Why Blogging works
Posted by Pat Kitano at 9/20/2006 5:07 PM 
Categories: Technology, New Business Models, Realty Realities, Blogging
Categories: Technology, New Business Models, Realty Realities, Blogging
Why blogging works... it's often discussed - Greg Swann's treatise best describes the inspirational intent, the mission of blog as service and contribution to your world. Jim Cronin provides practical advice for blogging as a marketing tool, probably the main reason real estate blogs get started.
Teresa Boardman presents blogs as a kind of relationship facilitator between writer and the society the writer inhabits. Her take is close to how I have initially experienced my relationship with my blog, now 48 days old. At first, I was hesitant to present myself in the blog - lurking behind pseudonym Transparency Advocate and not providing personal details. JF at Sellsius advised me early on that personalization is key... I added more and more details and finally posted my picture (a tough step for a fairly private person).
Now, as I walk through daily business life, I am amazed at how the blog furnishes my introduction - a combined resume + how I think + what you can expect from me - all packaged before a first face-to-face meeting. I didn't expect this social dynamic. This works well with my low-key non-chit-chat sort of personality... the formalities of small talk are now much more comfortable without the typical topic exploration - how's the weather in San Francisco today?, do you have pets? - This is cool, I say.
Anyway, I got to meet Kevin Boer, writer of In the Trenches, this morning via an introduction through a mutual friend (another thing blogs facilitate - it's easy to make referrals and introductions because all the intro data is... on the blog). Kevin's also a kind of non-chitchatter, so we immediately dived into deep and useful conversation... one outcome - Kevin and I are in a trust to find us both a blogging platform we can migrate to.
This blessed social dynamic is happening repeatedly and is just one of the completely unexpected reasons why blogging works for me
btw, I tell everyone under the age of 18 that they better learn how to write well because to compete in the literate professions ten years from now, you'll need a well written presentation (not a one-pager, but comparable to a thesis) posted in some form of next generation blog/myspace application. Fine writing will be an academic criteria, a confirmation for intelligence and reasoning, and a litmus test for sense of humor.
Technorati tags blogging bloodhound blog st paul real estate real estate tomato in the trenches
Isn't it great when you happen on an unexpected benefit of all your labors? I've been challenged and exposed and scared and felt really dumb at different times. Something about blogging makes us have to be real. Real works. Facades don't anymore. I'm glad my original discourse on your first post didn't scare you away. Your blog has gotten increasingly better the more "transparent" YOU have become!
Reply to this
What an endorsement Bonnie... thank you... I attribute finding my path to your mentoring along with many other kind individuals.
Reply to this
Timely post Pat (for me anyway)...inspired to get 'a little more personal' on my attempt at blogging...I have created a pseudo-identity by 'X-ing' out my name almost completely. Think i'll change that.
Reply to this
I just saw your picture, you are sooo cute. :, I was really getting you before I saw the picture. I think it is hard to blog as much as you do and not show your personality.
Reply to this
Aw shucks Teresa... as long as we're on the subject of cute and personality, I'll disclose our funny offline conversation in the interest of transparency!
9/18/06
“…. Now young man, you march right back to your blog and put in this link!...”Your Blog Mom
tb
-----
9/18/06
pk
-----
9/18/06
Minnesota chic - worn by women who live in the babe capital.
tb
-----
9/19/06
I love how your MN "sun jacket" keeps those lovely St Paul hotties' complexions milky w/o hint of wrinkles or melanoma! We Californians should be so lucky...
pk
------
9/19/06
You know frost bite can ruin the skin. It turns white and peels off…
tb
------
9/20/06
Here in California we use Accutane instead of frostbite…
pk
-------
Reply to this
I am tired of picking up after you, now go clean up your blog and then brush your teeth and go to bed!
You are sooo bad. I just saw this! It doesn't look like anyone else did.
Reply to this
So sad that there are so few entries about minnesota chic. I am begining to think we are a bit backward, or unchic. I never did come up with a good tag line or slogo so from now on I am going to be . . . ah read my blog.
Reply to this