Just when you thought you were NOT confused on facebook...
Here comes ANOTHER change!
Facebook recently announced a 'confidential' change to the way people engage with fan pages. While many are still trying to figure out the difference between a group and a fan page, Facebook is now going to change the verbiage from "become a fan" to "like".Not to be confused with liking a post, although you can still do that too! You can like a post, but not the page, or like the page. Confused yet? So was I! But it's ok, we will get through it! Here's the 'what':
Fan pages will still be called fan pages.
You will no longer 'become a fan' though!
You will "like' the page
You can 'like' JUST the post (as you do now)
If you like the post, you just like it
If you like the page, you have subscribed to it (like becoming a fan)
Once you like the page, you will see that page's updates in your stream
(I have no idea whether you will be able to un-like it)
So for those who hated the whole 'fan thing', you've got your wish! No more fans.What will you call your fans?
Facebook suggests that you call them 'connections' or 'people who like us on facebook' (not quite as catchy as facebook fan is it?)
Why the Language Change? Well, according to facebook they are changing the language people are much more likely (twice in fact) to 'like' something as click on 'become a fan'. Since there is huge value for facebook to know what you like (and who, and what you do, etc), they want to make it easier to know what you like! Contrary to popular belief, facebook is a business! The data that we as users provide them is valuable! So they want to make it easier to collect that data. Another reason mentioned is that Facebook is adding the 'like' concept across the web as a whole and they want to maintain consistency. People are already in the 'like' habit, so they see this as an easier thing for people to understand. (See this article for more about that) (I personally question the incentive of generating more ad revenue...) So, what does all of this mean?Well, for business owners it means that:
you will need to change any marketing materials, etc that say "fan" (you won't want to appear out of date)
you may find that you have more 'fans' (or likers?) because they will be more inclined to click like than fan
you won't be as sure that they are true fans however (in my opinion)
you may increase your 'likers' by the nature of more people clicking that like button means more of their friends see that connection
We won't really know until it all begins.
For facebook users it means that you can 'like' a post on a page, or like the page without calling yourself 'a fan'. It also means that you will be 'signing up for' posts from pages when you "like" the page, so you will want to pay attention and be aware of that.
None of us 'likes' change!
As frustrating as it might be at times, I try to remember that Facebook is an incredibly powerful tool than gives us tremendous value in many ways! Both personally and professionally! And we don't pay a dime for it! (We pay only in the information that we provide it). Like everything else in life, when you get stuff for free, you have to take what is provided. "Like it" or not...
So, I will take a deep breath, think about all of the fun, joy and benefit that I value in facebook, and roll with it! Even though right now I dont' really know if
Facebook is all the rage. Like many, I can attest to the power of it. It truly is a powerful place! (*currently 96% of my business comes through facebook*) First let's talk about reasons for having one. Although many consultants don't want or need a fan page, I had very specific reasons for creating one.
1. I wanted to be able to post frequent content relevant to what I do, which wouldn't necessarily be relevant for all of my 'friends'. I wanted people to be able to 'optin' for posts rather than getting them just because we were friends.
2. I wanted people to be able to connect with me without having to 'do the friend thing'. For many, the idea of accepting friends on facebook is still considered literally, and many are uncomfortable sending a request to someone that they don't know.
3. To create a community of people with like-minded interests, and to be able to communicate with them in a 'space' uncluttered by farmville, friends and family.
Unfortunately, many people start fan pages for the wrong reasons. The do so simply because they think that because they have a business, they are 'supposed to', or they do it to have another place to advertise.
In a poll by Exact Target, 70% of facebook users say that they do not want to be advertised to by businesses that they are fans of.This confuses many businesses. They don't understand "why are they fans then?" The answer is, because they are! They became a fan of your page because they like you. They simply 'raised their hand' to say " I am a fan of..." That's it. They didn't say 'hi, I'm a fan, please post your ads on my wall!"In many cases, they only became a fan because they are your friend! This article is about creating and keeping true fans! In some cases they may become a fan because they want to know about upcoming events, MAYBE even sales, or specials (that is more common with larger brands, and they are only interested as long as they are in the market for that specific type of product). More often than not, that does not mean that they want you to advertise them the way that you are used to.Like email, the biggest mistake that businesses make is assuming that because the customer gave them their email address, or connected via facebook or elsewhere, that they can send whatever they want to.
They really only want what 'they want', not what you want them to want! The world has changed. In the old days, you could run commercials and people 'had to watch them', or at least they did. They only had so many channels to choose from, and not a lot of other home entertainment choices, and so they did. Those who could afford TV advertising won. But then there was cable..and Tivo...and...I often hear people say "but it works!" with regard to email spamming, and advertising in social media. "Everybody is doing it, so it must work!" I simply say "ok, then why did people rush to get on the do not call list? why do people have spam filters? why do people use Tivo and other tools to avoid commercials?" Because they don't want to hear it! Because they don't trust you anymore!The good news is, when they connect in social networks, they do so because they like you. As long as you allow them to, and don't abuse them, they will trust you too.
So, first let's talk about how to create a useless fan page:
1. Create a page and never come back! Or post randomly when you feel like it.
2. Create a page and have some assistant somewhere or a robot do all of the posting.
3. Only talk about you and your product and what YOU want to sell!
4. Don't allow fans to post, so it's all about YOU and what YOU have to say!
5. Use it as a billboard, and don't engage in conversation.
6. Delete criticisms/complaints rather than respectfully addressing them.
How to create an effective fan page should be somewhat obvious at this point, but let me clarify and add a few, to be sure!
How to create a GREAT Facebook Fan Page that is useful and effective!
1. Be there at least twice a day. Once to post, and again to respond to any comments.
2. Post content of value to your fans - RELEVANT to THEM and their interests. (this may be articles about the upcoming trends, your vendors, suppliers, or strategic partners, or simply stuff that you know that they care about. It doesn't have to just be about you)
3. Remember it's not all about you!
4. Engage in conversation! Ask questions, say thank you, and respond to comments.
5. Ask them what they want!
6. Think about who you are talking to! Do you know who they are? what they like?
7. Think of ways to add value offline, and tell them about it online. Some ideas:Have a fan appreciation party at your office or storeCold & nasty outside? Tell them you understand and you've made fresh hot cider for them if they want to stop by and warm up!Ask them what they are looking for or need right now & find ways to offer it to them!Reward them!!! Give them deals, information and 'perks' for being your fan! Remember, they publicly raised their hand and said "I like you"! That matters! Let them know that you appreciate them.
8. Be human! Let YOU shine through. The days of corporate identity, and hiding behind logo's is a thing of the past. We like and trust people, not logos. Brand your logo, use your logo, but put a face behind it. If it can't be you, give it to someone in your company that can and will be your face. (You have to let them be real and authentic, and clear about who they are though. They can't be posing as you!).
9. Be bold! So many businesses are so worried about their image that they don't even have one! When you try to please everyone, you please no one. The world is noisy, you've got to stand out. You don't have to be overtly outrageous. Just be you! You are unique already (but nobody will know it if you don't let it show!)
10. Remember, if you want to build your fan base, give them a reason to be there! You wanting a certain number isn't enough. Let's face it, they don't care how many fans you want. Give them value, be remarkable and be relevant!
"I just use facebook for my personal stuff", is a comment that I often hear when talking to people. That's understandable, facebook is a platform where you connect with friends and family members.
That doesn't mean that you can't or shouldn't use it to tell others about your business.
I don't mean SELL SELL SELL! That will turn friends against you in a hurry!
BUT, here are 3 reasons why it benefits them as well as youIF you do it the right way!
1. It helps them to be aware of the value that you offer. They may know (or think they do!) what you "do" but that doesn't tell them how knowledgeable you are, how you provide service to others, etc. They don't usually "see you in action".
2. It helps to maintain top of mind awareness. Reminding people that you exist is critical in business. Even your friends and family can "forget" or just not think about it when a referral opportunity arises. You can't "touch" these prospective referrers multiple times a day, every day any other way (well, you could, but that would be...well, weird!).
3. It makes it easy for them to help. People want to help those that they like. They would like to help you, and help that friend who is looking for someone who offers what you do. Being present, and engaging regularly on facebook makes it easy for them to "introduce you". They get in a conversation with a friend who mentions their need, or they 'see them there' and remember that they mentioned a need and poof! In one fell swoop they can introduce them to you because you are all right there! No digging for your card, telling them to call you (which they never do!) or having to remember to email you, etc. It's simple and easy!
Business has always been about people! Those who are successful in business have always been those who connect with others and ADD VALUE vs "selling". This is a just another way that makes it simple and easy for you to add value, connect with others and make it easy for them do send you business! Now that's win win!
For more on how to use Facebook for Business "the right way" be sure to visithttp://www.heatherO.com or find me on facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/realheathero
Linkedin just became more relevant and interesting for a lot of people!
The new integration between twitter and LinkedIn is simple, yet powerful! Simple in the sense that this isn't some 'new major change' that you have to learn or understand. Powerful in the sense that you will now feel a sense of connection, and be able to see updates from your LinkedIn connections via their twitter posts.
For many, going to LinkedIn is strange. I often have people ask me "what am I supposed to do there?" For those who have been using LinkedIn for a long time, it may not, but for those who are used to facebook or twitter, it seems...boring!
Enter Twitter...Now you not only have the ability to send your tweets to LinkedIn, but also send status updates from LinkedIn to twitter.
Don't panic! It's all quite simple really.
Go to your profile page in LinkedIn, and you will see an option to add your twitter account. After the prompt to allow access, you will be asked whether to post all tweets to LinkedIN (PLEASE DON"T!) or only those that you choose (via adding the hashtag #in to your tweet).
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The great news here is that you have the ability to bring more of 'you' into LinkedIn, AND the ability to more easily interact with your connections there. For some, sending LinkedIn info out to twitter is no big deal, since they don't post much there anyway. For many the idea of bringing their tweets, which seem inherently more personal into LinkedIn, may create a little heartburn. Since LinkedIn is viewed as a much more zipped up "professional" atmosphere, this creates yet another bridge that people are nervous about crossing.
As in Facebook, where this "gap" often occurs, is fear about crossing the line between 'personal and professional'. The truth is, there is no line any more. Nobody wants there to be! We have had enough of suits in big buildings that we trusted without knowing, only to be betrayed. We want to know who we are doing business with! (We always wanted to know, but couldn't in most cases)
This is an opportunity to be you! An opportunity to be more than your job, education, experience, etc and show your personality. This is a big shift for some. It is critical however in this 'new world' that we have entered. 'Being authentic' is more that a buzz word! Being you, and allowing the world to get to know you is the ONLY way to 'compete"! That is the only way to stand out, and to help others choose you over the countless others out there. (Remember: If you always fit in, you will never stand out!)
Your personal brand is who you are, and now your connections in LinkedIn can see it! Tips to Leverage this: Choose which tweets go to LinkedIn:
This isn't about hiding you, it's about being you, but also being relevant! If you would chat about it at a corporate event, send it! If it's a reflection of you are (which in and of itself has value) send it.
When in doubt, ask "does this provide value?"
Visit LinkedIn, read the updates and comment! Engage! You will never deepen those relationships if you lurk in the background and never interact.
Recognize this as an opportunity to give more value to those that you are meant to serve. Not just another way to 'get your message out!" This is an opportunity to learn more about others, about what matters to them and discover ways that you can serve them. It is an opportunity to drop a few more breadcrumbs to lead those you are meant to serve, to you. It is an opportunity to share your story, to give people something to identify with, to show people how passionate you are, who you are. And for that person who has been searching for someone just like you, that has tremendous value.
Do you currently use LinkedIn? Will this make you more likely to?
Are you currently using twitter? Will this make you more likely to?
I'd love to know!
For more information on how to use these tools THE RIGHT WAY, or help developing your personal brand& online presence, visit me at
http://www.heathero.com
http://www.facebook.com/realheathero
http://www.twitter.com/heathero
(I can help you make it easy, effective, relevant and FUN!:)
Change is hard, and that sentiment is echoing daily among Facebook users since the social networking site made changes to the way that it displays information that is posted. The bad news is, it's probably not 'coming back'. So rather than pout and suck thumbs, we have to get used to it, or find ways that make it easier! Here are a few explanations and tips to do that. (Note: there are 3rd party applications that claim to 'go back to the old way' and many folks are missing lots of updates and now cannot figure out how to go back to the new one!) I will go over the options as follows: Already exist: Live Feed News Feed Status Updates Photos, videos, links, Pages
Other options (takes a little time to set up, but worth it!) Friend lists Tweetdeck Live Feed: this is what your feed used to be before the 'highlights' were moved to the sidebar. This is real time as people hit enter, the post appears! Ironically this is one of the features that friendfeed and twitter users love most! This feed will include all updates, and everything that is posted. They have also gone back to including "who friended who" here, which again, many don't like. It's one line, and while that mean seem like noise to you, the truth is, as you scroll by it's a split miniscule of a second of your time! It is also the only way (other than friend suggestions) to meet anyone that you don't already know (one of the greatest values twitter has over facebook in my opinion). The biggest complaint with this feed is "I'm missing stuff!" There is a handy dandy "older posts" link at the bottom of the page. Keep using it until you start seeing posts that you've already seen, and you won't miss anything. News Feed This is similar to what's known on Friendfeed as "Best of Day". These are posts that Facebook deems to be the most interesting based on the number of people who commented or liked them. Yeah, I know, you don't want Facebook 'deciding for you'! They aren't deleting the others! They are just giving you the option of that view. If you don't like it, don't look at it. Status Updates Lots of folks have been posting "Drag the status updates to the top so that will be your default view. That is the old view." Yes, you can drag it, and make it your default, but it's not 'the old view" per se. the Status Updates do not include photos, links, or videos. You can however view these in their own 'feed' however, and just view the status updates, and then go to the left sidebar and click to view: Photos Videos Links
Be sure to click on the "Pages" view too. If you are going to "fan" pages, you might as well skim over their updates. Friend Lists: Another option is friend lists. I have used these lists for some time because it is easier to "not miss things' when you are viewing them in "chunks". Think of it like TV. You can create your own channels and then 'surf' those that you want to. You can put your friends into one or more lists like: "high school, local, work, etc" and view them by group. All of their posts will appear here (pics, vids, etc) and you probably won't have to scroll page after page as with the live feed. This takes a little time to set up, but is well worth it! The extra 'bonus' is that when you post something you can actually set the post to only be seen by, or not be seen by those in a certain list (pretty handy!).
(Visit http://heathero.com/2009/11/654/ for a video on how to create friend lists!)
Lastly, those of you on twitter may be familiar with tweetdeck (if you have not updated tweetdeck recently you need to in order to use these features). Even if you don't use twitter, you can also use tweetdeck just for facebook (or myspace, but why?). In tweetdeck you can create side by side columns such as: photos, videos, status updates, news feed, etc. This is handy because you can skim over them quickly, and you can actually make comments and like posts from here as well. The columns and text are smaller, so it may take a little getting used to. I still go to facebook to check updates, but do use TD to skim over updates throughout the day. I especially love the photos column because I seem to notice them more. The color scheme is customizable so when you download Tweetdeck it won't look like mine, it will be black. You will see the facebook "f" at the top, and click that to choose your columns. You can also choose which friends you want to see (put them in a group). Unfortunately, I can't bring the "old facebook" back, or make you like the new one. I hope that this information will help you to understand it better though, and help you to find ways to use it that will be helpful to you! Please comment below and let me know if this helps, and any other ways you might be 'navigating' the new layout. If you have questions, feel free to ask!For more tips and info visit http://www.heathero.com
Having been an active Real Estate Agent for 15 years, I now speak and consult on social networking. My focus is not only on the use of these tools, but more specifically on having and delivering the right message (aka Your image and brand). I often say "you have a brand, whether you mean to or not! How you show up is your image, which is your brand. The problem is, many times it often isn't what people intend or want it to be.
I was recently reminded of this as I found myself staring at a virtual "graveyard" of abandoned "Real Estate Agent Twitter Account." I am working with a client who's clients are agents. I was looking at their new twitter account trying to figure out why there were so few followers. When the account was set up, the client's address book was used to find and follow those people that they "already knew". Since those on this list were active clients or subscribers, and big fans, it would seem logical that they would follow back. But they hadn't...It seemed strange, so I began the process of going through each individual profile. It quickly became clear. They had a twitter ACCOUNT but no one was there. Not only was no one "home" so to speak, no one was paying attention to who was following them, so they weren't following back. Out of nearly 1000, only 12 were active. Less than 20 had "shown up" (tweeted) in the past 60 days, nearly half had no profile photo, and several hundred had never tweeted at all!
As someone who's life has been dramatically changed for the better by twitter, and who has seen first hand how powerful twitter is, this made me sadder by the moment. I understood why. I've heard all of the reasons before. For many the reason is "I don't know what to do there, I don't get it". There is nothing "intuitive" about twitter. Typing 140 characters isn't "hard", but understanding how and where to start, and what to "tweet" isn't obvious.
Having the perspective of having been in Real Estate, I also know that many were quick to find a way to get quick leads, and then seeing none, went off to the next "thing".
Deeply saddened as I deleted them one by one, I also felt frustrated. Frustrated that I couldn't reach out to them and offer to help. Why? Because if I sent them a tweet, they wouldn't be there to get it! Frustrated because I knew I was seeing something that they don't see....the image that they are sending out to anyone who can type the word "google". I'm not sure if most even realize that their twitter account would show up in google, or if it has ever occurred to them to google themselves, but I do know that their prospects have and will. As I stared at all of those empty pages, I couldn't help but think of the common complaints that consumers have about agents: "they just stuck a sign in the yard and I haven't heard from them since." Hmmm...I felt like I was watching a virtual symptom of the same disease. "Hi. I'm Joe the Realtor. I came here and set up a twitter account and never came back. I'm the #1 guy in my company, you should list or buy with me so that I can do the same thing with you!" That's the message! It's not just "what's there" that matters, it's what "what they see, and what it says about you". What's NOT there matters too.
I get it, I really do. You're "busy", or you "don't understand it", etc. That's all well and good, but do something to change the message that you're sending. If you aren't there, be somewhere! If you aren't the "twitter type", delete your account! Don't abandon it.
If you just don't know how, seek to learn. It's not going to come to you all by itself. Decide to replace the time spent that's NOTworking with time spent NETworking. The payoff is truly more than you can imagine. Don't know how to start? Feel free to visit my website (http://www.heathero.com) or facebook page (http://facebook.com/realheathero) for free tips, or reach out to someone else. Just do something! Decide where you want to be, and what you want your message to be and then show up. The world has changed. If you want to win the game, you have to be in it!
And remember: "those who are willing to learn and change will inherit the earth, those who refuse will inherit a world that no longer exists."
I work with a LOT of small businesses and independent entrepreneurs, and all too often I find that the biggest challenge that they have isn't just "needing more business".
Yes, that appears to be the challenge but, the business is out there! The challenge is leveraging their time & money in the best ways to GET it! More often than not, when you ask them "how are you letting people know that you WANT more business? they either have no answer, or a bad one!"
The owner of the Brick & Mortar Business waits for people to come in. "I'm here!" That's it! Because "I'm here" they expect people to come in! It's no different online. That website sits there "I'm here!" and expects people to find them. Do you know how many websites are out there???? You expect people to just "know"!?! Think about that. Seems obvious, I know, but it's true. Just EXISTING simply isn't enough. Sorry folks! So, how do you build your business without Trump's bank account?? Here is a 3 Part Plan! But first! Do NOT make the mistake of underestimating the power of it! I know, we always think "simple" can't be effective, but it is! It just has to be focused and consistent! 1. Have a very clear brand! Use it consistently! Make it clear how you serve, not just "what you do"! Your brand is how you appear to others. That includes your logo, store design, how customers are treated and everything in between! 2. Social Media! Yep, I know some of you are thinking "I don't have the time". I don't know about you, but most people don't have the money that it would take to generate what a little "time" w/social media can do! Blog! About what? Help me! Educate me! If you are a store, tell me what the latest trends are, post an article on how to pick a camera, or _____. Post other people's stuff (with credit of course!) like video's, how to's, etc. If you sell expensive, organic makeup, tell me why I need or should want it! If I have no idea that there is road kill in my makeup, I am NOT ever going to buy yours (unless it's easier and cheaper to get, which it probably won't be)! No matter how many emails you send me, or how pretty your website is! (Read: So, now I need a blog?) 3. Advertise Online w/LocalAdLink I know what your thinking! "I already have a website" (remember, it's just sitting there wanting to be found but isn't findable!), or "I tried google adwords and it didn't work" or "I can't afford that"... Try LocalAdLink It was made for you! LocalAdLink offers a very robust set of tools and comprehensive technology that I won't go into, because I don't want to make it any more complicated than it needs to be! So, here is the jist of it: You get a simple landing page (that can link to your website if you have one) that is better than most expensive websites, that people can find without having to spend thousands on SEO, ppc, etc (& if you don't know what that means, you don't have to!). You (or your 9yr old) can easily change it whenever you want! It pushes you out to 1000's of sites and makes you "findable", and best of all, you show up front and center on any computer in the zip codes that you have chosen! Yep! Instead of paying zillions of dollars so that someone in Tahiti sees your website, you can now afford to show up where your customers are! For $100-$249/mo you can have a web presence that people can find, offer coupons without having to print them or pay $100's of dollars to mail them, you can have up to the minute sales, photos, and events without being out-dated, or waiting for someone else to do it! You get control and the power to reach 10's of thousands of people! Without learning a bunch of stuff, spending tons of time, or spending lots of money! Are there other ways? yes.
Are there still print publications and others that work? yes. Should you stop doing what works? NO!
But, for 100 bucks a month (& no long term contract) at least Try It! Not sure if you can afford $100/mo?? (C'mon! I'll bet you blow that much at the grocery store, target or on latte's! I do! They aren't making you money are they?)
So, when do you want to start making more money in your business? Next Month? Next Week? How about today?
(My husband and I were so impressed with LocalAdLink and the value and leverage that it offers small businesses, he has become a reseller. Just so you know! Buy it through whoever you want! Just try it! Really! :) Don't let the simplicity of this fool you! I know we all think it has to be hard, and expensive and complicated! BUT, it doesn't!
Focus on this simple strategy for 3 months and see...
This is a very important post. I am amazed and how little media coverage it has gotten. So far, NO one that I know was aware of it!
Be informed.
While we all want to be good to the planet, we sometimes lose sight of the forest for the trees. Many people are hypnotized by the "idea" and don't see reality. There are a lot of people who stand to MAKE a lot of money on this, at the cost of every homeowner.
Real estate is local when it comes to market conditions and market trends. Real estate differs from region to region in styles, architecture and amenities generally speaking. For instance; in Florida fireplaces are not the norm whereas in cold winter areas such as Colorado, fireplaces are a standard addition to a home. In some areas of our country people have wood burning stoves and others have coal burning furnaces. There are areas of our country such as here in Florida where you would not dare live without Air Conditioning but in many homes in Washington for instance, air conditioning is more of a luxury than a necessity.
So when we are discussing the effects of cap and trade in your real estate business you will need to take into account the region in which you live as some areas will be more effected than others.
You can move your mouse over the map and see who voted, what party they belong to and their district. You will be able to see that no matter whether they were democrats or republicans if they are in the farm country of America, high manufacturing areas of America, low energy bills of America and the heartland of America- they voted NO on this bill and for very good reasons.
"For a household of four, energy costs go up $436 that year, and they eventually reach $1,241 in 2035 and average $829 annually over that span. Electricity costs go up 90 percent by 2035, gasoline by 58 percent, and natural gas by 55 percent by 2035. The cumulative higher energy costs for a family of four by then will be nearly $20,000.
But direct energy costs are only part of the consumer impact. Nearly everything goes up, since higher energy costs raise production costs. If you look at the total cost of Waxman-Markey, it works out to an average of $2,979 annually from 2012-2035 for a household of four. By 2035 alone, the total cost is over $4,600." Heritage Foundation.
You will notice that the states where the votes were yes are also the states that already have the highest energy bills. The states that voted no are mostly states with presently low energy bills.
Instead of calling this to Cap and Trade- We can really call it the Tax On Electricity Bill.
How does this information pertain to real estate agents? If you live in the lower energy pricing states you are going to be seeing huge increases in household energy bills. If you live in states that are coal powered or oil powered you will see the largest increases ever in your energy bills because those energy sources are going to be punished with taxation.
How is that going to effect home prices?
How is that going to effect movement in and out of your state?
How is that going to effect your real estate office utility bills and who is going to pay for this?
The House is at it again. This was a 1,300 page bill and again as with so many large bills was not read by most of those that voted yes or no. What is it that they don't get? The American people expect our leaders to read what they vote on.
So what else is tucked away neatly into this bill that perhaps no one knows the full implications of yet?
How about the Federal imposition and takeover of building codes? Your local planning and building offices will not be qualified for any Federal funding of any kind unless they adopt what the FEDS say is the new energy efficient building standards. This will create higher prices in building new homes which is then passed on the homebuyers and then you as a real estate agent are also effected because less buyers will be able to afford to buy a new home built . Not to mention having to wait for the Feds to come and inspect the builders and the homes.
How about the new Federal EnergyNazis Inspectors who will come and rate your home before you can sell your home. So before you can list a home for sale, the seller will have to wait for the Federal inspectors to come out. DMV lines anyone? Once that inspector comes out, he or she will give the home an energy rating. If the home does not meet the guidelines the seller will be required to do the work necessary to bring the home up to energy standards before they can sell the home! Can we say money? Does that mean that there will be homeowners who will become prisoners in their homes because they can not afford to make the energy repairs that the feds require? Is that an invasion of your privacy as well as an attack on your property rights?
Hmmm, how is that going to effect short sales where the seller has no money to make the repairs and adjustments?
How is that going to effect your ability to get listings in a timely manner?
How is that going to effect your seller who is about to lose their home in a foreclosure?
How is that going to effect the seller who has to relocate for their job?
How is that going to effect the estates with heirs having to do these repairs and such when there won't be any money until the estate is sold?
I wonder if our House of Representatives and our Congress men and women EVER thought to actually ask us in the field working this business day in and day out how these bills will effect the housing market?
Of course, the US will be living Cap and Tax while the real perpetrators of dirty air like China and India get off scott free. There will be an unfair advantage in pricing products and manufacturing to the point that if a US company even stands a chance of staying in the manufacturing business will have no choice but to move their company oversees which in turn will cause a massive layoff of people increasing the already high unemployment problem we are facing in our country.
How will the unemployment effect your real estate business?
How will the unemployment effect the REOs and massive foreclosures in your community?
How will the unemployment effect home values as you get more and more vacant properties in your area?
If you are an agent in America's farmland you will begin to see farms no longer being able to produce a profit. Farms use a lot of energy. Energy use will be punished. This is why nearly every politician from a farm land state no matter what party they are affiliated with voted no to this bill. Their districts will suffer terribly. As this happens we will be buying more and more produce from other countries with far less health standards than our own. I don't trust foods, especially produce from China or other countries except Europe. But we don't import our veggies from Europe!
How is this going to effect your real esate business if you live and work in a farm land state?
When it comes down to the nitty and the gritty about this bill you must remember that GE is the biggest supporter of this bill. They stand to make billions of dollars from the passage of this bill. The politicians voting yes on this bill, many of them are getting paid to vote yes. And Al Gore will become the very first GREEN billionaire. It is just too bad that he is not a real capitalist. He could not become a billionaire playing fair and square. Instead, he has an unfair advantage, legislation to make him filthy rich. Not exactly the free market way. It is all about the money.
Contact your Senators now to vote NO now. Click on this link to find your Senators and contact them by email, phone and fax today. Let them know how this is going to effect your business and your community homeowners and buyers. Pass this on...
Kevin Hall, author of "Aspire" is a "words afficianado". He studied the words used by salespeople and discovered a distinct and VERY consistent pattern of differences.
(Consider these words not in a "learn a script" kind of way, but in the "where they come from" way. I mean think about the mindset behind the words, that's where the power comes from!)
Words Used by the Top 5% of salespeople::Bottom 5%:
We :: Me/I Plan ::. Proposal Value :: Cost
They also found that the bottom 5% talked most about the company (what it offers, does, and how it would be better if they...)
The top 5% never talked about the company. They talked exclusively about the customer...
After nearly 15 yrs in the Real Estate Industry, I now do what I love most! Helping Brokers and business owners succeed!
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Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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Unfortunately, I can't bring the "old facebook" back, or make you like the new one. I hope that this information will help you to understand it better though, and help you to find ways to use it that will be helpful to you! 
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