Why Use Social Media, part 2: FourSquare and Facebook Check-in

Submitted by margaret on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 15:44

I have to admit, that when I first saw the Facebook "check-in" feature, I wondered why in the world anyone would care where I was. Then I discovered FourSquare, which is nothing but a "check-in" site.

Then I learned the idea behind it, and it is pretty cool. It all goes to the concept that Social Media should be, ultimately, about personal relationships and keeping in touch. So many of us were initially resistant to joining FaceBook (and many still are), and it took me a good year or so to realize its power. I have reconnected in loose but gratifying ways with people I long since lost contact with. But I also have kept in touch better than ever with people currently in my life!

We like to think that we will get together for dinner or pick up the phone and touch base with our local friends and acquaintances. But time just ticks away and soon we are embarrassed by how long it has been since we connected!

FaceBook actually remedies that in the short term. You keep up with what is going on with each other, and yes, with some people I am interested in what they are having for dinner! But the ultimate goal is to meet face-to-face, and I think that staying connected via FaceBook makes that easier.

As a real estate broker, I have enjoyed keeping up with my clients and past clients (and hopefully future clients) via social media. We get to know each other and continue the relationships that were forged during the transaction. I can't have lunch every month with someone, but we can connect on FaceBook. It isn't about business (unless they are Fans on my Broker Facebook Page -- see "Like" button on left). It is really about relationships and staying in touch.

And here is where the check-in stuff comes in. Say you are shopping at EarthFare and you "check-in" on FaceBook or FourSquare. Your friend Jimmy sees on his mobile phone that you are EarthFare, and it turns out he is there too. So he makes an effort to connect with you IN PERSON and say hello. Cool, huh?

So quit being afraid of social media and check-ins. It is time to embrace them as the powerful relationship tools that they can be.

But I still don't care what you are doing in Farmville or Mafia Wars.

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You were always positive and steadfast that we would find just the right fit for our needs and eventually we did! Again, your professionalism, integrity and undying energy are something you should be proud of. I have told almost every one in Minnesota about you and how you "managed" our expectations, personalities etc all with a smile. I also have to give your entire office staff high marks as well as you clearly identified that they too were lending their expertise and knowledge to assist with our challenging need.

Once again, many many thanks and we can't wait to get back to Asheville and Tupleo Honey...

Most Sincerely,

Susan and Bruce"

- Susan and Bruce Gold, Maple Grove, MN -- soon to be of Riceville, Asheville

"As soon as I found Margaret's site I knew that I had come upon someone who understood the different reasons and motivations that compel people to choose to live here in Asheville.

She understood and wanted to be an aid in finding the situation that was right for us as individuals. After spending a little time with her, it became increasingly clear that she was interested in us as people, and was more concerned about finding the house that was right for us than in simply closing a deal and moving on the the next. She honestly seems to care more about the people she is serving than the transaction she is facilitating. This is rare in any walk of life, but perhaps more so in the real estate industry.

I liked Margaret immediately upon meeting her, and I welcome the opportunity to give her my highest recommendation!"

- Phillip McGuire, Kenilworth, Asheville

"Margaret knew a lot about our neighborhood, and did a great job helping us price our house and recommending how to prepare it for sale. She displayed confidence during our negotiations and the contract contingency period. And on top of it all, she was truly a pleasure to work with."

- David and Christine Ray, Asheville, NC

"Over the past few years, we have used Margaret Vestal on three occasions in the buying and selling of properties. We have been delighted with the results. Her knowledge of both the market as well as real estate legal proceedings has been most helpful and important. Her communication has been superb, constantly keeping us abreast of our options. She has always represented us with our best interests at heart. We couldn´t have asked for more!"

- Phil and Kathye Pratt, Weaverville, NC

"Margaret went the extra mile (actually several hundred miles) to help us relocate. She is genuinely honest, extremely competent, and totally reliable. She sold our home for 99 percent of our asking price, and negotiated the purchase of our new home for 85 percent of the listed price. Her services are magnificent - her friendship is priceless. We heartily recommend Margaret Vestal to you."

- Marshall and Dianne Kerr, Fletcher, NC

"When I decided to sell my house in the spring, I interviewed and received CMAs (market analysis) from 4 different real estate agents. Aside from her CMA, Margaret's enthusiasm and confidence in her ability to sell my home quickly and for a good price set her apart from the others. Within a day I had an excellent purchase offer on my West Asheville home and needed to find a new home to buy quickly. Margaret was the obvious solution. She listened to my needs, desires and limitations in buying a new home and together we looked at the possibilities. We found the one that fit all the criteria that I had in mind and an offer to purchase was made. Throughout the closings of both homes, Margaret was always just a phone call away and was able to answer all my questions. Margaret will again be the "obvious solution" when it comes time for me to buy or sell real estate in the Asheville area."

- Cathy Bishop, Candler, NC

"Within hours it was like working with a good friend -- warm, truly interested in assisting me. She made the process a joy for me."

-Billie Bremer

Asheville

Why Use Social Media, part 2: FourSquare and Facebook Check-in

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