I was excited for Winter’s edition of Working RE magazine to arrive in the mail today. Bill Cobb, an appraiser in Baton Rouge, wrote an article entitled “Using Blogs to Grow Your Business”. The two-page article is very informative for appraisers and inspectors, and I was honored to be included as an example in the story. I included the original content below for reference. Follow Working RE on Twitter at @workingremag and view the full article HERE.

Becoming a Trust Agent

Another appraiser experiencing success with WordPress is Ryan Lundquist in Sacramento, California (Lundquist Appraisal Blog and Twitter @SacAppraiser). Ryan has come a long way in a short period of time generating 8,391 visitors [actually 16,196] in 2009 based on his “hit counter”. His is a testimony to how easy WordPress is to use. Ryan has incorporated both local photos and short videos to make his posts very interesting. The philosophy that Ryan and I share is that our sites are where locals find out what’s really taking place in their uncertain housing market. Where else are locals going to get trustworthy news about their housing market? This is an appraiser’s opportunity to shine and become a “trust agent” within their local community. Has this effort paid off for Ryan? Yes, in the form of multiple tax appeal appraisal assignments (non-HVCC compliant appraising).

As always, thank you for following the Sacramento Appraisal Blog. Welcome also to any readers of Working RE magazine. If interested, you can subscribe to posts by RSS, follow on Facebook, or get articles delivered to you by email.

I buy into the idea of establishing a solid online presence as well as using techie tools to connect with people. That’s why I have multiple websites, a blog, Twitter account, YouTube page, and I’m on Facebook too (among other things). What I don’t buy into though is that having all these things alone makes a business successful or even more marketable. After all, you can look the part and play the game, but still reap no greenbacks, right? 

Internet and social networking avenues are important (crucial) for many businesses, but nothing replaces face time with existing and prospective clients. I’m no expert, but getting in front of people and building authentic relationships is irreplaceable. Sure, I understand that relationships are built online. I know. I do it everyday and I enjoy it too. All I’m saying is that when all is said and done, there is still something special about contact in person with clients. 

Business is about relationship, so if you are looking to drum up more work in 2010, then find ways to get in front of people both online and in person.

In 2010 the Sacramento Appraisal Blog will be offering a “podcast” tool through AudioBoo. This feature will enable audio market updates, interviews with local real estate agents, and discussions on other relevant topics. All audio entries will be posted in the “podcast“ tab above and also in a blog article too for the sake of discussion. Here is an introductory sample podcast for you.

This will be an exciting feature in 2010, and if you have any suggestions for topics, feel free to email me at ryan@lundquistcompany.com or call me at 916-595-3735. Additionally, if you have a differing podcast/audio blog tool to plug, I am open ears.

Thank you everyone for participating in the Sacramento Appraisal Blog’s first blog contest. The grand prize was a $125.00 Residential Natural Hazard & Tax Disclosure Report compliments of www.GeoAssurance.com. I appreciate all who entered by commenting on THIS blog post (or tweeting the post). Please see the 40 second video below to see who won. Thanks again everyone and thank you to GeoAssurance for being a great sport about supporting this contest and providing the prize!!!