Response to Dave on Bloodhound
Friday, February 29, 2008 at 07:41PM The problem is the last part of definition 2; “rather than empirical methods.” When you take out the empirical methods you are left with no anchor other than a perceived set of values on which to judge on. I think rather than try to set up a universal set of values to launch your logic from, it might be best to observe empirically and then build you logic from that point. At least it works for me!
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To make this practical and relate it to real estate, let's say X experiments with PPC ( this is not a knock of Louis or Google or any other PPC set-up, there are other reasons to use PPC) and the empirical evidence is that it works, you get leads.
Let's also say there is a real estate "philosophical" principle that states - "It is best to learn how to generate your own leads for the long term benefit of your business and to make you more independent." X doesn't know this principle, or knows it but decides it's not the gospel and wants to experiment with a different way.
X logically concludes, based on empirical evidence, since she is applying the empirical method first, then using logic, that PPC works and therefore proceeds to put time, money and effort into PPC.
Let's say the PPC provider goes out of business, or continues to raise the cost, because there is more competition for keywords, or the leads become weaker because home buyers are using other onlne methods as a portal to get information. Let's say X starts seeing a reduction of ROI and sees the competition getting ahead. X realizes she should do something different, but doesn't know what or how because she chose to ignore the principle, or didn't learn principles first.
What X could have done if she had learned the "philosophy" first is to apply a combination of effort into PPC and learning how to create her own leads by staying abreast of the different portals through which buyers are going.
The empirical method, in my estimation, must be subsumed under the over-arcing prinicples that hold true across the board -- the philosophy of real estate in the new online age.
Fire holes in this when ready.
Reader Comments (9)
Mike what X either combined PPC with other methodologies or ignored them altogether and what if the "new online philosophies" turn out to be not so effective afterall? Would you commend X's foresight in NOT embracing the new online philosphies?
There seems to be too much of a consensus on how the future will be. I am not sold yet....
Well, Louis, the principle would be the same, "It is best to learn how to generate your own leads for the long term benefit of your business and to make you more independent."
If not online then offline. If the online doesn't work, then it will not work for the PPC providers either.
Most people who are connected and creating business online are also using the best of the offline methods -- so if the online methods become weak, they are not dependent on it.
However, I increased my business significantly creating leads online -- I still use offline methods -- the principle is not online or offline dependent, it just says you should become independent by creating your own leads for the long term success of your business..
Agreed that its always good to develop some level of self sufficiency.
It may not be through blogging or Web 2.0 methodologies though. Perhaps its a committment to meeting three new potential customers every week by visiting local events like softball games.
True dat!
You wouldn't believe some of the off-line marketing ideas I have. I will reveal my craziest idea soon.
Perhaps you could do a guest blog post on HomeGain?
either way I'll be looking out for your ideas.
I could do that. One thing, Louis -- I think what Homegain is doing is a good business model, it's just that I beleive for my business I need to continually strive for independence when it comes to lead generation. It's not that i think lead aggregators are evil or useless -- it's just not my avenue.
For those who feel having a site that takes care of that
aspect as they do their offline work, I can see it as useful, my warning of dependency notwithstanding.
Some people just don't want to mess with the whole online thing. If that's their decision, then so be it, everyone has a different plan.
Thanks Mike
While we always take posts on marketing we are starting to take posts on how to work with customers. Your thoughts on communication would be especially appreciated by our readers.
Email if you want to participate and we'll set you up. (all HomeGain guest bloggers get a free Max gorilla!)
A free Max gorilla!
I'll email you this afternoon.
I had to pass on the free gorilla, Louis. I don't think I'll have time to do it justice.
We'll talk by email.