We market ourselves online through blogging, websites, real estate sites for listings and more. We give our expertise and knowledge to all who will "listen" and in turn our peers and the consumer contacts us; hungry for more.
But what is all this worth, if not for transparency in our writing? We learn to write as if the reader is walking beside us and as if we're talking WITH them and not AT them. We give a piece of ourselves so when they pick up the phone and hear our voice it's as if they ‘knew' a part of us already.
That transparency in writing is like a ‘first impression' of who we are.
Just a bit about who I am:
- As a mom, I'm proud of my children, what they've accomplished and their ability to plan ahead for the future. They will always be...my babies.
- As a soon to be Grandmother, I am ecstatic with joy for that soon to be grandson to be held in my arms. I will love him and be there for him whenever he needs "Gramma".
- As a daughter, my mother is proud of me and looks to me for clarification on things that have changed. She loves me and supports me and no doubt will do so until her last breath.
- As a wife, I have my own sense of self and whatever I lack he picks up the slack. We have our own good qualities and compliment the relationship with our own attributes.
- As a Realtor Associate® with Century 21 Liberty Homes, I have good every day morals, beliefs and values that I take into my everyday life in business. That means just being a good human being.
- As a local islander, I know my area of expertise and I write about my neighborhood, market, history and more. A seasoned agent knows their area.
Transparency through our writing IS giving the reader a piece of who we are. If not for that, then what is all this writing worth? We take it to the next level when we receive that first phone call and we know that it was that prolific writing with transparency that got us to that point. We carry on.....
The ‘first impression" of who I am....
Is the person behind my written word...
Watch.....You'll see.
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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
I like your attitude! I'm all about transparency as well and it helps our clients understand much more when they can see we have a professional demeanor, strong ethics and values, and that we're also human beings.
Sally....what a lovely post....and it's very true that when you finally meet a Rainer, it's as if you've known that person for a while....it's great....and congratulations on your soon becoming a grandmother....it's wonderful...I'm one...and you look much too young to be one.
Sally, I always picture how the writer is when I read their blog. Like you, I always picture you are a warm, friendly and willing to help kind of person. Being truthful and let our personality shines through the blog is the key to make true friendship and watch it grow.
Reba: Exactly....the human being part is something that most would consider as they would like to work with the "PERSON" and not just the mechanics of real estate within.
Barbara: I would love to meet you! One day we'll talk..lety's see.... you're on the east coast...time frame..yikes lol Thank you for the congrats...I am soooo excited.
And that is how we make friends on Active Rain. We like what the write and they make us laugh and cry :)
Sally,
Such a clever and honest blog post. Yes, we can't hide if we write. You either open up, or better just shut up and not write a word.
It is like with this blog post. Even if this was first time I ean into your blog, I would immediately see who you are.
And this is what I like about you.
Honesty
Thank you for sharing who you are with our community.
Sally,
Love this blog post - very simply who you are and how you think of yourself!
Congrats on the soon to be grandmotherhood:-)
All the best, Michelle
Sally, I am usually not good with suggesting, but this time looks like I am not too late, so I have suggested.
Sally - you are too young to be a grandmother... but congrats anyway!
Sally, what a great post! I have always said that I'm terrible when it comes to "selling myself" to potential clients. But I think you put it perfectly. It's not about "selling yourself," it's about being transparent and talking about who you really are. I can talk from this perspective much more comfortably. :)
Sally
An excellent read, as always. It seems a good number of agents forget about transparency, and that first on-ine impression, in the manner in which they behave. And a good first impression can easily be destroyed by bad behavior. You just never know who will be seeing what you are saying.
Jeff
Sally
I like the style of your post, thanks for sharing your story.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Aloha Sally,
Beautifully done, but you left off AS a friend ~ You've shared and giveen so much to so many.
I remember Floyd Wickman's joke...'is that you, Helen?' and I also am amazed at the pictures on business card (including my own card - when I had 5,000 printed...I did not know what to do when I was getting old and looking lot differnet than my picture on the business card!)
Yes, it is very important for us to show who we are - thanks for great approach, Sally,
This opportunity for transparancy is just another way that the Internet has changed the way you do business. Now your prospective clients have the chance to see who you are before they decide that you're "the one."
HI Sally, Mahalo for writing this post, you hit the nail on the head with this one.
Sally - that was beautiful! Thank you for sharing that AND for sharing that photo of your daughter and grandson! I can't wait to see the baby photos!!! Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day with your entire family!
Thanks Jon! there's a difference between being transparent and letting it all hang out too. lol. I have always believed that what I would say to others face to face is how I portray myself online as well. It surely gives a piece of me.... Thanks for the suggest too!
Jeff: And that is just so true! Some may think they can hide behind the keyboard .....that isn't true...they can be found all over the internet and if they have bad behavior online....you can guaranty the same in real life.
Lynda: Oh, goodness....I did leave out friend and peers didn't I? lol. Well, all of you know Sally and I thank you for your kind comment!
Sally ~ I like your style of transparency and honesty ~ Soon to be Gramma, of a beautiful grandson!!
Sally, Very well said my friend. I have never spoken to you but respect you because of your transparency and how you handle yourself online. You have earned your great reputation and I trust you. I'm with you....the consumer wants to know who we are and what we stand for. Why not tell them?
Congrats on the new grandson heading your way :) I'm sure you will share photos when the big day gets here, or I sure hope so!
Sally--I am so excited for you, your daughter & son-in-law and rest of the family for the soon-to-be grandson's birth. I know that we will see pictures, but you will get to hold and love him.
Yes, Sally is a wonderful person in person, too. We first met through ActiveRain then in person last fall on my first day in Hawaii. My whole family knows your name and sends their love.
Mary & Sally at Hale Koa
Sally, TOTALLY agree! Yet another reason why I subscribe to your blog. Barbara put it well....
Hi Sally - You do reveal yourself in your blogs and that is surely why I consider you a good friend even though we have never personally met. I look forward to the day when that part is remedied!
Sally,
So I have missed reading your blogs as one of my daily rituals. This might make a good contest for you. See who can make an "Impression" on the judges.
Larry: Did I miss something? Is there another contest going on?
Celeste - Congrats to both you and your daughter and her family. It's so nice when you get to meet other AR folks. While I have met a few of the local AR members here in Los Angeles & Ventura counties, I wold love to have the opportunity to meet some of the others from other parts of the country.