As discussed in my previous post, the "Lovecat" method focused on approaching your life and business by "Obeying the Law of Abundance", and sharing your contacts, knowledge, and compassion with those around you. This mentality was a predecessor to the Social Web mentality that dominates the "proper" uses of social networks and collaboration today. Because of this, and his forward thinking towards best business practices, I asked Tim to answer a couple of quick questions for me as to his prediction of business today and moving forwards.
(Q&A between Matt Dollinger "MD" and Tim Sanders "TS")
MD - Describe how you feel the Likeability Factor and Love is the Killer App have changed for today?
TS - Both are still true. The L Factor, in particular is important as it can look after you during tough times. More than ever, we need to inspire others with our outlook.
MD - Any insight into the Lovecat method and the rise of Social Media?
TS - Giving rocks. The Lovecat method (grow others, trust them to reciprocate) lies at the heart of social media. That’s why I find Twitter and Facebook so valuable to society. We must, however, give not take in our social media work.
MD - How would you suggest a company/business transition to “Lovecat” if they weren’t before?
TS - Trial and trial and trial. If you will give giving a chance, and a reasonable long time line for return, you’ll get hooked on it.
MD - What do you feel the biggest challenge of business today is?
TS - Overcoming the scarcity mindset that’s setting in with the recession. When we believe that “there’s not enough to go around”, we get fearful and inward thinking. That’s the enemy to innovation. It’s time to defiantly be hopeful.
MD - How do you feel Social Media has changed business today – forever?
TS - Social media has made the world more transparent and smaller. Add video on mobile phones with easy upload and there are no more secrets. This will force companies to focus on do-no-harm+do-some-good instead of simply being less bad or complying with the law. Ray Anderson (founder of Interface) once told me that compliance was “being as bad as the law will allow.”
MD - What is the #1 question that is asked of you in your speaking and what’s your answer?
TS - Question: What do you do when others take advantage of your giving nature? Answer: Look the other way, because it only happens about 10% of the time at the most. Don’t let your ego tell you that giving never gives back because it does.
The "Law of Abundance" as Tim writes about often should, in my opinion, be the new "Golden Rule" for not only Social Media, but for business and personal growth as well. Take a few minutes, view the videos below, and share your thoughts... This time the good guys WILL finish first!
Epiphany (def): a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.
Many of us have had these monumental life-changing moments of discovery. Sometimes they come in the form of a higher level of understanding, consciousness, or other moments of clarity. I can honestly say that I've had a couple of these instances in my life, and I consider myself lucky. But the one that I feel is best serving for today's marketplace, for the difficulties and challenges we are all facing in the world today, came to fruition in the one of the most unlikely places for authenticity and delivered by a hipster in a suit with a microphone.
In a previous life, I served as Director of Career Development for a Prudential affiliate here in Chicago. Yearly the Prudential franchises all get together at their national convention for a week long celebration of top producers and branding hoopla. 2005's celebration, at the pinnacle of real estate's glory day, was held in Las Vegas. Somewhere near the end of the convention, in a morning keynote session filled with hung-over agents, (and just as many empty chairs), I met someone that would change my life forever. I had never heard of him before and hadn't read his books, but the message that was delivered was timely, embraceable, and (in retrospect) a precursor to where we are today. The moderator introduced him as the Chief Solutions Officer, (CSO), of Yahoo! and here began my life as influenced by Mr. Tim Sanders.
A skinny guy in an ultra modern suit took the stage, began his presentation, and I was mesmerized. For the next 45 minutes I didn't take notes, I didn't write or check emails... I sat and listened, hanging on every word. He didn't talk about marketing strategies, direct mail, or lead capture. Tim simply preached a message of social karma he referred to as "Love, the Killer App." and from that moment on, I considered myself a Lovecat.
The three steps to becoming a "Lovecat" and instituting a campaign of "biz love" into your career are as follows:
1. Share your network with those you connect with
2. Share your knowledge with everyone who might benefit
3. Share your compassion with those that need it
Tim went on to use examples of this new mindset, tell stories of "Lovecat Achievement", and read exerpts from his two books, "Love is the Killer App." and his newly released (at the time), "The Likeability Factor". Each point he made was crystal clear, almost as if reminding me of something I already knew, yet forgotten or locked away deep inside. And maybe that was it... maybe it was simply professional reinforcement. someone accomplished and respected in the "new" business world that simply said to everyone listening, "It's ok to be a nice guy/girl. And not only is it ok, but you will be more successful in business and in life by being a giving, sharing and caring individual."
I ordered both books from Amazon as soon as we got home from Las Vegas and literally devoured them many times over. I highlighted, made notes in the margin, dog-eared pages, and clipped excerpts for my presentations. My "new agent" training began to include an entire section on "Releasing your Inner Lovecat". I ordered copies of "Love is the Killer App." in bulk, began writing notes to people I knew or met inside the cover, and giving them out at random. I reorganized my reading behavior so that I could become a resource to those around me at work and in life. Networking events became quests to distribute new found knowledge and share insight with others. I was more than an advocate, more than a fan, I was a prophet for "biz-love" and I have never turned back.
The Lovecat, Social Media and Karma
I've always thought that real estate is the perfect industry for a "Lovecat". From the first days of training, agents are taught to cultivate their sphere of influence, ask for referrals, and continually add to their database. Unfortunately most training programs are focused on the acquisition of contacts and not the engagement of them. As 1000watt Consulting so brilliantly pointed out in their video, "I Am Not A Lead", we refer to our circle of influence as leads, contacts, and databases. We capture them, drip on them, and bombard them with the N.A.R. mantra that it's always a "Great Time to Buy". Even now with the evolution of Social Media/Networks, coaches charge hundreds of dollars to attend seminars and webinars geared at adding more and more people to your <insert social network here> "friends".
But those who are really using this wonderful new technology correctly are different, and it struck me about a month ago when I was re-reading "Love is the Killer App" for the hundredth time. "Sanders predicted this 5 years ago." Back before Facebook was more than a college network, before Twitter was a concept, before Web 2.0... the "Lovecat" mentality was changing the REAL world and how people interacted with one another. Think about it. Isn't this what the mentality of the Social Web is all about?
1. Share your network - (#followfriday, LinkedIn introductions, Facebook Friending)
2. Share your knowledge (Twitter link sharing, RSS, blogging, etc.)
3. Share your compassion (genuine interaction, collaboration, help)
The lines that once divided life and business are forever erased. My favorite analogy is that our parents were actually part timers in the workforce compared to us today. We are being forced, whether you like it or not, to embrace a genuinely authentic brand that carries into both our personal and professional lives. And as we adapt to emerging technologies and spread our network of influence further each day, the Lovecat mentality becomes all the more important for one reason if nothing else.
"We as people (both providers and consumers) don't have the time or desire to affiliate with those not providing value to our lives in one way or another."
This is no difference from one industry to another today. Online or off, we have come to expect value from those that we choose to associate with in one way or another. Value might not be the correct term for what we are sharing today, and so I suggest we use a Sanders-ism presented throughout his books, "Biz Love".
"Biz-Love" is defined by Tim as a relationship where "I promote your growth intelligently in a win-win sort of way. Biz Love could be mentoring an employee in a way that not only promotes the employee’s personal growth, but increases the value of that employee to the company. Another example of Biz Love could be bringing customers or partners together to increase the size of their network, their capacity, and their growth."
The question becomes, "How are you showing and sharing your biz-love with your network?
"Biz-Love" The Only Differentiation in a Commoditized World
"Biz Love" isn't just THE way to personally run your business, it also serves as THE true differentiator in a world overwhelmed with choice as Jack Trout discusses in, "Differentiate or Die". That almost every element of life has become a commodity, is something we can see in business or walking through our local grocer. True differentiation has become so few and far between, that when something actually STANDS OUT, it becomes more than a brand, more than a product/service, it becomes a movement. And when I think about brands that have achieved this "movement" status, every single one of them... EVERY ONE... operates from this Lovecat principle. Think about it...
DELL - facebook videos on how to use social media (sharing their knowledge) Amazon - if we don't carry it we'll introduce you to someone who does (sharing their network) Southwest - have an emergency and need to change your flight? no problem (sharing their compassion)
I would argue that every business or brand that TRULY stands out to you today is capitalizing on providing their network, associates, clients and the general public with an incredibly high quotient of "Biz-Love". I might also suggest that this mentality could possibly be the only true differentiator left. Service and Quality have become run-of-the-mill expectations. Price can be a factor, but cannot be considered a differentiator. Your "Social Karma", "Biz Love" or "Network Value Quotient" are true differentiators that will set you apart from those around you, ascend you (and your business) to another level, while building a network, or movement, of raving influential fans.
Life, Likeability, and Lovecats
Probably one of the most important, yet underestimated, outcomes of operating from a position of abundance rather than scarcity, is it's effect on life as a whole. So many, including some of my best friends like Rob Hahn, spend so much time trying to calculate the metrics behind what I call a Social Karma Initiative, that they tend miss the big picture influence.
Human beings are emotional creatures. We all have certain needs in our lives. The need to be loved. The need to be heard. The need to be understood. We are also, (whether we admit it or not) ego-driven in both our lives and business. By approaching life as a "Lovecat", we are able to feed these human desires and in doing so, live life in a happier, more content, positive state. In his book, "The Likeablity Factor", Tim discusses a study that shows that people who were categorized as "more likeable " typically had better relationships, were more successful, lived longer, and judged their overall quality of life HIGHER than those "less-likeable".
In today's world of financial insecurity, job instability and crisis it's hard to see the forest from the trees. We tend to focus on "right here right now" results rather than long-term influential goals. Something like "Social Karma" or "Biz-Love" seems trite while contemplating next months mortgage, a looming car payment, or if we'll have a job next quarter. But think about this... From the network that you currently have, "who is doing better in life?" The Lovecat or the person living in scarcity?" Take it a step further. "From those in your network... who would you recommend if a business opportunity arose?" Again, I'm assuming that the first person you thought of fit into the definition of a Lovecat. Likeability and the Social Karma you provide to those around you make you memorable, enjoyable, and indespensible in our overly chaotic world.
The world as we know it is forever changed and we must change with it. And where I believe, and can see in my own life, that the "Lovecat", "Biz Love", and "Likeablity" are absolute MUSTS to compete in business today, they are far from the silver bullet. They are principals to set for yourself and your business. Most importantly, they are a set of values that each and every one of us can put into place tomorrow for they are inherently grained into our DNA as human beings.
And so my challenge to you, regardless of your position or industry, is to purchase "Love is the Killer App", devour it, share it with everyone around you, and join me as a "Lovecat" in the world.
Morpheus – “Because you’ve never used them before.”
One month ago I took the red pill and woke up from the RE.net Matrix.
I think it’s important to point out here that this is not a swipe or downplaying the importance of the RE.net community.The contributors and discussions that are shared there often times border on the level of brilliance.I have learned immensely from the leaders and contributors there. This is simply a personal account of how I began to look outside the Matrix, and what I learned when I got out.
“The answer is out there, and it's looking for you, and it will find you if you want it to."
My red pill came in the form of a face to face discussion outside departure terminal 2 at Ohare.My friend and I discussed the future of the RE industry, its pitfalls, and the stonewalls that hinder it’s progress forward.We debated in circles again and again, only to come to the same conclusion; that there were obstacles that cannot be overcome by us alone.We parted, and the conversation haunted me until I realized something that Henry Ford quoted beautifully:
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."
This is when it came to light.There are obstacles that I alone, (or even collectively), cannot overcome, and was allowing them to obscure my vision.These immovable mountains were limiting my path and, although needed to be recognized, could not consume my eyes.I needed to get out.I needed to wake up.Ineeded to leave the comfortable nest of recurring problems and debates and exit the Matrix.I chose the Red Pill.
“Remember… all that I’m offering you is the truth and nothing more.”
My rebirth began at a Starbucks on the corner of Halsted and Irving Park in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, IL.It was lacking in the drama of wires, plugs and membranial goo but was just as mentally freeing.It started with a simple whitepaper compiled by one Peter Kim of micro-celebrity fame entitled, “Social Media Predictions 2009”.And as it downloaded into Firefox, I could almost hear the whine of the Matrix in the background.
“I know Kung Fu”
The whitepaper is a collaborative effort born by Peter containing the smartest voices of Social Media today.Names like Brogan, Armano, Handley and Jaffe (to name a few) replaced the characters of Mouse, Dozer and Trinity on my journey of rediscovery.None of them balked at the challenges of registration, DOJ, or physical office space.They looked beyond it to a world of possibilities unhindered by these obstacles.I smelled the possibilities, sensed the pains associated, and was excited.
“I'm trying to free your mind. But I can only show you the door. You're the one that has to walk through it.”
My next steps through the door of “awakening” forced me to retool my surrounding and purge my Reader.Blogs that I had read for years made their way to an icon resembling a garbage can and were replaced with titles like, “Logic+Emotion”, “Groundswell”, and “Influential Marketing”.
I felt disloyal abandoning old friends I held in such high regard that guided my infant footsteps in the RE.net Matrix, but knew it was something that had to be done.I also did so knowing that there were those in the Matrix that would combat, lash out, and fight my newfound mindset.But I needed to see the forest from the trees.
"He's beginning to believe."
The more I read, the more excited I became. Here were REAL ideas addressing REAL problems REALLY differently. It wasn't the latest app, CRM or other technilogical whistle that was going to solve the problems of the modern day economy - it was a complete renovation of business as a whole. I started to realize that for every great idea, for every vision that was forward thinking in the RE.net, there was somebody, that was there... fixed in their ways. They were unable to try something different, something that might be the way to change the industry. I started to believe that this... this open eyed view I was experiencing, past the boundaries of real estate, could actually do it.
“Fasten your seat belt Dorothy, 'cause Kansas is going bye-bye”
One of the best things that the Matrix has done, has been to validate some of the newer tools for change. Twitter, Facebook and Social Media as a whole are now, (thanks in large part to the RE.net), viewed as amazing methods of differentiation - foundational brickwork for industry innovation. Unfortunately, this has also (unintentionally I believe) influenced boundaries to be created that ideas and solutions must exist within. These boundaries got me thinking, "Are we truly 'innovating' if we're using Zillow's iPhone app or Trulia's Voices?" Aren't we actually "implementing other's innovations"? Where are the truly new and ground shaking ideas from within the industry? Haven't these "benchmarks" actually caused us to implement and accept rather than question and adapt? Who said we had to play within the confines established or the rules laid out by others?
The companies (outside the RE.net) we view with such adoration didn't necessarily work on this model. Zappos, Dell and Comcast (the regarded leaders in innovative implementation) utilized something BIGGER than what was in their industry. They looked past what AT&T, Shoebuy, and IBM were doing and took risks. They WROTE the rules, they didn't follow industry standards. In an awesome post, "Brands will Learn by Doing. Get Over It", David Armano talks about this risk - and the fact that mistakes will be made, and that's ok. Only by taking these risks, listening to what our consumers have to say about them, and then learning/adapting from it will our efforts be rewarded by R.O.E. (Return on Engagement). Only after "Doing" will we be able to learn and adapt accordingly.
"There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path."
So what are the solutions that on the horizon? What is so amazing that I have learned by looking outside the RE.net Matrix?
Below is a small sampling of my thoughts that I have learned along my journey so far:
1. Let Love Rule - For brokers this means that you need to put down the battle axe that you've been grinding with your agents over commission splits, etc. Lead by Love and you will see the emergence of an entirely new business model in your company. Yes, there will still be those agents that try to milk you for all you're worth, but for every one of them, there will emerge 10 "lovecats" that if shown they are loved, will become your most loyal soldiers. For agents, get over the whole "buyers are liars" mentality and show your clients some love. They have trusted you with their most valuable asset and you (some have not) have neglected them since the market has turned. They are worried, they are scared, they are in need of an Advisor and not a trinket of your affection.
2. Learn by Doing (Listen, Learn, Adapt) - Those companies that take the biggest risks and LISTEN to the results will have the biggest competitive advantage. Ask your internal folks, your clients, and your advocates for ideas and then commit to trying them out and listening. Break free of the chains of brokerage and start managing from a position of innovation. The market is not coming back to 2005 and your website isn't going to save you. Only by taking substantial risks are you in a position to reap the rewards.
3. Education is the Key - Empower the most passionate on topics that your clients/agents find important and expose them. Allow them to talk unbridled about their thoughts and insight into these topics. Find outside experts that are more passionate and knowledgeable than them to validate their theories (To see what someone inside the RE.net has done check out what Reggie Nicolay has done here). Call businesses in your marketplace that are doing things differently and invite them to speak directly to your agents. Teach the basics in a new manner (see David Armano's presentation on 'Thinking Visually' here). Try something new. Take your top 10 agents and go on a field trip to the Apple Store for a crash course one "how to create an long-lasting customer experience" - FYI - I did... and it was amazing!
4. The Social Web is the Human Web - Those that are seeing the highest return (retention, engagement, branding) on social media are those that are engaging clients with live, human, passionate people. Eblasts and other mass-marketing serve a "touch point" purpose, but for true engagement, there are few that can hold a candle to the humanness of Comcast's Frank Eliason. Frank is passionate, he is empathetic, he is genuine... and he is human. The social web is called just that for a reason - because it begins, exists, and ends around people. (For more insight - check out the Notorious R.O.B.'s post 'It aint the Technology')
5. Trust your judgement (and that of your team) - If there's one thing that I've learned as of late, it's that YOU know your clients, market, and agents better than any consultant, guru, or expert. At a recent conference of Leading RE Companies of the World, Rob Hahn and I sat in on a group of brokers discussing their future outlook. What we learned was that there is NO "One Size Fits All" solution for the future of your business. Knoxville, TN is not Chicago, IL or San Diego, CA for that matter. Where some ideals (client care, humanizing your company, educating your agents, innovative thinking) are necessities to do battle in today's marketplace, hyperlocal (and ITS PEOPLE) is your audience. Not the brokers on Inman, not the RE.net on Twitter, and not me. Your local audience is your "collective" and that which you should focus on engaging. Be yourself and be authentic... you can't be all things to all people.
(Side note - while I was at Leading RE a broker from Texas came up to me and handed me a golden dollar. He told me that he wanted to say how much he respected the fact that I wore a suit every day to the sessions (to get away with the fact that I only shave once a week!) This small vintage-Carnagie token has stood out as something I won't often forget. It wasn't flashy, it wasn't cutting-edge, but it was HIM and it was AUTHENTIC)
“Welcome to the real world.”
The world does not look all sunshine and roses outside of the Matrix. There are challenges here as well, obstacles that I will face, and lessons to be learned from the RE.net Matrix. One cannot exist without the other in our world any more than it could in the movie. But, I for one, can attest to the fact that this world, outside the argumentative noise of existing problems, looks like one with solutions on the horizon.
My thoughts in the presentation are that if “we” (those using social media to promote our business) could go through a simple 4 part checklist prior to sending the message, it would protect our brand, reputation, enhance our connecting with clients, and allow us to speak in a human and authentic voice.
Disclaimer: I can use the term "Redneck" because I was born and raised a "Redneck" learned to drink Pabst Blue Ribbon, drove a tractor before a car, thought that duct tape was one of the five food groups, and still... love going to the Rodeo.
For those brokers that are fearing the 100% commissions or trying to build a company of attraction for agents, I have some suggestions. First, I would suggest you talk to a couple of companies that have really survived this well (there are tons here on Active Rain).
I understand that each area is different and agents are different across the board, but having been in recruiting, I know that some agents are concerned mainly with their income, their clients, and their reputation... (and maybe their income again!) But, from my experience, if you provide for them, invest in their success, and help them run their business more effective/efficiently, they will help to build a culture that will transform your office.
So, here's an idea... Take that money that you would spend in super duper collateral materials, billboards, private offices, and yes... (it's going to hurt)... but unnecessary print advertising and do the following:
You own a brokerage in a major city. You are an established name. And like everyone around you, you currently suffer at the hands of the real estate downturn.
Business is down 40% and your costs are spiraling out of control. Costs that include:
Print advertising. A surplus of marketing, IT, managers and support staff. And a lease for office space that provides too much room for too many agents who have no need for it.
This image is filled with roll-top desks, conference rooms and employee break rooms. It could be an office in any town, in any city, in every corner of the United States. And somewhere, in some lonely office within it, the sound of CFO’s weeping only masked by the whispers of agents talking near the coffee pot can be heard.
“So… how’s your business”
“Business? It’s really tough out there.”
“Yeah. Did you hear about Steve? He went to (competitor X) the other day?”
“Really? Wow… Sally took a part time job at Coffee-Joes.”
“Huh… That’s smart. Gives you a little cushion.”
“Yeah. I’m hoping the Spring Market kicks in soon.”
“Uh-huh. Maybe the stimulus thing will help. I wish it was still $15K.”
“Well, I spent some money on a program to get some Internet leads yesterday.”
“Really? That’s a good idea. I just started a blog.”
“That’s a great idea. I heard about that Social Internet. That’s where the buyers are…”
“Uh huh… I’m going to focus on the Luxury Market.”
“Well… I’m gonna go to some broker’s opens. Wanna go?”
Do these images look and sound familiar?
What it could look like .
Unlock this door and enter a 2,000 sq. foot space. Inside are half a dozen customer service people with varying degrees of specialties that range from sales to legal to mortgage services. Outside, an intern arranges the courtyard space that includes tables and chairs that run along the sidewalk. Outside, music is piped in from satellite radio. Inside the flat screen panel televisions spark to life. The smell of fresh locally-roasted coffee roasted specifically for your company and branded with your logo begin to fill the air as a local pastry company delivers trays of treats.
The agent “sitting floor” dons a headset connected to her computer linked by VOIP to a central server that holds all the company listings, information, and agent contact information. The first call of the day arrives. Since the caller dialed an extension for property information, before the call is answered, the property information, pictures, property videos, neighborhood market information, tax information and comparable properties are populated on the screen.
The agent who answers the call is instantly able to provide all the information to the caller. Since they are part of your “Client Care” group they can communicate effectively and intelligently with the caller on all buying and selling . The selling agent’s schedule also appears on the screen, so the sitting line agent can setup a buyer’s interview an hour before a the appointment, which is sent immediately to the selling agent’s handheld.
A stream of passerby’s stroll through the door taking advantage of the ancillary services made available to them. Whether it sipping coffee, accessing the web from the mini bar of computers, stock quotes, RSS news feeds, and short video spots of properties and the company’s current CSR projects flow across the LCD screens as they wait. For those have brought their laptops they freely tap into the Wifi provided and log in from the companies branded webpage that also includes local news feeds, real estate information, videos of homes for sale, current market statistics, and more.
Outside the brokerage their solar powered sign displays the time, the temperature, current interest rates, as well as the # of kilowatt hours this particular office has saved by doing their part to go green. A fleet of Zip-Car hybrids that sport the company logo on them are parked out front available for both agents and local residents to use upon request. A number of dog bowls with fresh water line the side of the building and in the windows are pictures of local school outreach programs, sports teams, and children’s social responsibility groups that this brokerage has been a part of.
A young couple enters and is immediately greeted by an office manager who answers their many questions about the current real estate market. As a result of this discussion, which reveals them to be first time buyers, their needs are matched to the appropriate agent rather than whoever happens to be free at the moment.
The right agent greets the couple and takes them through the process of buying a home, the benefits, potential downfalls, and explores their short – mid – and long-term goals. He discusses school districts, why they are looking to buy a home right now, the current state of the real estate market and then asks if they have learned about “Financial Responsibility in Lending” yet. The couple replies no.
The agent invites the lending professional who occupies space inside this facility. They present a “Financial Responsibility” worksheet for these first time buyers. It’s a multi-paged brochure that discusses the responsibilities associated with mortgages, what is needed to apply for one, and what type of information will be required to apply for a mortgage.
An interested lunch crowd is invited to gather and attend an impromptu performance that includes a set list of economic talking points such as “Improving your Credit Score” and the Are you stimulated by the housing bill. This free seminar is held 2 times a week and is part of the “Home Buyer Education Curriculum”. A free flash drive containing budgeting software, articles, and a copy of the presentation is provided to each of the attendees upon completion of the seminar.
Wouldn't YOU want to work here?
The real estate office of the future starts… and ends… with the real estate Company of the future. I think that this is a good start.
You need to solve this problem by making it someone else's problem
You said you were going to change
You said you were going to connect
You were going to understand their needs
You were going to become integrated
You were going to find out what makes your client tick
You were going to let them into your space
Instead you focused on incentives, impressions, and going "viral"
And while we're all hopped up on the topic of Twitter, I wanted to give a shout out to a fellow blogger who I THINK (personally, me...) has probably put together the best list of Twitter Applications around.
Twitter apps are all over the place. Whether hooking it up to FriendFeed so that your updates feed to your Facebook status, or a simple widget that resides on your blog to keep your readers up to date (see right sidebar!) these applications allow you to utilize Twitter more effectively and really harness the power of the site.
In his post, "47 Awesome Twitter Tools You Should Be Using", social media guru Deontee Gordon (@deontee) outlines the many Twitter applications available and how you could utilize them (a great job in doing so I might add - since many tell you WHAT they are but not HOW to use them). In the true spirit of collaboration, and as Deontee so sweetly puts it:
So, to help make things easier, I’ve searched the Web, combed through the blogosphere, and rummaged through my del.icio.us bookmarks to sort and list some of the best Twitter sites and services the Net has to offer. This is by no means a definitive list, but I think it’ll serve us bloggers, Internet marketers, entrepreneurs, and social media junkies well.
As for me... I've boiled my applications down to TwitPic for pictures, Twitterberry for my blackberry, Twubble for finding who to follow, and Tweetdeck for my desktop Twittering.
He also has a great list of blogs that he's reading as well at the lower right hand side of his site, so take a minute and check them out as well.
Thanks again to Deontee for his great work and find me on Twitter @mattdollinger
Matt Dollinger
Like what you're reading here? Read more at The You Factor
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.
In my last post, "
The three steps to becoming a "Lovecat" and instituting a campaign of "biz love" into your career are as follows:
growth intelligently in a win-win sort of way. Biz Love could be mentoring an employee in a way that not only promotes the employee’s personal growth, but increases the value of that employee to the company. Another example of Biz Love could be bringing customers or partners together to increase the size of their network, their capacity, and their growth."
Posted by 
Office... and Company" 
“Business? It’s really tough out there.”
“Yeah. Did you hear about Steve? He went to (competitor X) the other day?”
“Really? Wow… Sally took a part time job at Coffee-Joes.”
“Huh… That’s smart. Gives you a little cushion.”
“Yeah. I’m hoping the Spring Market kicks in soon.”
“Uh-huh. Maybe the stimulus thing will help. I wish it was still $15K.”
“Well, I spent some money on a program to get some Internet leads yesterday.”
“Really? That’s a good idea. I just started a blog.”
“That’s a great idea. I heard about that Social Internet. That’s where the buyers are…”
“Uh huh… I’m going to focus on the Luxury Market.”
“Well… I’m gonna go to some broker’s opens. Wanna go?”
Unlock this door and enter a 2,000 sq. foot space. Inside are half a dozen customer service people with varying degrees of specialties that range from sales to legal to mortgage services. Outside, an intern arranges the courtyard space that includes tables and chairs that run along the sidewalk. Outside, music is piped in from satellite radio. Inside the flat screen panel televisions spark to life. The smell of fresh locally-roasted coffee roasted specifically for your company and branded with your logo begin to fill the air as a local pastry company delivers trays of treats.
information, pictures, property videos, neighborhood market information, tax information and comparable properties are populated on the screen.
A stream of passerby’s stroll through the door taking advantage of the ancillary services made available to them. Whether it sipping coffee, accessing the web from the mini bar of computers, stock quotes, RSS news feeds, and short video spots of properties and the company’s current CSR projects flow across the LCD screens as they wait. For those have brought their laptops they freely tap into the Wifi provided and log in from the companies branded webpage that also includes local news feeds, real estate information, videos of homes for sale, current market statistics, and more.
well as the # of kilowatt hours this particular office has saved by doing their part to go green. A fleet of Zip-Car hybrids that sport the company logo on them are parked out front available for both agents and local residents to use upon request. A number of dog bowls with fresh water line the side of the building and in the windows are pictures of local school outreach programs, sports teams, and children’s social responsibility groups that this brokerage has been a part of.
matched to the appropriate agent rather than whoever happens to be free at the moment.
Responsibility” worksheet for these first time buyers. It’s a multi-paged brochure that discusses the responsibilities associated with mortgages, what is needed to apply for one, and what type of information will be required to apply for a mortgage.
And while we're all hopped up on the topic of 
;)
;)
