I want to send you over today to the blog Love in the Time of Foreclosure to read two posts: Big News and the guest post Serendipity. These two tell the story of what I would call a happy accident, courtesy of social media.
As a little backstory, the couple behind Love in the Time of Foreclosure have recently short-sold their house, managing to avoid foreclosure by a whisker… though a short sale is far from ideal. They also sold what they could of their possessions, moved from L.A. to live with family in Chicago, and documented all of this on their blog.
I’ve loved their attitude from the moment I read the blog– they accept that they made mistakes and are determined to move forward positively, even as they face what might crush others. It’s uplifting (and sometimes gutwrenching!), and always great reading.
I think their story is one that has a lot of resonance in today’s world, and they have been telling it so well on their blog. They are friends of friends, and when I was asked if I could offer any social media advice, I was glad to offer up what I have learned.
It seemed clear that they could reach a bigger audience, though it was not entirely clear to what end. Still, there seemed to be lots of possibilities… and lots of chances for happy accidents.
That said, while I was thrilled to read of their good fortune in landing a caretaking job at what sounds like a fantastic house, it had never occurred to me (or, I suspecg, them!) that THAT was a happy accident they were setting themselves up for. But as you can see on their blog… it was.
Still, they knew why they were blogging – to tell and document their story – and they were honest and very human. So it’s not a total surprise that their readers would grow to care about them. And in this case, one reader was able to offer something that benefits all involved.
Once again, the lesson re-learned for me is this: you truly can’t anticipate everything that could come your way when you’re active online… but if you’re focused and prepared, you’ll be ready when it does.
I’m looking forward to the next chapter at Love in the Time of Foreclosure, and I wish them all the best. And as always, I’m curious to hear your reactions, too….
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Greg, you’re absolutely right! It was/is a happy accident. And you were a big part of it. Thank you so much.
-Stephanie
(Littof)
Greg, that was a fascinating story! I emailed the URL of the Caretakers’ Gazette to a friend who is looking for something similar.