I don't profess to be a technology or social media guru, but I will say that I have been immersed in this stuff for a couple of years, so I certainly have developed my own set of opinions on what works and what doesn't. That being said, one of the worst pieces of advice that I have witnessed is something along these lines:
"Don't blog about your personal life."
or
"Don't tweet about your boring day. No one cares!"
And so on.
I utterly disagree with those statements above. If people care about YOU, then they will likely care about what is going on in your life and during the course of your day.
The title of this post refers to something I recently discussed with a friend of mine at lunch. If you allow others to tell you what to write about, this is tantamount to attending a party with a script in hand. Don't allow anyone else to direct your networking activities to this degree. It's fine to get tips and understand protocol, but let your content show your unique personality.
On our radio show (Social Media Edge), we once had a guest who told us about his "formula" for Twitter, with specific percentages for each type of tweet (something like 20% personal, 20% business, 40% information, and 20% unwanted advice).
I disagreed with him on the air, and I still disagree today.
The essence of social media is that it's SOCIAL. When you are talking with friends in person over dinner, do you ever think, "Wow - I need to work in about 8% more talk about business, then I can mention that cool movie I saw yesterday." NO! No one does that in real life - why would you do it online?
Be yourself, and reap the benefits. If you relate to others and engage them, it can lead to some great friendships, some of which may turn into business for you (just like offline, right?).
I have been asked "But what should I blog about?" at least 250 times over the past year. The quickest answer that I can give, when blogging, tweeting, or spending time on Facebook, is this:
Anything that you are comfortable writing about is fair game. Period.
This morning I was reading my blog subscriptions as I do every morning and ran across this article from Realty Times. I thought it was a Positive article about the real estate market for a change, so today I thought I would share the good news with you.
Market Conditions by Realty Times Staff
The National Association of Realtors Pending Home Sales Index shows that home sales are up for the 3rd month in a row.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said buyers are responding to very favorable market conditions. "Housing affordability conditions have been at historic highs, but now the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit is beginning to impact the market," he said. "Since first-time buyers must finalize their purchase by November 30 to get the credit, we expect greater activity in the months ahead, and that should spark more sales by repeat buyers."
The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in April, rose 6.7 percent to 90.3 from a reading of 84.6 in March, and is 3.2 percent above April 2008 when it was 87.5.
"The market has already bottomed in some areas, but this is an unusual housing cycle with some areas improving rapidly while others languish or decline," Yun said.
It took me years and hundreds of hours before I finally figured out EXACTLY what it takes to be a Social Media Rockstar.
Now, I am NOT speaking of the "I followed 5000 people that I know have auto-follow to get a bigger follow base" type of Rockstar.. That would be too easy. I want to be the "I have 5000 followers that love me, engage me and hang on my every word" type of Social Media Rockstar..." You get it, the "other social media rockstars will fly thousands of miles to attend a conference I am attending... NOT because I am speaking...but because I am THERE" Rockstar... Are you getting my point? I want to be the "people are SO engaged in my life, they take the time to learn that my wife is awesome too!" Rockstar... Yes, I was possessed to become the "I am sooo loved that any charity I touch becomes blessed, just cause I am involved and so incredibly passionate and sincere..."rockstar.
Yeah, thats the type of SM Rockstar I want to be... So how did I figure it out? I am tricky...
Step One: Find someone who IS this type of Rockstar...
Well, I looked, and looked, and looked... and I found him... Well, to be honest, he wasn't actually hiding... he was freakin' everywhere... filling up my facebook, my Twitter, My LinkedIn, Speaking at every RE engagement known to man, etc...(he is a SM Rockstar , after all) but I found him... My unassuming, social media uber-rockstar patsy to be?
Jeff Turner...alias @ResPres (look at that face? This is gonna be easy!!)
Step Two: Befriend him (Sh-h-h)
This, surprisingly enough, was not that difficult either. I emailed Jeff... then Facebook friended him, tweeted a tad... invited him to lunch under the pretense of "some crazy business idea" and just oozed my self-serving, sucrose-enriched charm... The funny thing was, it was almost TOO EASY... It was like Jeff.... ACTUALLY CARED about what I had to say... no, no... it was much stranger than that...it was as if Jeff actually cared WHO I WAS... He listened, and engaged me, and respected my opinions, and shared important ideas freely. He almost made it too easy...
WOW, this guy is goooood... but I found the chink in his armour...
He was the same way to EVERYBODY... Nobody can be that interested in everybody... can they?
Step Three: Learn all his tricks
This is where my plan derailed a bit... I paid attention, I really did... but I just couldnt figure him out, what was he hiding?... how did he do it?... puzzling. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks... This super great guy... This caring, engaging, thoughtful, social, guy... This killer communicator, charitable, funny, guy... Yeah, this pensive, warm and downright AFFABLE guy that everyone SHOULD want to communicate and be social with... HAS A VERY UNIQUE AVATAR!!
How could I have missed this!! Could this really be it? What else could it be? Let me take inventory one more time...
Is he smarter than me? Well, probably, but that cant be it..
Is he more successful than me? Well, I think so, but that cant be it either...
Is he better looking than me? HELL NO!
Nicer, more engaging, thoughtful, caring, INTERESTED... of course, but who cares. IT HAS TO BE THE AVATAR! I 'VE GOT IT!!
Step Four: Use this new found knowledge to conquer the SM world!! So, here it is, my fool proof Social Media Strategy.
@jimmarks... be gone.
Introducing...@vrpres
Wait... where are you going... arent you gonna follow me? Hey, Read my Blog... Hello!! Did you see my AVATAR??
I have been reading all I can to try to understand the "New" tax credit. It seems like it changed back and forth so many times I could not keep up. I was reading this blog by Kristal Kraft from Denver Colorado.
I hope this explaination helps you understand the changes.
President Obama will be traveling to Denver to sign his newly passed "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009".
While there has been much said about the bill, the end result is yet to be seen. Changes to the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit are not significant. We already had a $7500 tax credit available from an earlier bill, but this one offers a non-payback plan. That is non-payback as long as the borrower owns the home for over 3 years.
The good news for first-time home buyers who have purchased in 2009, this bill is retroactive. You too can qualify for the credit.
If you are a first-time home buyer or know of one, please pick up the phone and call me to see how you can take advantage of this tax credit and become a proud home owner soon!
NOTE: The President has also announced the NEXT big initiative will be focused on a finance and housing package. We are hoping to hear more about this as soon as this week.
Dreaming of a "Green" Christmas? Try Mini Christmas Trees This Season
(ARA) - Think green is just the traditional color of the holidays? Think again. This season it's more than a color. It's the hippest way to decorate while giving back to both your family and Mother Earth.
And the easiest, most festive way to be an earth friendly elf is to decorate with a living Norfolk Island Pine. No live trees to cut down, no dead needles to clean up and no discarded tree to drag to the curb and overload the landfills.
"These living Christmas trees are inexpensive and eco-chic, all wrapped in one decorated package," says Jose Smith, CEO of Costa Farms, one of the nation's leading nurseries.
And since Christmas trees are one of the most popular traditions of the season, these miniature living trees present a variety of decorating and gift-giving options along with many green benefits.
But think small. According to Lynn Long from Southern Living, large living trees are "high-maintenance affairs, but these miniature versions are fun to decorate and have some definite advantages over their big, tall look-alikes."
Easy to grow, Norfolk Island Pines make cheerful centerpieces during your holiday feast and add eco-flair to your home's décor. A native of the South Pacific, the soft, compact needles and naturally symmetrical shape of the tree provides a charming backdrop for all your seasonal celebrations.
Small enough for a tabletop display in the kitchen or hall or large enough to be the focal point of any room, they tuck nicely into tight spaces in apartments, dorm rooms, patios or cozy corners. After the holidays, untrim your mini tree and place it in a pretty pot and use as a house plant. With just a little care, your Norfolk Island Pine will reward you for many Christmases to come.
Decorating and Gift Giving Tips with Mini Trees For a green Christmas this year, check out these fun tips:
* "Why not have a living tree in every room?" suggests Southern Living's Long. "You can get creative and have some fun using your special collections of ornaments on different trees, either in one location or scattered throughout the house."
* Long suggests choosing a theme for each room, adding petite cooking utensils for the kitchen, candy canes in the den and lovely gold or silver ribbons entwined with flowers in the living room, all in colors that complement the room's décor.
* For a dramatic look, decorate three to five "themed" trees and set them on your dining table or mantel.
* And don't forget the children's own little tree for their rooms. "Think of all the fun and memories you and your kids will have decorating the tree with handmade paper decorations, candies, popcorn and small miniature lights," says Long.
* Norfolk Island Pines are perfect gifts for college students or apartment dwellers who want a touch of Christmas but don't have space for a large tree.
* Don't know what to give your child's teacher, your boss or hostess? Pick up either the 14- or 22-inch Norfolk Island Pine fully decorated with a gift tag.
Care Tips Place the Norfolk Island Pine in an open, bright location such as on countertops, tabletops or in an office, but not in full sun. They prefer to be near a window but away from direct heat. Keep the soil moist but don't let it dry out or stand in water. Feed with a complete balanced fertilizer every month.
As a house plant, the Norfolk Island Pine naturally filters the air and adds much needed moisture to a room, especially needed during the winter. It also absorbs and breaks down harmful pollutants, giving you and your family an extra Christmas gift -- a healthier and greener environment.
If you live where the temperature stays above 60 degrees, such as Zones 9 and 10, your Norfolk Island Pine tree can be planted in the landscape and loved for many years.
Available at neighborhood retailers, 14- or 22-inch Norfolk Island Pines come fully decorated and ready for the party, or select the larger 44-inch tree and custom decorate it with your favorite ornaments.
This year go "green" with a living Norfolk Island Pine and create lasting memories for you and your family. For more information or to find a retailer near you, visit www.costafarms.com.
Greenville, NC - September 10th, 2007 - With the housing and real-estate lending industries in the news frequently, many REALTORS® and their clients may find themselves with questions and concerns about the availability of mortgage financing. Larry Skarsten, Sales Manager for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, assures real estate professionals and prospective homebuyers that Wells Fargo remains committed to serving homebuyers and homeowners.
"It's important that REALTORS and their clients know that Wells Fargo continues to be in the business of making new residential mortgages and home equity loans through both our broker and correspondent channels and our retail locations," said Skarsten "We continue to welcome a growing number of customers who seek a sound, responsible mortgage and home equity lender and servicer, and we continue to be one of the industry leaders in providing high-quality products and services."
According to Skarsten, a number of factors position Wells Fargo to succeed in the current environment: The Strength of Wells Fargo "Wells Fargo is a well-capitalized, diversified financial services company with 84 businesses," said Skarsten, "Our capital and diversity of businesses give us the flexibility and stability many lenders don't have."
Approach to Credit risk Wells Fargo prudently manages credit risk on home mortgages and home equity loans with solid underwriting and sound business practices. The company does not make, purchase or service negative amortizing mortgages, including option adjustable-rate mortgages, some of the types of loans that are currently the subject of much scrutiny.
A Commitment to Responsible Lending "As a result of our prudent risk management and responsible lending and servicing practices, and our diversity of businesses across virtually all financial services, we are not facing many of the issues others are in the mortgage industry," he said. "Our real estate lending businesses made tough decisions years ago to forego some market share and live by our fair and responsible lending and servicing principles. That choice has proven to be the right thing to do."
A Commitment to Keeping Customers in Their Homes Historically, Wells Fargo's foreclosure rates have been below the industry average. "While some of that can be attributed to prudent underwriting standards at loan origination, our mortgage servicing team works hard to keep customers in their homes when they experience financial difficulties," said Skarsten "We proactively contact customers in default and work with them case-by-case on potential solutions based on their personal financial circumstances. At a time when adjustable-rate mortgages are resetting at a higher rate, we have expanded our efforts to assist customers."
Wells Fargo's approach to real-estate lending provides significant benefits to real estate professionals who are trying to help their clients navigate the current market. "We're committed to serving the needs of REALTORS and builders with numerous programs, including closing guarantees," said Skarsten "We continue to be a reliable lender that offers competitive pricing for consumers."
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is the nation's No. 1 retail mortgage lender* and servicer** of home mortgages and is located at 1350 E. Arlington Blvd., Greenville. As a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., it has a local presence in more than 2,400 mortgage stores and bank branches, plus the capabilities to serve the home financing needs of customers nationwide through its call centers, Internet presence and wholesale lending operations. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage services loans for more than 7.8 million servicing customers.
###
*Based on year-end 2006 statistics compiled by Inside Mortgage Finance - Feb. 23, 2007 ** Based on year-end 2006 statistics compiled by Inside Mortgage Finance - Feb. 9, 2007
Larry G. Skarsten, II Sales Manager Wells Fargo Home Mortgage M5587-011 1350 E. Arlington Blvd. Suite B Greenville, NC 27858 Direct: (252) 864-8411 Fax: (866) 860-2896 Email: Larry.G.Skarsten@wellsfargo.com To apply online: www.WellsFargo-Greenville.com
Pitt County Hospitals Team Up to Fight Heart Disease Pitt County Memorial Hospital is experiencing a surge in cardiovascular-related admissions. Eastern North Carolina is famous for many things‚ from barbecue to baseball to beaches. But it’s also known as a hotbed of heart disease‚ a distinction officials at Pitt County Memorial Hospital and East Carolina University are determined to eradicate. Groundbreaking for the new East Carolina Heart Institute took place early in 2006‚ and by the end of 2008 eastern North Carolina will be served by one of the leading-edge cardiovascular treatment and research facilities in the nation. “In one place we’ll have a great research and medical practice aimed at understanding‚ preventing and curing heart disease‚” says ECU Communications Director John Durham. “We hope this partnership will eventually bring down the staggering rate of cardiovascular disease in the area.” The statistics that prompted the new center are staggering indeed. If the 29-county area surrounding and including Pitt County were taken as a state‚ it would have the highest rate of premature death from cardiovascular disease in the country. One in four North Carolinians suffers from heart disease‚ which accounts for 34 percent of the state’s deaths. Annually‚ the costs of cardiovascular disease are $6 billion statewide. And 95 percent of cardiovascular beds remain filled. “We are at capacity‚ and there now is no place for patients to go – everything is full‚” says Barbara Dunn‚ director of public relations at Pitt County Memorial. The new heart institute will consist of two new buildings‚ one focused on treatment and the other on research and education. Staff of both will work together under the direction of Dr. W. Randolph Chitwood Jr.‚ internationally renowned cardiovascular surgeon‚ who pioneered the use of surgical robots in repairing mitral valve damage. The treatment component of the institute will be a $150 million tower connected to the hospital‚ with 120 inpatient beds. The six-story‚ 375‚000-square-foot tower will be located on the east side of the hospital’s campus. “Each patient will have a private room‚ and we will have surgical and intervention suites with state-of-the-art design and equipment‚” says Dunn. “We’ll have a heart-healthy café‚ a dedicated rehab gymnasium‚ a resource center for patient and visitor information‚ and wireless computer access.” ECU’s component will be located nearby in a four-story‚ 206‚000-square-foot building adjacent to the Brody School of Medicine. It will include facilities for basic and clinical research‚ a robotics training program‚ a clinical outpatient facility for cardiovascular diseases‚ a database center‚ physician and education offices‚ and space for future simulation laboratories. “When we open and the word gets out‚ I think the East Carolina Heart Institute will be a landmark opportunity for people to get the kind of cardiovascular care we need here‚” says Dunn. “It will be a place that addresses the real needs of people in this area‚ offering products and services people of this region deserve.” Story by Laura Hill
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.
stuff for a couple of years, so I certainly have developed my own set of opinions on what works and what doesn't. That being said, one of the worst pieces of advice that I have witnessed is something along these lines:
The Greenville Buzz...Always "Bee" in the know.
;)
;)
