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Creating a Social Media Strategy that Doesn't Suck

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:57:59 -0700

Well, Rebekah Radice does it again! Here is another fantastic post from Rebekah about Social Media Strategies. I know Social Media can be over whelming at times so please read and enjoy.

Via Rebekah Radice Social Media Marketing, Management & Strategies (Manager of Industry Engagement, Better Homes & Gardens RE):

We are living in the social media age of instant gratification. Everywhere we turn whether it’s Facebook, Google or our best friends blog; answers to our most pressing questions have never been more readily available. The Internet has become our go-to resource for content, but wading through the social muck can be a challenge. Creating your social media strategy and content cheat sheet can be a life saver.

As a real estate or mortgage professional, being online is now a requirement and no longer a suggestion. However, simply showing up online is not enough. Your social media efforts require that you not only engage an already over stimulated society but increase your bottom line by providing fresh, relevant content.

The problem with many marketers is the theory that you will simply build it and the fans will come. That's just not realistic within the online world. It takes time, commitment and creativity to cultivate a community. Building a content strategy and then creating a content calendar is an excellent way to keep you focused on the needs of your subscribers, fans and followers rather then bouncing day to day without direction.

Social Media Content Strategy

Multi Media

1. What niche or program can you spotlight? Whether it is you on screen or a screencast of your latest PowerPoint, connecting with your audience through video is imperative. A free program to create and share your screencast is Screenr. Just click “record now” and within seconds you are recording anything you can see on your screen. Then choose where you want to share your video instantly. Choose from Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and more!

2. Record an interview with a vendor such as an appraiser, inspector or plumber and talk about homebuyer concerns, challenges, tips and quick fixes. The amount of 60-90 second snippets you could create is endless!

3. Create a video where you answer buyer and seller frequently asked questions.

4. Discuss current events and explain what they mean to homebuyers and sellers.

5. Choose locations in your area and pass along fun facts and trivia. Pick a location to video yourself in front of and use it as a “Where’s Waldo” type of trivia question. It should be fun and easy to identify. This should generate a conversation between you and your Facebook fans and Twitter followers.

6. Record testimonials from your clients and post to your blog as well as your email marketing campaigns as a way to boost credibility.

Step-by-Step Guides:

1. Walk buyers through the 10 Mistakes Homebuyers Must Avoid or sellers through the Steps to Selling Your Home in a Down Market. Turn your article into a pdf and offer as an opt-in incentive on your website.

2. Take frequently asked questions and offer an instructional guide

3. Turn the home buying process into a step-by-step instructional. Not only do you allow clients to connect with you online and get a sense of how you will handle their transaction, but it's a great way to keep them informed by sending the video via email throughout the process.

How-to’s and Tip’s

1. Offer insight into the home buying process and your expertise on what a buyer can expect. What common issues do buyers and sellers face throughout the process? What problems/challenges can you offer tips or how-to's on?

2. Explain what the benefits are about:

Homeownership

Investment Properties

2^nd Homes

Staging Your Home

Specialty programs such as the FHA 203k

3. Offer Weekly Tips or Tricks via video postcards. A free online tool I have used many times is Movavi. It's easy to use and the price is right!

4. Share slides from a recent presentation on slideshare and then copy and paste into a blog post.

5. Share thoughts, takeaways and your most important clips from conferences, seminars, educational trainings etc. through slideshows, screencasts and slideshare.

Blog & Social Media Content

1. Discuss highlights and share insights from recent industry events you have attended. It's a great opportunity to give clients a behind the scenes look at the industry and offer your feedback on what you learned or felt were the key takeaways.

2. Promote your videos by syndicating to 25 video sites at once through TubeMogul and then track your results through their detailed analytics dashboard.

3. Create weekly webinars related to buyer and seller FAQ, what buyers can expect throughout a typical transaction, how to navigate the home buying process or how to get their loan approved the first time. There are an endless amount of tutorials you could produce!

4. Revive past content by reposting videos, articles and trainings to Facebook, Twitter and Social Bookmarking sites. If you are a Wordpress user, a great way to revive old blog posts is through Tweet Old Post.

5. Ask via your social networks what the needs of your audience are and do this consistently. It’s an easy way to stay topical and on target with the information your fans and followers are hungry for. Then take this information and write a blog Q&A that responds to their questions or concerns.

6. Explain what a current event or topic means to our audience by either offering a unique perspective or offering the who, what, why and how behind the topic including the impact it will or could have on the industry.

7. Take common RE or mortgage myths and offer facts surrounding common misunderstood topics

8. Promote company news including changes, events, updates, promotions, new hires, etc to allow the community to feel connected to the brand

9. Survey your community through Survey Monkey or a Twtpoll about real estate questions. Top concerns, market myths and common misconceptions within the process and then use this information through an informational video or blog post. Share information in a way that solves a challenge, fulfills a need or offers support.

10. Share pictures as often as possible. If there is an event or conference you attend, post the pictures to your social sites and write a blog about it. You want your audience to become interested and engaged in who you are and where you are at all times.

11. Ask hypothetical questions or tell a story to identify buyer or seller needs and assist them in connecting with who you are and what your role is throughout the process.

One last thought I will offer is the importance of tracking your efforts and consistently evaluating the effectiveness of your message through social monitoring tools such as SocialBro, Hootsuite, Twitter Counter and Crowd Booster.

What would you add to this list?

Creating a Social Media Strategy that Doesn't Suck was written by Rebekah Radice.

Subscribe to Rebekah's Blog for Social Media Marketing, Blogging and Business Success Strategies that Help You STOP Those Time Sucking Activities and Maximize, Prioritize and Monetize Your Online Efforts! Just Click SUBSCRIBE!

Want to know more about me? Just Google Me!

T: 818.588.6548| Email: rebekah@rebekahradice.com | Website: http://rebekahradice.com

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Manager of Industry Engagement

Get the Scoop on All Things Real Estate!

Find Me Online!

Recent Articles from Rebekah's Blog

Creating a Social Media Strategy that Doesn't Suck

You Can Be a Referral Magnet

6 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website or Blog

How to Use LinkedIn to Generate Real Estate Business

Top 5 Reasons You Should Blog on Active Rain

3 Easy Ways to Customize Your Active Rain Blog

Get the Itemized List of Posts!

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Disney's Code of guest services| The Experience

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:15:18 -0700

Recently First American Title allowed me the privilege to attend the Disney Leader Institute Training on Custom Solutions. Disney's customer service reputation is world known. They pride themselves on giving their customers "the experience" to keep them returning to Disney time and time again.

During this 3 day training seminar what stood out the most is their code of guest services.

Smile

Eye Contact/Body Language

Respect and Welcome

Value the Magic

Initiate Guest Contact

Create Service Solutions

End with Thank You

What a great customer service concept that we can all benefit by implementing this into our interactions with our own customers.

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Just look up!!!

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:46:09 -0700

THE BUZZARD:

If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and
is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its
ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is
that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a
Run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit,
it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner
for life in a small jail with no top.

THE BAT:
The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.

THE BUMBLEBEE:
A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.

PEOPLE:
In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up! That's the answer, the escape route and the solution to any problem! Just look up.

Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, but faith looks up!

Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our Creator who loves us.

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

6 Ways Pinterest Can Boost Your SEO

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:40:18 -0700

I would have never thought to look for business on Pinterest! Thank you Rebekah for this information and I look forward to your helpful post!

Via Rebekah Radice Social Media Marketing, Management & Strategies (Manager of Industry Engagement, Better Homes & Gardens RE):

Social media has invaded our lives. In fact, it now consumes more minutes of our day than any other location on the web. As Americans, we so enjoy our social networking that we spent 121.1 billion minutes socializing in just one month as opposed to the 88 billion we spent the previous year.

Is it any wonder that a visually graphic and exceptionally appealing site like Pinterest has grabbed our attention?

While there has been a huge surge in usage by consumers, businesses and brands have yet to embrace and capitalize on the power behind Pinterest.

Why Pinterest?

In a word - it's simple. Members easily "pin" an image, video or article and share with followers as well as other social media sites.

It is a fabulous way to share ideas and common interests with friends, potential clients and team members. For example, if someone "pins" an article to their Facebook page, and several of their friends also "pin" or share that item, the sharing can continue indefinitely.

As you can imagine, Pinterest can also have a substantial effect on driving traffic to a website, raising brand awareness, and an eventual increase in sales. Make the most of Pinterest with these 6 quick and easy ways to boost your SEO!

1. Link Building

As Pinterest traffic continues to increase, so do the link building and SEO opportunities. As marketers, we all understand the importance of building backlinks to our website and content.

With Pinterest you can edit the the description and add a direct link to your blog article or website which then gives anyone interested a direct link to your website and a little SEO kick-in-the-pants!

2. Pin Your Own Content

There is no better way to ensure that Pinterest SEO works for you than to promote your own content. By pinning your proprietary content, you are creating a direct link back to the original source.

This means that you are not only building traffic back to your website, but creating a resource for anyone researching your topic. You are also using the power of Pinterest to spread your message.

Imagine the viral potential if even a few friends share and "pin" your material, then their friends share, and so on. More shares equals increased traffic to your website which improves your chances that potential clients will means more potential "pins" from others.

3. Use Keywords To Your Advantage

Make your content stand out in the search results by using effective keyword targeting. This will ensure that anyone searching for a specific topic is able to locate your content. The goal is to allow consumers within your niche to easily find and share your pins.

Using keywords will increase your standings within a specific search and just like other search engines, the higher up you appear, the more likely you are to be found.

4. Cross Promote Multiple Channels

Cross-pollination between social media websites is a great way to increase consumer loyalty. If you have a Facebook account, sync that with your Pinterest channel. This will allow anyone connected with you on Facebook to see your Pinterest pins within their newsfeed.

It also provides an additional level of visibility and leverages your already established presence on Facebook. You are also able to tweet each of your pins and drive traffic back to your Pinterest boards via Twitter.

5. Categorize Your Pins Correctly

Make Pinterest SEO work in your favor by using the categories feature to your advantage. Keep your boards neat and tidy with a specific niche or focus. As you create your boards, pay special attention to the titles of each board you create. Determine what potential consumers would be searching for when it comes to your content.

For example, if you are an Interior Decorator, would clients be more inclined to search for home décor or something more specific such as “2013 home décor trends?” Don’t be afraid to get creative and have a little fun with your board names either. People connect with people -- not robots.

6. Comment on Other People's Pins

Commenting on user pins is an underutilized tool within Pinterest. While it is common practice to interact on Facebook, it is still lacking on Pinterest. Commenting on pinned content related to your business can pique curiosity and raise personal brand awareness.

It can also lead to conversation which in turn can blossom into meaningful, beneficial relationships that result in increased shares and traffic. Begin by searching for users pinning similar content to yours and leave a comment, like their pin or repin to one of your own boards.

The law of reciprocity is not lost within a community like Pinterest. You must share others content in order for others to share yours.

Use Your Pinterest Account To Build A Following

By setting up a Pinterest account, you can take advantage of Pinterest SEO perks and begin to build a solid following. As your following grows and your reach expands, more and more users are likely to "pin" your content, sharing it with many others.

In turn, when someone gives you a comment or a like, be sure to return the favor. Not only is it polite, but it's also a great way to gain more exposure for your website, topic, business, product, article, or whatever it may be. Pinterest is a great way to help build traffic, links, and gain interest in your website.

Pinterest SEO perks also have the positive outcome of getting your content noticed in the search engines, giving your website a higher ranking. How will you boost your business SEO with Pinterest?

6 Ways Pinterest Can Boost Your SEO was written by Rebekah Radice.

Subscribe to Rebekah's Blog for Social Media Marketing, Blogging and Business Success Strategies that Help You STOP Those Time Sucking Activities and Maximize, Prioritize and Monetize Your Online Efforts! Just Click SUBSCRIBE!

Want to know more about me? Just Google Me!

T: 818.588.6548| Email: rebekah@rebekahradice.com | Website: http://rebekahradice.com

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Manager of Industry Engagement

Get the Scoop on All Things Real Estate!

Find Me Online!

Recent Articles from Rebekah's Blog

Creating a Social Media Strategy that Doesn't Suck

You Can Be a Referral Magnet

6 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website or Blog

How to Use LinkedIn to Generate Real Estate Business

Top 5 Reasons You Should Blog on Active Rain

3 Easy Ways to Customize Your Active Rain Blog

Get the Itemized List of Posts!

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Your sales approach for buyers in a HOT market!

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 06:13:56 -0700

There appears to be a growing trend of Realtors in The Woodlands, TX market saying there is no inventory. Several Realtors have expressed that they feel as if their clients think they are using a sales pitch when they tell them if you like this home you need to put an aggressive offer in right now! Gone are the days of buyers taking their time pondering the decision to purchase a particular home or not. It is indeed a seller's market in the Woodlands, TX area. It only takes a buyer a few homes they were interested in being sold right from under them to come to the realization it's no sales gimmick.

Homes in the Woodlands area are being sold at record speed. Educating your buyer on the current market conditions and keeping current market data on hand are essential. Buyers can see first hand the low inventory, average days on the market and homes sold over list price. With this info you can provide your buyers with actual fact based data and let them know time is of the essence in purchasing a home in this market.

Below is one piece of information proving what you are telling your buyers in No Sales Gimmick!

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Agent Murder Remains Unsolved After 2 Years

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:23:25 -0700

I was doing some research early this morning and came across this article. I thought how sad this was and couldn’t help but reflect on how important each of my customers are to me both personally and professionally. I genuinely care about each of them, please be aware of your surroundings at all times. When in doubt ask for someone to be your “co-pilot” on showings or while working open houses. I know this is a fast pace market we are in but remember your safety is more important than a home sale!

Agent Murder Remains Unsolved After 2 Years

Monday, April 8, 2013 — Two year anniversary of Ashley Okland’s death

Two years ago today, Ashley Okland, a 27 year old Realtor with Iowa Realty was fatally shot in the chest and head while working at a model townhome by herself in Des Moines. The investigation shook the community and during the early days of the investigation, open houses were cancelled in the event it could be a serial killer, but even today there are no viable suspects.

Over the weeks, months, and now years, the reward for information leading to an arrest has risen from $10,000 to $150,000, and while the case has taken several odd twists and turns from police initially suspecting it could be another Realtor, to the woman who founder her going missing herself before resurfacing.

Lieutenant Jim Barrett tells one Iowa Radio reporter that their team has followed up on 766 leads and interviewed 380 people. “The fact of where it happened and who it happened to makes the case more difficult,” Barrett says. “From all we know, Ashley Okland was just a good person with no enemies so…that made the case unique in itself.”

Ashley Okland case timeline:

Okland found in the townhouse, police say they don’t need the public’s help, as they believe it to be another Realtor.

Officials ask public to help find “scruffy” young man in black Escalade, autopsy is completed, funeral held, and reward increased.

Four new search warrants issued in the case, police still sought “scruffy” young Realtor.

Woman who found Okland in the home threatens suicide, goes missing, then is discovered, but never considered a suspect.

Man questioned in case was found dead in his car, police classified it as a suicide.

Two years later and many twists and turns, and the Okland family still has no resolve and the police have no solid leads.

Anyone with information concerning the murder of Okland is asked to call Polk County Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at polkcountycrimestoppers.org or by texting “PCCS” and a message to CRIMES (274637).

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Tricks to Beating Social Media Overload

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:50:48 -0800

Well, Rebekah Radice does it again! Here is another fantastic post from Rebekah about Social Media Overload. I know Social Media can be over whelming at times so please read and enjoy.

Via Rebekah Radice Social Media Marketing, Management & Strategies (Manager of Industry Engagement, Better Homes & Gardens RE):

Social media can feel like a runaway train for those without an online social marketing strategy. You can easily find yourself on social media overload; lost and confused on where to head next. We throw away valuable time bouncing from Facebook to Twitter and then back to our blog. It can seem like an endless cycle of posting, commenting, tweeting, checking in and stumbling around.

For anyone interested in leveraging the power of social media, controlling the amount of noise and information is essential. Creating a simple strategy that you can easily implement and follow on a daily basis is something all “dabblers” in this marketing medium must embrace.

On a daily basis I manage multiple blogs, Facebook fan pages, Twitter accounts and various other social accounts. Without a strategy I would eventually lose my mind. Since I’m already on the slow train to crazy town, I figured I should take the time to develop my daily social media marketing strategy.

Below is an example of how you can manage your social and blogging efforts without spending a ridiculous amount of time online.

Social Media Daily Strategy

Review your Google Alerts and RSS reader for 15 minutes each morning. Read through industry news that feels “tweetable” or post worthy for your particular audience. You can use tools such as SocialBro to identify key times to tweet based on when your followers are online. It takes the “swatting at flies” aspect out of Twitter marketing.

Take 10 minutes to schedule 3-5 tweets from your blog and other articles that you set to go out during the day.

Take 1 minute to find someone in your field and retweet and comment on their tweet.

Find and follow 2-3 new people through the Twitter search app by clicking on "Discover" and then “Who to Follow.”

Spend 5 minutes crafting a Facebook post that creates conversation within your community. This is where analytics become incredibly handy. They tell you which blog posts created the most interest. Take a post with significant views and turn it into a short question to your Facebook fans. For example, this article would look something like this on Facebook: “We all know that social media is an essential part of our marketing plan, but managing it on a daily basis can feel like a runaway train! How do you cure social media overload?"

Spend 5 minutes on LinkedIn and identify 2 people to connect with. If you are a managing broker, this is a perfect opportunity to connect with real estate professionals within your community.

Visit YouTube and view videos you can use in a post or link to via Twitter.

Posting and Content Strategy

Write two blog posts per week targeted at your niche. Keep your message focused on content that your readers will find interesting whether it’s first time home buyer tips or tips on how to buy a home in Atlanta. Inject your own personality into each blog and allow your readers, followers and fans to get to know the real you.

Post at least once per day on your Facebook page dependant on best times to post. You will find this in your page analytics reflected through Facebook insights.

Focus your content on the consumer by tweeting, posting and blogging about home improvement, buying/selling tips, frequently asked homebuyer questions, home design and other topics important to a home-buyer or seller.

Consistency is the key to a successful social media marketing strategy and creating a checklist will give you the daily road map. Your goal each and every day is to raise awareness, create loyalty and heightened visibility. Your result is to drive a never ending stream of leads to your website.

Tricks to Beating Social Media Overload was written by Rebekah Radice.

Subscribe to Rebekah's Blog for Social Media Marketing, Blogging and Business Success Strategies that Help You STOP Those Time Sucking Activities and Maximize, Prioritize and Monetize Your Online Efforts! Just Click SUBSCRIBE!

Want to know more about me? Just Google Me!

T: 719.387.1368 | Email: rebekah@rebekahradice.com | Website: http://rebekahradice.com

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Manager of Industry Engagement

Get the Scoop on All Things Real Estate!

Find Me Online!

Recent Articles from Rebekah's Blog

Creating a Social Media Strategy that Doesn't Suck

You Can Be a Referral Magnet

6 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website or Blog

How to Use LinkedIn to Generate Real Estate Business

Top 5 Reasons You Should Blog on Active Rain

3 Easy Ways to Customize Your Active Rain Blog

Get the Itemized List of Posts!

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

10 FREE Ways to Monitor Your Online Reputation

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:36:50 -0800

This is great information that Rebekah has posted! I had to re-blog this to share with my database. Please take the time to read! Thank you Rebeka!

Via Rebekah Radice Social Media Marketing, Management & Strategies (Manager of Industry Engagement, Better Homes & Gardens RE):

We all want it, crave it and are desperate to have it. In fact, the majority of us will spend countless hours and resources attempting to create it. Generating buzz about your business is a critical piece of social marketing. But once you have it, you can't control it and monitoring what is being said about you or your brand can be expensive and time consuming.

We all know what a fun and powerful tool social media can be to build your brand and monetize your time online. But let's face it; you're a small business owner who must focus on generating sales, not playing around online. So with the multitude of conversations happening at one time, how can you effectively monitor your online buzz without it feeling like a full time job? While you could part with your hard earned dollars to pay someone to do it, staying on top of your online reputation can be simple and stress free.

Why Should I Care?

Think about it this way. Wouldn't you rather have the opportunity to listen and respond to a negative comment from your Uncle Johnny's nephew who blasted you on Facebook because you wouldn't show him 200 homes in one day or would you rather hear it second hand and possibly lose the opportunity to gently remind him of the other 199 you have already shown him? Listening to what is being said is equally as important as the information you pass along. Social monitoring tools are also a way for you to keep up with competing brands, your favorite bloggers or topics important to you and your brand.

The 10 Social monitoring sites I’ve listed below are FREE and will allow you to "hear" what is being said as well as offer valuable insight needed to effectively navigate your social media strategy.

10 FREE Tools to Build and Monitor Your Online Buzz

1. How Sociable – Measure your brands reach and visibility on the social web. Each of your social sites are graded and given a number based on your “visibility score.” You are also able to compare yourself against competitors and then download your findings into a CSV file.

2. Kurrently – Kurrently is a real time search engine for Facebook and Twitter. It is a great way to see what is being said right now about you and your brand. I use this tool to research what people are talking about and then respond or retweet that conversation.

3. MonitorThis – I love this tool! With MonitorThis you can sift through 25 search engines based on keywords all at once. Type in the keyword you want to research and within seconds your results are displayed. News articles and social mentions from Google, YouTube, Bing and more can be read with a click of a button!

4. Addictomatic – In a very short time I have become addicted to this social monitoring tool! Addictomatic allows you to create a news feed based on any keyword or topic. For instance, I’ve chosen “real estate” as my keyword. Within seconds my custom news feed has been created pulling the top information from Google, Wordpress, YouTube, Flickr and more!

5. Twazzup – Another simple tool that offers real time results based on your keyword or topic.

6. Tinker – Tinker searches both Twitter and Facebook for top news, events, topics and places people are talking about.

7. IceRocket – IceRocket will search blogs, images, Facebook and Twitter to find what is being said about your topic right now.

8. Social Mention – Set up free daily email alerts about mentions of you, your brand, company, a developing news story or updates on industry changes.

9. Google Reader - I couldn’t live without my Google Reader! This free RSS aggregator pulls all of your favorite blogs into one location so they are easy to keep up with. Set up an account, subscribe to a blog and then organize by folder for easy viewing. Setting up RSS feeds to monitor your online buzz gives you a go-to location for all keyword related and relevant terms needed to keep up with you, your brand and your niche.

10. Google Alerts - Last but not least is this handy tool. Google Alerts offer you the ability to create alerts based on relevant keywords. You can schedule an endless amount of alerts for you, your company name, a specific neighborhood or even an industry topic. Once you have selected your topic, create your alert and set the frequency with which you want to receive your alerts via email.

Social media marketing should not be treated like the dartboard at happy hour after a few too many beers. It should be a strategic effort that’s managed, monitored and assessed on a regular basis to determine effectiveness. Manage your reputation and make your social media efforts pay off with these FREE and easy to use tools!

10 FREE Ways to Manage Your Monitor Reputation was written by Rebekah Radice.

Subscribe to Rebekah's Blog for Social Media Marketing, Blogging and Business Success Strategies that Help You STOP Those Time Sucking Activities and Maximize, Prioritize and Monetize Your Online Efforts! Just Click SUBSCRIBE!

Want to know more about me? Just Google Me!

T: 719.387.1368 | Email: rebekah@rebekahradice.com | Website: http://rebekahradice.com

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Manager of Industry Engagement

Get the Scoop on All Things Real Estate!

Find Me Online!

Recent Articles from Rebekah's Blog

Creating a Social Media Strategy that Doesn't Suck

You Can Be a Referral Magnet

6 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website or Blog

How to Use LinkedIn to Generate Real Estate Business

Top 5 Reasons You Should Blog on Active Rain

3 Easy Ways to Customize Your Active Rain Blog

Get the Itemized List of Posts!

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

How to Use LinkedIn to Generate Real Estate Business

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:43:48 -0700

This is another great blog post by Rebekah! Please take the time read and implement this information to your business. Thank you Rebekah for sharing!

Via Rebekah Radice Colorado Springs FHA Loan 203k, VA Mortgage, Loan Pre-Approval (Benchmark Mortgage, Colorado Springs FHA, VA, Pre-Approval):

Updating my LinkedIn profile and tweaking it for optimization and SEO purposes seems to be a never ending (albeit fun) battle for me. I see LinkedIn as a unique resource and one that is an absolute must for anyone needing to give their online presence a professional ‘shot in the arm.’

With so many other online resources to choose from, why should you add LinkedIn to your social medial toolbox? In my opinion, one of the best ways Realtors® can use LinkedIn is to promote their business and brand. With over 100 million active members, LinkedIn is no longer just an online resume. It’s a community that when used correctly can successfully boost your online visibility and your sales.

You Can’t Argue with the LinkedIn Statistics

According to a recent LinkedIn study, people with more than twenty connections are thirty-four times more likely to be approached with a job opportunity than people with less than five. I don’t know about you, but this is a strong motivating factor to get on LinkedIn and capitalize on this social network. It’s apparent that if I’m not, my competitors are. So where do you begin?

Optimize your profile

Complete Your Profile

LinkedIn will show you your progress through a percentage bar so you can see where you’re at in the process. You want to achieve 100% completion.

Add Keywords to Your Title

Your title is the first place to start when it comes to optimization. It’s not just a way to describe what you do, but how and where you do it.

Include Keywords in Your Summary

Your summary is the first place people will go to learn more about you. It’s your elevator pitch; a short summary of who you are and what your business has to offer. Keep it clean and professional, but make sure the top keywords you are interested in targeting are interspersed throughout.

Include keywords and phrases in your Bio

Your keywords would look something like this: “Rebekah Radice Mortgage Loan Officer” or “Rebekah Radice Colorado Springs Mortgage.”

Create a Vanity URL

By default, LinkedIn assigns a generic URL to your profile. Make sure you edit this URL and customize it to your brand or name. You want search engines to identify you with your LinkedIn profile.

Example: http://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekahradice

Go to profile - public profile – and then edit your profile url, Choose your public url and then click save. Use this link to direct people to your LinkedIn profile within your marketing, on your website and on your business cards.

Make Your Profile Public

Make sure everyone can view your profile. What good is your LinkedIn profile if no one can access it? While you are able to hide certain information, don’t hide content relevant to search engines.

Remember: This isn’t Facebook and you don’t have a crazy aunt who says embarrassing things that you need to hide on LinkedIn. Keep your information open and available to anyone looking for you or your services.

Add Your Twitter Feed

Tie your Twitter account into LinkedIn and allow your LinkedIn contacts to keep on top of your Twitter content. You are able to control which tweets are posted to LinkedIn and can edit those settings.

Get Involved with LinkedIn Answers

LinkedIn Answers allows you to build your reputation by answering industry related questions. By responding to questions, you allow others to see your knowledge, education and willingness to give as a Real Estate professional.

Added bonus: It will also build internal links to your profile which helps with SEO.

Join Groups

Explore LinkedIn groups and join groups where other industry professionals are hanging out. LinkedIn groups allow you to connect with other like-minded professionals, re-connect with college alumni and even target a specific group of people.

While LinkedIn isn’t your final destination in the social media conundrum, I can attest to the multitude of opportunities that have come my way because of being active on LinkedIn.

And there it is - your final and most important key to LinkedIn success. Participation and Interaction.

It’s not enough to just sign up for your LinkedIn account and let it idly sit. As with any community, what you get out of it is based solely on your level of involvement or lack thereof.

Let’s Connect on LinkedIn!

How to Use LinkedIn to Generate Real Estate Business was written by Rebekah Radice

Want to know more about me? Just Google Me!

T: 719.387.1368 | Email: rebekah@rebekahradice.com | Website: http://rebekahradice.com |CO & NMLS Licensee: LMB100010938 & 288596 | Benchmark Mortgage dba Ark-La-Tek Financial Services, LLC | 12 E. Kiowa |Colorado Springs, CO 80903

FREE Marketing, Sales & Success Strategies for Colorado Real Estate Agents:

Find Me Online!

Recent Articles from Rebekah's Blog

You Can Be a Referral Magnet

6 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website or Blog

How to Use LinkedIn to Generate Real Estate Business

What Happened to My Loan Approval

Top 5 Reasons You Should Blog on Active Rain

3 Easy Ways to Customize Your Active Rain Blog

Get the Itemized List of Posts!

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Are you a Great Leader???

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:26:11 -0700

Five Practices of Great Leadership!

1. MODELthe way

· Lead by Example

· Clarify your personal values to your teammates

· Set the example by aligning actions with shared values

2. INSPIREa shared vision

· Envision the future of your branch by imagining exciting possibilities

· Enlist others in your branch to a common vision by appealing to shared branch aspirations

3. CHALLENGEthe Process

· Search for opportunities by seeking ways to change, grow, and improve.

· Experiment and take risks by constantly generating small wins and learning from past mistakes

4. ENABLE others to act

· Foster collaboration in the branch by promoting goals and building trust.

· Strengthen your team as a whole by sharing power and enabling others to make decisions

5. ENCOURAGE the heart

· Recognize everyone’s contributions within the branch by showing appreciation for individual excellence

· Celebrate values and victories together as a team

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Are you keeping your customers satisfied?? - Need to know rules

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:43:11 -0700

Keep the customer satisfied - six golden rules

1. Treat everyone with respect and politeness, as you never know who may become a future customer (or boss).

2. Don't let emotions and feelings interfere with your attitude towards customers unless they are positives such as sincerity, concern and care.

3. Become the owner of any complaint and don't let it go until you know it has been successfully dealt with. How will you know? Ask the customer.

4. Listen to customers - with your eyes! Watch their body language and don't just assume you know what they want, or what their problem might be.

5. Keep to deadlines, and reply when you say you will, even if it's to say you can't talk properly until the following day.

6. Don't say, "won't be a minute", because you will be, and it's better to overestimate, rather than underestimate time delays.

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

20 Sure-Fire Blog Titles that Get Results

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:22:40 -0700

Rebekah has written an awesome post about titling your blogs. I highly recommend you read this post if you're blogging for your business. I am definitely going to take her advice! www.allyouneedtoknowtx.com

Via Rebekah Radice Colorado Springs FHA Loan 203k, VA Mortgage, Loan Pre-Approval (Benchmark Mortgage, Colorado Springs FHA, VA, Pre-Approval):

Have you ever written the perfect article only to find you are stumped when it comes to creating your catchy keyword friendly blog title? You’re not alone. We all have those days when writing a pithy, emotionally responsive blog title feels just outside our reach.

In my article, How to Write a Catchy Blog Post Title that POPS I talked about the fine line we walk as bloggers trying to generate an eye popping, finger clicking, Google juice lovin’ blog title all while maintaining a human aspect. Finding the balance between sexy and direct can throw any blogger into convulsions.

But what if there were a way to create a perfect blog title without agonizing over it?

Why You Need a Swipe File

On those days when you need a little motivation, keeping a swipe file will go a long way towards creating that perfect blog post title.

Not familiar with a swipe file? Here's how it works:

As you visit and read through other blogs look for popular posts that generated buzz. Write down the title in your swipe file to play around with at a later date.

The key is to create a list of blog titles that you can refer back to on those days you suffer from "blog title" writers block.

Focus on titles that contain a few of these features:

They maintain the KISS method of writing titles. They're not too wordy but get the point across.

They inject emotion and cause the reader to relate to the post immediately.

They add the all important keyword "FREE."

They are controversial and not afraid to stir the pot.

They ask an open ended question like "What Would You Do with a Million Dollars??"

They communicate a benefit your reader can't live without.

Below are 20 Sure-Fire Blog Title's that Get Results and should get your creative juices flowing!

Why every homebuyer should _________

Proven Steps to _________

Secrets that will _________

The wrong __________ and all your efforts will be in vain.

________ Reveals a Shortcut to _________

A Radically New Way to Beat _________ Without _________

All the Tricks to Overcome _________

How to ________ all the ________ You Ever Wanted

How to ________ your own ________ successfully!

15-minutes to find your__________

If you thought __________ was bad, wait until you see _________.

6 Surprising Secrets about _________.

10 Reasons Why __________ is more Trusted than _________.

12 Common _________ Mistakes.

Learn how to ________ in 5 Easy Steps.

How to Stop _________ and Start _________.

The Biggest Mistake you Can Make _________.

The Desperate _________ Strategy.

A Powerful Hidden Secret That Will Help You ________.

New Ways to _________ Now!

Important Note: Your keywords (descriptive words about your post content) should be inserted into the titles above wherever appropriate.

Have any catchy blog title secrets of your own? I would love to hear them!

20 Sure-Fire Blog Titles that Get Results was written by Rebekah Radice.

Want to know more about me? Just Google Me!

T: 719.387.1368 | Email: rebekah@rebekahradice.com | Website: http://rebekahradice.com |CO & NMLS Licensee: LMB100010938 & 288596 | Benchmark Mortgage dba Ark-La-Tek Financial Services, LLC | 12 E. Kiowa |Colorado Springs, CO 80903

FREE Marketing, Sales & Success Strategies for Colorado Real Estate Agents:

Find Me Online!

Recent Articles from Rebekah's Blog

You Can Be a Referral Magnet

6 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website or Blog

How to Use LinkedIn to Generate Real Estate Business

What Happened to My Loan Approval

Top 5 Reasons You Should Blog on Active Rain

Get the Itemized List of Posts!

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Title Company and Short Sale HUD's

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:22:02 -0700

What we need for Short Sale HUD's

We are receiving more and more request for HUD's on Short Sales. We are constantly having to track down the Realtor and request additional information to complete their request. Below is the information we need to complete and speed up the process for a Short Sale HUD.

1. Property Address:
2. Seller(s):
3. Buyer(s):
4. Purchase Price:
5. Finance or Cash:
6. Earnest Money:
7. Seller Contributions:
8. Close Date:
9. 1st Lien Holder:
10. 2nd Lien Holder:
11. Taxes per year/Pro-rated:
12. Taxes Past Due:$
13. Title Policy paid by: Seller or Buyer
14. Seller(s) Agent Comm: 3%
15. Buyer(s) Agent Comm: 3%
16. Attorney Fee(s):
17. Signing Services:$
18. Past Due HOA:
19. Home Warranty:

We have a dedicated Short Sale escrow professional who's knowledgeable and reliable with a high level of patience. If you are dealing with a short sale in the Montgomery and Harris counties of Texas please contact me.

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

5 Facebook Mistakes Killing Your Page

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:34:39 -0700

Rebekah has written a great post on the do nots of Facebook. I highly recommend you read this post if you're using Facebook for your business. www.allyouneedtoknowtx.com

Via Rebekah Radice Colorado Springs FHA Loan 203k, VA Mortgage, Loan Pre-Approval (Benchmark Mortgage, Colorado Springs FHA, VA, Pre-Approval):

Over the years I’ve seen my fair share of Facebook mistakes made by businesses while learning the ins and outs of marketing their brand online.

There are many common Facebook mistakes that all of us have fumbled through while building and implementing our Fanpage marketing plan. Then there are a few not so common ones that will bite you in the tushy causing many to hightail it out of this fantastic social platform.

Below is a list of a few DON'Ts when building your brand and attempting to grow your following:

Not Responding to Comments

Similar to blogging, social media platforms require your involvement. If you have a Facebook page but rarely respond to your fans, you will quickly drive a wedge between you and them.

Have you wondered why your following is stagnant or has shrunk? Look no further than your consistency in managing your page.

Your Facebook Page is there to present you in your best light: It’s up to you to live up to the picture you’ve created.

If you meet your fans with dead silence, what are they to think? Even if you just hit the “Like” button after a reader’s thoughtful or eager comment is enough to flatter and acknowledge them. You’ve now recognized their comment making them feel “heard.”

Taking Your Anger Out on the Page

Lose your temper or patience once with a fan or blast someone on your wall and even the best-looking page in the world won’t save your image.

People will look at your flawlessly created Facebook Page afterwards and conclude: “You’re a big phony!”

This isn’t to say that you can’t express frustration or unhappiness about an industry update or news article, but it should always be done to share, warn or inform rather than venting.

Your ranting might appeal to some, but not for long. Think about those people that frequently explode or spend their days whining about how unfair life is. How does it make you feel? It makes you want to run for the door, right?!

Keep your tone true to your page and don’t make your fans want to run for the “dislike” button.

Bad-Mouthing Your Competition

It’s one thing to share your success stories with your fans; it’s another to rub it in the face of your competition.

For example, let’s say you bring home the Top Producer award for your company. It’s exciting news to share with your followers and something they will enjoy celebrating with you.

Where you cross the line is to say “I was up against agent x in my office and he doesn’t hold a candle to me. Everyone can see he’s a poor imitation.”

Reducing someone else in the eyes of others only to raise yourself up leaves you looking shallow and self-absorbed. Not exactly the image you should be hoping to portray.

Posting to Your Page and Forgetting to Monitor Response

Having a page and forgetting to “work the room” is a huge mistake made by many new Facebook Fan Page Admins. You schedule your daily post and then move on to the rest of your day failing to return and respond.

Just like mistake #1, not monitoring your page is similar to ignoring the analytics of your page. You can build your fan page and sure, you might even gain a few followers but if you neglect the needs of your fans your page will quickly lose steam and fall into the great Facebook abyss.

Spamming Your Wall and Friends

I’ve talked about this in previous articles and the abusive nature in which many Fan Page Admins wield that “suggest to friends” button. You may have made an initial good impression, but again, that will quickly evaporate if you spam your readers with endless emails or Text Messages.

A little-realized fact about this, however: People who spam often don’t realize their followers are perceiving it as such. What’s really wrong that gives off this false perception is not your relentless drive to force people to buy… but a lack of planning and scheduling.

Scheduled posts and announcements about your Facebook Page offers or changes won’t feel like “too much” of a good thing. People will have subliminally adjusted to the “rhythm” of your regular posts.

Building your brands online presence will not mysteriously happen if you haven’t committed to “showing up” on a daily basis. It’s to your benefit to choose who you want to be known as and then represent that person through your online presence each and every day.

The important part is to identify your follower’s needs and then satisfy it.

The goal is to spend less time trying to figure out Facebook and more time attracting exactly the fans you are looking for!

Here’s to your expanded Facebook following!

5 Facebook Mistakes Killing Your Pagewas written by Rebekah Radice.

Want to know more about me? Just Google Me!

T: 719.387.1368 | Email: rebekah@rebekahradice.com | Website: http://rebekahradice.com |CO & NMLS Licensee: LMB100010938 & 288596 | Benchmark Mortgage dba Ark-La-Tek Financial Services, LLC | 12 E. Kiowa |Colorado Springs, CO 80903

FREE Marketing, Sales & Success Strategies for Colorado Real Estate Agents:

Find Me Online!

Recent Articles from Rebekah's Blog

You Can Be a Referral Magnet

6 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website or Blog

How to Use LinkedIn to Generate Real Estate Business

What Happened to My Loan Approval

Top 5 Reasons You Should Blog on Active Rain

Get the Itemized List of Posts!

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Are you a professional?

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:28:15 -0700

Four parts to professionalism:

1. Your own attitude: If you feel like an amateur, you will come across like one. Act like a professional and others will see you in the same light.

2. See people: If you don't bother to make that last call, someone else will, and they will deserve to take your business away.

3. Integrity: If you stretch the truth, omit key information or avoid present difficulties, you may get the transaction today, but you will lose the customer tomorrow.

4. Respect fellow employees: If you are in a team that is strong, you will become strong yourself. Have respect for competitors, even if they do pinch your business - find out why!

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Do you suffer from Sales Call Reluctance???

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:01:01 -0700

It is quite normal to be reluctant to make those sales calls (phone or face to face) that you don't like making, so do yourself a favor and stop feeling guilty about it.

Here are 10 pointers to help recognize whether you are a sales call reluctance sufferer. If you answer yes to 5 or more of the following statements, you could benefit from some corrective action that will help reduce those lost sales that you may be experiencing. Please read through - I will give you the miracle cure at the end of this page!!

· I often feel that I am intruding on people when I prospect for new customers

· I often hesitate when asking existing clients for a referral

· I avoid giving presentations if I can

· I spend a lot of time shuffling papers related to customers before I actually visit them

· I sometimes feel uncomfortable about phoning someone who doesn't know me

· I don't like initiating contact with new prospects for fear of rejection by them

· I feel that making cold calls is difficult for me and makes me uncomfortable

· I am relieved if I have to miss a call because of practical problems such as difficult car parking

· I don't like promoting myself, which I feel is just not proper

· I look for any excuse to delay seeing the customer who I'm sure does not like me

Sales call reluctance can develop from a number of reasons when you are out there in your territory. Here is a "miracle cure" taken from Brian Tracy's "Advanced Selling Strategies" page 39.

"Another way for you to overcome the fear of rejection is to learn to speak on your feet. Certain fears are bundled together, like wires, in the subconscious mind, and the short-circuiting of one fear causes the short circuiting of the others on the same circuit. One of the fears that is bundled with the fear of rejection is the fear of public speaking...when you learn to speak on your feet - by joining Toastmasters International and attending weekly meetings - you become more confident and self assured in your interactions with others on a one-to-one basis."

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

More Calls = More Appointments = More Sales!!!!!

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:03:03 -0700

More Calls=More Appointments=More Sales

A simple equation, but sometimes easier said than done, especially with the voice mail to contend with. You know the potential customer is probably there, but you have to get past the communication barrier first. The barrier was partly put there in order to fend off people like you!

Be prepared for the voice mail so that when your message is heard you come across efficiently and professionally. Simply leaving a message that asks for a return phone call may not be enough. Try creating a script based on your call objective - for example - arranging a face to face meeting.

Here is a technique that may be of use (IBROC)

I - Introduction - introduce yourself and company

B - Benefit - explain what's in it for them - briefly

R - Relax - relax them by "not selling" to them over the phone

If you get through to the "live person" continue:

O - Option - offer alternative dates and times for an appointment

C - Confirm - confirm the appointment time, date and location.

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Courtesy Calls with a purpose!!

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:01:42 -0700

Forget Making "Courtesy Calls" Without An Objective

It's all very well making courtesy calls - so long as there is a clear point to them. Repeat calls on existing customers or on target customers are a waste of time if all you're going to say is "Hello, how are you, nice weather today, is everything going OK? That's good, when you're ready to sell or purchase I'm your guy."

You may think that you are building your rapport and relationship with the customer, but in fact courtesy calls are often detested by the recipient, because you are wasting their time. Remember, they are busy people too, and while they undoubtedly like you quite a bit, they don't want to stand around making idle chitchat.

So make sure you kick off with an objective to the call over and above rapport building. Think of something positive to discuss. A new listing, a change in your community, a new service your offering or industry news are some suitable examples. Or, simply try asking some specific questions about your customer's business, needs or customers. Everyone likes to talk about themselves, and your customers will be no exception.

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Top 5 Reasons You Should Blog on Active Rain

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:37:19 -0700

Rebekah has written a great post on why you should blog on Active Rain. Active Rain has helped with my SEO and has grown my business. I highly recommend you read this post. www.allyouneedtoknowtx.com

Via Rebekah Radice Colorado Springs FHA Loan 203k, VA Mortgage, Loan Pre-Approval (Benchmark Mortgage, Colorado Springs FHA, VA, Pre-Approval):

I had the privilege of speaking at a Mortgage Technology Summit in Denver, CO last week about the power of Active Rain. I spoke from my own experience and discussed the benefits that I feel are often overlooked.

One of the biggest bonuses of your Active Rain account is an Outside Blog. Now I understand that upgrading to a RainMaker account can feel like another way the industry nickel and dimes us to death. Believe me; I too had the same hesitation in taking on another monthly fee. However, the explosion I've seen within my business in the 6 short months since I've upgraded and become an active part of the community has rocked my world.

Since February 2011 I've been asked to write for Scotsman Guide, The Niche Report, My FHA Mortgage Blog (now Mortgage Daily) and several other industry blogs. As you can imagine, being recognized for your work is a huge pat on the back to an aspiring writer! Beyond that I've established new and amazing partner relationships, completed 10 new online loan applications and had my best production month of the year in May 2011.

I attribute all of this to my new perspective, new found blogging mojo and the extraordinary Google juice Active Rain blogs bring to your content.

If you've been reluctant to blog or engage with this community, let me give you my Top 10 Reasons to Blog on Active Rain. They are of course my personal takeaways from the last several months and were in no way coerced or encouraged by anyone within Active Rain. (Silly but an often required disclaimer)

1. Roll Out Your Active Rain Blog in Minutes

Active Rain offers all of the tools you need to quickly and effortlessly get your blog up and running in a matter of minutes. There is plenty of other customization and optimization you can do but if you want to start blogging asap without the fuss of Wordpress, Blogger or other platforms that require additional work - AR is the place to start!

If you haven't done it yet, read Getting Started on Active Rain.

2. Active Rain is Blog SEO on Crack

If you're still skeptical about the so-called SEO benefits of an Active Rain blog, then you haven't been paying attention to the community success stories.

Active Rain is like an online shopping mall and your blog is the store. AR drives the traffic to us and all we need to do is market & promote ourselves to that targeted audience.

3. Build Your Brand & Your Niche

Your Active Rain blog and profile allow you the freedom to create and build the brand you want. Are you still stuck in the "static" website rut? Fresh and consistent content is key to prospective clients finding you on the web. Don't think of blogging as a replacement to your current marketing efforts, but rather an extension of what you're already doing. Blogging and social media give you the ability to extend your brand beyond the limits formally placed on business' through traditional marketing. Think big and build the brand you've dreamed of!

4. Connect with like-minded professionals

Active Rain brings together like-minded professionals that freely offer their time, support, wisdom and knowledge on a daily basis. Becoming active within the community gives you strength to push through the tough days and a cheerleading section when you're ready to celebrate a win. The added bonus is the FREE education you receive through the Active Rain team and members.

5. Become the Local Expert

Blogging about local community events is a great way to connect with buyers and sellers researching your particular area. Blogging about frequently asked homebuyer questions or providing solutions to sellers positions you as the local expert within your field.

Your Active Rain blog gives you the opportunity to define your niche and spotlight your knowledge. Blog about what you know and find unique ways to connect both online and offline with potential clients and businesses within your community.

I could go on and on about the power of Active Rain and the difference blogging can make in your career, but I won't. I'll just leave you with this.

If you've been bashful, fearful, self-conscious, shy, timid or just plain scared to blog then my advice is the same as Nike: Just DO IT. Put away the excuses and pick up the pen. Blogging will transform your business and Active Rain will give you the juice to succeed.

Top 5 Reasons You Should Blog on Active Rain was written by Rebekah Radice.

Rebekah's Mortgage Grapevine (unashamed plug) provides insight, education and musings on anything from mortgage lending and real estate, to social media, marketing and all things relevant to your everday success! If you want to learn lots of cool things, have your thoughts provoked, AND be entertained, be sure to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to the right!

Rebekah Radice | Mortgage Loan Originator

Want to know more about me? Just Google Me!

T: 719.387.1368 | Email: rebekah@rebekahradice.com | Website: http://rebekahradice.com |CO & NMLS Licensee: LMB100010938 & 288596 | Benchmark Mortgage dba Ark-La-Tek Financial Services, LLC | 12 E. Kiowa |Colorado Springs, CO 80903

FREE Marketing, Sales & Success Strategies for Colorado Real Estate Agents:

Find Me Online!

Recent Articles from Rebekah's Blog

6 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website or Blog

How to Use LinkedIn to Generate Real Estate Business

What Happened to My Loan Approval

Top 5 Reasons You Should Blog on Active Rain

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Struggling to find new prospects??? | The Woodlands Texas

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:14:12 -0700

Struggling to find new prospects? There are two areas of exploration that can lead to BIG returns!

If you are having difficulty in identifying new leads, try looking in these two areas for business development:

Past clients. Have you researched customers who you've talked to once or twice in the last 8-10 months? You would be amazed at how many buyers and sellers you have come in contact one time, not to return. Develop a phone list and start contacting these past leads. After initial pleasantries, tell them how great the interest rates are and how strong the market is now. Ask them if they are ready and you can send them proof that now is the time to buy and or sell! Your path will be clear based on the answers to this question.

Current clients. Have you researched your current customers' and their sphere? Many times we can make the mistake of assuming that because a client uses us they will refer business to us. I have found that frequently our "best customers" give us only 40-50% of their referrals. This is another area of prospecting where if we take the time to evaluate our clients we can have a meaningful sales call designed to learn ways that we can earn a larger percentage of their referrals.

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Do you know what your buyer is looking for?

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:40:14 -0700

Getting into benefit selling from feature selling is a big step forward. Just because the link between the feature and benefit seems obvious doesn't mean that the prospect will make that connection. "What this will do for you is...." Taking all this to the next level requires that you identify which benefit will be most important to your specific prospect for this specific situation and sale. Everyone has a little different set of objective and subjective requirements. The more you know about what they are wanting (and they will tell you), the more likely you are to be able to lead with the benefit most important to them and thus build the sale on that key point.

We are going after the "hot button". The challenge is not in pushing the hot button, but finding out what and where it is. Once you get a hint of what is important, merely rank order your benefits accordingly. Always begin with your strongest point which, of course, could be a different point for almost every sale. Ask yourself the questions, "What is the most important factor in this prospect's make-up?" "What can I offer that matches up against that perceived need?" "What other benefits support the main message?" When you realize no two sales calls are alike, you will begin to gain great personal benefits as a result.

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Drip Email Marketing for Real Estate Agents

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:57:12 -0700

This is a great reminder to stay in front of your customers. I'm a firm believer of out-of-sight out-of-mind! We all need to drip on our customers and email is the easiest way.

Via Amanda Cornelius (Properties Online, LLC):

When working to grow your business, one of your biggest challenges as a real estate professional is the typically long buying cycle in the real estate market. Unlike an e-commerce merchant, for example, who offers items on the Web and pretty much either sells them immediately to those who land on her site or not at all, your sales cycle takes time to mature.

The time lapse between the point at which a person contacts you, whether via referral or through your Web site, and until they actually buy a house, is usually at least several months, and sometimes even longer.

That’s why your goal as a realtor is not just to generate leads, but also to nurture them until they are ready to buy. Lead nurturing means staying in touch, contacting your leads (which include past clients) periodically, and providing them with valuable material. You don’t want to nag! You want to establish yourself as someone who is willing to assist even before they officially become your clients.

One of the best ways to do that is to send prospects periodic emails with relevant info such as buying and selling statistics in their area, a list of homes that might be of interest to them, or tips on buying and selling a home.

But managing such an email campaign manually, when you have more than a few leads, is time consuming – so time consuming in fact that if you don’t automate your email marketing campaign, chances are you just won’t do it!

Drip email marketing programs were designed to help. These programs enable you to automate your email marketing. Instead of doing it all manually, you enter each new contact into the program’s database, then determine how often you want to email them and with what content. The system does the rest, freeing you to focus on generating new leads and on closing deals.

Considering the high value they give you, drip email marketing programs are surprisingly affordable. Drip365, for example, one of our favorite drip email marketing programs, costs just $15 per month.

Happy Blogging,

Amanda Cornelius

Follow Me on Twitter
Find Me on Facebook

My Blog
My Website

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Sales- the less you say, the more you listen!

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:33:30 -0700

The less you say, the more it appears you are listening!

Many of us got into sales because we are talkers. We have the gift of gab. We want to work with people. These were all the wrong reasons for getting into sales. As it turns out, you have to be concerned about others, not yourself. We have to listen to others, not to ourselves, or we will begin to starve! What to do? Take a deep breath. Lots of them! We have to learn to let the other, less interesting people talk. This is a tough business we are in. We have all the answers and they have all the lines. This is not a formula for a hit show. It can be if you just will not step on their lines. Let them talk. They may tell you something. They usually tell you everything if you will just let them get a word in edgewise.

Take notes. You don't ever have to read them, but it keeps you from talking all the time. Even if you know everything, ask "Is there anything else I should know?" Try to slow down. Put pauses in your presentation. Try to sell without a presentation. Some of the best in the business sell only with directional questions.

Bite your tongue. Keep quiet. Maintain eye contact, and good things might happen. Let them buy. You may not have to sell. "Tell me more!"

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Push a little harder! We must keep the process moving!

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 11:29:10 -0700

No one likes to be pushed, so we all try to be gentle with our prospects and customers. Unfortunately, that's really not good for them-or for us. We are paid to help them move forward and facilitate one of the largest investments of their life. We have to move the question. We have to do it politely, but persistently. We must do it with a smile, but we must keep the process moving. "Give me a call when you are ready," or "Let me just leave some information for you," are not acceptable sentences. We are paid as professionals to say things like:

"Now that I have addressed your concerns, do you feel the time is right to start looking for your dream home?" "May I ask that you commit to giving me 4 to 8 of your weekends to find the right home?" "This is what we are going to do next to move this along?" Push a little harder than you think you should. Test the limits on every call.

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

First Amerincan Title The Woodlands| Mobile Closing

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Tue, 31 May 2011 13:01:26 -0700

If you wanted to meet in the middle with friends from Washington, California, Florida and Maine...according to About.com, the geographic center of the contiguous (lower) 48 states is about four miles west of Lebanon, Kansas.

The halfway point between two locations is easier to determine thanks to an increasing number of websites advertising this valuable service.

Whether you are trying to determine a half-point point between your office and a First American Title Insurance company office, a place to meet a customer to sign an addendum, or just looking to get together with friends for morning cup of coffee...the perfect midway location is just a few mouse clicks away. Most of the websites offer suggestion for a point of interest meeting location, not just the exact midpoint between locations...which may be an empty field or the parking lot of the local high school.

First American Title offers mobile closing services as a convenience to our valued customers. As the price of gas continues escalate, choosing a midway point to meet a colleague or customer can mean a savings in both gas and time.

Inserting the words midpoint destination, meet in the middle, or geographic midpoint into any search engine will return a number of websites that are designed to save you time and energy and provide a useful tool that can be incorporated into your business and with First American Title.

Scott Jones
First American Title The Woodlands
2520 Research Forest Suite 110
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Scott Jones's title insurance corner!

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