40 Observations By Teresa Boardman Regarding Her 2 Year Old Real Estate Blog

I was thrilled to find the following post in my inbox yesterday.  It being Thanksgiving today, it makes for an appropriate time to say that I am thankful for Teresa Boardman, and all the other generous guest authors that have contributed to the Real Estate Tomato this year.

2 Years Later…
By Teresa Boardman

My business blog is now two years old.  Not the oldest blog out there by any stretch but older than many of them.  This is a kind of short re-cap of experiences I have had because of the blog.

1. My blog is my business, or my business is my blog. 
2. My blog is my number one and most valuable business asset, and prospecting tool.
3. My marketing costs have gone way down, but I have less free time.
4. The amount of time I spend on the keyboard has gone up, and my neck hurts.
5. The amount of time I spend reading and learning has gone up.
6. The amount of time I spend writing has increased.
7. My writing skills have improved.
8. My photography skills have improved.
9. My listening skills have improved.
10. My research skills have improved.
11. I have met some famous people.
12. My blog has been written up in major newspapers, a local magazine, a local newspaper and I can’t remember where else. (Here too, Teresa)
13. My blog, and my name have become known in the real estate industry on a national level.
14. I have won some awards.
15. I have met hundreds of people through my blog, from all over the world, the country and at home.
16. I have made friends.
17. My business has a  revenue stream generated from blog related activities.
18. My public speaking skills have improved.
19. My world has become both bigger and smaller.
20. My blog is my brand.
21. People, including the news media ask me what my opinion is.  They still don’t listen, but they ask.
22. I am known by more people than I know.  At least one is a stalker.
23. There are links to my blog from more than 4000 web sites and blogs.
24. I belong to 9 social networks.
25. My blog gets more visits than my companies local web site, which includes four offices.
26. My content gets stolen, and I now spend an average of two hours a week fighting plagiarism.
27. I invented the virtual bus bench.
28. My blog, and the ideas that go into it are imitated by others.
29. I have made some enemies.
30. I have been misunderstood and misquoted.
31. Businesses offer me money to have links on my blog.
32. I am asked to write guest posts.
33. I am able to generate business on my own and feel empowered because of it.
34. I have more confidence.
35. I get fan mail.
36. I get hate mail.
37. I get free software.
38. Businesses, and other bloggers send me swag.
39. I can now write with my eyes closed.
40. I often eat lunch at my desk.

Forty is an unusual number, but you get the picture.  I could go to one hundred I am sure, but I can already see the yawns from members of the audience.

Most of the items on my list are unintended consequences, my goal has always been simple and focused.  I just want to meet the people who live inside my computer and are looking for help with their next real estate transaction.  I want them to come to me, so I don’t have to spend a lot of money to find them.  

Blogs have value for both the writer and the reader.  They present an opportunity for personal growth, for those willing to invest the time and effort.

Teresa Boardman is an exceptionally professional Realtor in the St. Paul, Minnesota area.

Her website: www.TBoardman.com
Her blog: www.StPaulRealEstateBLOG.com
Voice: 651-216-4603

Thank you Teresa. 
As always, it’s a pleasure having you 'on the Vine'.

Other Articles by Teresa on the Tomato

Tags: Teresa+Boardman, Real+Estate+Blogging, Blogging+Advice

Comments

[Hilary Shantz, TheOakvilleBuzz.com]

AS a blogger in Canada, having just cut my teeth, I want to say thanks for painting an untarnished picture of the business benefits of a well-crafted, original and consistent blog. Equally I appreciate your candour about what happens when we are a pioneer in anything and put ourselves in the public eye day after day. Hilary Shantz, Oakville, Ontario

[Clearwater Beach Real Estate]

Teresa - Sounds like lots to be thankful for. I enjoyed your 40! I know I'd have never gotten to know you if it were not for blogging. I have experience many of these too. Wishing you continued success. - Cyndee

[Charles Woodall]

I have to say, Teresa's was the first real estate blog I ever read. I don't remember exactly how I came across it, but it is still in my Google reader. I think Teresa's success is something we all strive for. I have yet to run across any real estate blog that can tell a story with pictures the way Teresa can.

Count me as a fan Teresa, and best of luck and continued success!

[Ann Cummings]

Teresa - you are the Queen of Blogging that so many of us look up to for your success with your blog. You continually show all of us what can be, if we apply ourselves as you have consistently done for these last 2 years.

Loved your "40", and I've not doubt you could easily take that to 100 and more!

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

[Marg Scheben-Edey]

As always, an honest and fair assessment of what blogging is or isn't. One thing to add: you've become a trusted advisor to others. Thanks Teresa for being so generous.

[Pensacola Real Estate News]

Thanks for the great post. I can see that I have a long way to go. I've made a few friends. I'm still waiting on the enemies to pop up. We have a lot of idiots where I live, so I'm sure it won't be long before someone takes issue with a post I might do about having a great day and a positive attitude.

I am truly an admirer of Teresa's and refer to her blog for ideas. I don't stalk or plagiarize. But I really crack up at her dry sense of humor. Thank you Teresa for all the inspiration and the sharing giving attitude. You rock!

[Brian Miller]

Teresa -
Your blog alsways just absolutely rocks. I was actually surprised to see that your blog is only 2 years old. Your candor and obeservations always help keep me on track, because you mention things that I am struggling with and knowing that a blog-master like you struggles with some of the same stuff is very reassuring... thanks for all you do...

[Bob Carney]

#22 checking in here!!! LOL...

[Sara]

Theresa, Thanks for letting us into your world! You have laid a great foundation for real estate bloggers everywhere.

[Teresa Boardman]

Thanks. You are all so kind with your comments, I always find it amazing. My neck really does hurt. :)

[Carol]

Hi Teresa, I relate to many of your 40 points, the most important of which is that my blog has become my #1 marketing tool. I haven't met any famous people unless you count the "famous" bloggers I know virtually. Well, I have met ARDELL in person so I guess I have met in person at least one famous person. I love my blog and it's not anywhere near as good (or famous) as yours! Best wishes as we move through the holidays and into the New Year!

[Sharon Simms]

Teresa, Congratulations on your second anniversary. It seems that you've ALWAYS been a top blogger, so 2 years is a surprise. Thanks for paving the way for so many of us who enjoy many of the benefits you outline above.

[Joan Snodgrass]

To have accomplished so much in only two year is mind boggling, and inspirational. We do thank you for being a great model.

[Jack LeVine]

After 9 months, my experience is so close that I could have written it my self. Of course I don't have a stalker yet, and not as many links to me, yet, but I'm working on it. thanks
Uncle Jack in Las Vegas

[Paula]

Teresa - I am a huge fan! Thanks for sharing your insight so honestly. Blogging is a huge undertaking and you have mastered it well!:)

[Kristal Kraft]

You haven't met me, so how good could your blog be?

[Teresa Boardman]

KK - LOL I should make it 41: I have hecklers who heckle me no matter where I write.

[Rob]

Absolutely awesome post! Great job!

[Kristal Kraft]

41 it is! Heckling you is what I do best. Why work to improve my weaknesses? :)

[Kathy Vaughan]

Hi Teresa,
I am a newbie blogger. You have been my inspiration from the very beginning when I decided I had to blog. I have finally found my way into the blogesphere and you continue to help me with your example. Congratulations! and Thanks

kv

[Lani Anglin-Rosales]

19 hits closest to home. Teresa already knows I luvz her :) so I'll just say that she is a great example of where blogging can take you whether you're a noob or a vet. Great list, T!

[Sandra]

Teresa, Congrats! You are an inspiration and love reading your blog. I totally argree with what you said in this post. Blogging "presents an opportunity for personal growth".

[Kevin Tomlinson]

We have something in common----we have both met famous people. I met you!!!

--All that AND a bag of chips.

[Matt Fetick]

The first post on my blog went up yesterday. I hope that 24 months from now I can look back and have 1/2 the list that you do! Congrats on what looks like has been an incredible journey.

[Tara Jacobsen]

I have to say that I love your sites and the pictures, oh my! I am not the stalker (I hope) but I do haunt your blogs...:) Thanks for two great years and lots of great inspiration!!

[Teresa Boardman]

Kevin - right back at you.
KV, like Jim says blog your brains out. I don't have any left. :)
Tara- I knew someone was haunting my blogs.
Lani - :)smaller becasue I share a brain, bigger becasue I share a brain.
Sandra - I have a long way to go . .
Rob - thanks
Matt you only have 899 to go. :)

If I missed anyone it wasn't intentional. Bloggers should be warned that they could meet someone like KK on line. be careful out there.

[Carl Medford]

Great info -- appreciate the depth.

[Perri F]

Teresa, you were one of the first to comment on my new blog...as I start to roll with it I can see how one can become a better realtor by blogging...

I'm still waiting for non-tomatoes to find me...if I build it...they will come!!!

Thanks for the inspiration

[Jennifer Steck]

Teresa- I have met Kristal, so I've actually met one famous person from my blogging. I could relate to some of those things you listed. I was laughing here early on Sunday morning with my neck hurting. :)

[john]

as a blogger my hair grow too long and i have no time to watch movie .. but iwatched beowulf , thanks for the little comssion i get ..

[Donna Smith]

Teresa, first of all I want to congratulate you on your blog for getting two years older and wiser. What you have shared on the blog is very sweet and nice. I really liked it. The article particularly interest me as soon am coming up with my own blog. I think it is very beneficial for a agent to have his own blog, through which he can not only express his views but also interact with other agents. Thus the whole look and feel of the blog becomes very important.

[Teresa Boardman]

Donna - it is much better to interact with consumers that with other agents. i know you know that but I think it is important to kind of ignore other agents and write to consumers. I write here, on the weenie and on agent genius so that I can write for other agents and interact with them but I keep it mostly off my business blog.

[Rich Johnson]

Theresa, you tipped me over with this! I became convinced that this is what I wanted to do after I read this post! I look forward to reading your blog continuously. Thanks!

[Kenny Alex]

so happy and crowed
thx for your sharing .it's very interesting for me , i'm a newcomer in real estate field. hope that we can connect each other to have a really clear and general image about real estate market.
thank for your sharing
Merry Christmas and happy new year 2008

[Anthony Longo]

too funny.

Congrats on the Top 50 Real Estate Bloggers!!! Job well done!

[Ann Marie Clements]

Teresa,
Tonite my blog went live! I am so excited. I hope to learn as much as I can from reading your blog. Your blog is wonderful and your spirit and enthusiasm is contagious. Congratulaions on 2 years of blogging!

[John Carle - Edmonton Real Estate]

Teresa,
Thanks so much for this insight. I'm a new blogger, and I have to admit that I'm quickly becomming hooked. It's a terrific forum to interact with our clients, and I think it's the future of the real estate industry. Much like Virtual Tours were in 1999 and Individual Websites for listings were in 2005.

Keep up the great work.

John

[Kenny Alex]

It's interesting for my. Look you getting a lot of goals just for 2 years. I hope the way I contribute for my site will happend the way you are. In trust, I hope my real estate is useful for realtors.
Anywhere you want to help me, let visit my site and give me some ideas to make it better.
Thanks for sharing

[Aleksandra]

Thanks a lot
I truly trust Teresa and refer to her blog for ideas. But I really crack up at her dry sense of humor. Thank you Teresa for all the inspiration and the sharing giving attitude.