First, a few notes. This post has nothing to do with the mortgage industry. I don’t want to waste your time if that’s why you’re here.
Second, I talked with Hilary Marsh for a few minutes about this position. I think she knows what’s best for NAR and will probably choose a candidate based on their needs, not RE.net’s desires. This is just my opinion as to how I would craft the position from the perspective of an NAR outsider and an RE.net insider.
Finally, I’ve applied for this position. The following post is admittedly self serving to my strengths. If you think NAR should go a different way, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
1. I’d get hired quickly. The NAR Convention is just a couple weeks away. It’s the perfect place to announce the hire. Not at the convention, but at Bloodhound Unchained. Really, what better place to announce a Social Media Manager than at a social media conference for real estate agents?
2. I’d beg Greg to let me speak at Unchained. But not about NAR. I’d speak about how Realtors can leverage social media. Because that’s what they’re paying for. I’d actually rarely speak abut NAR, but more on that later.
3. I’d take a long hard look at NAR’s leadership. Determine their willingness/competence to participate in social media and evaluate the possible strengths of each member.
4. I’d build a training system to show NAR’s leadership; how, when and where to participate. This job will work best if I’m allowed to perform more like Karl Rove than Dana Perino. NAR’s leadership already knows NAR’s policies and vision, they just need to know how to communicate it.
5. I’d build a monitoring system that crawls RE.net, looking for blog posts that deserve NAR’s attention.
6. I’d build a manual submission platform that allowed RE.net to submit blog posts or articles that they felt deserved NAR’s attention.
7. I’d build an internal communication platform to share content from points 5 & 6 with NAR leadership. This platform would include a commenting system to discuss who, how, or if the content needs a response.
8. Upon establishing the most competent writers for the positions, I would market the best NAR bloggers as contributors to sites like BloodHound Blog, Agent Genius, Geek Estate, and Inman News. It’s fantastic that NAR has it’s own blogs, but to truly engage RE.net, they will need to contribute to it outside of NAR’s walls.
9. I would create an advisory council of RE.net thought leaders to discuss how NAR can benefit them best.
10. I’d take the same training program built for NAR leadership, and offer it to state chapter leaders.
11. I’d continue to tweet about my puppy on Twitter.
12. I’d still be found most nights bangin’ tunes on Blip.
13. I would not be concerned about becoming the voice of NAR on RE.net because I’d be showing others how to do it.
14. I’d establish a educational/awareness program to help real estate bloggers perform to the REALTOR standard.
15. I’d spend way more time than I think NAR has envisioned, OFFLINE.
16. I would enlist top RE bloggers to speak at local events on the benefits of social media. Many of these first movers are motivated to share their expertise. They’re looking for exposure. NAR can give that to them.
17. I’d offer my expertise as an authority on social media to any NAR or NAR affiliate event that wanted me. Most local boards don’t even know who to ask about teaching social media workshops. The best possible way to engage RE.net’s growing ranks is to be a resource in helping agents adapt to this medium.
18. I’d get behind RE BarCamp is a BIG, BIG way. This is a massive opportunity to connect. I’d organize events in Chicago, Seattle, Denver, and New York. If someone else doesn’t do it first, I’d organize one before SXSW in Austin. RE BarCamp in San Diego, 2009 during the convention is a no brainer.
19. I’d attend Unchained, Inman Connect, REBlogWorld, RE Tech South, and whatever new RE.net conferences pop up.
20. Finally, I’d still be tcar. The guy with the crazy ninja mask. Proud member of the twitterati. But also the guy who spent the last three and a half years building a blog about the mortgage industry that’s positive. Let’s face it. This has not exactly been a positive time. But here I am. I’m as bullish as Lawrence Yun. I don’t care if the whole world is going up in flames. I know how to move forward.
There’s a recipe for winning the hearts and minds of RE.net. The above is not the entire recipe, but a good start. I don’t think it’s what NAR has in mind. Whether or not I’m qualified for what NAR is looking for is best left up to NAR. But that’s my 2 cents.
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{ 48 comments }
Todd, you’ve redefined NAR’s social media position correctly (and humorously, a good quality for a NAR position). I endorse your candidacy and would gladly provide a reference to NAR.
You have my vote!
If not you - who?
Oh, and please make sure that they pay you what you are worth… lots!
Todd,
This is a well thought out plan. I think it’s a nice road map for any real estate or mortgage association to consider. Good luck with the position. NAR would be lucky to have someone who works as hard as you do on their team. ~ JB
You’re dead on.
I fear that the qualifications necessary for what the job entails and the prerequisite leeway that the person/team would need may not jive with NAR’s bureaucracy.
That being said, you’re absolutely right on all points. NAR’s membership needs to hear from their leaders.
14 - please elaborate on this -
On 16 - would NAR be willing to pay the these folks?
For you or whomever else gets the position - Godspeed and good luck.
Todd ~ I can’t think of a more credible person to build a network for N.A.R. You have proven yourself long before I met you! I first met you when we collaborated on the Blog Fiesta. Actually you did all the work including having the idea, getting the speakers, venue, I talked about it and showed up. It was an enormous success and built a foundation of friendship and future collaboration here in Colorado.
Since then you have continued to successfully pull people together for education, entertainment and fun!
Oh yes, I remember just last year when we had a “dropout” speaker at the Realtor Rally. You stepped in at the last minute to take over. Thank you very much! You saved my schedule and delivered a home run to a bunch of eager-future Realtor Bloggers.
Ah, then there is the “Lunch and Learn” you provided at no cost to the Denver Board of Realtors. Did I ever thank you for that? I continue to hear reports of how educational it was from various attendees and staff at DBOR.
Oh by the way, they want you back….please?
Last month the awesome venue you produced at REBlogWorld in Las Vegas is still strong on my mind! What a brilliant idea to mix us Realtors with the REAL World of Blogging. I learned so much and of course I only have you to thank for encouraging me to go.
OK, there I said it. N.A.R. needs not just a guy like you, they need YOU!
You have the experience, the desire, the respect in the industry (blogisphere) and you sure as hell don’t need any on the job training. I certainly hope you get the job, because in a way you are already doing it. You might as well have the official title that goes with it.
kk
P.S. OMG do you really want to live in Chicago? I hear it’s flat, cold and windy.
TC-
I’d love to see you get the job. As long as you don’t sell out–not utterly. What would you do if you were put in bad spot, and tarred and feathered by the folks at HP or the ilk?
CJ
I’ll endorse you in a heartbeat, and emphatically.
I think this is a very good plan to begin. I wonder how much of it NAR already had in mind, or would actually implement.
I especially like 1, 3, 4, 7, 10, and 15-20.
The one question you didn’t answer, and one that seems to be important to NAR, is– Will you move to Chicago?
Daniel, Kristal,
I would move for the right job.
Here’s proof of your recent success REBlogWorld
Also - The SMM would do well to look at how Frank Eliason @comcastcares has performed - NAR is more like Comcast than they might be willing and able to admit.
Todd, I love #8, 9 and especially #11 (lol). Seriously, I can’t think of a better person for the job, you clearly understand and love Twitter already, as opposed to NAR bringing someone in who would probably learn and be adept but wouldn’t have the exisiting twitter mo jo. I love the list, especially the interactive part that brings more of us into the equation.
I also think you understand the value of using it as an educational tool. Can’t think of one thing I’d take off the list (although I’m not a bloodhounder but I can overlook that lol)
I hope NAR realizes talent and the right attitude and intelligence for the job! You have my vote! And you know what? You were willing to go out there and publicly announce your interest in it. You go @tcar!
The fact they posted this position on Monster.com demonstrates exactly how much they need the type of direction you’ve thoughtfully laid out above. Innovation rarely comes from within, especially from large dinosaur-like establishments…maybe NAR will step outside of it’s own skin for once and recognize that someone like you and your perspectives are exactly what they should be looking for.
Although you don’t need (and wont benefit from) my endorsement Todd, your track record makes a statement I couldn’t articulate well enough, unfortunately I don’t think they have the ability to see just how valuable you would be to their organization…hopefully I’m wrong.
“14 - please elaborate on this - ”
Jim, I see quite a few new RE bloggers making some very simple, but possibly damaging mistakes. Copyright infringement, slander… Most of the time, the offender doesn’t even realize what they are doing is wrong.
NAR has an opportunity to help new bloggers by educating them on ways to blog without landing them in legal or ethical trouble.
I can’t recommend you because you didn’t mention your relationship to IBNMA.
Ah, just kidding.
Honestly, there is a very short list of people I would recommend and you’re absolutely one of them. I think you have your finger on the pulse of things Todd.
It’s a huge job and NAR must (MUST) find the right person. I’ve outlined my thoughts on the matter on my CMM blog.
“NAR’s leadership already knows NAR’s policies and vision, they just need to know how to communicate it.”
That may be the most astute point (of many great ones) you made.
I think you’ve laid out a great plan Todd. I tried to find something “wrong”, but really couldn’t (though I wouldn’t spend too many BTUs on #5 because I think there are already more than capable enough systems in place to do that).
One thing I’ve noticed in the seminars and training classes I’ve conducted is that real estate professionals are clamoring for information on how to utilize social media. They may not realize exactly that “social media” is what they are looking for, but that’s pretty much what it is.
I believe the existing “re.net” is bigger than many people realize. There are many prominent “voices” in the re.net, but there is a much larger not-so-vocal minority out there too. And an even larger segment that’s not involved in any way. Yet.
I think it’s critical for whoever gets this position to tap into the diversity of the re.net. The key word in the job title is “social” — this isn’t really a position that one person can pull off in a vacuum. It’s going to take a lot of effort with a lot of input from many already in the space, and those who have yet to join it.
Turning a bureaucracy of the size and scope of the NAR isn’t going to be done by one guy pulling hard on the tiller. It’s going to take a small army to turn this ship, and leadership that’s willing and able (and has the knowledge and skills) to help make that change. You’ve laid out a good plan to get there.
I know I don’t have to tell you this, but it’s important to remember this is the type of position that is going to demand great flexibility, ability to adapt to an ever and swiftly changing environment and will require both a thick skin and a gentle touch. That’s a pretty unique combination of “soft skills”, and I only personally know of a handful that have what it takes. Certainly I don’t know every qualified individual, but I know you are one of them.
As you know, I am also very interested in the position. I’m not keen on moving to Chicago — I probably wouldn’t survive the first winter. That should be the last thing that limits who can contend for this position, but sadly it’s looking more and more like it will. If you’re willing to make that leap, I say more power to ya. You’d rock the house (and it needs some rocking - gently. At first).
Todd: You got my vote. So when are you moving?
Todd,
You make a great case for yourself. However, Are you sure you want to go over to the Dark Side. Luke, please say it isn’t so!
My God Man, Use the Force!
If I were the one hiring you, I’d hire you just for this - “This has not exactly been a positive time. But here I am. I’m as bullish as Lawrence Yun. I don’t care if the whole world is going up in flames. I know how to move forward.”
Qualifications and experience being equal, I’d select the candidate who has this kind of attitude.
You have my vote and you are right on, NAR needs the help of someone with your expertise.
I dare them. Nay, I double dog dare them to hire you. Honestly, I don’t think they can do it.
Ling,
As much as I’m loving the comments from everyone else. Your’s is the one I appreciate the most. Coming from one of lenderama’s most consistent readers and commentators, that’s means a ton. Thanks!
Todd -
I’m completely torn on this.
On the one hand, you’re perfectly qualified and your plan makes a lot of sense. As someone said, if not tcar, then who?
On the other hand, I just don’t know if NAR is qualified to have you. I think there are fundamental issues with NAR and with the industry as it stands right now that cannot be addressed by social media, and may end up stifling all of the innovation and great ideas and skills you would bring to the table.
At the same time, having worked in large organizations myself, I can’t see how you could possibly remain the tcar you are today while inside of a national, prominent organization. You can’t. You just can’t. That is the essential tradeoff that individuals make when they take on huge responsibilities in large organizations (that don’t ‘get it’).
Add on to the fact that NAR is in some ways an assemblage of state associations, which are in turn a melange of local associations, etc. and I think you’re looking at what might end up as an untenable situation.
At the same time… if anyone can overcome those challenges and truly effect change in the industry, it’s you.
So I’m torn. “Put the best man in the job” says to urge you on. But “Don’t waste your best shot before it’s time” says to urge you to reconsider. Gah!
-rsh
Rob,
I love your take. I should note, I don’t think NAR would let me be tcar either. Or even if it would be appropriate. I’ve worked for huge lenders before. I can be as PC is it takes. This post is just my opinion of what would be ideal.
Hey Todd. Just commented at Rob’s place not realizing you’d written this post.
Some great ideas here, particularly #3 “I’d take a long hard look at NAR’s leadership. Determine their willingness/competence to participate in social media and evaluate the possible strengths of each member”
In my opinion this would be a better place to start then hiring a “the guy” just yet. Taking it a step further, why not have someone on who is working already for the NAR step up and relate to the public using Social Media? Inside-out, rather than outside-in.
“I’d build a training system to show NAR’s leadership; how, when and where to participate.”
This would be a great thing to have for NAR leadership. You can see when they’re urged to get out and ‘network’ as all the links and friends and other requests come in waves, and then you never hear from them again. They really need to understand that ‘participation’ goes away beyond just linking with someone or being their friend/fan.
“NAR’s leadership already knows NAR’s policies and vision, they just need to know how to communicate it.”
This is perhaps one of the biggest challenges NAR continually faces year after year. Having been part of NAR leadership through various positions, I couldn’t agree more with that one statement. NAR is like a huge lumbering elephant, and takes way too long to get anything done and takes way too long to communicate in any semblance of a timely manner with its own members.
Getting on the bandwagon by hiring YOU or someone like you with ideas like yours above is just what they need.
I’d vote for you in a heartbeat!!
NAR would be lucky to employee someone that already has such a great platform. That is the key to any social media hire. Few understand that it takes years to build an effective social media presence, brand, and community that can be leveraged the way yours can. No one starting flat footed without connectivity into RE.net will be successful to your potential.
I also really feel the need to highlight your brillance with 9 and 14. Both are pieces that I think a lot of social media initiatives are missing. Bringing the community inside your walls (#9) and expanding the community (#14) by adding value to it are two home run ideas!
Best of luck!
P.S., I guess the first true test of #3 will be if they read and thoughtfully consider this post.
Funny you should write this. I was laying in bed thinking….hmmm, who would be the best choice for this position? My first choice was Seth Godin and then I thought, “Nah, Seth isn’t well connected with the real estate industry, Todd Carpenter would be my choice. Todd Carpenter gets it!! For all the reasons listed in these comments by the best in the industry. I Love Todd Carpenter. I would follow him anywhere.”
You get my 2 votes (don’t ask)
TNAR for Social Media Maverick!
I’m with Rob.
And the NAR really doesn’t deserve you.
And I’d hate to see your unique and vast talents reigned in and wasted.
The one thing I think is unnecessary is for NAR to hire someone ‘from the inside.’ First, this position requires the ability to not be an insider, someone who already communicates well in social media, someone who brings more to the table than just being an ‘insider.’ If they are going to do that then they may as well not do it at all. NAR I would hope, sees the value in changing their paradigm. Social media is not the usual factory system framwork of leadership. Or at least it shouldn’t be.
I can imagine Todd (or Jay) utilizing Todd’s #7 intranet platform creatively and well. This is one of those positions, in my opinion, that does better if new blood gets the job.
Todd - while I think you would be excellent in this job I question the viability of the job. The internet is every where and so are NAR members. Straight off they want the job in their offices. It should be about them coming to us and being where we are instead of any of us going to them. They need to be immersed in our culture, not the other way around. It is clear they don’t get it. I know that you do so maybe if you do get the job good things will happen.
Todd,
I think 1 & 2 are completely irrelevant and will not make one bit of difference. Doing this quickly is not important and announcing at any small RE.net event is not the right place for this launch. Because the RE.net is not who needs to be won over.
Similarly, 18 & 19 are nice, but don’t hit the mark. This can’t be about NAR making it’s way into the hearts of the RE.net. That’s not even relevant. This has to be about NAR leading the other 95% of the Realtors® they serve to a full understanding of how social media fits into their business strategies.
I also disagree with 4. I think a Social Media Policy/Strategy Board to direct and oversee the efforts of the person in this new position is in order. The person in this position cannot be allowed to operate like Karl Rove as you suggest. To do it that way puts in place a Czar with the authority to run amok and establish his/her own agenda without guidance from NAR senior management. That’s just not going to work. My concern is, in the absence of such a Strategy Board, the person in this position will be leading the blind. It will be hard for them to follow.
This needs to be focused the other direction. That’s why 13 & 15 are what really matter. This isn’t about helping NAR understand how they can benefit the RE.net. I think this position needs to set as a goal the elimination of the need to have something called the RE.net. Success will not be measured by the current RE.net’s response to NAR but by the response of Realtors® all over this country to NAR’s efforts to engage them, and to assist them in engaging consumers, in ways they’ve never engaged them before. And I believe you know this already.
Which is why, Hilary, if you’re reading this - and I know you are - I’ll be happy to endorse Todd, as everyone else before me in this comment stream has done. Not because I think this list is right on target. I don’t. I’ll be happy to endorse Todd, because I think he will be able to actively listen to everyone (those who applaud and those who heckle) and find a way to craft a list that will be right on target and in the best interest of NAR and the members it serves.
As much as I would absolutely LOVE to see you fill this position, I would be totaly SHOCKED if NAR even gave it the slightest consideration. My guess is that they will probably hire someone who doesn’t understand real estate in the trenches or how social media applies to our business in a practical sense. They will hire someone with a background in public relations and has an account on MySpace.
I’ll disagree with Jeff on one point– the creation of another board/committee is the last thing NAR needs, at least formally. That doesn’t mean that the SMM should operate without some type of direction, but the creation of any type of board or committee subject to the bureaucracy of NAR would gunk up the works to the point of stand still. At least, that has been my experience, locally.
I will echo Jeff by saying that 13 and 15 are, indeed, where the rubber meets the road. What the RE.net thinks doesn’t really matter, not it the real scheme of things. Sure, it would be nice if people were positive, but that segment of the REALTOR population is so small that it is basically insignificant. If the general consensus among the RE.net became “the SMM is a waste,” but the general consensus among the rest of REALTORS was, “the SMM is great,” guess who wins?
There is a growing part of me that thinks that the fact that NAR feels the need to create such a position is not so much an endorsement of social media as it is a partial indictment of the RE.net. So far, for all the attention, not nearly enough has been done to get the word out to those who are not currently engaged.
Therein lies the conundrum: it might just be possible that NAR will be able to get more done to change the mindset of the membership with ONE person, than the RE.net can get done with dozens, or hundreds, even. NAR simply has access, resources, and influence that can be brought to bear in such a way that is impossible for individual members, even when they band together.
The question that remains in my mind, still, is: what will NAR do, really? Will they use their access, resources, and influence in such a way that it enhances their professed desire to engage, or will it all be choked out by bureaucracy, fear, and insecurity? Time will tell. . .
I’ve probably spent 40 seconds thinking about NAR in the past 5 years. I’m apolitical. I just don’t care. The NAR doesn’t get me business and I pay them less than $1000/year. Heck, my brokerage doesn’t get me business, and I pay them a whole lot more than that. As far as I can tell, the NAR has zero impact on me.
But I also don’t complain, because I don’t participate. I figure if I’m not taking an active part in selecting my leadership and in shaping the group, then I don’t get to whine about it later.
However, I was asked my opinion. So here goes:
I don’t understand if the intent of the SMM position is to better connect me to NAR or NAR to the public, but I’m assuming NAR is aiming to get social with the membership. I’m skimming these posts about the position and how you’ll have to change NAR leadership and how they don’t want to change or can’t change and it’s a very, very small group of very active RE.netters weighing in.
Do you think the vast hordes of the membership have any idea that NAR is hiring? We mock and cajole from our high perches, but most of us aren’t the intended audience. Or maybe I am. Maybe the point is to get me to care a whit about NAR. Because I don’t right now. And I’d say I’m in the majority.
To that end, I believe #13 hits the mark: “I would not be concerned about becoming the voice of NAR on RE.net because I’d be showing others how to do it.”
Shouldn’t that be the point of the job? To teach those who are interested and active in NAR how to better influence and participate in the social space? I don’t see the position as reigning in Todd to conform to the NAR party line - in fact, I’m guessing that if the position is used effectively, the membership at large would never even know Todd existed (should he be hired).
First, you ARE CRAZY.
Second, you should GET that job.
Third, … because it will take someone as CRAZY, DEDICATED and INSIGHTFUL as you to push, pull and drag NAR into the 21st century.
Good luck. I believe that it would be in NAR’s best interest to give you this position.
I taught my first class on “Blogging and Social Networking” for 3 Connecticut CE credits last week. There were about 55 people in the class, pretty good for a non-CE year. There was lots of interest. I did a poll by hands in the beginning. 2 of 55 in the class were blogging (Active Rain). No one in the class had heard of Twitter. No one had heard of Flickr. A few hands for Facebook, a few hands for LinkedIn. I suspect this is true of much of NAR’s membership. Whoever gets this job has a long road to hoe to get the membership engaged.
Dustin Luther chimes in on 4Realz
Since when is it NAR’s job to teach blogging?
T,
I’m surprised you would ask that question. Isn’t NAR the source of knowledge for all of us on topics pertaining to Real Estate?
Jay T wrote:
>Turning a bureaucracy of the size and scope of the NAR isn’t going to be done by one guy pulling hard on the tiller.
Exactly, is this a job you will want long run? What happens when they want you to promote or defend one of their stupid policies?
Todd commented:
>NAR has an opportunity to help new bloggers by educating them on ways to blog without landing them in legal or ethical trouble.
That sounds great but what I don’t want to see is a complicated policy like their code of ethics that applies to blogs. It’s hinted at in this part of their job listing; “* Maintain, evolve, and enforce NAR’s social media policies and guidelines”
Good luck to you (and Jay for that matter)
Ned Carey
Todd,
Three very simple thoughts:
1. NAR needs you but I’m not sure they know they need you.
2. There are more, many more, Realtors and lenders who need to learn more about social media and how to expand and interact with more people.
3. If I had a vote, it would take me about 2 seconds to decide to vote for you.
Tom
I think Tom Vanderwell summed it up best by saying
>1. NAR needs you but I’m not sure they know they need you.
Right on Tom, I think that is the crux of the issue. Many of the other comments hint at the same thinig but you nailed it.
Ned Carey
Ned,
Thanks!
Tom
Todd Carpenter is a brave man. I support your courage for making a difference in the Re.net and at NAR. I only hope they give you a REAL opportunity.
Throwing your hat into this ring is kinda like running for President. Why would anyone in their right mind want to do it?
Todd, I agree that you are the man for the job. As a new convert to social media I’m still trying to find my way, and stumbling around getting my bearings. I’m not an early adapter, but I am amazed at how few Realtors outside of the blogosphere even know the power of social media, and those who do glimpse the potential have no idea how to start. You will have your work cut out for you.
By the way, Chicago is a great city and a great place to live. Just time your move after April .
Pete
I’m going to close comments here. I wrote a follow up on this post at Lucid Ninja
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