Thanks to each of you (both Agent Genius contributors and readers) who have made this point before:
The internet and blogging are just TOOLS, not the answers to all things real estate.
How True! I bring this up because I had this conversation (among many others) with Lani and Benn the other day … and it was 
NOT via email, NOT via phone and NOT via comments on a blog.
It was Face to face.
I went to Austin, Texas and actually sat down, at the same table with Lani and Benn. I got to look them both in the eyes and have intelligent and meaningful conversations with them.
Please note: I did not use the word “mature” J (… and for those of you wondering what the rest of the elusive Benn looks like, I cannot tell you. He actually conducts all business and social interactions with a cup (or phone) in front of his face. I mean it.)
Yes. The internet – blogging in particular – is what introduced Lani and Benn to me. (Yay for that!) But it was the evening I spent with them in Austin that “took it to the next level” making me really understand, appreciate and love WHO they are. (Although I cannot vouch for their opinion of me, as I was the only one in the rainbow stripey knee socks riding a small canon like a pony at the Austin capital building in the middle of the night… Long story.)
I think that too many people hide behind the computer – the technology – the web 2.0 instead of going out and doing some major hand-shaking, hugging and all around don’t-be-afraid-to-embarrass-yourself personal interaction.
The internet is a GREAT tool. I LOVE it. It exposes both us and our businesses to the world – in a medium that no other medium can. But once that introduction is made, it is the HUMAN interaction that really concretes who we are to our clients and other business professionals. Continually hiding behind a cup, er, I mean the internet will only take our businesses so far.
So, when you are building your business plan and figuring out all the cool ways to integrate the internet into your business, make sure you add as much (if not more) HUMAN interaction, as well.
The internet may create clients, but it is your human interaction that creates clients for life … and friends.
Thank you Lani and Benn for making my short trip to Austin completely memorable.
You guys ROCK!
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My feelings for having met you are equal and we really enjoyed watching you ride the cannon in your striped socks. Thanks for visiting us during your Austin trip, and hurry back with your Husband.
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Mariana, I think you nailed it by noting that the Intenet is a great tool but the personal face time cements that pre-existing relationship online media creates.
We really really really enjoyed having you in Austin- you’re way TOO funny (or is that from all the sharpies?)!!! I won’t tell everyone about your making our waiter nervous or the trespassing on the capitol grounds, or the cuss words we yelled at people at bus stops (or other things I just made up).
***btw- dang I look cute in that picture of us! haha
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Y’all are some OG AGs
Benn – It was awesome! Derek can’t wait to meet you. Maybe we can all eat at the grirr next time we are in Austin.
Lani – You DO look pretty dang cute! (A bit better than the one where Benn is sporting a halo…)
Benjamin – May I ask what an “OG” is? Or should I not …
I’m jealous! REALY, REALLY Jealous!
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Mariana- OG means “original gangsta.” Benjamin Bach and I are OGAGs (original gangsta agent geniuses) in our off time, most notably on Facebook.
Ines- oh don’t be jealous, we filled her full of beans and Starbucks and sent her to sit in a cramped room with other people who ate beans and probably had Starbucks.
When will you be coming to Austin? There are a million reasons….
I’ll skip the beans – but I will HAVE to come up with a reason to visit Austin.
(can you believe I entered the wrong sum?)
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HA HA HA HA HA HA, no I can’t believe it!!!
Ines! (the sums DO get tough if they are over 10 …LOL!) I can’t wait to meet YOU someday in person! Since I make it to Austin semi-regualarly so I can met you there too!
Lani – OH! I thought it was some reference to OG Readmore: http://www.thepuppetstudio.com/OGReadmore.html
LOL!
are the beans the reason Mariana was on the canon?
Yeah … I refuse to answer that on the grounds that it may intimidate me … or imitate me … or incriminate me … or something.
OK – I promise not to make any jokes about how powerful the canon’s explosion might have been if it worked.