Butch 's Blog

Great NAR Convention

Butch Grimes (We Talk Real Estate) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:30:37 -0600

I had to take a moment and tell everyone that attended my seesion at NAR on podcasting for real estate professionals and my book signing THANK YOU!!

It is always a great thrill to mix and mingle with wonderful people from all over the country. For those that missed the presentation, stay tuned. I will be having several webinars very soon.

If you ever thought about having your own radio show, go to www.wetalkradio247.com. This is a great place to start! "cast a bigger net to get a bigger catch". It's FREE to sign up!! Try your hand at podcasting by going to www.wetalkradio247.com. Be heard all over the world. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to drop me a line at questions@youniquebranding.com.

Again, Thanks to the ACTIVE RAIN TEAM. GREAT PARTY!! kEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Tips on How to be a Successful Blog Writer

Butch Grimes (We Talk Real Estate) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:20:48 -0500

There are many different definitions for blog writing. To sum it up, blogging is being able to write compelling and engaging content on a consistent basis over time. Blogging can be a great Internet marketing tool for your real estate business when it is done right. Here are some tips to help you become a successful blog writer.

1. Choose a compelling and informative title.

With so much information on the web today, readers have a lot of choices when it comes to what blogs they choose to read. If a reader can tell that a blog is going to be worth his time, just by the title, chances are that blog will be chosen over one with a bland, non descriptive title.

2. Watch the length of your blog.

Studies have shown that internet readers generally reject web pages and blogs that are too long or too short. Readers want to know that they are getting enough information, but they don’t want information overload. A good rule to stick to is 250-1,000 words per blog. The type of blog can also determine the length. If you are giving tips or a step by step, your blog will be shorter. If you are teaching on a topic, your blog will be longer.

3. Make sure your blog is scannable.

Studies have shown that only 16% of people read blogs and web pages word for word. Readers mostly scan for information. To make your blog scannable, include things such as lists, formatting (bold, italics, different fonts), add pictures or video, list headings in a bigger font than the text, and make sure to not have too many new ideas in one blog.

Following these tips can help you to become a successful blog writer for your real estate business.

Deciding what to Podcast: Niche Marketing

Butch Grimes (We Talk Real Estate) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:18:38 -0500

In your real estate business, surely you have come across groups of people who have no one giving them real estate advice. Or maybe you have driven through a community and noticed that no one is speaking to the individuals about how their real estate needs can be met. If you can meet the needs of these people with your experience, you have found a niche market.

A niche market is a group of people or geographical area that you can specifically cater your real estate business towards. Niche marketing is taking your expertise and tailoring your teaching moments towards your niche market. Maybe you would not use niche marketing as a part of a podcast definition, but it is an important aspect of developing your podcasts.

When you are deciding what to podcast keep your niche market in the forefront of your mind. What do these people need to hear? What can I teach them? How can I ensure them that my business and expertise is right for them? These are all questions to consider when you are deciding what how to use podcasting as part of your overall internet marketing plan. Each week you can take a different aspect of your niche market and create your podcast around it. People want to know that you have the answers to their questions and concerns.

To ensure that you are on the right track add a blogging section to your website. This way your niche market can respond to your podcasts and you can use their feedback to make sure you are pointed in the right direction. If you tailor your podcasts to reach a specific group of people or area with your expertise you are sure to be successful. What you have to offer is You-Nique and different than anyone else. Use your uniqueness to speak to your niche market through your podcasts and you will be on the road to a successful real estate business.

Teach to Reach: The Importance of Education in Building Your Niche

Butch Grimes (We Talk Real Estate) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:21:20 -0500

When I tour the country talking to realtors, lenders and others about building a niche I inevitably have to demystify the process of creating and building a brand. Professionals who've spend years or decades in the mortgage, banking or real estate industry often neglect to portray themselves as the experts that they are. The solution to this problem is surprisingly simple.

Become a teacher.

Relax, I'm not suggesting that you abandon the years you've invested in learning about your current profession to join Teach for America (although that's a noble thing to do if it's your passion). Rather, I recommend that you start sharing your knowledge and give back to your community. Teach what you already know to those who are just learning.

There are some great ways to do this:

•1. Blogs and Podcast- Two of my favorite methods for reaching and teaching, blogs and podcasts let you create information and send it to those who are actively seeking it.

•2. V-casts- Even better, video podcasts add a name to the face.

•3. Write articles- OK, this may seem a bit "low-tech", but an article in your local paper or sent out over the Internet waves can do a lot to cement your credibility as an expert in your field. Just be sure to include a resource box at the end.

Why do these methods work? Think about it. There is an active audience already looking for what you have to offer. All you need to do is give it to them. Creating a niche is about doing exactly that. By becoming a trusted educator for this group of learners, you are building a solid foundation for future business relationships.

The best sales people don't sell anything. They offer information and solutions. You've got valuable information to share with people who need it. Why not become a teacher, and create a niche market at the same time?

You-Nique Internet Marketing in any Economy

Butch Grimes (We Talk Real Estate) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:53:55 -0500

Being You-Nique means finding what is different about you and your business and using it to reach clients. Podcasting gives you the opportunity to attract listeners who are already interested in your message. You can produce your podcasts in a way that presents your You-Nique style and business expertise to these pre-qualified leads.

Everyone is looking for new and innovative ways to use Internet marketing to propel their business forward. By focusing on what is different about you, your experiences, and your business and using this background to educate listeners, you present a unique message. This message can be best presented through podcasting.

What is a podcast? Podcasts are radio magazines. Listeners subscribe and can listen each week to a different message from you. They have the freedom to listen when and where they would like to, as their schedule allows. This gives listeners access to you and your You-Nique message 24/7.

Being You-Nique also involves speaking to your niche. Ask yourself what you have to offer that no one else does. Is there a group of people or a geographical area that you have experience working with? Once you find your niche, you can cater your podcasts to reach that specific group of people or area. This is niche marketing.

Podcasts are affordable to produce. You can do it yourself. They are also affordable for the listener. This is a win/win situation. You are getting your message out and listeners are hearing it. Since it is affordable for you and the listeners, your message will continue no matter what the state of the economy.

You-Nique Internet marketing is available in any economy. It is a great way to propel your business forward.

How Podcasting Builds Your Reputation

Butch Grimes (We Talk Real Estate) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:53:57 -0500

You probably haven’t seen the word “reputation” used in a podcast definition. However, podcasting is a great way to build your reputation. If you have a message or expertise to share, consider using this marketing tool.

Podcasts are radio magazines. Listeners can subscribe to your weekly podcast, and it is delivered to them online. They can listen whenever and wherever they want. If they like what they hear, listeners will return again, and you will begin to build a reputation of someone who always has something new and fresh to share.

Podcasting gives you the opportunity to present your you-nique style. What you have to offer is different than anyone else based on your you-nique experiences and expertise. Turning your experiences into teachable moments for listeners will build a reputation listeners can trust.

When you create the opportunity to speak to people week after week, you will brand yourself. You will let listeners know what makes you different and what is special about your business. Branding yourself through podcasting is another great way to build a reputation of reliability.

Podcasting gives you the opportunity to build a reputation as a teacher. Knowledge is a powerful thing and people love to increase their knowledge. Once they learn something new from your podcast, they will come back week after week to learn some more. You will reach people with your business and create clients that trust you. This reputation of trust will lead to referrals from educated clients because they trust what you have to say.

Just think how great it will be to have a captive audience of returning listeners based on your reputation. That is what podcasting is all about.

Realtors Ask: What is a Podcast and Why Do I Need to Know?

Butch Grimes (We Talk Real Estate) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:00:16 -0500

You probably have heard a podcast definition, or maybe you've even listened to the weekly podcast I produce on my real estate site. However, you may not have yet figured out how you can use podcasting to help your business.

If you're in any sector of the real estate industry (sales, financing, insurance...), I believe that you can use podcasting, and other Internet tools, to supplement your income and build a strong and huge client base. Think about it this way. Your business is probably based on client referrals, word of mouth, and some standard marketing methods. All good and important things.

Yet, you've probably noticed that things are changing. The economy is changing, and so should your response to that fact. One of my favorite quotes is:

If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got.

The funny thing is, that if you just keep doing what you've always done in regards to marketing, you're NOT likely to get those same results anymore. We are in a sea of change. So my advice to you is to adapt.

There are several Internet based marketing tools that still remain the secret domain of Internet marketers. One of my favorites is the podcast.

A podcast is a show that you record and transmit over the Internet.

It's like an audio magazine because your listeners can subscribe to it and each episode will be delivered directly to them. The great thing is that even if you podcast your show once a week, your listeners can tune in whenever it's convenient for them to do so.

Just imagine having a forum where people who are already interested in the information you have to share meet you there week after week. That's podcasting.

Teach to Reach: The Importance of Education in Building Your Niche

Butch Grimes (We Talk Real Estate) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:14:29 -0500

Become a teacher.

There are some great ways to do this:

•1. Blogs and Podcast- Two of my favorite methods for reaching and teaching, blogs and podcasts let you create information and send it to those who are actively seeking it.

•2. V-casts- Even better, video podcasts add a name to the face.

New Internet Radio Station

Butch Grimes (We Talk Real Estate) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:45:36 -0500

It is so good to be back on line. I have been tardy working on a new internet radio statiion that will be launch in 2 weeks. I am veery excited to make the announcement soon. As most of you know, I have spoken a great deal on podcasting but now You can have you very own radio show every day. We have been working day and night to get this up. It's finally here!

Stay tuned, Real estate radio at you finger tips and YOU CAN BE THE HOST.

If you like more information feel free to e-mail me at questions@wetalkrealestate.com.

Butch Grimes

FREE SOFTWARE TO HELP YOU PODCAST

Butch Grimes (We Talk Real Estate) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:20:10 -0600

Thanks for the great comments from my last post on podcasting. Since I have been speaking around the country educating realtors on how to be You_nique and different, I have found many little tid-bits that have made my job easier. If you don't have a SKYPE account, get one. It's FREE. Then add the PAMELA software listed below to record and get you started on Podcasting. In addition, you can use this to create audio for many uses. Stay tuned, i will drop a tid-bid on a regular basis to help get you going. Just for everyones information, I am a full time practicing Realtor who specializes in Probate and REO's (bank foreclosures). The technology has opened up many new opportunities and has giving me a new platform to be YOU-NIQUE ideas. Therefore, i am speaking about things I use regularly. Embrace it! It will open up doors for you too.

audio blogging: Keeping up with the times

Butch Grimes (We Talk Real Estate) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:33:39 -0600

Why spend your time pecking with that 1 finger on your computer key board when you can get confortable and really let folks know what you are thinking by audio blogging. Be You-Nique" Turn up your speakers and listen to my quick audio blog.

For more information about podcasting or audio blogging, email me at questions@butchgrimes.com

Podcasting to build your brand in a slow market.

Butch Grimes (We Talk Real Estate) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 21:20:03 -0600

Be YOU_NIQUE by Butch Grimes What a great way to let folks know you are out here. Podcast or set up your own radio show. In business we get so use to trying the traditional ways to market and don’ t spend enough time educating our listening audience. For example, I am an educational ambassador for the real estate industry. I like to always educate my listeners on foreclosures, REO’s,, how to but cheap homes, bank owned foreclosures or most anything to do with real estate. I try to talk about it or have someone talk about it! I use podcasting or my radio show www.wetalkrealestate.com to educate as many folks as i can. i am not looking for anything. i just enjoy the fact that I can help someone that can’t help themself. In my You-Tube video i will speak on some of the things that I use to market and brand myself. Podcasting or podcasting is a primary. these are great tools and they are getting better by the day. Check it out!!! If you really want more facts on how to "cast a bigger net to get a bigger catch". check out my new radio station in 2008. wetalkradio247.com. It is not availble yet but is coming. If you ever wanted your own radio show, this will be the opportunity for you. We have editors, jingle creators, and engineers to get your show up and running. Let me know at info@wetalkrealestate.com and I will send you more info as we get closer to launching it in january 2008.

PODCASTING-The next big way to brand and niche market yourself

Butch Grimes (We Talk Real Estate) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 01:21:52 -0500

Everyones is always aksing me. What is podcasting. I have a simple answer. Podcasting is downloadable media. In short, it is like having your own radio show that can be uploaded to an IPOD. That's why they call it podcasting.

I was really honored to be asked to speak at the CAR convention in Anaheim last week on Podcasting and Blogging and was sitting hear writing and felt compelled to continue to carry the torch for real estate professionals and consumers alike to better educate each other. Therefore, i decided to drop a few words into this blog.

With the market changing, It is important for real estate professionals and consumers to reach out and touch each other with this new media. Real Estate Professionals need to become better "EDUCATIONAL AMBASSADORS" and consumers need to reach out and educate themselves a well. The finger pointing must stop. We are all in this together. A great deal of the problems that have taken place in the real estate industry today is because of lack of education.There have been a few bad offenders and a lot of folks that say they dind't understand....... That's no excuse. Therefore, it's time for us to stop reading the bad press about our industry and stop getting down on the industry and ourselves. There is still a great deal of business out here to be had. There is plenty for everyone. We can't go get it, if don't let folks know we are still in business.

NOW IS THE TIME TO MARKET LIKE CRAZY AND EDUCATE OUR CUSTOMERS.

That wasn't really the reason for Blogging on this issue, the issue was to make sure more folks learn about "PODCASTING" what a great way to cast a big net to get a bigger catch. Podcasting has defintely helped me to BRAND myself and bring more referrals in. As an educational ambassador, I am not selling! I am educating! Thinkl about it, no one wants to be sold. DO YOU? Of course not, you want to be educated! PODCASTING is the new big eye catching technology piece to help many real estate professionals to get back into the game. In my next blog, I am going to talk about making money with your podcast.

YES, MAKING MONEY WITH A PODCAST. 2 INCOMES IS ALWAYS BETTER THEN 1.

YES, I'm sure everyone want's to know about that! Before, i go any further, don't forget. Here is a little "BUTCHISM" for you.

"IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, IT'S NOT WHO YOU KNOW,

IT'S WHO KNOWS YOU". a little BUTCHISM for you!!

Trust me, Podcasting is getting Bigger by the day. I have more information on my website at http://www.wetalkrealestate.com/ and check out my new book called "PODCASTING FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS" by BUTCH GRIMES

Stay tuned to how to make money with your podcast!

YOU-NIQUE-BRANDING-TIPS-FOR-THE-SALES-PROFESSIONAL

Butch Grimes (We Talk Real Estate) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:27:22 -0500

There are many ways to get your name out there or sale your brand. Blogging is incredible but can also be very boring. Why not try something different, audio or video blog. I love to talk on the radio and educate others. Of course, i have termed myself as the educational ambassador, but it's nothing wrong with that if you are really passionate about what you do. Foir instance, I am compelled to help as many people as i can learn about foreclosures or short sales so they can get out of this subprime mess that has plagued our real estate market. Take some time to audio blog. most people are lazy and don't want to spend time reading. IPODS, MP3's, audio devices are churnning the market. Jump on the band wagon and be a part of it. MAKE SOME NOISE! In my next blogs, I am going to give you some step by step tips on how to make NOISE and get paid for it.

STAY TUNED!!!

BY THE WAY. PRESS THE ARROW BELOW TO HEAR MY AUDIO BLOG.

DON'T FORGET TO DROP ME AN E-MAIL AT info@butchgrimes.com

Foreclosure-Relief-for-our-Military-Men-and-Women

Butch Grimes (We Talk Real Estate) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:19:43 -0500

Mortgage lenders may not foreclose while you are on active duty or within 90 days after military service without court approval., A lender would be required to show in court that your ability to repay the debt was not affected by your military service. If you ar having problems and need relief you can go to www.legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php. There is protection and that protection is under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (formerly The Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940). Reservists, guardsmen and other military personnel can find answers to questions about mortgage payment relief and protection from foreclosure provided by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (formerly The Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940). Who is eligible? The Act applies to active duty military personnel who had a mortgage obligation before enlistment or before being ordered to active duty. This includes: Members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard Commissioned officers of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration engaged in active service Reservists ordered to report for military service People ordered to report for induction (training) under the Military Selective Service Act Guardsmen called to active service for more than 30 consecutive days. In limited situations, dependents of servicemembers are also entitled to protections. Mortgage lenders Information The mortgage lenders listed below have voluntarily joined the federal government to assist homeowners who are concerned about the future or have suffered due to recent changes in the economy.

If your lender is listed here, you can help protect your home by contacting them immediately! Bank of America (800) 846-2222 (716) 635-2264 Chase Home Finance (800) 848-9136 Chase Home Finance (800) 526-0072 ext. 533 (800) 527-3040 CitiMortgage (800) 926-9783 Countrywide (800) 763-1255 (800) 669-4576 HSBC Mortgage Corporation (800) 338-6441 (888) 648-3124 Irwin Mortgage Corporation (888) 444-6446 James B. Nutter & Company (800) 315-7334 Midland Mortgage (800) 552-3000 (800) 654-4566 Mortgage Service (800) 449-8767 National City Mortgage (800) 367-9305 Principal Residential Mortgage, Inc. (800) 367-6448 (800) 962-4450 Wells Fargo Mortgage (800) 766-0987 Wendover Financial Services Corporation (888) 934-1081 (800) 436-1022 Washington Mutual Home Loans, Inc. (866) 926-8937 (800) 254-3677 This information is provide by a joint efforts of HUD/FHA, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Labor, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, members of the Mortgage Industry-at-large, and other industry participants.

I really hope this helps those that are in need!!

I always get calls from active duty families that are having hard time weathering the storm or need information. I hope this information is helpful and we really appreciate those service members that have risked their lives for our country. Keep up the great work and be careful.

For additional information you can go to my web site at www.wetalkrealestate.com or check out my personal blog at blog.wetalkrealestate.com. I can also be reached at 866-938-2552.