To profile or not?

Question

I'm curious what the advantage or rational might be for not sharing information here on Bigger Pockets.  It seems to me that it quite worthwhile to share what you can about who you are, what you do, what your local sphere of influence is (at least state), website, blog, etc.

I scratch my head sometimes because it seems like someone's profile is the major starting point for letting the community know who and what you are about.

Sure we get to know you even better through your posts and comments, but this seems like an important aspect for your business and for building connections.

Perhaps some of you can share the rational.

Will Barnard · Answer

All very good points. I see and understand that there are some circumstances were privacy and non-disclosure at first is necessary for some in certain instances as explained herein.

For the most part, I think most profiles that are hardly filled out is that of laziness and or non-intent to stick around.

I also like what Tin Lam had to say in his post. To be an investor, you must look, act, talk, and walk like one. On top of that, you must apply your RE knowledge in the real world. Knowledge is only power once put into force and acting will only get you so far.

Jason Davis · Answer

I was a lurked to begin with.  I am stepping ahead and have my first flip under contract and we will get started in June.

Based on this discussion I have updated my profile.  I still have more to add and will shortly

Thanks for the post

JD

Bill Gulley · Answer

I agree Charles. Seems too that those who are just interested or curious about RE are here as well. Lurkers sign up to ask a few questions and they really aren't "in the business".

I remember when I signed up that I filled in what I thought was appropriate and later completed my profile in more detail. I know to some who just want to make a comment, going through the system is a PITA. Initially, there may not be any intentions to really participate. A very recent thread comes to mind where an appraiser jumped in to make a comment and did not really fill in anything, just enough to get in.

I think too that in the beginning many may not understand the benefits and BP is unique where other sites promote guru programs and are supported by product sales. I was hesitant whn I signed up as I did not want to be contacted by RE spin doctors. Later I thought if I filled my profile out completly that many would  not try to approach me,,,(I was wrong, but nothing I couldn't fend off).

Not to be critical, but the profile inquiry/instructions could be more flexible too with explanations of why certain areas will help newbies, explaining the benefits. As an example, I had to check off a category to register and RE Coach was the most appropriate, but I do not have a coaching business. Maybe that should be optional as some starting off may not want to be so involved starting off.

A couple of us are here for other reasons too, I'm not looking for business opportunities beyond my area (and even then they have to smack me in the face, lol). I doubt Rich Wise is here to pull business out and many landlords don't expect to find properties or tenants here.
Someone said BP was much like a CE course for investors, if that is the motivation and they are not really seeking a business relationship, the profile may not be important to them.

While it seems to be assumed that everyone is here to make business contacts, I doubt that is really the reason for many.

Bill Gulley · Answer

Agree with Jason, fill the out! I go there to see where the experience level is, believe it or not, trying to make advice appropriate for the skill level. It also tells us if you have a clue or not!

J Scott · Answer

I tend to go with full-disclosure about everything I do in this business; this started as an attempt to keep me accountable for actually taking action, and would suggest that doing the same will likely help others as well.

Fill out your profiles, people!  Then tell us your plans and goals, and keep us updated...

Account Closed · Answer

I agree Will.  I think in some cases members will quickly enter a little info to activate there account and just never get back to it to fill it in.

Just want to reiterate that it is worthwhile to go back to your profile and flesh it out, that is if you are serious about investing now or in the future.

PK Patel · Answer

Charles: I totally understand where you're coming from.  Why wouldn't you want people to know what you do, what you're looking for, and what you're offering.  I am brand new to this site and I've done my best to complete my profile the best I can.  The only thing I wouldn't share is my address if I'm a home based business.  As for secrets and tactics, I believe in sharing those with others on this website 100% (especially if the person that I'm assisting is in a completely different state and is not going to become a competitor in my local market).  Some people are more reserved than others and don't see it that way.

Jason:  Congrats on your first flip.  Hope everything goes well for you.

Account Closed · Answer

I can understand certain circumstances necessitating holding back. It is my hope that when results are less than expected there is a realization that maybe part of it is not sharing with the world what it is you want, are or are planning to do.

Tin Lam · Answer

I've heard somewhere that  if you want to be a successful real estate investor, then start act like one, talk like one, walk like one, and marketing yourself like one. So, that's the advantage of letting everyone know about you and what you do.

Just like when you think of shoes, you think of Nike. When you think of pizza, you think of Dominoes. When you think of cheap stuffs you think of Warmalt...etc.

WOuld you want people to think of you when it comes to real estate?

Brad B. · Answer

I would say that my profile is semi-complete and it's done that way deliberately for the time being.

I am currently investigating and trying to learn as much as I can - so I'm just dipping my toes in the water.  My 2 year goal is to be involved full-time.  Until that time though I'm involved in another venture to pay the bills.  Since I haven't taken substantial affirmative steps in this new direction, I'm making somewhat of an attempt to fly under the radar on my intentions until I feel I have to notify my partners.  Not that there's anything dishonest or sneaky, I just want to keep my own counsel on my decisions for the time being and not cause problems unnecessarily.

I fully see the value of disclosure and openness with regards to profiles.  I think it's essential to being part of a community and really doing proper networking.  Sometimes though, we all have our reasons for doing the things we do.  Personally, I'm not ready to be that official yet, but when I am, I'll have no qualms about it.

To profile or not?

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