Amy's Blog - The Digital REALTOR

Monitoring your Online Presence

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:44:24 -0600

Right now I am writing an online course on Internet Risk. One of the topics focuses on how to monitor your online reputation. They are lots of tools out there, free and for a fee. Let's explore some of them.If you did nothing else with social media, monitoring what people are saying about you, your company, your brand, your neighborhood, and your industry is very important.

Sales associates who are in our monthly coaching program constantly speak about wanting to know what people in their community are thinking – they create polls, do interviews, study their website analytics, where all the time there are other simple tools to help them in this task.

Google or Yahoo Alerts are a great place to start. Set up alerts based on your companies name, principals names, community, town, etc. These alerts will send you an email every time one of your search words is found by the search engines.

http://www.google.com/alerts

http://alerts.yahoo.com/

The phenomen of Twitter allows us to search any topic and find out who is chatting about it. Open up a web browser and find Twitter Search at http://search.twitter.com. This is great place to find people to follow as well.

One of the keys to managing your reputation is to know where your name appears and what people are saying about you. Some great sites to help you monitor more of your social media reputation are:

Also check out the Zoom Info site located at http://www.zoominfo.com. this is site that helps you find specific people in an organization a little easier than using LinkedIn or a Google Search. Search for yourself and make sure you set up a up to date profile.

The New Real Estate Consumer

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:45:07 -0600

Read a great post about the New Real Estate Consumer by Mathias Bergendahl, Director of Marketing & Communications at Pinellas Realtor Organization in Florida. His blog post says Consumers have changed. Gone are the days when they’d be content waiting for a reply to an email for 24 hours as the previously followed general rule of email etiquiette would stipulate. Gone are the days when consumers would wait for their Realtor® to handle their transaction independently without collaboration. Here is a link to the article The New Real Estate Consumer.

Favorite Apps on my Blackberry

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:52:55 -0500

If you own a Blackberry then you’re probably appreciative of the amazing ease of use as a business tool. The keyboard makes sending and answering emails very easy. The ability to sync with your contact management system keeps your calendar, contacts and email at your fingertips.

Make sure your downalod the BlackBerry App World™ onto your Blackbery where most apps are found. http://appworld.blackberry.com

Here are some other apps to consider to make your blackberry an even more effective tool. Google offers a great collection of mobile applications, including Google Maps, Gmail, Docs, and Sync. Deciding which one to include here was a tough call--until I realized just how useful Google Mobile Updater can be. This tool allows you to install a variety of Google apps--including all the ones I just mentioned--to your phone, and notifies you when new products or updates to your existing apps are available. Go to m.google.com on your computer.

Put in your cell phone number and a text message will be sent to your BB. Click on the link and download the applications. The brand new version has a voice to text search on google. You can say “flight delays at JFK” and it will bring you to a web site to help you.

Social Media. Take your updates on the road with you. Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Linkedin all have apps.

Facebook http://facebook.com/blackBerry

Twitter – Two popular ones are twitterberry and Ubertwitter.

http://orangatame.com/products/twitterberry/

http://www.ubertwitter.com

LinkedIn mobile is available for your Blackberry, Search profiles, send messages, receive updates from your network, and invite to connect. How to get it:

Go to m.linkedin.com on your phone's web browser.

Flickr on your blackberry - Flickr Photo Uploader for BlackBerry smartphones

Last but not least.

Use your Blackberry as a Tethered Modem. http://www.junefabrics.com has a great app to do that. Plug your BB into the sync cord, and use PDANET for blackberries to dial your laptop into the internet.

By Popular Demand - My Recent Quote

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:32:59 -0500

Whenever I speak to a group, I like to end the class with a quote that is relevant and something that has impacted me. My latest has created quite a following. I get asked for a copy at almost every class. So here it is for you to enjoy. You may have already read the author before . . . "anonymous."

Turning Internet Leads into Real Business

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:59:52 -0500

Many internet leads that are generated by websites are lost, marked dead or simple thrown out. Why does this happen? As I travel the country I find that lead management is still a big problem with many. Research has proven that when a consumer contacts you by email, they want an immediate response.

NAR statistics tell us that the first agent to contact them has the best chance of becoming their agent. The reality is that the online consumer may not be ready to commit right away, so we give up, lose interest or don’t have systems in place to keep track of them to convert them. When they enter the actually buying stage, that is when they need you. And that may be more than a year! So be patient.

The solution is pretty simple. Here are some steps to get you started.

1. The goal of lead management is to find that next prospective buyer or seller. Period. To get the appointment! Stop worrying about anything else. Concentrate on getting the appointment and the rest will follow. How do you get an appointment from an internet lead that will not engage you ask?

2. To get that lead to want to talk to you, you must create an amazing experience. What would make someone want to work with you?

* Detailed information on your site for their situation – so when they go online at 9 p.m. they can find everything they need so they don’t go somewhere else.

* Instant email sent after contact with them. This in depth information can be on you and the community they enquired on. Could this include blog posts, or video? Sure!

* Instant response to their inquiries via email or text messaging. Don’t make them wait.

Assign each lead a category, you know, A, B, C or hot, warm cold. Spend most of your time on the hot leads of course but set up some type of system that sends helpful emails to the warm and cold leads very week or two. Also include information on homes that fit their criteria. Every email you send can be automated in a drip email campaign. They are available through a variety of companies.

There are 3 rules to remember. You need to be able to show value to the client, follow up right away and be able to attach an activity plan and let the system do the work. All email must be permission based and based on sound marketing principles. What does that mean? You must include in each email an “opt out” line at the bottom of the email so they can unsubscribe at any time. That makes it permission based. What are sound marketing principles? * Employ high frequency until they remember you. * High impact message to build a relationship * Make it easy to contact you with a call to action Technology is essential to keep in touch, but please remember this, real estate is still about the personal touch – a people business. * Get back to people quickly * Listen and respond professionally * Do your homework Think about your are managing your leads, and think about ways to do it a little better.

I don't usually send these type of emails . . .

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:10:37 -0500

Have you ever done that? What made you decide that the information in that particular email was worthy of the inboxes of your family and friends?

Value, a thought, a feeling to help them live better, have a better day.

What type of message do you send to your prospects and clients? Does everything you send, relate to who you are and who your brand is?

Many of my students ask about "still" using email. Social media seems to replace some of their existing prospecting, which is great, but I say, don’t leave email totally behind, have a plan.

Think about going through your database and looking at your top 50 or 100 contacts. Then assign a recurring task with them 4 times a year. Then, before you start the day, don’t open your email until you have checked your “tasks” and every day pick 5 contacts to either email, facebook or call.

What can you email?

Think about emailing one of your blog posts that is interesting . . . As you know every blog post has its own website, so just write 25 words about it and then put the link.

Email links to interesting articles from your area
Email links to photographs you posted on Flickr about your community
Email links to videos you post on Youtube about events in your community.

What are your ideas?

Creating a Social Media Policy for your Company

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:32:41 -0500

It is 10 o’clock Monday morning – do you know where your company’s reputation is? As sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook become intertwined with business uses, real estate companies need to establish guidelines and best practices.

Whether we want to admit it or not, companies are learning that social networking, used properly, can be an effective business tool. We know by experience that having your sales associates involved in the community can enhance your company’s reputation and bring in more business. We are now embracing the concept that our sales associates can blog, tweet, and participate in forums and social sites and also increase business — so long as it’s done right.

But how do you monitor the conversation? You need a social media policy that explicitly lays out what is and isn’t permissible, both on the company’s network and outside of it if sales associates presenting themselves as representatives of the company.

If you do decide to take the “easy” way out and just block social networking sites at the company firewall, remember that what people post from home can still affect your company’s reputation.

How to get started

Consider creating a task force with people in your company who understand policy and procedures and others who are responsibly using social media. Together they can create a company platform. As always, before you can develop a policy, you need to define the company’s overall attitude toward social networking. A well executed social media strategy helps consumers and licensees follow an online dialogue protocol that shows promise of a successful outcome for consumers in real estate transactions. Create a statement that reflects the company’s mission statement and commitment to the consumer.

* Do you know what your agents are doing on the web?

* Do You Know Where Your Agents Are Placing Their Listings and What Other Listings They Are Claiming

* Copyright Dos and Don’ts

* Logos and Company Names - Who has the authority to start an Online Group using a Registered Trade Name?

* Q & A Platforms – Are they generating leads in the discussion thread, or are you putting your real estate license at risk?

Social Media Tools To Monitor and Maintain Reputation Management Controls

Educate agents in the correct use of tools to avoid problems and pitfalls and engage consumers in a fashion that will BUILD and ENHANCE a company's reputation online. Remember to always reward responsible interaction on line. If you can show examples of online fires doused as well as positive examples of building reputation online your sales associates will be better informed. Consider hiring a social media director for your association or your company.

Brokers and agents need to learn how to use tools to MONITOR their online presence. Google or Yahoo Alerts. Set up alerts based on your companies name, principals names, etc. These alerts will send you an email every time one of your search words is found by the search engines.

http://www.google.com/alerts

http://alerts.yahoo.com/

Twitter Search

http://search.twitter.com

http://tweetbeep.com

StepRep http://myfrontsteps.com

Yelp http://www.yelp.com

Here are some other reputation management tools to look at. They charge a fee but will do the time consuming work for you.

Privacy Gurus http://www.privacygurus.com/firm.php

Quality Service Certified http://www.qualityservice.org

Incredible Agents

http://www.incredibleagents.com

Real Estate Ratingz

http://www.realestateratingz.com

There is an APP for that!

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:33:49 -0500

The real estate industry has finally gotten the message. The consumer wants information fast, furious at the speed of . . . your email, text, facebook app or twitter app. According to the 2009 NAR Report on Technology tools used by REALTORS® 45% of us have now adopted and email enabled phone.

Congratulations! First is becoming “more valuable” than “best.” NAR in their profile of Homebuyers and HomeSellers (available for a free download from Right Tools, Right Now on Realtor.org) says that 60-80% of consumers work with the first agent who responds to them. So being able to reach and communicate with a consumer when they are interested in learning about real estate is important. Calling them back then they have gone on to other things will not help them as much. So we need to be connected!

Now the next step. Which applications can we use to make this science of staying connected more fun and engaging? Here are a few of my favorites.

Using your device as a Tethered Modem for your laptop Blackberry requires a call to your provider to unlock the port. They software is on your laptop. Using your sync cord to connect your BB to your laptop, use the software to dial your laptop on to the internet. For all other devices, they let you use the data contract with your phone. Check out a website called uneFabrics.com. They have software to download for almost every model. Their software makes it easier to connect.

Texting For those of you who like to text but would rather use voice to text consider using Jott.com or ReQall.com Both programs convert your voice into emails, text messages, reminders, lists and appointments. Not only can you use your VOICE to TEXT but every text message or email that you send is documented in your email. All you do is sign up for an account, add all the people you want to send messages to. Call the phone number supplied and JOTT recognizes your cell phone number and asks you who you want to JOTT. You can JOTT to your email to leave yourself messages, set reminders and do blog posts and twitter posts.

Handango.com is a great site for any device to find an application for anything you are looking for.

Apps to Consider:

• Dictionary of Terms

• Mortgage Calculator

• Voice notes and MMS/SMS messaging

• Instant Messaging

• GPS

• Real Estate Search

• Calculator

Real Estate Search

Realtor.com, Trulia and Zillow have mobile apps to search for properties. Of course the new Zillow Iphone App is available. Consider SmarterAgent.com for a great search program for all other phones.

Last but not least, visit the mobile page on Google at m.Google.com they have lots of great free tools that you can add to your phone to make your business a little bit easier and your life just a bit more fun.

Free Webinar on Quickbooks - July 30, 2009

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:08:59 -0500

FREE WEBINAR July 30 at 11 A.M.

Quickbooks for Real Estate

You are Invited!

Back by popular demand, we are offering another FREE WEBINAR. This one will feature Ed Freeman, a comptroller for small businesses. His expertise is using Quickbooks and how easy it is to keep track of your real estate business. Want to manage your finanance better? using QuickBooks you can easily track your business. Learn how to easily pay bills, enter commissions, track expenses andprint infomration tax time ready reports. Click here to register.

This Saturday's Sign - The Real Thing

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:58:54 -0500

Just came back from a few days of "living on the farm." My husband is building a compound for a client at their retirement farm in Pennsylvania. Since he was going, I went. i spent three lovely days looking a green rolling hills and valleys, reading, walking and thinking.I think this sign was the epitome of the trip. Not into the biggest and the best, but what works.

So what works for your business as far as marketing, prospecting, making money to feed your family?

The Real Thing

And the real thing is YOU! Think about that.

Consumers have more power than ever before. Realize that and you will be successful.

The transparency of the Internet and the amount of places they can find you means you better be the real thing or you will be found out quickly!

Make a commitment - do not buy, do anything that doesn't reflect who you are. And you know what? This coffee is pretty darn good.

A great poet once said:

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. ~e.e. cummings

Using Facebook as a Prospecting Tool

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:20:33 -0500

Facebook is one of the most hyped web service/platforms right now. Many people have already found Facebook to be a valuable addition to their web marketing strategy. Why? Because Facebook social networking can effectively connect you with potential clients, with no cost and minimal effort. Consider using Facebook as a tool for:

• Marketing to new clients

• Protecting your brand

• Testing out marketing ideas

• Measuring impact of your marketing

Think of it as an “addition” to your prospecting. As you connect on a consistent basis with your past customers, sphere and clients you are probably doing this with phone calls, emails and postcards. Here is a stat from the recently released 2009 REALTOR(r) report on technology usage.

Facebook is an easy addition to your process. Do you prospect on a regular basis? Doyou try to connect with people in your sphere every day? Normally we use email, phone calls and print. Now you can find them on Facebook and make them your friend. You can write on their wall and comment on their milestones, an easy way to prospect. It can become a regular prospecting tool. If you update your status once day, make it a mix of fun and business. Think of it as the online cocktail party. You wouldn’t walk around a party asking everyone to list and sell, but you would network. That is what Facebook is for. People who are your friend will now see your daily updates. If you educate, and talk about real estate and have some fun you will be a connection they can count on for.

Getting started with Video - Baby Steps

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 21:50:23 -0500

Video has consumed America. A tiny English woman sang herself into our hearts this week and convinced millions of the power of video.

Video allows an emotional connection with your friend or fans, you are able to communicate to more of the senses using video.

So we need to get started . . . now. Just play a little. Don’t be afraid – it is ONLY A CAMERA! Take Baby Steps!

So if you are really scared . . . think about using: Use your Virtual Tour Product.

Using your Virtual Tour Product ( I use and love Realestateshows) you can combine photos, text, music and voice to create a short video type experience for the consumer.

Some of the top ways I have seen agents use thes other than for their listings:

Just Moved – Buyer Video – For your next buyer closing, ttell them you will put together a few hots of the house and they can use it as a Just moved video to their sphere. Use 8 or 9 photos, and make sure that you include one of the happy family. Send them the link and viral marketing will take over. They will forward it on to their family and friends. There is usually a place for text in the tour where you can mention their new address and phone number and you were happy to help them with the move.

I like using a virtual tour for this because it sends a branded message of YOU.

Do and Don’ts of Staging. If you have been collecting photos of before and afters of staging that you have done, create a tour for your new prospects so they can see the power of staging to help get their home sold.

Vendor tours – We are working on one right now – What to expect on a home inspection. Our home inspector is putting together photos and text so we can send this out to buyers and sellers to set expectations.

Community Videos – Photos of a condominium area, a golf community, you get the picture.

So what are you going to try?

Poll - What topic would you be more interested in?

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:51:27 -0500

Facebook Applications - Some Useful, some you need to IGNORE!

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 14:10:20 -0500

Facebook is one of the popular web service/platforms right now. Many people have already found Facebook to be a valuable addition to their web marketing strategy. Why? Because Facebook social networking can effectively connect you with potential clients, past customers and friends, with no cost and minimal effort.

Buyers & Sellers are interested in their “Micro-market”, where they live and work. Your goal is to give them information they can’t get anywhere else and they will be hooked.

Other than your all important status updates, adding applications selectively can help your business grow. Right now, there are over 2000 apps you can add to your Facebook profile. The temptation may be to try them all.

Click on this link to see the full list of applications.

Pick apps that won’t waste your time when you visit your Facebook home page, so avoid those that involve playing games, throwing things and just plain silliness. Read the app description carefully and know exactly what you’re getting, and what the privacy settings are before you go. It helps to see how your contacts are using the app first. But remember, if you add it, you can remove it. If you don't want to add applications that other people send to you, hit the IGNORE button. (They will never know.)

Think of your apps in two ways

What do you want to see (that will appear on your Facebook home page)
What do I want the world to see (that will appear on your profile)?

While it might seem like a small part of why you would want to set up a presence on Facebook, Applications can actually dramatically enhance your ability to manage your content and provide a compelling experience. Some examples:

Memorable Web address for Facebook - create a short easy to remember facebook link to your profile. Include it in your email signature.

Slideshare - Share your PDFs and Powerpoints with potential clients. How about a prelisting presentation? Why work with a buyer agent? The real story behind buying a foreclosure. You get the idea.

Google Calendar – Share your calendar of events

Birthday and Social Calendars – choose one to keep on tops of friends birthdays

Blognetworks – Promote other blogs that you read

Free Conference call nice and easy to use program

Facebook Video Facebook Video provides a high-quality video platform for people and pages on Facebook. With Video, you can upload video files, send video from your mobile phone, and record video messages to your friends.

Business Card With this application, you can: * create a Business Card and customize it * attach your Business Card to Facebook messages * browse other cards and read comments

RSS Reader Applications These enable you to leverage the content updates you are probably already doing on your main online presence. Why bother cutting and pasting when RSS can do the work of syndicating the content on your Facebook Page?

My 12minutetechbyte for this is: Pick one application, add, it use it see if you like it. And then selectively add others that you like.

Curb Appeal 2.0 - Taking better photographs - an interview with Jay Groccia

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 12:41:45 -0500

Since January I have been beta testing a technology coaching program, I havde 12 students, and every month we have a live online class where we review some of the top technology issues that my students need coaching on. We cover everything from Facebook and Twitter for Business to bringing video in to your marketing mix.This past month we did an in depth class on taking better photographs.

Why, well have you looked at MLS lately?

Because most of us are taking our own photos with our point and shoot digital camera. I asked Jay Groccia, Principal Photographer of OnSite Studios™ and Founder of the OnlinePropertyShowcase™ to discuss the 7 most important photography tips that a real estate agent needs to learn.

Remember back in the day when you chose the houses to show buyers? Remember when curb appeal was defined as how a house stood out relative to it’s neighboring properties from the curb? Jay coined a new term, Curb Appeal 2.0 which is defined as how a house stands out relative to similar properties on the web. With a click of the mouse, the buyer is now INSIDE the house.

Statistics have proved to us that Web surfers feel no sales pressure or even a need to be polite – if they don’t like what they see - then can CLICK away. Pictures may not ‘sell’ the house, but they will absolutely kill the sale. A COMPELLING online presentation must be the foundation of your marketing plan.

So I asked Jay, "What makes a compelling online presentation? He supplied me with the following points.

"The photography isn’t for an insurance report or a bank appraisal – it is to sell the lifestyle of the home.

1. Angle – No security camera mentality, most people hold the camera up high. Lower the camera the bigger the room. Think about where the average women's eye go, it is usually about 5 feet off the ground. Take a look at that angle next. time. Keep the camera low – a camera looking down makes the room look small.

First picture - looking down, not wide angle enought and lighting poor:

The after - correct angle, and lighting

2. Exposure – Lighting. Balanced light is critical. Do you have blown out white windows, where it looks like an atomic bomb went off outside? Expose for the window and correct for the room. Increase shutter speed and fill with flash but don’t use the camera’s built-in flash - use a flash slave. Windows should be brighter than the room.

3. Unless the toilet is made of gold keep it out of the shot, if you can’t at least close the lid.

4. Give the viewer a sense of space. Walls should be PLUMB, counters and tables should be level. Homes shouldn’t lean back left right or forward. Would you buy a crooked house? A wide angle lens is useful to accomplish this.

5. Staging and decluttering is a must. Another post on this coming . . .

6. Color Fidelity - Color is relative to the light that is eliminating the object. Learn how to adjust your camera's white balance to compensate and have great photos. Find the white balance adjustment on your camera. The camera default is for daylight, so play witht he settings. Remember the halogen and tungsten lights give yellow cast to pictures and make them look brown.

7. Time of day to take photography – the early morning or late afternoon can work best. Always take exterior pictures with blue sky.

Jay and I will be holding a free webinar - explaining these points in more detail with a check list to follow up with. To register click here: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/739529725

On a Mission to cure the real estate world of bad photos and virtual tours

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:52:29 -0600

An associate of mine Rona Fischman has the distinct privilege of being a blogger on Boston.com, in the real estate section for the Boston Globe. In a recent class she attended, we had an animated discussion on what Buyer Agents and Buyers would prefer to see on listings. When we got to virtual tours, Rona volunteered to post the question for me on her blog and here are the results.

Enjoy!

Click here to read the FULL POST!

I LOVE statistics

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:02:32 -0600

Great information Statistics on the Linkedin user.

LinkedIn Demographic Data Jun08

View more presentations from erickschonfeld. (tags: linkedin demographics)

Connect with Buyers and Sellers with Google Maps

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:10:55 -0600

NAR released their 2008 numbers in the report Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. I have been getting this report for a few years and have kept track of how some of the statistics have changed.

One set of numbers that is intriiguing is what today's buyers wants to see when they are looking for properties. Of course the ubiquitous photo - thats is the fodder for many of post, but maps and the need for them went up. For a while maps were for directions, but now with GPS that need is going away. It seems now that consumers need more of the neighborhood information if they are not familiar with the area.

Google Maps can be personalized by creating your own annotated maps. Then share them with clients, family and friends.There is a directory of interactive content that you can add to Google Maps. Go to their website to learn more. How can this work for real estate?

Create a map with listings for showings, or properties for a CMA. Add place marks, shapes, photos descriptions and videos on the map. Use line tools to draw paths from one property to the other. Use the street view so they can see the actual house. You can make the map private and only those with the URL can view it. And don't forget Google earth. You can fly anywhere on earth and view images, maps, terrain, and buildings. Save the tour and share with others.Enjoy photo-realistic buildings, Swoop Navigation, Light and Shadow and Street View.

So, how do you build a map in seconds? Identify locations of schools, recreations, etc for online visitors. In Google Docs, open an excel spreadsheet.

Insert a Gadget called Google Maps

Select the range of data from the excel spreadsheet to populate the addresses of the map.

Publish the map to its own web page or to a blog. Start connecting with prospective buyers with your knowledge of the area with the help of Google maps.

Paperless Solution - Easy Access to Files

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:10:25 -0600

Going green? Trying to get a handle on all of your forms and paperwork? Want a centralized portal that all your associates can access?

David Drescher of VP Real Property Management, in New Jersey recently told me about a product that he uses called Drop.io. He created a drop.io account for members of the New Jersey Association of REALTORS. It contains many of the forms they regularly use and he even made some of them with fields so data can be typed right in on their computer.

Anyone can anomously add documents, comments, or fax / email them at no charge. Drop.io is an easy to use, online file sharing service that provides users with a simple and private way to share images, video, audio, documents and other digital content through unique, user-created and controlled sharing points called 'drops.'

Drop.io is used by a wide range of users seeking a convenient and private method for sharing all types of digital content, ranging from families sharing photos of family get togethers to real estate companies using 'drops' as collaborative workspaces. In just two clicks, users are able to seamlessly create personal sharing points, upload content via web, e-mail, MMS, Facebook, and a Firefox extension. Of course the traditional phone and fax inputs still works. Files can then be shared with friends, family and colleagues through drop.io's various web, e-mail, MMS, twitter, iTunes and fax outputs.

Each 'drop' is non-searchable, and non-networked, and does not require any type of account registration and can be password-protected and set to expire after a period of time.

Drop.io does not keep a directory of drops anywhere that can be searched or crawled directly by search engines.You can receive email notices every time a new piece of media is added to your drop. You can also customize a 'email messages when files are updated. The email includes a direct link to the file.

David Drescher owns constantcommission.com: They are managers of investment properties ranging from residential, Apartment buildings, shopping centers, and office buildings. When a Realtor refers a Landlord to us they pay the 10% of the property management fees every month for the life of the contract to that Realtor.

Email Marketing Refresher

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:20:50 -0600

I have been evaluating my email marketing and have come to some basic yet important conclusions. Then I opened my email today and read a post from Seth Godin. He said it better than I. Here is a link to the post,

In a nutshell - permission based marketing works. Microsoft has an article titled: 10 Rules for Successful Permission based Email. Read it.

You need to ask people permission to send them emails. Period. You need to give them a way to "Opt-Out" if they don't want to receive your emails any more. Not only is that good business sense, it is the law! The CanSpam law has been active since 2004. It says that if your emails are commercial in nature (and ours are commercial) you need to do a couple of things. One of them is to give people a link to stop getting your emails. An OptOut is the common name for this.

Don't put people on your email list or email newsletter that have not been asked. If you don't have an opportunity to ask them in person then do what is called a "Double Opt Out". A message is sent to someone and they have to "Opt in" to your newsletter.

If someone says "yes" you now have the awesome responsibility of delivering real estate content into their email inbox. Will they read it all? NO. But when they have time and when they are ready they will. Emails that are sent uninvited just beg for deletion. Think how you feel when someone gets your email address and starts sending you . . . stuff.

Email is still the number one use of the Internet. (Searches and social networking are catching up) but email still rules.

I recently posted on Twitter:

And people let me know that the number were good. Why is it working? Ask yourself these questions:

At the end of the day what really drives success is the quality and value you deliver. That's all that matters. If you have a niche and strive constantly and consistently to deliver this quality and value, it will pay off in the end. Give people value Don't sell.

If you are not a writer but have ideas, hire a copywriter. Go to www.elance.com and hire one. You need to join Elance to post a job. It is ten dollars. Copywriters will respond with prices and links to their profile so you can see samples of their work.

Email Marketing - Make it Count!

Amy on Marketing on the Internet

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:31:31 -0600

Using your PDA as a Tethered Modem

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 12:47:11 -0600

Being connected . . . all the time is becoming a necessity for us mobile real estate warriors. Sometimes you just don't have the time to go and find a wireless hotspot. Parking in someones driveway is not an option, and having to slurp coffee at a coffee shop can get old. What is another option?

Being connected through Cellular technology. Some of us purchase a cellular Modem Card. Essentially, this is a “cell phone in a card format”, these accessories slide into the PC Card slot on standard laptops and act as wireless modems. On newer laptop models, the cellular card is built into the motherboard; however, it will be fixed to a carrier (Verizon, Cingular, Sprint, etc) and cannot switch between providers. Be sure to check with the manufacturer before purchasing. Speeds range from 56k to 750k based upon location and signal strength. Costs range from limited access plans under $30 per month to unlimited usage accounts around $60 per month.

My cellular card contract was up over a year ago. I decided to use my Blackberry as a tethered modem, which was less expensive. Depending on the model, you may be able to use the existing data contract, or you may incur an additional cost. Either way make sure your data contract (which is separate from your cell phone minutes) is unlimited data.

Blackberry - Call your provider and tell them you want to use your blackberry as a tethered modem. They will give you a link to download software for your computer. Use your synch cord to connect your BB to your computer, it charges at the same time. Some providers do charge an extra monthly fee - mine is $10, but I make that back every time I don't pay to get on line in a hotel.

TREO - The newer Treos have software installed and as far as I know there is no additional charge. One very popular software download is PDANET. this software is a one time fee but puts a very easy to use software on your handheld to "dial in" with. You can get the software here. WINDOWS users? They have software for your handheld as well.

And the Iphone. Until now there was not an easy way to do this. But a recent post on the CRT Blog explains how to. Read the post here.

Where Buyers are Buying

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:11:52 -0600

Buyers are a precious commodities these days. Let's take advantage of all the buyers who potentially could purchase your listngs. I wanted to review some data gathered by NAR on where buyers actually found the homes they purchased, whether it was one week or one year after they contacted you.

Lets examine the process through their eyes and see, Where did they find the home they bought, what caused them to buy.

Here are some statistics from NAR (2007 Profile of Buyers and Sellers) which show that the agent and internet are neck and neck. 2 out of 3 buyers found the house they bought from an agent because an agent performed effective activities online.

What do I mean? Sending listings, putting listings on line that cause people to want to inquire about them. They put their listings in the top twenty places that consumers look. This chart is from Realtor.org under the Technology Tab. Click here to access. This is September's statistics.

They put lots of good photos of the property, write ad copy that speaks to the consumer and then communicates about the community by either blogging or answering questions on sites like Trulia Voices. Many still hold open houses, which are so valuable. So to review Agent affectable activities or a beefed up internet presence are the top two places buyers found their new home.

Yard signs comes in third but they have to change. Put a website or a text message instead of a phone number on the sign rider. Why? Consumers want to text or visit a website to get information without being interrupted They don’t want to call – they just want to know what the house is like. Generation x buys through friends. They don’t love you. They love themselves! They buy 50% of all new construction because they want it their way Referrals and testimonials become more critical than anything else This is why social networking is so important People can recommend you!

Why do we do newspapers? Because the seller tells usso. We won’t say NO. We don’t use statistics to handle that. We know that newspapers don’t work. Next time you can, ask your sellers this question: If you were a buyer where were you going to look for your next home.That should convince them.

Happy New Year!

It is 10 p.m. do you know where your Brand Reputation is?

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:38:30 -0600

Just got off the phone with a client. I had suggested a marketing company for them to investigate. They did, in a big way, on the Internet. And some of the stuff they saw turned them off, scared them a little. BUT - they have spoken to satisfied customers of this company AND have had "good" vibes when speaking to them.

Some of the comments out there were not great, and it made them question their decision. SO, is it important for us to know what is being said about us? I don't know all the answers but one thing I strongly suggest is setting up GOOGLE alerts. You can put your name in and be alerted when the GOOGLE bots pick up your name out there. When i get an email I always click the link and read the post and thank the person for their comments.

I just read a great post on Mashable.com that offers 10 FREE tools for monitoring your online reputation. i am going to be trying some of them out and will report later. Please read the post, it is great.

Click here for the link.

The Times they are a Changing - are you?

Amy Chorew (TheTechByte) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:54:13 -0600

Change is coming, are you ready? Change accompanied with hope and a great attitude can make such a difference.

A quote by James Allen, one of my favorites, says it best:

So what change do you want for 2009? sit back and think for a moment. Write down the top five areas that you want change in. Not, HOW, WHEN but WHAT!

Now sit back, close your eyes and think again. What tools, resources do you have now at your fingertips that you could use to accomplish these goals? Include people, systems, software, hardware then STOP. Don't spend another penny until you use ONE more feature of some of the tools you now own to enhance your business.

DON'T REINVENT - IMPLEMENT!

Let me give you an example. A coaching client of mine is all frustrated and ready to spend TONS of money on new contact management software to run her business. I asked her what she has now. What she tells me is what she is hearing around the office. People are purchasing newer products and she thinks she needs them also. I told her to put away her credit card and we made a list. She has Outlook and ACT. We took time to organize her email, made up some more action plans in ACT and then realized she did need a lead management system - something to send out emails for her incubating leads.

She is right now looking at Brokershelper, and the expanded Point2product and RealPro Systems. BUT, she started with what she owns. And she has a Point2 account now, so that might be the answer.

What are you using for contact management and lead management?

But remember- use the tools that you already have available. If you started using one more feature on some of the tools you now own, you can enhance your business faster and definitely less expensively.