I'm 34. I'm on Facebook, LinkedIn, and ActiveRain. I have an iPhone, Playstation 3, GPS, and every other toy to my wife’s chagrin. I text while I drive, e-mail while my boss is speaking, and hate voicemail because it’s too slow.

I live in a wireless, non-linear world. Are you? Is your manager?

You may, but most likely your manager may not. As a Gen X manager, I urge (no matter the age) my agents to use the technology available to help them build their pipeline, write their business, and communicate.

It’s not enough to just use e-mail — you have to socialize. You have to meet, reconnect, and make relationships through social networking. You have to be in front of this or your competition will.

I’m always told by the veterans of many decades that this is an industry of people, “a people business!”, they say. It is, I agree. What has changed is the way we reach them.

Darrin Friedman is the branch vice president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Chevy Chase, Md.

Posted on July 15 at 11:20 AM | Permanent Link | Add a Comment (5)

As many of you who read the YPN blog know, many of us are on Facebook too. Facebook, which was once a trend among college students, has wriggled its way into our lives as a resource for young professionals to use as a marketing and social connection tool.

Facebook is in our faces and it’s a great instrument to have in a business based on who you know and the connections we create.

Let me take a moment to say thank you to those of you who have accepted and sent me friend requests on Facebook. I welcome many more so please keep them coming!

I am thanking you because with your connections I have the opportunity to learn about what is taking place in many towns and states across the country, which is becoming a valuable tool when I sit with my clients here in Rhode Island and they ask about the national real estate market.

But while making connections on a social networking site is always beneficial, there is a courteous and respectful way to do so. For example: Brooke Wolford, a newer rising star agent with Edina Realty in Minneapolis, and I recently connected. Brooke and I have exchanged a few messages and she has given me insight into the market in Minneapolis.

Brooke took the correct course when Facebook friending me. She simply sent a request and on her profile noted what she does, who she works for, and then she responded to my message and introduced herself.

Here are a few Facebooking tips that I find even I need to be more proactive in following:

1. When sending a friend request there is a little box to send a personal message, send one saying who you are and why you are sending the request.

2. Once you have a new friend don’t inundate them with products or service information. A friend acceptance does not mean that their e-mail should be used without permission. This is

Continue reading "How's Your Facebook Etiquette?" »

Posted on July 10 at 01:50 PM | Permanent Link | Add a Comment (0)

NAR’s Center for REALTOR® Technology is conducting its annual survey of REALTOR® technology trends and usage and wants your input. The online survey only takes 15 minutes to complete. Once you take the survey, you’ll be entered to win an Apple iPod Touch.

Complete the online survey >

The survey deadline is July 15. Survey results are expected to be available late September at REALTOR.org/crt. You can also view past technology surveys at CRT’s Web site.

Posted on June 30 at 03:54 PM | Permanent Link | Add a Comment (0)

What will technology hold for the future in real estate? A panel of tech experts on Thursday during NAR’s Midyear meetings gave predictions of what they think the next five years will hold for technology in the industry. Tools that allow you to deliver information and communicate with customers in real-time will be the driving force behind advances in technology, the panel said.

Read what the panel had to say: 5 Technology Predictions for Real Estate

Do you agree? What are some of your technology predictions?

Posted on May 16 at 05:24 PM | Permanent Link | Add a Comment (1)

I’m sitting at Panera waiting for a cup of coffee with a seasoned agent as I write this and I can’t help but to wonder how did we ever live without technology?

Part of me thinks life was better but then the other part of me couldn’t imagine what would have been better than having the ability for instant communication?

Of course as new real estate professionals we are looking at the dinosaurs of the office — you know, the ones who don't have an e-mail address and don't want one. When will that type of thinking become extinct?

As the world moves forward, undoubtedly that thinking will become extinct or those who think that way will be forced to adapt. But we shouldn't be so quick to throw them aside. These

Continue reading "Don't be too Quick to Judge" »

Posted on May 7 at 09:43 AM | Permanent Link | Add a Comment (1)

The Internet is a wonderful tool that is quickly shrinking the world and delivering information to billions of people. As someone who champions the use of the worldwide Web as the “must be” place for real estate practitioners, I struggle with analog agents who refuse to learn online basics and lessen their ability to service modern clients.

Some heated debates have occurred about these new tools (digital video, blogging, e-mail drip list campaigns, etc.) and their effectiveness, but in recent months I have started to see even the most staunched “old school” promoters yield to the reach of the Web.

Despite our differences, one point I must concede is that no number of photos, videos, or fancy Web sites will ever replace human touch and experience. Basically, practitioners who rely solely on automatic searches and Web previews and are not physically touring homes on a weekly basis are at a disadvantage. They lack the ability to speak intimately about the inventory available to the consumer, they are unable to gauge micro pricing trends (neighborhood), and they are disconnected to the area they wish to serve.

Therefore, despite the new-age gadgets or the ease of jumping online, I train agents to get in the car, tour homes, and get personal with the product they hope to sell. What we are finding is that

Continue reading "Technology Isn't Always the Answer" »

Posted on April 7 at 01:36 PM | Permanent Link | Add a Comment (0)

For those who are good writers, without a doubt, "blogging" is a great tool to connect with consumers and peers — and it seems to be growing more popular every year.

But if you're not a strong writer and have a tougher time at translating what's in your mind into words, "Vlogging" or video blogging may be the answer, especially with YouTube being so popular.

I would welcome comments and suggestions from any real estate practitioner who actually "Vlogs" or knows of a practitioner who does "Vlogging." Share your "Vlog" link with us!

Continue reading "Vloggers, Please Step Forward" »

Posted on March 6 at 12:26 PM | Permanent Link | Add a Comment (2)

“Marketing 2.0” is an industry buzzword that you cannot ignore. It describes more interactive marketing methods that will become dominant in 2008. Is your business ready for it?

The old way of marketing (Marketing 1.0) involved putting out a consistent message over a span of time to a targeted audience, then measuring the result. While consistency is still key and correctly targeting the right audience is vital, consumers are demanding personal communication that speaks to the individual’s needs.

That's how Marketing 2.0 came about. It includes the use of blogs, online social networks, targeted e-mail marketing, and video to reach new clients while staying in touch with your sphere of influence. Marketing 2.0 can be measured and is consistent, but creates a more personalized experience.

Social Networking and Viral Marketing

If you haven’t bought into the value of online networking, you’re going to miss the boat in 2008. Social networks, blogging, and social media sites help you find people with similar interests, create fans and a following, and let your target audience get to know you before they have a full conversation with you.

If you have a hobby, talent, expertise, or interest, you should use online tools to showcase your passion. Even better, try blog platforms (such as TypePad or Moveable Type), social networks (Facebook and Myspace), and social media sites (such as Flickr) to create new posts, upload video, and send photos to your account using your mobile phone.

Mobile Marketing of Listings

Another way to grab attention: Impress sellers and potential buyer clients with mobile marketing of your listings. I enjoy using mobile applications to market listings because they help me stand

Continue reading "Grow Your Business Using Mobile Marketing" »

Posted on January 2 at 08:21 AM | Permanent Link | Add a Comment (2)