Please pardon any errors. Sent via BlackBerry.

Posted via email from You clicked “Jovan.”

Please pardon any errors. Sent via BlackBerry.

Posted via email from You clicked “Jovan.”

Please pardon any errors. Sent via BlackBerry.

Posted via email from You clicked “Jovan.”

Please pardon any errors. Sent via BlackBerry.

Posted via email from You clicked “Jovan.”

(WARINING: I Wrote this in June, I know I’m a slacker)

Even with all my connecting gadgets (FYI: new Blackberry 8900 + Google sync + Ubertwitter = SuperBerry) I still have way more conversations offline than online. More importantly, my offline talks and dealings with Realtors, fellow communicators, and even the unemployed yield info-nuggets/smart business tips that haven’t quite made into google.

So here’s my first-ish contribution (of a few to come) to filling up google—because face it, there’s just not enough in it yet. And, if we don’t fill it up, I don’t think this Inter-web-net thing will work. (I support the Internet graphic).

Now about the banging …

Sometimes I’m at my desk innocently plugging away, attempting to bring some bowtied idea (I’ll explain later) the team and I came up with over pizza to life and…..something thunder-like starts to move the contents of my desk. My office and/or its contents start to gyrate/shake/jump and I hear few jarring sound effects, mostly in the form of thumps and baritone shrieks sprinkled with a “WHAT THE!” and I know it’s time…

FYI:

• It’s not all in my head (I don’t think)
• The VAR building isn’t built on a fault, and
• I don’t work in a cheap motel room where quarters have been inserted (even though that’s what it feels like)

So what is it? The sound effects/ office hydraulics are a sign that I’ve been in my office/cave too long and it’s time to do my daily check on one of my favorite coworker/bloggers/pets—He’s multi-use.

On the other side of my wall sits a temperamental thermometer/alarm system we’ll call “Andrew” (just for argument’s sake). “Andrew” is very sensitive. He’s a guy who takes his job, his family, and his vests very seriously. When something crucially significant happens with one of these three, I can count on the gyrations to start.

Now some see this as annoying, but I actually like it. As a matter of fact when he moved offices, so did I. Sharing a wall with him has become sort of a way of life for me. It keeps me connected.

You see Andrew’s not just a coworker, he’s one of my biggest clients/critics/fans and being next door is a lesson in good proactive PR/client management/customer service. If I’ve been out of touch too long, the pet-editor/blogger/vest extrodanaire starts to bang. And, my response is always the same, I either get up and run over, instant message, or intercom him to find the cause of the vibrations.

Now, most of the time they’re work relevant and sometimes they’re not. But, either way I need to know what’s going on on the other side of the wall if I want any sort of peace/productivity. I like peace in my office/cave.

So how do I keep the pet-coworker from banging?

Months ago around jolting #12 from the other side of the wall, I made a decision to stop (or at least curve drastically) the banging. How? I beat the gyrating to the punch. I started a conversation.

Now before the banging can start, I visit the other side of the wall to: One, to make sure all is well with Kantors, vests, and work-stuff. And two, to put a face with a name and intercom button, because sometimes I think the pet-editor/blogger/vest extodonaire forgets there’s a human on the otherside of his drum/wall.

Conversation is the key to vibration-less life.

“Andrew” might not have noticed, but now-a-days he bangs a little less. My preemptive visits and “professional/proactive listening” have made him more likely to visit or call when he needs to bug out. I have FINALLY trained the pet-editor (or maybe he trained me). Either way, the wall shakes less.

So how is this relevant to business, real estate, or anything else?

It’s simple. You might not have a pet-editor like, me but chances are you’ve got someone who bangs, shrieks in baritone (or alto, or soprano), and yells “WHAT THE!”

And, they’re not bad because they take their business seriously and their theoretical yelling is your sign that you need to get out and proactively listen a bit. It’s one of the basics of business (real estate or any other) and it’s not always done online. There’s a lot to be said for local mixers, meetings, softball games, and other not-so-work-like events. They can all be chances to do some “professional listening,” which is basically just being proactive.

So I’m saying, during seasons like this where business starts to pick up, don’t forget to go visit the other side of the wall. Find out what’s frustrating, engaging, and even fascinating your clients.

Yes, it might take time. Yes, there might be an angry vest-wearing pet-editors on the otherside. No, this isn’t a revolutionary thought. But, it’s necessary for good business.

Last night at an in-person social media mixer (you rock Social Media Club RVA) where I picked up a small freelance project, I was reminded of that.

And you never know, you might learning something like I do or maybe you’ll just find yourself shopping for vests.

Just a thought to fill up some internet. Here’s my contribution to google.

Those who know me (and since this is post #1 I realize you might not), know that I am driven. Most times by dreams, sometimes by fears, and a lot of times just by simple committment. Friends tell me I know how to squeeze a second. My personal view is why not?

My name’s Jovan, I’m a media lover, maniacal music aficionado, spoken word enthusiast, public relater, freelance journalist/designer, and a lot more. I think the best part of my personality is that…. there’s “a lot more.”

This is my personal blog, a simple space, my little social media space to put and let colleagues and friends interact with the “a lot more” inside my brain. With that will come a randomness of posts and as they start to take shape (and categories) I’m sure this social media effort will evolve into future conversations with more focus. Until then, enjoy reading here.

Thanks for stopping by. If you want to know more, follow me on twitter @JovanH