It's been a long time since i was on activerain. It is great to be back! 

I have gotten so many e-mails and text asking where i've been.  I have been working on a new YOU-NIQUE wayto utilize podcasting and Internet Radio to build a bigger brand and expose properties and information to clients.  It's amazing, i have spoken all over the country and to date there is still a small group on folks in our industry that are really taking advantage of podcasting and LIVE video.  Well, I'm taking it a step further with Internet radio.  In less then 30 days, we are going to launch a new platform under our http://www.wetalkradio247.com Internet radio site that will allow you to have your own radio show live or archieved.  The best part is you will be able to have your Own radio show and your customers can listen in many ways.  They can listen to you not only over the internet but on their cell phone/office or home phones by dialing 704-772-7627 code 3063,  They can see and hear you on facebook, listen on their iphone, blackberry and android.  They will also be able to watch you live while your doing the show or broadcasting from your listing.  Yes, it is exciting and I will let all my active rain friends know more as we get closer to launch.  Remember, always Be-younique. I will be demonstrating some of this live on my website at www.butchgrimes.com.      

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!     

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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