Are You Feeling Flattened, too?

Lola Audu,a local Realtor and very intelligent lady has an insightful, thought provoking

post featured today:

The Flattened Life - The Impact of Digital Natives in a Traditional Realty Word

I was commenting and found my response growing way too long, so I am posting my reply

here instead:

I find the digital trend is going faster and faster. I think this speed is what is spooking

so many people. As a baby boomer, I am excited and thrilled to be along for the ride.

As with anything new, it takes a while for all to hop on board and there will be a few bumps

and bruises along the way. I am trying to hang on to the merry-go round and stay in the game

because I think there is no choice, Hang on or drop out!

Personally, I think openness and full disclosure are good for our industry, even if that means

a rating system and open comments on our local MLS. I also find it a paradox that we

(real estate agents) have such a poor reputation generally, but in polls, most people like

our services and "their personal agent. Individually, we are great, but as a profession,

we have work to do to improve our generic profile.

Maybe this is just what we need, full exposure to the light of day. What are we afraid of?

Being exposed in social media and other Web 2.0 sites, I think most people are aware

of sour grapes and flaming comments. People who make these type of attacks show

what they are about, it really doesn't reflect on the person or company addressed. And it

may get the word out that we do a needed service for people:

We help them buy and sell real estate. One of the largest investments most people

ever make. I find most agents are hard working professionals, and if Open Exposure

gets rid of the "Bad Apples," I'm OK with that.

Thanks for the inspiration, Lola. I don't consider myself flattened....just stretching.

Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Real Estate

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Tree Peony photo by Bonnie Westbrook