The Power of Local Knowledge

45 Down, 5 to Go

Today, I traveled to Oregon. It’s my first ever visit to the Beaver State. I’m in the Pacific Northwest for some speaking engagements so coming in a few days early to explore Portland area and travel through “The Gorge” on my way to Eastern Washington just made sense.

The excitement and anticipation of exploring a new city, meeting new people and experiencing one of our fifty states is an organic adrenaline shot. The beauty is, I have no real agenda or preconceived list of “things to do.” I just know I need to make to to Walla Walla, Washington by Monday night so I can see my friend Dennis and his amazing crew at Coldwell Banker First and spend the day on Tuesday sharing, socializing and hopefully inspiring them.

The New Visitors Guide to Awesome

What should I do? Where should I go? Who might I meet? Sure, we could turn to the Internet, Yelp or social networks for ideas, and those sources would give us some great ideas and recommendations, but if you’re asking me, I want to know from someone who not only lives there but truly “lives” there.

I’ve been asking people I know who live in Oregon for a few weeks now in anticipation and even bent the ear of a few people on my flight from Chicago who were headed “home” what they suggested.

What If Someone Was New To Your City/State?

If you found out someone was visiting your local area or state, what kind of things would you suggest to them as “must do” activities? Where are those one or two places or experiences that simply signify your town, city or state?

When I was in Iowa City last week with my friends from Coldwell Banker Real Estate Professionals, I challenged them to think about their favorite places for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. What about the best happy hour in town? Golf course? Art gallery? Sushi restaurant? Craft brewery or local winery?

When you have more to talk about in and around your town than just the real estate listings on the market, you have a better story to tell…and sell. You see people live in a home, but remember that they live their lives in a neighborhood, community, town, city, and state. Local matters.

Start thinking about your town, city or area. What are the things that make your town “your town”? Where would you tell people they have to go? What is the “one thing” you have to do? When is the best season? The best place to fish, hunt, hike or bike? My guess is if you love where you live, somebody else will too.

If you need me, I’ll be enjoying Oregon and Washington this week and trying to build relationships, solve problems, and have fun in some new places with some new faces. No matter where you’re at, I hope you’ll do the same.