I’m a Gary V fan as well. How could anyone not be? I listen to his advice on wine. I think there’s much to be learned from that dynamo regarding SM and personal branding and in some cases how to extend beyond your core business/current career.

That said … I am going to stand firm that it’s apples and oranges here. Gary V built a fantastic personal brand beginning within an audience that is very passionate about a product that is global and highly commoditized. An agent has the complete opposite in that it’s (typically) local, not so passionate and not commoditize-able.

Again …. I admire what Gary V has done for himself.

My warning is to really consider your tactics and make certain your expectations are aligned with the realities of your marketplace.

Finally, hard work is an agents life!! My dad is a retired broker. He worked his tail off for years – and was quite successful despite the tools we have today.

Go get ‘em. I’m rooting for you!!

I think that the amount of time spent on social media, and who you try to reach out to, depends on your goal. If you want to follow Gary’s advice to diversify your income instead of just relying on home sales, then building your internet presence and blog is critical.

In one of his videos he talked about how someone with a day job could do what he did. He talked about working your day job, then spending 2-3 hrs a night on social media. That’s what I’m trying to do. I spend most of the day working on my clients and listings, and then spend my evenings and part of my weekends surfing blogs and playing on Twitter. I’m also really focusing much of my social media efforts on locals. I follow anyone on Twitter that is local that I can, attend Meetup events and am helping to organize a Bar Camp for next month.

I believe what he says when he says that you need to work 17 hours a day if you really want it to happen. I’m working my butt off now and plan to reap the rewards later.