Twitter helps REALTORS® connect with new clients

As social media continues to explode, one Texas REALTOR® believes Twitter offers a great opportunity to connect with consumers.

Krisstina Wise, owner of the GoodLife Team in Austin, said she doesn’t think REALTORS® have a choice but to participate in social media. “We either get involved or we pick another career,” she said. “Business is always evolving, like life. We’re now seeing a fundamental shift in the way people do business. Consumers’ social systems are online, they’re looking for their homes online and some are now doing their transactions online.”

Wise advises REALTORS® to incorporate Twitter into their business plan because it:

• Connects you with consumers
• Builds relationships with people you don’t know
• Promotes reciprocity in reposting your information
• Gives you the potential to reach global markets
• Opens the door to other potential business opportunities.

When Wise teaches classes on Twitter, she finds many agents have a Facebook page but many are reluctant to be on Twitter.

“Facebook is about interacting with people you already know, networking with family, friends and past clients,” Wise said. “Twitter is some people you know but many you don’t so it’s a bit like jumping into a community you don’t know. “

Wise suggests searching for a few people to start following them on Twitter. Set a goal to achieve 250 followers and start following about 100 people.

“Watch the people you follow and see what they’re posting,” Wise suggested. “It’s like being at a party and engaging in a conversation. If someone mentions his dog, you could comment about your dog.”

Wise said she joined some groups in her city and made posts about their common interests. For example, she joined a vegetarian group in Austin and she posted comments about restaurants that offer vegetarian dishes. Through that connection, she met a businessman and they discussed possible business.

“Twitter has opened up speaking opportunities, national relationships and other business transactions for me,” Wise said. “I find it miraculous.

“In today’s business world, we need to be everywhere,” she added. “Clients are on different mediums so we need to show up. It shows the client we’re different and it gives us an opportunity to gain new business.”