Wanna Know How You Can do Irrevocable Damage to Your Brand and Your Reputation?

by Daniel Rothamel on April 22, 2008 · View Comments

in Blogging, Industry Issues, News

Read this post by The Phoenix Real Estate Guy addressing a recent Redfin blog post.

Pay very close attention to the comments on the Redfin blog post. Not because of what the other real estate professionals had to say, but because of what “Jon” a real estate consumer had to say:

I am not a real estate agent, as most commenters here appear to be. I’m just a soon to be homeowner interested in real estate in San Diego.

But I do find this post not only childish, but insulting.

“Everyone ends up with a bad taste, longing for a barf bag and mouthwash.”
You’re right. That describes me to a T after reading this drivel.

I am considering using Redfin as my agency, but I wouldn’t ever consider using Ms. Hian as my agent.

“Biting back” at Ms. Berg is one thing, but you bit back at everyone that contributed to that food drive. How is that appropriate?

This is just one comment from a consumer who happened to leave a comment. How many more consumers read this post and didn’t leave one? My guess is that it is more than one. Now, how many more will read Jay Thompson’s post? How many more might read this post?

Are you beginning to get the picture?

So for you, dear reader, be reminded that the internet NEVER forgets, and the rate at which information travels is swift, and the depths to which it reaches are almost infinite. Perhaps Carol Hian should have considered that before she sat down at her keyboard. I can only hope that what I hope are the good folks at Redfin will give her a gentle reminder.

UPDATE: Glenn Kelman, President and CEO of Redfin, apologized for the post in the comments section. I would imagine something even more significant might be coming. Now THAT’S reputation management. We await the apology of Ms. Hian. . .

  • Daniel Rothamel
    Cindy,

    Bless you. Thank you. I appreciate that very much.
  • cindy cranston
    Daniel,
    I just had to post to let you know how much your blog and video logs inspire me. You are doing a great job keep it up.
    Cindy in San Antonio
    www.goseecindy.com
  • Real Estate Raj
    How embarrassing is this for Carol? Her ridiculous post goes viral within hours. Prompting not one, but TWO execs from the company she works for go on record to say she's out of her mind. Ouch.
  • Jay Thompson
    Jon's comment indeed speaks volumes.

    My post is currently coming up #4 if you Google "Carol Hian". This post will likely be on page 1 as well.

    Online reputation is something people need to consider....
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