We as Real Estate Professionals strive to be all we can be online. We write about our industry, our local areas, joke around and give information from Real Estate to Mortgage Programs, Staging, Home Inspections, Blogging, Social Networking and so on and so on.
There is a fine line between being transparent and letting it all hang out though isn't there?
We give a little of ourselves, our personalities, our expert advice, tips and tricks and all sorts of things while writing online. But when it comes to displaying inappropriate behavior online I really start writing.....A lot. I'm being transparent with my feelings on unprofessional behavior online. I will always speak up so that others may see that they are contributing to the highest form of negative and unprofessional behavior that does nothing good for our network, our industry and THEIR business. Not to mention the bad reputation that they can attribute to their ‘letting it all hang out' as being in the lower sense of ...transparency.
Get real and have a little class with that professional attitude.
What being transparent on a REAL Estate Network means to me is that:
- I am fully aware of the fact that what I write may affect others. I choose to have a particular influence or inspire others in a positive manner through my writing.
I am aware that my professional opinions differ from personal opinion. As a professional I have to hold myself in the highest esteem and regard paying particular attention to my real estate profession.- That my values, morals and beliefs stretch beyond our Code of Ethics. I live my life offline as I do online and transparency does NOT mean to say my opinion at the expense of hurting another person.
- This is a professional network and respect comes first and foremost above everything. A place to mingle with my peers while learning and educating as well as networking for referrals and references too.
- I give some information about my local area as if they are walking right along side of me. Transparency is not just throwing out words. It's giving every reader the chance to get to know me
Those that believe transparency means to shout all over this network with their judgments yet in the next sentence claiming to be so self righteous can be construed as hypocritical.
But yes! It is transparent to the core. BUT...... not at its finest.
I am over half a century old now and surely enjoying the finer things in life. Those days of being a rebel and degenerate are LONG past (if ever I was to begin with) and I have the ability to step into the other persons shoes to see their perspective of thinking.
Yup. I have stepped into thousands of those shoes and KNOW that what the negative side is seeing is not what I choose to live by. I'll step into my own shoes and hang with the positive souls who are content with self and not discontent with everything outside of themselves.
So you keep on being oh- so- transparent and let it ALL hang out.
The rest of us will be the ones to get the readers, leads, the clients and make friends with all those that YOU turned off.
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.
Love it! Being transparent is important, but "letting it all hang out" creates a great visual image why "transparent" doesn't mean ANYTHING GOES. Thanks!
Sally... I agree, there is a big difference when it comes to the fact that professional opinions differ from personal opinions.... my biggest pet peeve is that of fact vs opinion....
I also think that transparency is over used... or mistaken for truth and ethics...in any case, nice job on this. We just need to hold some comments in-check, since others are watching.
Hi Sally,
Very well said, and it makes sense to me. I've read a few (yet really not many) posts that appear to be written for the shock value...and for me there was absolutely no value at all. I no longer choose to read those folks.
Woo Hoo! Something that seems to be disappearing as some become complacent with their on line presence. They lack respect and a even a sincere level of the worth of their own self esteem. Opinions are one thing but I know what you are talking about and it is little more than bullying on line. In real life I suspect these people probably are not nice people to begin with and wouldn't be our choice for neighbors. The only opinion that counts is theirs. Sad. And it is usually very poorly conceived.
Sally I agree with you and the fine line. We are all professionals and owe it to each other to appear that way to the public on any forum.
I AGREE
Yes, there are some things that simply shouldn't be shared. The internet is a great tool - but an immature post at 20 may still be out there when you are applying for a job at 25. We do background searches using the internet prior to hiring. I hate to say it but a picture of you at a frat party throwing up over a balcony may just be the disqualifier between two candidates.
Eloquently written Woo Hoo! Our business is truly about ethics and truth.
Sally,
When it comes to the internet and expresssing opinions-- it's like Kenny Rogers sang "you gotta know when to hold 'em".
Nice example of introspection, Sally.
We need to think before we hit the publish button. What I find too often is, rather than disagreement with a view, many attempt to demean the writer. Sad.
I'm used to disagreement. Many disagree with much of what I write. Fine. I will, from time to time even change my view following discussion.
But, in spite of personal attacks, I can't change who I am.
Nasty isn't cute.
I really don't worry about what others say. If they have a problem then just keep it to themselves...it seems so called experts really don't know squat!
Sally, Very well said - I could not agree more. I guess it is easy for folks to get reckless and personal online. I am not sure why because it is extension of each of us professionally. If people remember that, I would think there would be less of what you are referring to. I have not seen too much of what you refer to but I know it is out there... when I see it I move on quickly and do not become involved in it. Have better things to do : )
Love your attiude regarding being positive and inspirational ! It is about adding value... plain and simple. Keep it up : ) ~ Chris
Hi Sally,
You are a great source of inspiration and professionalism. I see those that let it all hang out and just move on (I'm sure this is what consumers are doing as well) they don't impress. :)
Sally - you have written a great post (along with a great photo) which causes me to be introspective. Like you, it is important to associate yourself with others who are very true to themselves. and I agree also that your professional opinion may differ from your personal opinion.
I think this is so true. I like to be myself, but respectful of others and sometimes that means holding back some things. I find this much easier to do as I get older (some are more likely to speak their minds as they get older). Also a good reason not to drink and blog! Anyway, very fine post!
Have a great day!
Some blogs are written for controversy, some industry related (professional) and some towards consumers, I think there is a voice for all 3
James: Room for everything here and elsewhere online. Let me put it in a different way...it's the "TONE" of the "voice" while giving info etc. here. BTW...took a look at your blog...you have some great info going on over there :)
Jason: Brings to mind that oldies song lol!
Jeff: So true...professional and personal. Those personal ones are filled with the writers emotional aspect. (oops...I guess that's me here isn't it :)
Lynda: I've unsubscribed to MANY as well. Those I thought were positive and well mannered turned out to be like that cartoon the Tazmanian Devil lol!
HI SALLY!
I can't imagine you ever bein a degenerate!!! I love the transparent you!
William: You are right on target and see the meaning here. I love you. :) Anyway, the one thing (as you know) that I really believe is not good are all the negative opinions that are one sided. The preaching about politics and personal preferences just gotta go ....okay...they can stay....just so the rest of us get all the calls lol!
Thanks Mike: Very on target. It's so simple. Respect for all online....to their face...in real life. Geez. No wonder their readership is dwindling...except for the other bunches that chime in. No matter what....the rest of us will sleep well at night and don't have much stress in our lives. Gotta detach for that negative bug will surely jump on board if not.
Tina: Me too :)
Ryan: Okay...now I feel old. You could have had a higher age limit :) Anyway, believe it or not...a lot of the ranting is from older folk.
Leolinda: I learned a while back that truth and honesty does not mean to go around and criticize and belittle others. Their truth is not the same as mine that's for sure :)
Cynthia: No kidding. What's wrong with just keeping ones "mouth" closed if everything that is coming out is negative. Maybe it's the confusion of what's positive vs. negative. :)
Lenn: I don't even go there anymore...ZAP! Then I don't have to read it. I chose to renew my subscribed list with some positive ones :) Yeah...nasty is NOT cute. I usually agree with most of what you write and consider you a great source for info. You state facts as you know it. You're Cute LOL.
Neal: There's a difference between worrying about what people say and just stating my own opinion and moving on. I surely don't waste too much energy anymore. Zap is good. I just wonder....what people think this platform is for. (BTW...I worry what you think of me....wonder why :)
Chris: And so the reason for me to write. I am NOT included in those extensions :) And I love to add value to this network...not the junk that pops up.
Suzanne: That's for sure...and so the reasons we all move on. I wonder how many read these kinds of posts and move on....lol. I bet it's those we speak of lol.
Celeste: Well put - Our world is mirrorand everything we do is a reflection of our true beings. Transparency is fine, but we need to be aware of our reflection. I joined this great community to play with professionals. Thanks again for the great post.
I better get my most recent picture off of facebook then :) I use AR as a professional tool and facebook more as a fun tool :)
So very well said! I love the part about being able to step into someone else's shoes and see their perspective. I, too think I have been better able to do this with age maturity.
Celeste- I am right there with you. There is nothing I hate more- online or off than to listen to downright mean and negative outbursts. We, as humans, have the ability to not let certain things people write about or say affect us. But, being on the outide looking in, I also do not really want to do business or hang around those that berate and downgrade others' opinions, etc. I love reading your posts...you have a great way of just putting it out there- without being negative.
Sally, you add great perspective to the subject of transparency blogging on Active Rain so long. This is good.
Sally I guess Realtors are Online Marines (be all you can be) .......... LOL
I agree there is a point where transparency ends and to much information begins, and we need to know the difference.
Sally, I couldn't agree with you more! Sometimes it seems to me people almost LIKE to start an arguement. I wonder if they realize by leaving an unkind comment (or post for that matter) the only ones that it reflects badly on is themselves. I love to be transparent but make it a point to try and stay out of controversy--and arguments.
Carole: No kidding. I suppose they REALLY believe that's what this network is for right? We show a little of ourselves and there's no need to argue anyway. We all have our opinions and regardless....no one is going to change my mind but me :)
George: Okay..you get a hug for that one. Except it's just not Realtors® lol. Oh...and the hug was for "know the difference" between too much info and where transparency ends. Good point!
Gary: I watch patterns emerge with the followers...and the wannabees ...and they take whatever attention they can get....only failing to realize that negative attention is not healthy for them. Oh, well, ...like I said....more readers for the rest of us....and we can click and they be gone.
Thanks Tina: This seems like a neverending subject doesn't it? The more that 'get it' from reading ...the healthier our platform will be. The other ones can go to other networks to moan and groan and nag. It's so unbecoming ..ya know?
Pam: I should've used that tactic....maturity. See what happens when all I think about is how I'm aging gracefully :)
Renee: I think you already know that you do well in the professional criteria. You too have risen above the negative junk.... it's just not worth the energy.
Gwen: Another great way to put it in perspective. Reflections are great. I can look in the mirror and see a pleasant and caring person.....I go to bed each night and ....sleep oh so comfortably :)
Yvette: Not sure if I was one lol!
Sharon: It comes naturally now to be attracted to positive and easy going people. I won't be around the nagging whining types anymore. It's sooo......ewwwww. :)
Ann: It's the unapproachable people that I feel no need to express opinions...no matter what I say they will not even try to see another side by their own. Thanks Ann.
Sally,
Very well said. I have a few years on you though at 62. I agree. The longer I live the less I know for sure that I know. So why should I go around telling everyone else how to do everything. Let them make their own decisions. I did when it was my turn. I just happen to think there are more that one way to complete most task well. If we belittle others for their method, then we may be missing the point and as you said certainly turning others off. Well stated.
I agree with you and the fine line. We are all professionals and owe it to each other to appear that way to the public. The publics perception of is must be positive.
Sally- umhmmm there's that Transparency word again :) some of your points, and others comments had my head bobbing like one of those little toys on the dashboard of a car.....
I will only add that I love it when your message comes across as the voice of reason :)
I also agree that you have to temper what you say.
Yes Indeed, We must choose our words carefully !! I like your honesty !!
Sally - how appropriate that you mention the number of times you have stepped into the shoes of others ... your post immediately brought a song to mind, "Walk a Mile In My Shoes" by Elvis Presley
Sally, I agree. We need to be ourselves but still act professionally :-)
Sally, Well said.
I live it! Thanks for a great post. I feel you are right on!