In the digital age, social media is an invaluable tool for CRSs and real estate agents. It can foster peer-to-peer relationships, open doors to networking opportunities and provide a platform for sharing industry knowledge. However, navigating social media in a professional context requires careful management. Here’s how to balance work relationships and social media effectively.
The bright side
1. Networking opportunities
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram enable you to connect with fellow CRSs. Building a strong professional network can lead to referrals, partnerships and collaborative opportunities that benefit your business.
2. Learning and sharing knowledge
Engaging with peers on social media allows you to learn from their experiences and share your own insights. Whether it’s market trends, negotiation strategies or innovative marketing techniques, these exchanges can be mutually beneficial.
3. Engaging on non-work topics
Social media also offers a space to build rapport by discussing non-work-related topics such as favorite restaurants, local events or book recommendations. These conversations can strengthen your professional relationships by adding a personal touch. (And that’s why we’re on social media in the first place, right?)
Risks of social media networking and best practices
1. Risk of oversharing
While it’s tempting to be open on social media, remember to maintain your brand persona. Oversharing personal details can blur the lines between your professional and private lives. Keep your posts relevant and professional. Think twice about sharing anything you wouldn’t want to be seen doing at a work function.
2. Working with former peers
You may find yourself working with or for former peers. Be cautious about what you share online, keeping in mind that today’s peers could be tomorrow’s business partners or employers. Always maintain professionalism in your interactions.
3. Avoid bad-mouthing
Reputation is everything in real estate. Never bad-mouth colleagues, competitors or industry practices online. Negative comments can damage your reputation and alienate potential collaborators.
4. Boost—don’t boast
Success is worth celebrating but boasting can come off as arrogant. Share your achievements modestly and acknowledge the efforts of those who helped you along the way. It’s nice to say, for example, “The tip @Sam shared helped me sell this great beachfront property!” That will send your followers to @Sam, who will no doubt appreciate the boost.
Additional tips for effective social media management
1. Consistency is key: Regularly update your profiles and engage with your network to stay top of mind.
2. Be authentic: Authenticity builds trust. Be genuine in your interactions and share content that reflects your values and expertise.
3. Use visuals: Visual content is more engaging. Use high-quality photos and videos to make your posts stand out.
4. Monitor your activity: Keep an eye on your social media presence. Tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social can help you manage and schedule posts efficiently.
Managing work relationships and social media as a CRS requires a strategic approach. By leveraging the benefits of social media networking and mitigating the risks, you can build meaningful professional relationships while maintaining a positive online presence. Remember that people may forget what you say to them face to face or on a phone call, but your posting history lives forever. Anyone can search your social media posts, so keep your content professional and your interactions constructive.
Photo: akinbostanci E+ via Getty Images
