On January 28, 2005 I turned lenderama into a blog. To my knowledge it was the first B2B blog in the mortgage, or even the real estate industry. My original goal was to talk to the 54 mortgage broker clients that I had cultivated over my years as a wholesale account executive. What actually happened changed my life.
Looking back, what has four years of involvement in social media done for me?
I was standing on the trade show floor of Inman Connect NYC earlier this month when a real estate agent walked up to me and exclaimed, “YOU’RE THE GUY!”. I told her I get that a lot. It’s funny, but also true. I’m going to brag a bit in this post. I hope you’ll see that I’m doing it to show you what’s possible by participating in social media. Here are some highlights
I was interviewed for Mortgage Technology Magazine. Then by RIS Media, and Inman News. Lenderama was featured in a story about real estate blogging in Investors Business Daily.
I was interviewed for the McGraw Hill published book, Realty Blogging. I was asked by the writers of that book to start blogging for them. I started teaching people how to blog all the way back in 2006.
Inman News asked me to start contributing to their blog. As did countless other sites.
I started meeting people from around the country. First online with bloggers like Dustin Luther, Dan Green, and Jim Duncan.
By 2007, I was meeting them in person. People like Teresa Boardman, Kristal Kraft and Jeff Turner. Awesome people. People that I call friends.
Because of Lenderama, Dave Savage and I talk on the phone.
I also met Jason Berman through Lenderama. He was the past president of CAMB and teamed up with me to create REBlogWorld.
Because of blogging, I met Andy Kaufman, who got me involved with helping him on RE BarCamp.
All of this has created momentum. In the last month, I’ve connected in person with Sherry Chris, CEO of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, and Dale Stinton, CEO of NAR. This weekend, Dave Jenks started following me on Twitter.
Virtually every close friendship I’ve developed in the last four years is related to social media, including my best friend, all of my business partners, and even the great lady I took to lunch for the first time today.
I started a new business with three awesome people. Ginger Wilcox, Kelley Koehler, and Mariana Wagner. All of us are examples of how using social media can expand your SOI, help you find new clients, or to forge great friendships.
Social Media had changed my life.
Last night, I struggled with the fact that I have more opportunities facing me than I have time for. I have to figure out how to pick and choose. Considering the economy as a whole, that’s a pretty damn cool problem to have.
Okay, yes. I’m bragging. I’m dropping names. It feels good. Four years ago, I was an average sales guy with 54 clients he wanted to reach. Today, I’m sort of a big deal. I’m meeting people at the top of the industry. But all of this came from social media tools that most of you can use to accomplish everything I have. If you haven’t adopted social media as a marketing platform yet, why the hell not?
Congrats and Happy Blogiversary Todd! It should feel good, ya done a good thing. And I suspect you’ve only just begun.
I couldn’t help but re-read this part:
“I started a new business with three awesome people. Ginger Wilcox, Kelley Koehler, and Mariana Wagner. All of us are examples of how using social media can expand your SOI, help you find new clients, or to forge great friendships.”
Then I did the math.
(those) 3 girls and 1 boy (you) starting a business = enough reason to brag about “what social media has gotten me…”
You can start your presentation to new clients by sitting right in the middle of those three ladies and the conversation with something like:
Uh, ok — so I started dabbling in social media a few years ago and somehow I ended up sitting here talking with you about how you are going to pay me and these girls a bunch of money to show you how to do it too.
If you are good… and smooth… and listen to every word that I say… you too might just be this lucky in another 4 years.
Sign right by that “X” at the bottom sir.
Congratulations and (((HUG)))!! I’m happy to add that in addition to being a big deal, you’re a fabulous guy and I’m lucky to know you.
Congrats Todd!
I hope that when people read about your success that they don’t quickly gloss over the 4-years part. Success rarely comes overnight, it’s a testament to hard work and commitment. Same goes for social media. You have to put the time in to get the benefits out. You’ve got a very inspiring story!
Here’s to 4 more years of even better things to come!
Congrats! I’m still a bit skeptical about Social Media in terms of ultimately bringing in the $$$, but it is very helpful for those of us who work at home and get a bit … lonely. Connecting with other people in the field is very important to keeping a positive attitude, and I know it helps with that.
I’m not a RE person, but just a humble writer who likes to write about real estate and development (hint!). It’s been a lot of fun to know your craft and what makes you tick.
Todd, You’ve just provided a great illustration of how involvement in social media can elevate your reach to connect and achieve positive experiences and success in your building your business and brand, taking you to new paths and opportunity. Let your story serve as an inspiration for others who have refrained from social media to take their foot off the brake and BEGIN. Thank you.
Been fun getting to know you!
(and you deserve to brag a bit)
Can’t wait to see you at http://www.retechsouth.com
You’re new friend Dave Jenks will be there too!
4 years WOW…you are an inspiration to someone that is just starting out like hey….me =) it was great to meet you in NYC!
What a great story. I started almost 2 years ago and I am doing really well with SEO and referrals. But, I am most happy with all the really good people I have “met” by being active on blogs and other media. I salute you as a real pioneer! Now I am glad I “found” you. On Twitter BTW. Kudos.
David
Todd,
Congrats to you and way to go! This is inspiration to all of us in the trenches of this social media world. As with anything, give it your all and stick with it. Stay honest and consistent. Good things come to those…
I’m thankful that we finally got to meet and hang out IRL in NYC! What a wonderful time I had. I’m honored to call you my friend.
Take care,
Dale
Congrats on your milestone, and all of your successes along the way. I am a fan!
conrgrats! I came across your site while surfing the web for tips. I have been a lurker every now and then. More power to you Sir!
Hi Todd,
That’s a pretty amazing story! I hope to have a similar succes story about reaching out to Buyers in the Denver marketplace for luxury homes in places that are more or less unknown to potential relo candidiates. For example: who would know to look for Spring Ranch? Nobody! But by blogging and discussing the various lifestyle impacts that individual neighborhoods offer; ideally, I’ll be helping Buyers make the best possible decisions for their own interests and priorities.
-Bob
Amazing what you can do once you find your niche. One of the reasons I keep coming back here is that, recession or not, Lenderama has this atmosphere of success wrapped around it, which is basically people responding to your knowledge combined with a high comfort level with social media.
Congratulations on the 4 years. Yes you are bragging. LOL . . but I can relate. I have met so many people because of my blogs and have had many opportunities because of them. I can’t seem to get into the three years club though. Maybe in a few months I can get inot the four year club.
Todd… what you fail to see is that it isn’t social media that has gotten you where you are today, it is you. By pursuing value, focusing on big dreams, using OFFLINE to solidify ONLINE (having shadowed you at InmanConnet I know you are the master), and by being who you are… a really personable, great, intelligent person who has tons of value to offer the world. Big hug
I’m happy but not in the least surprised. 4 years ago we were chowing BBQ… what will another 4 years bring? Congrats bro!
Congrats! Personally, I don’t see this as “bragging” so much as documenting the journey to your amazing accomplishments. It didn’t happen overnight and it certainly didn’t happen without a LOT of work on your behalf.
I’m especially grateful for this post (and to the person who alerted me via Twitter to it) because I’ve had literally hundreds of clients start “blogging” with the expectation of achieving what you’ve achieved in 3 months with 10 posts to their blog.
Your post documents that it doesn’t happen “overnight” but it can happen if you put your back into it!
Again -congrats and a big hearty THANK YOU!
Todd~ Congrats on your success and explosive growth. I was lucky enough to hear you at Sparkt last month (and have been Twittering ever since!) and that helped fuel my enthusiasm for understanding the power of SM and incorporating it into my business. Looking forward to SMTC next week.
4 great years and looking forward to 40 more!
Todd, I don’t think it’s bragging i think it’s a really really cool story “congratulations”
I only have one question. Can I tell people I know you?
MP
Todd- Congratulations on a great 4-year run. Thanks to Web 2.0, I actually know most of the names you’ve dropped and even met a few of them
It’s one thing to brag, it’s another to be able to recall all those names at once and sort out who’s who (you bet it all goes a little crazy when people are as popular as you, don’t you think?). Congratulations, you have very much benefited from social media rather than enslaved by virtual social community.
Social media certainly has proven to be a very powerful tool. When it comes to someone who has harnessed the power and pulled all the ends together in a positive way, you are the best. Todd Carpenter is our social media poster boy!
I’m proud to call you my friend.
kk
You’ve done well. Congrats and continue.
Great Post.
Thank you very much.
Congratulations! Social media networking is truly a wonderful way to make meaningful connections, both for business and life! It is amazing what a little time socializing online can do!
Dont give up, I ended up Using US mortgage Mod, llc in philadelphia. there are plenty of companies you just have to find one you are comfortable with. Things will get better. Email me if you have any questions and i can tell you about my situation personally. Great service and save me from foreclosure
I also used US Mortgage Mod, LLC. Cant say enough good things about them, they really are looking out for your best interest. God bless them.
You should change the title of this post to: Four years of social media, hard work, long hours, and determination. What has it gotten me?
I can honestly say social media/online advertising has taken my business to another level. I’ve always be close to the top of the heap, now I’m on top!
Robert Eskiw – Home In Edmonton
Nice list and nice work, Todd!
nice work. social media is probably the most progressive thing we have saw on the internet. If used to its full potential any business could be a power house
Hey Todd,
Congratulations on such an impressive feat! Like Gary Vee was saying at Inman Connect, if you work your face off great things are possible! Good luck with your future endeavors….
Take Care, Greg
Congrats on the venture, Todd. And you ARE in fact the man. And a kind of a big deal.
Now, I’m off to throw cold water on the last sentence in your post… because I have to save the poor deluded legions out there who think they too can be @tcar or @garyvee.
-rsh
Congrats, Todd! You shared some great points with everyone; social media really can generate huge traffic and readers, all which will lead to more business.
congrats on your success with social media. Its a true success story. I wish I got the same success like you with social media. Struggle always return with success.
Thanks for blogging and how it transpired over the years.. I am just new to it and I can see the benefits of it already.. I’m just sorry as to why I didn’t do this before..
Todd – wow, 4 years. Well, I’m happy that you have helped pave the way for social media in our industry. I know that you and your projects have been a big inspiration in the path that I’ve taken online with my business.
Social Media is an extremely powerful tool that can really help increase your business and exposure online. Congrats on all the successes!