Strong relationships can be built on the Internet.
Almost three years ago I met a man named Neal Baldwin from RE/MAX Action Associates in Exton, PA. He stopped by our booth at the NAR Mid-Year in Washington, D.C. In truth, I don't remember talking to him that day. I spoke to hundreds of people in the course of the show. If you've ever worked a booth at a trade show, you know that one day blurs into the next and so do the faces of the people you meet. I can't be sure I would have recognized him even the next day.
When I returned to Los Angeles, Neal emailed me. I vaguely remembered our conversation, but he commented that he had stopped by the booth, liked what he saw and wanted to tell me he thought we had made his whole trip worth the time and expense. He became a client. Over time, so did most of the agents in his office. But most importantly, this "stranger" became a friend.
In years since, Neal and I have been in communication via email. Internet friendships are just like other friendships; to sustain them you have to be willing to put in the work. And we did. We've had a few phone conversations, but literally hundreds of emails. So, when Chase asked me to fly to Philadelphia and speak to two other RE/MAX offices in the Exton area, I naturally wanted to finally, formally meet Neal Baldwin and spend some time with him.
He agreed to pick up Rochell Heininger and I at the Hotel and take us to dinner. He arranged everything. He chose The Kimberton Inn in Kimberton, PA, a restaurant set in a building that dates back to the 1700's. It was fitting setting, an old world counterpoint to the modern way our friendship had developed. The food and the atmosphere made for the perfect environment to get to know each other face-to-face. And Rochell got to witness two people - people who had never spent a single moment of social time together - chat like old friends. Because we really are.
The fact that we had never socialized in the traditional understanding of the term is irrelevant.
Neal's behavior was not one of client toward a vendor. It was not the behavior of a kind stranger. It was the behavior of a friend. He refused to allow me to pay for dinner. Clients rarely do that. He said, "Hey, you're visiting me. When I get out to Los Angeles, I'm sure you'll do the same." He's right. And I truly hope I get the chance.
What happened after dinner illustrates just how powerful Internet relationships can be.
I forgot the power cord to my laptop. (Yes, I know how stupid that is!) That's not a small problem. It's impossible to do presentations from your computer if you're battery runs out of juice. To complicate things, my laptop is an Apple Powerbook, so if I wanted a power cord I had to find an Apple Store. The closest one was in King Of Prussia, 30 minutes away from the restaurant. Neal could easily have said, "Jeff, I 'm sorry, but there's no way we'll make it to King Of Prussia in time." He didn't say that. Neal willingly ended the meal early so we could race from Kimberton to the Apple Store before it closed at 9:30 PM. Along the way, he dodged roaming deer, pointed out the historic buildings, talked about the history of the area, and made me feel completely at ease. It's just what a good friend would do. We made it with just a minute to spare. (I can't even describe how amazing the Apple Store folks were. The paperwork was waiting for me when I ran in, out of breath.)
I have always felt my Internet friendships were real. I have always thought that these strangers weren't really strangers at all. Dinner with Neal solidified that belief.
I know some of you reading this have similar stories you could share. I hope you do.
EDIT: I am happy to report that Neal has now joined ActiveRain! Please join me in welcoming him.
Jeff Turner aka respres
Invite Neal to AR, and have him get that tour from the restaurant to Apple store on Localism!
Back to the post- isnt it fun to put a face to the person at the other end of the phone or screen! I am glad you two were able to meet up.
I think the old model of relationships being valid only when traditionally founded is obsolete to say the least.
As someone who formerly traveled the world for business, I often developed relationships with people I'd never seen. When the time did arrive for us to be in the same place at the same time we were clearly already in a space of friendship. The fact that technology (such as the web) played a role in that is irrelevant with regards to the sincerity or value of the friendship.
P.S. I'm now just trying to work out how I get someone to offer to by ME lunch. :P
-B
Back in August 2000, on an internet list that I'd been participating in for a few years, Simply Morgan was born. It's a publication that is put out by volunteers - anywhere from 15 to 20 of them at any one time - from all over the country (and even the world), only four or five of whom have actually met in the flesh at one convention or another. All the work of putting the magazine together is done online - and in that process, still more friendships have been born between people who've never met and wouldn't recognize one another if they passed on the street.
Are these real friendship? Absolutely! When we DO meet at those conventions, it's like we've lived next door to each other for years.
Friendship is friendship, however it's born.
Bryce, your photos are exceptional!
Sarah and Tricia... I think a hearty "amen" is in order!
Jeff I can't agree more. I've met (on-line) people all over and yes it is work to maintain and sustain those relationships especially when the physical isn't involved. But I value those "friendships"... value their input and advise.
We certainly do see each often.. Geez the group I am referring to i haven't physically seen in about 3 years but some of the kindest and most sincere words still come from the mouths of people that some would consider strangers since that aren't involved with my physical day to day life.
on that note... gonna drop a few emails... have a great day...
Desiree www.TriCountyHomes4Sale.com
I have made several amazing friends via internet. It is so easy to communicate via email and the relationship is that much stronger since communications are more frequent.
What a nice story!
Welcome Neal!
Irina, Pasadena CA
Meeting people (initially, strangers; later, friends) over the Internet has worked well for me also, including clients that, once you meet to show them houses, seem like old friends. It is also a way to catch up or even find someone you have not seen or talked to in years. My wife rekindled a friendships with a childhood friend after 25 years of no contact...totally out of the blue. I am now back in touch with a coworker and good friend that I have not talked to in over 9 years. If we get to meet, great, but it really doesn't matter. Yep, it takes work, but being friends and staying in touch takes work the traditional way as well.
Really enjoyed this post, Jeff. I grew up in that area of PA - funny to hear you talk about Kimberton, K of P, etc.
Jeff
I have made several great friendships via the internet....and I met my wife in a Christian Chatroom!
I know exactly how you feel, Jeff...a good friend is NOT one you see just face to face....communication is THE way it is done...No MATTER how it is done....
=-D =-D
The world is full of exciting and interesting people to befriend. The internet gives us the opportunity to FIND these people, INTERACT with them and BEFRIEND them. I would venture to guess that an internet friend may know more about you than someone you met otherwise. We tend to be more open online, and the people who chose to be your friend (and vice versa) after they read what you have to say, well, that is pretty powerful! I have some great friendships online - some of which I vaguely knew "offline" but the friendship was seriously cultivated online, and others are strictly online and someday we will meet over coffee...
Thank you for this post, Jeff. Im glad that Neal has joined us here on AR!
Jeff,
That is a great story. I see many friendships develop here beyond networking. There are genuine people over the Internet that care about you and your success.
{SVW Hubba}...And...Bubba...
I talk to one of you while you're in your underwear...
The other I wonder if you're in your underwear...
Did I just cross the non existent invisible line? SVW...
TLW...ROAR!
The big question is...... is the Marchwood Tavern still out near Exton, and do the Lasorda's still own it? I had MANY , MANY great times in that place.
And the Kimberton in rocks.
Ex-Lionville resident.
So ... where the heck is Neal?