my friends over in Nigeria who selflessly want to deposit large sums of money in my bank account once every 2 days. All of this made me think of something this morning and once again, just a moment ago. If and when the opportunity presents itself, would I want to do business with these people...minus those feisty spammers in Nigeria?
When I started out in Mortgage Lending, I was asked if I had any family or friends who I could make loans too. Well, most of my family was out of state and most of my friends had trouble paying rent in between bar bills, so of course I had to start the hard way. I had to start from scratch.
There were two schools of thought on this that I witnessed. One was that you should never do business with family and/or friends because if God forbid something goes wrong, it could sabotage that relationship indefinitely. This school of thought was ignited further when I was informed of a very true, if not totally disturbing reality, in the lending business. That reality is you can do everything right on a transaction and the loan still may not close. After all, there are so many variables in each individual transaction that are out of our control. Even if it isn't remotely my fault, who do you think they'll blame?
The other school of thought was kind of my own. While I didn't have the opportunity at that time to make loans to friends or family, I always thought in the back of my mind, "Who else would I trust to look out for their best interests?" Now, after 6+ years in the business, I've probably made over 20 loans to friends and family. Not one went bad, there's a little luck involved with everything.
Fast forward to now. Fast forward to this particular forum. If you are anything like me, which may be dangerous if you are:-)...you've gotten to know and become rather close to a lot of people all over the country through Active-Rain. While I haven't formally met the majority of them, I do wonder if I would do business with them or them with me?
To begin with, we have an on-line reputation to uphold. If anything were to go wrong, whispers and emails may go flying and all of a sudden the once sought after 'You' becomes an incompetent person. Not good! I mean, come on, the majority of us try to put our best foot forward and who out there in cyber-land wants to point out their mistakes and flaws in front of what can potentially be over 45,000 people, not to mention the consumer?
The other thing is, perhaps the fear of a tarnished relationship creeps into your mind because of a business relationship gone astray. Money is a powerful thing, especially when you deem another the reason it didn't enter your respective checking account. Your social standing drops, once friends now become indifferent wallflowers at best...and all you came here for was a bit of business exposure and then became engulfed in a social network where a lot of the people who liked and respected you....think your professional existence is a cynical hoot.
These thoughts raced through my head, faster than I could possibly type. Would I do business with My Active-Rain Friends? You are darn right I would! I've gotten to know the person behind the professional. I've gotten to know the care behind the competence. Might they make a mistake in a transaction we are involved in, maybe? I've had squabbles with my friends, my best friends, before. I've had those differences in life, and sometimes business, and plan on having them again. However, I can't put a price on trust and there is nobody I'd rather do business with, mistakes and such, than with the guy or gal I can trust.
Jason, from what we've read from you, we'd do business with you in a minute. And most of our other AR friends as well. But truth is, until your post here, whether we should or shouldn't is not something we've thought about. The assumption was those we've attracted are the folks we most want to do business with in the first place.
thanks
Hey Jason - I trust my friends here. If I didn't, I surely wouldn't be friends with them - what are friends if not people you can trust?
Your post is certainly providing food for thought. Love the picture on this post!
Ann
I've had two transactions now with my active rain friends, and I'm happy to say the experience went a long way toward cementing a long-term friendship/partnership in both cases. I work uber-hard on every transaction and have no fear of disappointing.
So Jason, when you get licensed here in Oregon, you and I will work together. In the interim..., you can confidently add Oregon to your list of places where you have a friend. :)
Jason - Heck man, I haven't spoken to you via that outdated phone mechanism just yet, but I do think I'd be comfortable sending somebody your way.
Gary - It is, I believe, worthy of really thinking about. You've got to know Murphy's Law will eventually come into play.
Naoma - On the surface, I agree. Yet, I do think there's much thought that needs to go behind the reality of it all.
Patricia - Sounds like you have my mentality, only with more friends and family:-)
Ann - I liked that picture too. While I'd love to add some thought provoking and inspiring retort to your comment, I'll simply say....MWA!
Jennifer - That's great my dear. If you already haven't and I read most of your stuff, you may want to think about writing about those experiences. And don't you worry, I'll give you a ring first thing:-)
Ahem, Umm CT. Best fit song... http://youtube.com/watch?v=BNUZOjEXLPk
And you are dead on...in a New York minute!!!
Crouch - Agreed!
Carney - You are the master my friend....and yeah, I adore Linda as well!
Jason - It has been one of the great delights of AR to both give and receive referrals. When sending a referral, I feel I really have been able to get to know the person through their AR musings. Likewise, when receiving a referral, I am so honored that what I have written has served to demonstrate not only my abilities, but also my character. It is one of the greatest compliments ever.
Your friend in Cali,
Marlene
Ginger - I agree with you there, it's amazing what a 'blog' and online presence can create for those that come across you.
Marlene - You are my Cali-Girl! When, and I do say when, I visit....I can't wait to meet you! And you are right, it's a huge compliment to have someone give you a referral or receive one from you. I'm amazed of what I've gained from this community, in friends & professionals. Both of which, are one in the same to me after further review...
Linda - That's probably a fact. This is just the beginning of something very special....
Nicely said Jason. We joked about this months and months ago. Remember? I think the pople you have made friends with you can trust. I notice that you and I read the same people, cept for a few.
I loved the point of your friends, the bar tab and the rent. Too funny. Must have at been at least a few years ago,LMAO
This is the third time I'm trying to leave a comment. harumph.
Just know you are one on my list of go to people...and that I knew when I got to the end where you were leading. I do put my trust in a few people here and would take their "word" at face value....
No need to tell you...you're my lil bro.
Jason,
You are dead-on with this post. You can learn more on this forum about how other professionals operate than anywhere else. You can look up credentials, check websites, etc, but you really get to know how someone thinks by following their blog. This coming from a guy who was using your beloved "subscribe to blog" adjunct (I mistakenly thought it would be an easier find for nonmembers ... before learning they couldn't subscribe anyway). Thanks for a good read.
Jason; If I did not know better I would swear you were reading my email tonight.
I received an email from an AR member - they were upset with me because a week ago they added me as an associate. Apparently I missed the email and he went off on me about if I wanted his referrals I would add him. I checked out his blog - had no clue who he was - and thought - oh my gosh how rude of me... did he comment on my blog and I did not go return the favor? Nope that was not the case - when I looked at his "referral network" it appears he is just adding people and feels that he is doing us a favor.
I tried to explain - but I do not think I made him understand that for me to offer a referral you must earn it. Writings, personal experience and a knowledge of what you stand for means a lot more to me than adding me as an associate and going along your merry way.... thanks for letting me vent - and to answer your question my AR friends will always be the first on my referral list.
(Thesa -- he hit me, too. Tsk!)
Is there going to be a difference of opinion over you know what?
You know I'd refer to you. I believe in you, got your back, all that.
Or Ann. Or Geary. Bill's kind of nice aside from the whole Nickelback issue ... ;o)
Jason, I have "met" some wonderful people here on AR. Not only are they caring individuals, but they also are professionals who care about their clients and conduct themselves in a professional manner. Would I do business with them? Absolutely. Without a 2nd thought.
There is a wonderful lady in Ann Arbor that I hope I can co-op with soon. There is someone else from Virginia that I wouldn't hesitate to work with and send a client to. I could go on and on.
Have I met them in person? Not yet. But I do feel as if I know quite about them via their written words and would trust a client with them.
Jason,
I definately would and I am doing that right now with someone.
I think you already know since I told you the very same thing the last time I visited you. But you've expanded on this topic in a way I've come to appreciate from your writings.
There are many, many people on AR I'd send my referrals to in a heartbeat. Except Bob Carney. He's too busy making people laugh. OK, that's not true (not the laughing part, the referral part. I trust him with my clients too. Who loves you Bob? I do! I do!)
I got all excited several months ago when a prospect mentioned an interest in moving to Vegas.... Actually it was my wife's prospect before she was active here and I was ready to jump on the opportunity to send some business Renee's way. She had just been very helpful with my business card re-design and a hot lead would have been a great thanks..... As it goes the seller was a talker and still no where near listing!
Noticed many of the people commenting here are also on my coast to coast referral map posted the other day.
Jason,
I don't like change much at all. Once someone shows me they can get the job done, I like to work with them because I can count on them to not make me look like a fool when closing day comes. With this in mind, I can honestly say that, never having worked with you, I would still trust you to handle my own mortgage or that of my most trusted client. I have seen great integrity from you in your writing and in the writing of others here as well. You're right to ask the hard questions, it's part of the business of money, and I'm happy to hear that you feel strongly enough about your AR friends to do business with them. Thanks for the thought provoking reading this morning.
Jason,
You attract good friends because your a good person, ,and you have a huge heart!! I think that people like yourself will make it through anything.. Spidey man!! :0) and heck no I wouldn't do business with my A/R Friends.. Just Kidding :0)
Tom Weiss
I'd definitely do business with some of the high quality folks I've met here. I think it's important to remember that there are many, many top-notch agents who do not belong to Active Rain. I hope they join and I encourage as many as possible to do so.
I'm sure most Rainers understand that there are many more key criteria involved in choosing a referral partner than merely belonging to AR or blogging. I've read some curious posts where the writer says he or she wouldn't refer a customer to someone who doesn't blog. That seems short-sighted to me.
Can you learn a lot about an agent's ethics and people skills by reading their blog? Absolutely. But if you limit your networking in the industry to AR members, you're missing out on networking with a lot of talented people!
Hi Jason,
Absolutely, my friends here will get my referrals. How very cool that we have this opportunity to refer our clients to people we know are gonna take good care of them..! :)
Jason,
Interesting.....personally I have tried 3 times now.....1 worked out better than I could have ever imagined, 1 was a pure disappointment, and 1 I am personally embarrassed over (this one fell through because of my client). All 3 of these were not my friends, in fact 1 of them told me to go out in the middle of the night and hang signs :) :) but I did like what they wrote, so when the opportunity arose I made the attempt at collaborating.
Would I still do it, absolutely.......
Oh and next month 4 of us from here (2 new friends) are getting together to share AR with other agents.......I'm excited to actually meet and work with them.
Without a doubt or hesitation, I would not only refer people that I 'know' from Activerain, I would use their services myself. I have been able to get to know some people; I know I would would work well with them; I know that they would treat referrals appropriately; I know that id something did go array, they would understand.
I have to confess though, you would be my 2nd choice for a loan. My first is me!
JASON: I too am the recipient of large sums of money coming from Nigeria. I've actually built up quite a large farm area in Nigeria. No, no, no...don't get me wrong. I don't send them just listed cards and stuff like that. I send out letters telling them that I'm available to help them collect on any funds that they requires an American citizen in order to collect. It's worked out really well. Between the AR referrals and the money flowing in from Nigeria, it's pretty much smooth sailing. I thought that I was the only one. I guess maybe I'm just their NY connection and you handle PA. That's cool. Plenty to go around for everyone. Had enough of my nonsense yet?
OK, here's my real comment. I would absolutely refer business to my AR friends because I actually know more about them then I do about most local agents. AR has changed my business plan with regard to referrals and I couldn't be happier about it. Good post my friend.
Tracey - I would tend to agree with you.
Ginger - Awwww, you know I love you hun. I can have more than one Cali-girl. Please, I like that you call me Sardi:-)
WIlliam - A few years ago? How about a few weeks ago:-) LMAO
Stephanie - .....And you!
Sis - You are persistent, I can see where I get it.
Paul - Lol, that's it! I'm going to read you.
Pamela - I love that song. It could be worse though, you could have this stuck in your head:-)
Thesa - Sarah Coope probably got that same email, she even blogged about it. Referrals are always earned. Thank you Thesa.
Dez - .....like my women:-)
Don - Thank you for reading.
Sarah - Whoops, you are back.
Thavisak - Thank you and I agree.
Kris - Agreed. I think I 'met' that wonderful lady in Ann Arbor myself:-)
Janet - Throw concise out the window, I'm writing Sardies.
Chris - Keep at them cowgirl!
Chris - Lol.
Missy - They are cool.
Neal - I'm starting to think there is a concensus here.
Maggie - Everybody loves Bob....and Maggie.
Dan - Yes Indeed!
Andrew - Understood. I'm going to have to work to earn your business:-) That said, need a refinance, lol.
Tom - Ditto my friend.
Eric - I agree with you there. To not do biz with somebody just because they don't blog is very short-sighted.
Suzzane - It's great to have so many people that you can possibly refer your own friends and family to in other states.
Kathy - You go girl! So, there is proof in the pudding once again at the strength of this forum.
Matthew - That is a fact.
David & Kristin - And you've got a friend in Pa....hey, I heard that one before.
Ann - No problemo, I heard that Ann Guy is one heck of a LO.
Brigita - This is a wonderful forum.
Dianne - Your last sentence says it all.
Adam - The Walman/Sardi Nigerian Connection>>>>>>>>I like it!
Diane - I'd be comfortable doing biz with you any day of the week.
Lol Linda. I love you as well!
Diane - Actually, my family lives in North Carolina. I'm visiting again in December. I'm not licensed there yet, just in Pa. BTW, we are friends Diane and I enjoy your writings immensely!
Ginger - Whew...you had me worried hun. Happy Friday to you as well!
Jason, Most definitely. There are many wonderful people on AR who I've gotten to know and I watch how they treat people. It's with respect and care; so I would definitely feel safe putting one of my clients in their hands.
The Canadian side of the referral network is still fairly quiet, but we're getting there.
I'd send you a referral in an instant. ((-:
Jo
MWA - MWA - MWA - MWA - mwa.
Brother Dan's got a coast to coast referral map? Hmmmmm.......
Ann
Jo-Anne - Thanks so much, I don't think the Canadian side has gotten as nearly as much activity as it will.
Ann - Yeah, I noticed Brother Dan's map.....Hmmmmm indeed! MWA-)
Jason,
People like to do business with their friends. And what better way to start a friendship than online and with AR? Ok, i agree there are other ways of making friends. But friendships established online can grow and become as good as any other.
Yes, I would do business with my Active-Rain friends.
George
Kate - My folks live in NC, I spent 2 years living down there. I love the area! Referrals are great, I've got and given many myself.
Pat - That is only a part of what makes this such a great place.
Eva - Welcome to AR Eva!!! I hope to see you around more and more.
I routinely do work with Members of the Active Rain community. I will continue to do so and expand my referrals throughout as I interact / navigate the website.
Jason,
I have looked for a way to communicate to other's aho might need my services here in PA.....and I am happy I have found Active Rain.
I am just a few weeks old on AR, however I can see how this will be a great tool for me.
You and me both Frank.
Ricki - That is very true, I'm thinking about printing out my blogs and bringing them with me on Realtor calls, rather than boring Rate Sheets:-)
Jason,
One of the reasons why I joined here is to do business with the fellow AR members. The key is to be interactive with the local AR members, however in my situation I have made friends across the country (and I love it), more than I made locally.
However, friends are friends. Those who live far from me may not use my services but their advices, blogs and comments help in different ways that I couldn't have had these tips and advice elsewhere...
On a different note, I would definitely seek a realtor from AR because as a reader I get to know the AR members on a mostly personal basis, since not all blogs are about business :)