Erika's Blog

Are mobile web and mobile search ready for real estate?

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:36:48 -0500

As real estate professionals, nationwide, search for sales and marketing tools to better advertise their listings to consumers, talk of mobile advertising capabilities continues to rise to the top of discussion.

We've seen MLS and Associations swarming around the idea of mobile MLS search, in attempt to meet real estate consumer demands and provide easy access to listing information from mobile phones. The only question is, are we ready to start marketing campaigns via mobile web search? If you are trying to reach a large audience, wireless user reports point to "No".

In our research, we have yet to find a real estate professional who's been satisfied with the results of utilizing a mobile web marketing service. This only makes sense considering the statistics for actual users of mobile web. Reports indicate that only 14% of mobile subscribers in the US actually use mobile web, a pinch of the over 255

million total mobile subscribers. Smartphone owners consist of a slim 3.8% of users and 1% piece of the pie goes to iPhone owners.

Although the idea is great, they are ahead of technology curve for their consumers who are actually using mobile web. But there is another option. Do not disregard the opportunity to utilize mobile phones and marketing capabilities as there are solutions that are very successful.

"Today, technology is being woven into the very fabric of our social culture, offering advertisers the ability to extend their reach to consumers much more effectively and immediately." (USShortCodes)

Text messaging is a strong avenue for you to consider as it is approaching nearly 5 times greater the number of cell phone owners utilizing mobile web and mobile search. Consider marketing services like Goomzee, which sends a text message with information to consumers, as well as the option to either view a mobile web link, or actually download a slideshow of up to 8 photos to their phone.

The benefits to text message advertising is extremely valuable: you can provide buyers with instant property information, 24/7 and generate quality leads that you can follow-up with. That has got to make your home-sellers happy!

Happy Mobile Marketing!

Erika Beede

Communications Manager

What should you take to your next sales team meeting?

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:49:17 -0500

As summer all to quickly comes to an end, you'll likely be finding more time to sit in on those weekly team sales meetings in your office. To be honest, now may be the best time to attend these meetings, too! With the attitude about the market, this is a great way to get you motivated and back in the real estate game.

Here are a couple of things you'll want to remember to bring with you:

1.) A POSITIVE attitude - If you go into a meeting with a pessimistic attitude, you'll just bring everyone around you down. If you put yourself in a positive mood, you will look at things in a completely different light.

2.) A pen and paper - Put down that Blackberry (Crackberry) and write down some ideas! You're clients won't mind that you didn't answer them right away, especially if you are finding out new ways to help their homes sell faster!

3.) New ideas for marketing listings - you can share these new tools with others to see if they have heard of them. Ultimately, if several office members are interested in one of the tools, you can likely get a discount on the pricing for more agents signing up together.

4.) A list of your goals - Goals are a way to inspire yourself. It's important to write down your goals for the next month, 3 months, 6 months, year, etc. Those goals can be anything from the number of houses you want to have listed, or the number of contacts you want to make every day or even the total commission you want to walk away with at the end of a period. If you have your goals in front of you at all times, you'll know how close your are to reaching them and how long you have to complete them. You might want to write down something that you will treat yourself to WHEN you reach your goals. It's a great way to remind yourself to stay on track. You just have to find the determination to keep them!

Although sometimes they may seem repetitive and not worth your time, MAKE the time to attend your sales team meetings!!

Happy Selling,

Erika Beede

What should you take to your next sales team meeting?

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:48:37 -0500

Here are a couple of things you'll want to remember to bring with you:

Although sometimes they may seem repetitive and not worth your time, MAKE the time to attend your sales team meetings!!

Happy Selling,

Erika Beede

Stop pushing your potential customers away!

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:42:46 -0500

Yesterday I was in a meeting with a group of people and introducing them to mobile advertising and the role it plays in the real estate industry. One particular person happened to not be a real estate professional, but in the process of being a homebuyer/seller in Boise. Once we described our service to him, he completely identified and related to the need for a service like Goomzee in the real estate industry. It's a great way to gather pertinent information right away.

As we explained our service, mobile advertising and lead generation, he was interested in what kind of information he would receive on his phone once he requested information. As we told him, he would get the standard property information as well as whatever additional information that the homeseller found relevent. I noticed a sense of relief in his eyes.

He stated that the day before, (Tuesday) he had been driving around looking at homes and noticed a "call for a recorded message" sign rider at a property. He called in and said the first three minutes of the message were not about the property at all, but rather information about REALTORS in general and how important it was for him to work with one. His frustration? So, what did that have to do with the house he was looking at? He hung up after he finally got to the end only to hear a very brief message about the actual home and was so irritated by initial part of the message that he didn't even remember anything about the house. Needless to say, he didn't call back and he left without any information to recollect. Do you think this guy will be using a "call for recorded message" service again? Not likely!

DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!

I know it's important to educate consumers on the importance of working with a REALTOR. But when a consumer is looking specifically for information about a property, is it really the best time to tell them about REALTORS? Consumers are too busy anymore; they want to get the information they need right away, to make a decision whether or not to move on to the next step. Beds, Baths, Sq.Ft. and Price are a few of the very basics, then of course adding the special amentities that the property may offer.

Let's put it this way; you want to find out how much your car insurance is going to cost. First of all, what a pain in the butt! We've ALL been here. You call around and the first place you come across answers the phone. You tell them you are looking for car insurance. So the first three minutes of the call, the salesman talks your ear off about why you should work with them and how much they want you to be their customer. You didn't even ask them! All you want to know is how much it's going to cost! You'll decide if you want to work with them or not.

Do I think it's irrelevant to teach consumers the importance of working with a REALTOR? HECK NO! I think it's very important, but when a consumer is on the go, they want the information they are looking for. Find a better time to do it! And hey, they may already know! Those NAR ads I've been seeing and hearing have convinced me to work with a REALTOR!!

Happy marketing :)

Erika Beede

Are you branding to college kids? You should be.... but how?

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:39:26 -0500

Today my colleagues and I took our first trip to the new Hooters that opened just last week (the first Hooters in Montana!). While there we were talking to our lovely waitress and making conversation asked where we worked. On Monday, we hired a new member for our sales team. This gave him the chance to give his first live spiel about Goomzee and what we do. HE DID SO GREAT!

As Lon explained, "we provide the ability for consumers (house hunters, renters, etc.) to send a text message to learn more information about a property. Basically, if she drove by a house for sale or rent, saw a Goomzee sign and sent a text message containing that property ID code, she would receive a text back with information about the house."

Her eyes opened wide and she said "That is such a cool idea! A few weeks ago my friends and I were looking for a house to rent for the upcoming semester. Mind you, we needed something with five bedrooms and definitely more than one bathroom since it's five girls living together. We drove around for about two days and called and left messages for the agents and companies to find out more info on the houses and apartments we saw and hardly any of them called us back prudently. It took forever for us to find a house, although finally we did. It would have been so much more helpful and less time consuming to be able to find out the information right away, than having to call all the places, wait for them to call us back, come to find out they only had 2 or 3 bedrooms! Not only that, if they did have something we were possibly interested in, by the time they called us, we couldn't remember where the heck that particular house was since all of us are from out of town. Having the information right away would have saved us a ton of time. Not to mention we are obsessed with text messaging and of course I always have my phone with me!"

I sat there smiling as I related to everything she was saying. It brought back my frustrations of house hunting as a college kid (not that long ago folks - only 3 years !). I am still a renter so I'm always looking for a better deal on apartments or better apartments in an area I like. Well, that and I know all about obsession with text messaging!

By the way, the food was great, the girls were beautiful and the service was awesome! I won't be seen working there anytime soon, however - I don't look so good in orange!

Renters are future home buyers. The sooner you get in front of them, the longer you'll have them as a client! Goomzee provides that ability to connect with them early on. Also, keep in mind that not only does a service like Goomzee provide your consumers with instant property information, it saves THEM time, it saves YOU time and also provides you the contact information for a potential Hooters girl. :) hehe. Okay, I suppose only the guys will appreciate that!

Erika

Real Estate Olympics 2008 - we need your help!

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:43:05 -0500

In light of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a member of Inman put together a Real Estate Olympics competition; "Real Estate Pacesetters 2008".

Last week, over 40 contestants were submitted for the contest as the industries premier pacesetters; companies who are leading our industry towards change.

I'm PROUD to announce that GOOMZEE.com has been chosen as one of the 8 final contestants!! Among the 8 contestants, we currently are listed in Lane #5! Now is our chance to make our move and to be nominated as Gold (preferrably), Silver or Bronze. All votes are submitted by the Inman community.

Please take a moment to check out the final contestants. I highly recommend you check out the contestants, there is a great diversity of challenge among the final 8. I'm sure you will be seeing much more of them (if you haven't already) in the very near future!

Here is a list of the finalists and a link to the Inman blog.

1. Obeo

2. Roost

3. Condo Domain

4. Agent Sheild

5. Goomzee

6. eShowings

7. Bug Realty

8. Beat You There

Best of luck to all the participants!!

Erika

The psychology of managing your professional schedule

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:05:34 -0500

As a real estate professional you have an important task of keeping your clients satisfied. One of the key factors in keeping your clients satisfied requires you to be available to your client when they are available. After all, they've chosen you to work for them. (I know, I should be nicknamed "Captain Obvious"!) However, there is a fine line that can be crossed, and that's the line between your personal and professional life. When that line is crossed, it can eventually cause small sparks that lead to a fire in the relationship between you and your clients down the road.

It's important to clarify your professional schedule with your clients, immediately. Let them know exactly when you are available for receiving and returning phone calls, emails, text messages and appointments. Breaking your own rules can lead to the following:

1. If you communicate with a client outside of the schedule you initially gave them (or didn't give them for that matter), they may expect you to be available at all times. People become comfortable with routines. If even once you communicate business with a client outside of your set schedule, it can set the expectation that it's acceptable for them to continue that and builds a routine for them. When routines are broken, people often become frustrated and discouraged.

2. If clients make a special request for time outside of your set schedule, clarify with them that although you normally don't make appointments during that time, you would be happy to do so in this particular circumstance. Although it may sound a bit harsh at first, if you word it the right way, your clients will respect your time and know that you are going above and beyond your duties.

3. Giving clients "optional times" to meet, similar to as a Dr's office would do, gives them the feeling you are busy; aka successful. This can be a struggle to manage. If your schedule is perceived to be TOO full, they may think you aren't giving them enough attention and you are spreading yourself too thin among other clients.

3. Telling clients your schedule is "wide-open", gives them the perception you may be desperate, have no other clients to deal with and you are at their beck and call. Maybe your schedule isn't so full right now, but remember, you need to make yourself time to do some prospecting and listing presentations as well! Imagine if you were to drive past two restaurants every day; although never have been to either. Every day Restaurant A is packed with cars; whereas Restaurant B never has more than 2 cars in the parking lot. You feel like stopping for a nice meal on your way home from work one day. Are you going to choose Restaurant A or Restaurant B? Restaurant A; you might have to wait a while, but obviously people like it a lot more than Restaurant B! This also goes back to rule #2. It may cause clients to expect you to return their correspondence much faster, since you obviously have nothing else to do.

4. Feel free to tell your clients you may be checking emails while on vacation, but also tell them you may not get back to them until you return. As your clients are your business, you do have to work at a time that fits for them, but that doesn't mean ALL the time. It can burn you out and give you a negative perception on your job, ultimately driving your will to work into the ground. After all, that's why you're on vacation! You know those "Out of the Office Notifications", they work a charm :) Be sure to tell your clients ahead of time you will not be available, but you have found a person to fill your shoes while you are out.

5. Don't pack your schedule so full that you don't have a minute to spare. Let's face it, things happen and get in the way or take longer than expected. Give yourself some time between appointments. It's better to have a few extra minutes in a day than show up a half hour late to an appointment! Make yourself block off a couple of hours here and there that you DON'T make public to your clients but that you still consider work hours. It gives you time to catch up if you have gotten a bit behind in paperwork; the fun stuff that can sometimes lead into all hours of the night. If you have an unexpected client emergency, this is a great time to help them out without interrupting something else.

Everyone has a personal life. Keeping it real with your clients can only lead to gaining their respect for you managing such a demanding, yet efficient schedule.

How do you manage your professional and personal schedules?

Erika

Politicians Text Message To Stay in Touch - Do You?

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:52:22 -0500

I've noticed politicians making an extra effort to reach-out to more young adults with campaigns such as the get out and vote programs by companies like MTV. Other sources for news, information and events have been implemented this year, and if you haven't already heard, one of the biggest has been text-messaging. People can sign up to receive the latest news from their favorite politicians to keep in touch and updated. This morning I was catching up with some wireless industry news, and according to Wireless Week Obama will be announcing his VP running mate thought his text messaging campaigning during the Democratic Convention in Denver in just a couple of weeks. That's HUGE NEWS!

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Here is a snap shot of the news release:

"Obama to Break VP News by Text By Rhonda Wickham WirelessWeek - August 11, 2008 The 2008 U.S. Presidential campaign is turning into the election year that mainstreamed wireless technology. Barack Obama’s campaign has announced its intention to let texters know who his running mate will be in the days leading up to the Democratic convention Aug. 25-28 in Denver. According to Obama website, voters can be the “first to know” who Obama’s vice president will be by going online and providing a cell phone number (or e-mail address), or by texting VP to 62262 to receive a text message with the breaking announcement. Obama's campaign has used wireless and Internet technology to build more of a grass roots campaign. Since announcing his plan to run for president last summer, Obama has employed roughly 25 text campaigns to supporters."

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Do you think that text messaging is a good way to increase communication reach? I most definitely do! Not only for young adults, but for everyone. Think about today's fast-paced lifestyles: some people are just too busy to listen to the news at night, and search the internet for news. (Those are people like me!) If they are able to receive a text message, it takes them literally just a few seconds to open their phone and check out.

If you haven't already, you should really try and implement text messaging into your communication line between you and your potential or current customers. Suggest to them you are open to this way. Chances are, they will be THRILLED their agent is so tech savvy, even if they'd rather receive a phone call or email, they'll be grateful you offered. And for those who just don't have the time, they'll LOVE receiving updates from you. There are many great ways and unique systems for adding text messaging to your real estate career and the best part is that it's affordable. It's not just another teenage fad, this will stick with us for a long time!

Side note #1: While writing this blog post, I received a text message from my aunt in Eastern Montana. I said - "WHOA, I have never gotten a text from you!" Her response? "I need to somehow keep up with Dara!" (her 16 year old daughter!) It was so great! We just made weekend plans in a matter of minutes.

Side note #2: I was in Denver over the weekend and the town was buzzing with news of the Democratic Convention. Signs, banners and whispers of what was giong to happen everywhere we went.

Happy communicating,

Erika Beede

Do you have a "fall back" to your real estate career

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:36:45 -0500

So things may not be looking so bright and shiny in the real estate industry as they once were, nor may your wallet be as thick. BUT, does that mean it's time to give up? NO WAY!

You've worked long, hard hours to make real estate your career. Lately, I have heard whispers of agents talking about their "fall back" money making jobs or considering one if they don't already have one. I understand, I have a second job/hobby myself; it's an at-home business selling lotions, and potions and make-up... OH MY. However, the money I make I definitely don't rely on, because I never know how much time I will actually have to put in to it. It's actually more of a "fun account". I know that if I started depending on that money, then my focus would be skewed from my career at hand and therefore, begin to fail.

I'm sure your mamma always told you, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket". I know, because my mum told me the same thing! BUT, in this case, maybe that is the best way to go. A business needs time, nurturing, energy and strength. If you don't put all the ingrediants into it, the recipe will flop!

If you want to make the most of your real estate business, but still need the extra cash through another source, here is my suggestion:

Create a To-Do list of every day tasks for your real estate business. Once you've completed those tasks, THEN move on to your next venture. Otherwise, you'll get behind and it will take you even more time, nurturing, energy and strength to bring it back. Keep up with your customers, remind them that you LOVE referrals and you can't wait to work with them again. The market is how you perceive it. Keep it positive!

I see gas has just dropped below $4.00 a gallon for us in Montana. Hopefully it's doing the same everywhere; that should put a few more bucks in your pocket when you fill up!

Keep up the good work and stay POSITIVE!

Erika

How do you keep motivated - follow the KW way!

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:43:06 -0500

As we all know, technology continues to evolve by leaps and bounds, and the role it plays in the real estate industry is a vital one. We, Goomzee, was recently invited to attend an event that's premise was meant to motivate customers and keep their marketing minds going. As we continue to hear of the market downturn, although we may not necessarily all agree with it nor be affected by it, we need to have a way to keep motivated. How can we keep selling our properties? What tools are available and which of those will best fit my marketing portfolio?

I want to share a recent event that we experienced and the benefit it can play for you.

The Keller William’s Northwest Market Center (NWMC) in Austin, Texas recognizes the value-add of technology tools, and recently took initiative to enhance their agents’ education in the field of technology. The KW Geek Affair stems from the motivation to bring not just ideas, but actual business tools directly to agents for review. Agents at the KW office called upon us at Goomzee to help them get their agents' blood flowing again with real estate excitement.

Roland Castillo, the Career Development Coach at the NWMC, and Michael Brandt of United Lending were the real innovators. They brainstormed the idea for the event in May, which took place in June. Its premise: bring together real estate technology vendors to help agents learn more about technology readily available to enhance their real estate business. Not only was this just an idea, but an idea that had turned into a reality for many of the KW agents in Austin. Roland and Michael's excitement for this event was contagious, and many agents arrived to see what the fuss was all about.

Participants at the event were able to see Goomzee in action, among several other real estate vendors. A hands-on approach to presenting the product allowed agents to experience products first hand.

Events like these allow you to experience new tools, know that it's not just another gimmick to sell your properties. Talk to your colleagues, find out what they want to learn more about and hold a mini-tech fair. The beauty of the smaller shows is that you get the ability to talk one on one with vendors. They can answer the questions directly for you, rather than you receiving short-answers because they are bombarded with so many real estate agents.

Even if you are unable to hold a show, take initiative to find out from your other agents what tools they want to learn more about. Try this; at your next team meeting, poll the agents about what vendors they have heard of but just haven't taken the time to find out more about. Come back with information at the next meeting, and they will appreciate you more than you know!

Your leadership will rub off on others and bring them back to that happy place :)

Good luck!

Erika

Inman Conference - we're missing out!

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:06:25 -0500

If you are reading this blog, chances are you are just like me and MISSING OUT on all the great information available at the Inman Conference!

I have a co-worker who is attending and has been keeping in contact and sending me text messages (rubbing it in that I'm not there), letting me know all the of the industry names who he's mingled with. He sure knows how to make a person jealous! He just informed me that he's off to begin the day again to meet some more!

I spoke with a client of ours, Vicki Lloyd, yesterday and she was completely bummed to be missing out on such an awesome party. I guess the good thing about her missing was she was headed out the door to show a house - something definitely not to complain about! She said next year there are no excuses for the both of us not to attend :)

Here's just a few from his list! There are many, many more, but he was running out the door as he was letting me know these names off the top of his head!

Bug Realty

Realogy

Wolfnet Technologies

Inman News (I'd hope so!)

Rain City Guide

HAR.com

vFlyer

ChaseNation.com

If you are there and still have a moment to let us know who you've met, feel free to share!!!

Happy Networking,

Erika

It's all about what the seller wants - or is it? It's YOUR job to EDUCATE.

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:39:03 -0500

"It's all about whatever my seller wants to hear."

Recently I've read some interesting comments in some of the blog posts about agents adopting new marketing tactics - or not adopting them for that matter.

What stands out in my mind the most is a comment that read, "It's all about whatever my seller wants to hear." Stop there. Isn't it also about the buyer? These comments triggered an irritation that just needed to be scratched. So here we go.

Ultimately, yes, if you want to win listings, pleasing the seller is what needs to happen. But as an agent, you also have the responsibilty to educate your sellers as well on what their potential buyers want. Chances are, they don't know the consumer profile like you do. They probably do not know the response rates you are receiving on your web site as compared to your newspaper ads. They know people are looking at their flyers in front of the house, because they seem to disappear almost faster than the boxes get refilled! But they hired you to sell it because they either don't know how or don't have the time!

Analyze their home and potential buyer profile.

When you are presenting to your potential clients, tell them what you are using and why as well as what you aren't using, and why. Tell them who their consumers are for their property, how they are finding out about homes for sale, and how you are going to attract them to their property!

If you are throwing money into the wind on newspaper ads, tell your clients the ROI on them just isn't as great as it used to be; the cost is sky high and you aren't actually receiving leads from them unless the buyers call you! You're budget can be best spent elsewhere.

They live close to a school (young families).
They own an older home that needs a bit of work, but it's in a great neighborhood and it's underpriced a bit as the economy seems to be taking a nose dive. (young to mid-age folks who have the strength, time and a few extra bucks in their pocket to make this home perfect for their needs).
Being in the heart of downtown, the neighborhood receives a lot more traffic than living in the country. More traffic = more drive buys! Remind them that the 3rd top way that homebuyers found their house was via yard sign; only to be passed by their REALTOR and online.
Today lives are much more fast paced - especially in a downtown setting; consumers are doing a lot of research on their own before coming to a REALTOR. The more information that's readily available to them, the better.

Example of a listing tool and explaining why.

So, you've found a new technology that makes up for that lack of response. You put all these ingredients together and decide that this could be a great tool to attract buyers to their property. Text message marketing. WHAT?! Be careful, new + technology may scare some people if they aren't comfortable with it! But also, it may surprise you to know that your sellers LOVE your idea. They didn't know it existed and they are excited to see that an agent is trying something new. LISTING WON!

Why it will work.

If they are still unsure why you've chosen this specific tool (it's for young people, they don't know how to text so neither does anyone else, etc - I've heard it all folks!), remind them that 75% of consumers send and receive text messages and no, it's not just people age 25 and under! It's all ages. 58% are 25-34; 43% are 35-44; 33% are 55-64 and 19% are 65+. WOW FACTOR!

Now you've answered these questions for them.

Who is their consumer?
How do they get information?
How are you, their agent, going to attract them?

These NEW marketing tools weren't designed because they are "cool". They have been designed becuase there are needs to be fulfilled in the real estate market to help you satisfy consumers, generate leads, measure your marketing reach and most importantly help you SELL MORE HOMES.

Rant conclusion.

When you are presenting to your potential clients, analyze their home, the potential buyer profile and tell them WHY you are using the tools you've chosen to sell it. It's your job and they hired you because they trust your opinion!

Fun side note.

My father, who just turned 60 ( I love you Dad! No one would never guess it!) found the greatest thing on his phone recently. PHOTO messaging. One snowy day in June, I received about ten picture messages of his house covered with three inches of snow. I LOVED IT!!! Who would have thought? ME!

Although since then I do know that I'm not his #1 photo texter - that goes to my 4 year old niece and 2 year old nephew who have become the light in his life. Seeing a picture of them everyday just warms his heart.

My family and friends know that the quickest way to get a hold of me is by sending me a text. I don't listen to voicemails, it takes too much time. If they do leave a voicemail, I generally just send a text message back telling them I'm busy but asking them what they want. I take my phone everywhere and it takes me 1 second to look at a text. Open phone, open message, read, respond. Okay a total of ten seconds and we've communicated!

Happy Presenting!

Erika

Marketing Reminder! Check your ads to be sure they are placed correctly

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:45:36 -0500

Sometimes you get caught up in the hustle and bustle of all your daily tasks (Hey - we all do!) which makes it easy to forget one very important thing: CHECK TO MAKE SURE THE ADS YOU'VE PAID FOR ARE PLACED!

Last week I bought an ad package through our newspaper. Today, I double checked to make sure our ad was placed on all the sites listed in the package and one was missing! I contacted the sales person to make sure and he said I was correct - our ad had not been placed correctly. He verified and made sure our ad would be placed the following day.

Just a reminder to make sure your marketing dollars are getting what you paid for! It would be terrible if your ads were being surpassed.

Happy Marketing!

Erika

Weight Watchers vs. Your Marketing Plan

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:45:35 -0500

Some things in life seem so different; but when you break them down to the core, they end up being much more alike than you'd ever have imagined. There seems to be a similar cycle in many of life's challenges and feats.

I got to thinking today about comparing a marketing plan to the Weight Watchers diet. Sound strange? Hear me out here and then let me know what you think.

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Goals

WW: You want to lose weight and eat healthier. You decide what your goal weight is and now you need to define the best path to get you there.

MKTG: You decide who your target market is. You decide what you want your ultimate goal to be with your marketing and now need to decide how to do that.

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Getting started

WW: You weigh yourself in and find out how many points you are allowed: You gather information on your gender, height, current weight, age and physical activity.

MKTG: You line out your ad budget for the year and find out what the max is you can spend. First you need to know who your consumer is, what they are buying, where they are buying and where they are getting their information.

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The necessities

WW: You analyze the most important foods that you have to have in your diet; fibers, dairy, carbohydrates, proteins, fats and decide the best way to incorporate them all, making sure you are getting enough of each category - all the while staying within the allowed points.

MKTG: You decide which marketing tactics are a necessity. Classifieds, tv/radio media, online, billboards, lead generation tools, flyers, brochures; but you have to remember you have a budget to stick to.

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Take the extra and splurge

WW: Besides the daily alloted points, you are also granted extra points to dispurse at your leisure throughout the week. You don't have to spend them, but if you don't, you might get burned out on this diet faster than you'd hoped. You pick what you want to spend them on and enjoy every minute of it.

MKTG: You leave a little bit of marketing budget to try something new; something designed to fit with the changing of the overall market and your consumers. You don't have to spend the extra money, but if you don't take the chance, you may be losing leads and customers you could have gotten by spending it.

---

Focus

WW: To stay on top of your results, you keep records of the foods your eating and on a weekly basis you measure your weight to see your results. You make sure you are staying within your guidelines, but you continue to change things around for variety and see what combination works best.

MKTG: No marketing program is going to work without putting at least a little bit of effort into it; but if you really want to make your dollars worth it, you make sure you are using all your tactics to their fullest potential and following up with every single lead. On a periodical basis, you measure your marketing return and end up changing it around just a bit; if you have one tactic gaining better results than the other, you take a little money from the lesser tactic and inject it into the better one.

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Maintain your goal

WW: Once you've reached your ultimate goal, you set new goals to maintain the weight you've reached. You continue to monitor your diet and exercise. You make sure to keep your diet exciting by adding new foods, trying new things and exercising through various activities.

MKTG: Once you've established your best marketing tactics, you continue to push forth with them at full throttle, meanwhile continuing to analyze their results to see if the time you are spending is worthwhile. If your showing a slow of results, it's time to pull off a bit on and put your money into something else.

---

It's important to make the most out of your marketing budget. Use your tactics to their maximum potential, then analyze them to see their value. If it's working great for you, keep it up; but if you think there is something better out there, don't be afraid of change. Taking a chance could be your best tactic yet!

Now every time you think of your marketing plan, are you going to think of Weight Watchers? :)

Happy Marketing

Erika

Just when you thought you had a real mobile office...

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:18:30 -0500

Sick of driving around in your vehicle (the office away from the office) looking for a WiFi Hotspot?

Now you can really set up a "mobile office". Chrysler has announced they will add wireless routeres to some of their 2009 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models. What a great service for REALTORS and road warriors alike!

Now I know what you're thinking... How much is it?

Not as bad as you'd think!

The router - $449

Installation - up to $50

Mobile Web access - about $29 per month ($35 activation fee)

Service will be provided by Autonet Mobile.

Feel free to check out the full article:

Information superhighway: Chrysler to turn 2009 vehicles into mobile Wi-Fi hotspots

Show of hands...

Who will be purchasing a new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge in 2009?

Erika

www.goomzee.com

A quick "Shout out" to our troops!

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:49:44 -0500

I received a photo of a fell University of Montana Alumni today who's serving in our military. Notice the "Griz" paw on his helmet :)

Here's a quick background on him and the photo.

Back in the day, Kyle Lambert was on our track team & also served on the Griz cheer squad for a bit. You can see he always displays his Griz Pride. Kyle writes that while flying the other day, he saw Iraq, Iran & Kuwait at the same time.

Kyle wrote:

"Here are some pictures from my flight today. Notice the helo in the background. It was a fun flight!..."

Keep all our troops in your thoughts as they continue daily to make our home a better place to live!

Feel free to share any great pictures of miliatary members in the post!

Have you "Gone Mobile"? Here's why you should...

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:07:51 -0500

In June's issue of Texas Realtors magazine, Dee Copeland wrote an excellent article about mobile marketing technology and the way it's headed in the real estate industry.

Here area few excerpts and if you click on the title, it'll take you directly to the article online!

Going mobile
New technology and mobile marketing tools to help your business.

by Dee Copeland

"Mobile what?

In the simplest terms, mobile marketing refers to interacting with consumers on their mobile phones. This could include sending content to or from a mobile device or using a mobile phone on both sides of the interaction.

This content can range from a simple text message sent to standard cell phones to complex virtual-tour images and clips sent to the most advanced smartphones.

Why you should care

Some agents think having a “sticky” Web site or blog will put them ahead of the curve, and I am certainly not going to downplay the importance of a strong Web presence. However, having the capacity to effectively communicate with current and potential clients via a cell phone or PDA is becoming increasingly important.

Consider that there are 120 million Generation X and Generation Y mobile subscribers. These are our clients today and for many years to come—and they have a great deal of buying power. Many of them quite simply prefer this type of communication. It’s instant, it’s easy, and it doesn’t require them to run to a computer or take notes—all the information is on the pocket-size devices that they carry with them at all times."

Dee talks about the importance of mobile marketing and how it can be implemented into the real estate marketing toolbox. Various opportunities exist; there are multiple solutions designed specifically for this industry and their consumers. If you read the article, you'll even see Goomzee.com mentioned in there as one of these providers! (shameless plug ;).

"Challenge and opportunity

Marketing is as old as business, but mobile marketing is still in an experimental stage. The need is strong, the tools are there, but the technology has obstacles to overcome. The most significant of these is reaching and appealing to users without agitating them. Many users—even those with fancy smartphones—don’t have unlimited data plans and may incur charges from some of these strategies. For this reason, you should make sure that recipients are not only getting the type of content they want, but also when they want to get it and how frequently, as well. Even considering this hurdle, as these increasingly advanced devices find their way into the hands of more consumers, the use of mobile marketing technologies will grow considerably. Are you ready?"

Thanks Dee! Great article and excellent writing. There is a lot of valuable information in there!

That is your Friday Food for Thought! Hope you all have a great weekend!

Erika Beede

www.goomzee.com

Keller Williams Tech Fair 1.0 - June 19

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:49:43 -0500

Keller Williams/United Lending Geek Fair 1.0

June 19, 2008

12:30pm - 3:30pm

Austin, Texas

Purpose: To highlight current technologies for use within the professional real estate field.

Stop by and visit, to see the latest and greatest in technology tools for real estate agents.

Keller Williams Realty

9430 Research Blvd

Austin, TX 78759

I met Bill Clinton this weekend... at a local bar!

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:27:55 -0500

Saturday evening I was out having a couple of drinks in dowtown Missoula, MT, with some friends of mine; we were having a going away party for one of them who has re-enlisted in the Marines.

After a couple of beers and a burger at the Missoula Club, known to the locals as Mo Club, infamously taglined by "Warm beer and Cold burgers", we had quite the surprise visitor.

There had been about 15 people in the bar all night, 10 of which were in our group, when a few men in black suites walked in with ear pieces. A couple of us joked, "those look like secret service guys... what dorks."

Of course, you can imagine my shock when suddenly, in walks the former President Bill Clinton!!! We all kind of looked at eachother and shared a few whispers:

"That dude looks like Bill Clinton.. haha".

"Is that Bill Clinton"?

"I think that's Bill Clinton"...

"You guys, Bill Clinton is here"!

He has been in Montana for the last couple of days campaigning, but no one expected this! We got some pictures, and chatted him up for a bit, but before long, the bar was so packed, you could hardly move! He stuck around for about two hours, had a couple of beers and a burger and headed back to his hotel. He was so friendly and happy to take pictures with everyone.

We live in a fairly small town, so you can imagine the excitment when anyone that is somewhat famous comes to hang out in a public place; let alone a former President.

Anyway, of course there are supporters and non-supporters, but regardless, it's pretty cool to meet a former President of the United States! For the curious, I've posted the article from our local newspaper below the picture. Enjoy :)

Mo Club gets surprise visit from Clinton

By BETSY COHEN of the Missoulian

The Saturday night bar crowd at the Mo Club took a double take when a big white-haired man walked into the iconic watering hole around 9 p.m. surrounded by a posse of unusually serious men. All sorts of people frequent the infamous downtown Missoula bar, but never a president.

“That's Bill Clinton. That's really Bill Clinton,” went the murmurs, mushrooming as they hopscotched down the barstools. “Everyone was star-struck at first,” said Rob Schulte, who often is the one serving up drinks at the Mo Club, but on this night was on the other side of the bar enjoying the occasion with friends.

“He really went out of his way to meet everyone and say hello, and everyone was really happy that he did,” Schulte said. “It's not like he needed to be introduced. Everyone knew who he was.”

For a Saturday night, the crowd was fairly light and happy to be hanging with the former president, Schulte said. By all appearances, Clinton also seemed happy to be mixing it up with Missoula locals. He ordered a Mo burger and a beer, and ate it standing up in the back of the bar while talking with the enthusiastic patrons, many of whom pulled out their cell phones and asked to snap his photograph. Clinton was so accommodating, Schulte said, that he posed for a picture with all the Mo Club bartenders, and after all the meeting and greeting, the former president ordered the bar a round of Washington Red Apples - a concoction of schnapps, whiskey and cranberry juice. The shots went out to about 70 people, Schulte said.

Once word got out about the unusual party downtown, the fairly mellow crowd was joined by all their friends - who either got a text message or phone call about Clinton's visit. Within 30 minutes, the place was as packed as it is on a Grizzly game day, Schulte said. Clinton stayed for about two hours, and when he left - with a Mo Club T-shirt as a parting gift - everyone was even more star-struck.

“It was quite the experience. Everyone was like ‘holy cow,' ” Schulte said. “He was really cool and really went out of his way to talk with people.” “He didn't act like a big shot. He just seemed happy to be at the Mo Club,” he said. “It was definitely quite the experience.”

Identifying your tech-savvy customer

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:06:28 -0500

Nielsen is preparing to report their Q1 2008 findings for mobile buyers.

What do these stastics mean for you, the real estate professionals, and your consumers? As usage of text messaging increases overall, so does the increase of adoption and implementing it into other uses; product/service information and purchase decisions. As consumers continue to see the value in receiving information via text message about products and services, it opens up another stream for real estate professionals to get information out to them.

Why do people love it? It's simple (for most), it's convenient, and it's fast. They don't have to waste time talking on the phone, when they can easily flip open their mobile phone (something you can nearly guarantee is attached to their hip) and read a quick message. It's fun. It's generally not interrupting. It's both personal and impersonal; you can have private conversations without everyone around listening to your conversation. From a consumer point of view, they don't have to call someone; rather, the information is available to them right then and there.

Text messaging gives consumers power. They can participate in voting for nationwide competitions, like American Idol. Why do you think politicians added it to their campaigns? They can find out information on their own first. It makes them feel like they are the ones in control and as a consumer, and they should be.

It's not just the youngsters anymore either. Text messaging was initially thought of as a "younger generation" thing. Well, those younger generations are five years older now and entering into, if not already, interest in the real estate market. They are teaching their mom's, dad's and even grandparents that texting is the best way to get things done, in a hurry. It's not longer "call me". It's "text me".

Of course, as with all technology, you will always have people who resist; just like the internet. Not everyone prefers using the it, but if companies didn't have it, they would lose a large quantity of customers. And that is why you are online, blogging, right now! :)

The avenues and opportunities of marketing to your potential customers are opening up; are you ready to utilize them?

Erika

Remember, summer means more traffic at your properties!

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Tue, 27 May 2008 10:48:44 -0500

My Memorial weekend to the lake was delightful. My mum and dad live in a very summer touristy area just about an hour and a half north of my town; and boy you could tell summer was just around the corner. Lots of people bringing out their campers and tents for the season, green grass and LOTS of new properties listed.

The one thing those new properties were missing was information about them! We saw three homes in just one small area alone that were new listings, but the name of the real estate company wasn't familiar. We kept saying, remember that company so we can look it up. Do you think we remembered any of the names? NOPE! Not one of those three homes had any type of information about them readily available at the property.

Remember, especially for those of you who's listings are in a popular summer destination area, your listings may get a LOT of extra traffic this summer. So be sure to make information as accessible as possible; and use that traffic to your advantage! You never know who may be looking to relocate or looking for a summer home, and they may be your next best customer!

If you are using Flyers, be sure to keep that box filled with crisp, clean flyers!

If you are not using any informational tools at your properties, be sure to take advantage of the tools that provide information AND lead capture (even in addition to flyers). Some consumers are hesitant to contact agents right out of the gate, but if you are giving them the ability to self-service themselves with info, (self-service and instant information is more and more becoming the consumers way these days) while they are standing in front of the property, the information provided might be just enough to wet their whistle and spark some added interest.

Use those "At property info tools" to help your business! Call for information (recorded) services and text for information services are perfect for this. The information is readily accessible to consumers and they don't have to speak to an agent right away, or wait for someone to call them back. The text for information services allow consumers to keep that information in their phone, so they can refer back to it later.

How do you best market your property, at the property?

Happy Summer Selling!

Erika

Make your property description STAND OUT

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:23:23 -0500

There are so many houses for sale, now how are you going to make your listing STAND OUT from the rest of your competition? Add some spice to it!

Say you are standing in front of a bakery window. In one case, there is a stack of plain cookies that look like they have been sitting there all day, in another case, there is one cookie remaining on the sheet. It's filled with chocolate chips, covered with pink and blue swirled frosting and it's got sprinkles on it in the shape of little stars. The guy behind you is pointing at the single cookie and about to charge in front of you just to get it before you even get the chance. Well, which one do you want?

It's time to get creative and differentiate your listing from the one next door. What's going to bring someone's attention to it? GET EXCITED ABOUT THE PROPERTY YOU ARE SELLING! GET THE PEOPLE EXCITED WHO ARE READING ABOUT IT!

Don't forget the unique amentities, some of which come in very handy during certain times of the year.

air filtration: for the person who can't stop sneezing all over their property book, because all the cottonwoods came out over the last week
air conditioning: for the person who is cooking in their third story apartment, while sitting in front of a fan that blows hot air back on their face
central heating: for the person that is trying to use the mouse on their computer, while scrolling through the mls, with gloves on to keep their fingers from freezing.
Covered private patio: for the couple who loves to throw dinner-parties; rain or shine!
Nearby schools: for the family with a 16 year old, a 12 year old an 8 year old and a 2 year old.
Quiet neighborhood: for the lady who somehow found herself amongst the most popular college neighborhood in town.
Mountain views: for the person who currently looks out their window onto the garbage disposal for the nearby restaurant.
built "Green": for the energy efficient individuals that we are seeing more and more of

Ok, what are some of your favorite terms to use when writing your property description?

Erika

Small town, BIG mouths - Don't give in to the gossip!

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:04:57 -0500

I live in a town of about 100,000, which includes the surrounding area. I've been here for about 18 years or so, so you could pretty much say I know, or know of a lot of people here.

The other day I went into the bank to deposit some money, and the girls (about 5 of them) working behind the counter are probably all about my age (25). They were gabbing like high school girls on their lunch break. One of the girls, who I've seen around here and there "is getting married, her future sister in law is just being such a bridemaid-zilla. She acts like it's HER wedding and she just can't stand the dress she has to wear. She's 32 for god sakes! She just keeps complaining about everything and I can't believe I have to spend the rest of my life related to this girl". Yep, I heard all that and more while getting my deposit taken care of. Meanwhile, the girl who is taking care of my money is joining in on the conversation. Not a "Hi, how's your day going" or anything like that. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL!

The scary part is, it's a small town, a lot of people know eachother. I am pretty sure I would never want my future sister in law to find out I was bad-mouthing her while at work and all the clients could hear. Especially if she's a pain in the butt to begin, imagine what she'll think of you now!

My sister has experienced this type of thing. She's been a hairdresser for about 8 years. She said when she first started out, the girls she worked with didn't even talk to their clients, they were too busy gossiping about people. Finally, a client called the manager one day and complained, because she knew someone the girls were talking about. After my sister left that salon and moved, a friend of mine was in her old salon getting her hair done. The girls working at the salon knew that my friend knew my sister, and they were telling her rumors about MY SISTER! My friend was so disgusted and never went back. Of course I told my sister and she just laughed and shook her head.

Point being. Be careful when you are talking bad about someone. I know, it's most likely inevitable that sometimes you just have to get it off your chest, but be careful you aren't telling the whole world. You never know when someone that hears you, knows who you are (even though they may not know you) and they could have been your next client... well until now, because they heard you complaining about "your last pain in the butt client whose house you finally got rid of and you are so happy you don't have to deal with them anymore!"

Don't ruin your positive reputation you've worked so hard for by making some silly comment; you'll regret it big time!

HAPPY SELLING

Erika

Technology is nothing to be afraid of! YOU CAN DO IT!

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:03:03 -0500

I recently read an article in Inman News: "Old tricks for new market realities" by Glenn Roberts, Jr. In a nutshell, it talked about the changes in the real estate market and how to cope with the downturn in the market, as well as the age of the agent vs. the age of the consumer the (age of the agent, still averageing roughly 50, and the age of the consumer, which continues to get younger). It discusses that it's time for agents to get back to the basics of marketing, yet many agents don't even know what that is.

The information I pulled out of the article was that agents need to really assess the consumer; who they are, what they want. No matter how much some people don't want to see the change, it's happening. It's time to either jump on the boat or.. well... drown.

Your consumers are technology savvy. They are buying houses at a younger age. They are available 8 hours a day BUT if you need to reach them after hours, you can send them an email or text message and chances are they'll respond. They use their blackberry's and laptops to communicate. As long as you are providing them with timely, valuable information, then you are satisfiying their needs. As long as their best friend's agent doesn't have a cool techy tool which you were reluctant to try because you were too afraid, or didn't want to even bother to learn how to use it, then they are happy with having you as their agent. BUT chances are, you are the same agent their best friend used. They are too busy to shop around for someone, so they just ask a friend or family member who they used. They gather a lot of information on their own, and when they finally need some expert advice, they come to you.

Basically, it's time to embrace technology. Don't be afraid to give things a try, even if it does look "hard" or "confusing". Many tools designed specifically for real estate have been simplified because the creators know how little time you have to learn how to use them. But the intention of the tool is huge; gain real leads, provide timely, valuable information to consumers the way they want it; provide excellent customer service and the list goes on!

You've heard the terms. Which one are you?

the first 2.5% of the adopters are the "innovators"
the next 13.5% of the adopters are the "early adopters"
the next 34% of the adopters are the "early majority"
the next 34% of the adopters are the "late majority"
the last 16% of the adopters are the "laggards"

Have you jumped on the boat of marketing to the new generation of consumers? How? What made you decide to do so? or NOT do so?

Happy Tech-ing :)

Erika

You haven't heard of AR? How is that possible!?

Goomzee Corporation - www.goomzee.com (Goomzee Corporation) — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:59:19 -0500

Every day when I speak to Realtors, I am sure to tell them I'm on Active Rain. Nine out of 10 times, they report that they have never heard of it. WHAT?!?! How is that possible?? They are missing out on such a great resource to share thoughts and ideas with fellow agents around the US and even beyond that!!

Of course I send them a link and only hope that they take advantage of the opportunity.

How many people do you come across that haven't heard of it? It's mind boggling!

Erika