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Am I an Ann Arbor Geek Realtor?

A2 Geeks Registration Table Thursday night before the massive snow storm hit throughout Michigan, Karen Moorhead (@A2Karen) and I attended a Bar Camp in downtown Ann Arbor sponsored by A2Geeks.

I heard about the group on the FaceBook group A2Geeks. I heard about the venue change on Twitter because I follow @arbcamp.

The venue was at Cottage Inn Pizza in downtown Ann Arbor, which is a landmark restaurant and always wins the award for the "best pizza in Ann Arbor' voted on by the public. Inside of Cottage Inn Pizza

When it was first posted, I had to get on a waiting list as over 100 Geeks signed up very quickly.

Ann Arbor Spark helped out with the change of venue so it was held at Cottage Inn. Ann Arbor Spark is responsible for bringing many new business to Ann Arbor and we are fortunate to have Michael Finney as CEO helping to spread the word about Ann Arbor Innovation.

Ok, sooooooooooooooooo after getting use to being the oldest one at the event and seeing 20 year olds with CEO's on their shirts we had a great time. Social networking is all about not just interacting on your computer but getting out there and meeting those folks.

ArbCamp in Ann Arbor Dec 2008

Having attended the REBar Camp in San Francisco I was use to how they are run as many of you are. One thing they did differently was ask on the spot for people to volunteer to head up the different discussions.

There were no planned speakers.

One rule they had was if you get in a group and don't want to talk or feel you made a bad choice then let your feet walk....that means get up and walk to another group to keep the energy flowing.

One of the Geeks I met there was Ben Congleton who owns Hab.la. Hab.la is chat software that you can add to your blogs or web-sites. It is really cool because it allows your visitors to chat based on any chat application they use like meebo, pluggo, gtalk, aim, without having to change their platform to talk. Hab.la

It is a really cool app that I already added to my blog Ann Arbor Real Estate Talk.

It is really easy to set up and they have a great tutorial to follow if you want to check it out. One more way to engage your readers.

The most important thing I have learned from Jeff Turner is YEO. You Engaging Others. (read Jeff's post)

Get out meet people.

Get out of your comfort zone.

Stop talking to people "just" in the Real Estate Industry.

Yea, I was uncomfortable being around 20 to 30 something year olds with PhD's who program in Php, write code for the music industry with widgets to promote their music, starting new companies like YouRateIt.com, starting companies like MotorCityConnect but.............

I did it

I grew

You can too

I met new friends to Twitter with and new friends for FaceBook

...and maybe someday I will sell them a home.

Maybe

Maybe not

That wasn't the point.

Posted by Missy Caulk-Ann Arbor- Realtor(R)- Ann Arbor Real Estate on 12/19/2008 08:26 PM

Comments (39)

ArbCamp in Ann Arbor in the Networking Channel

arbbar camp

Originally posted at: Ann Arbor Undressed : Am I an Ann Arbor Geek Realtor?

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39 Comments on Am I an Ann Arbor Geek Realtor?

DEC

2008

Hi Missy - good for you for doing what you did. I would be uncomfortable in that situation, too, but would like to think I'd do as you did - get out and meet and network. Who knows where that could lead??

I'll check out that software you mentioned.
Ann

YES, you are Missy...and so much more! Good for you to get out there and gather all this REAL stuff alongside REAL people... that's great, and so inspiring...and made me smile to read about your wonderful venture---before the snow! Thank you for sharing this!

Missy- I have a software that is similar to the habla one you mention on one of my non real estate related websites and I am going to be putting it on my new coaching website.

Missy: This is awesome! I don't know how you find out about these - but I think being on Twitter is going to help me keep up. BTW, I am the first to comment saw this fast as I was on Twitter and saw that you just posted - obviously addicted to Twitter. Not too long ago my neice said about my knowledge of technology "for someone your age" I am doing great - so I know what you mean.

You are so excited about the cool technical tools that I think you most definitely are a Geek Realtor. You've given us some great ideas and even though I don't know how I'm going to fit them into my schedule, your enthusiasm makes me want to try. Thanks.

Running with this crowd will keep you current and enthused about tech toys.

It sounds like a lot of fun. I also have come to the realization that I am a geek. I love it.

That's why you are who you are, Missy - an icon in real estate in Michigan. That and the fact that you're a geek so you pretty much can relate to any geek! Just kidding you! Glad it turned out so well for you!

Kathy

Good for you Missy - that is what I have to do get out of my comfort zone!!

Hey Missy,

Sounds like a great event. And btw, I know exactly what you mean about being the oldest, I had the same experience while at Blog World in Vegas a few months back!

Hope you're doing o.k. with the weather, I've been watching the coverage on the news, it makes me cold just seeing it.

Linda, we are fine, roads plowed but not in out sub. I like being inside snuggled up.

Cathy, hillarious it is not an age thing it is a desire thing, although the folks there were so above my pay grade.

Kathy, :)

Missy-that must have been awesome and the energy! Yes we have to continue to grow..

Oh my gosh Missy...If you thought you were old compared to the others what will I think when I attend?

I know you learned a lot but my brain cells are really wearing out.

Well, you requested pictures and I promise to do that.

Kate

DEC

2008

Missy,

You're awesome. I'm glad you went. It sounds like it was worthy of your time. Good for you.

Merry Christmas,

Get out of your comfort zone.

Hi Missy,

That's good advice, but you are LIGHT YEARS ahead of me! :)

Missy aka the oldest geek.... ;o) So wait, there was no one over 30 then? Hey, seriously, it sounded like a good time with some good information. thanks

PS>.. are you okay? I had left you a message about our last conversation.. thanks

jeff belonger

Shucks, when you get in a meeting with 25 year olds who speek fluent Geek, just overwhelm them with some fluent AdvancedRealEstateSpeak.

Works for me.

What a great night. Afterwards I wished we had stayed longer, as the room cleared out they said it was much better. It was great to go and oh my gosh I have so much to learn. I love the "excitement of learning" that is in that room. The Phd working on....whichever project. Really I know I can only get 1% of some of those discussions...but I still love it.

It was a ton of fun with you Missy.

I am learning so much from you-thanks. I'm trying get my igoogle page set up as my first geeky move.

Missy-Yep...You're a geek, lol..A GREAT geek! I wish I had one ounce of geek in me, believe me! You are my online tutorial for so many things. You always write so those of us less "geek fortunate" can understand. I appreciate it!

Keep on "Geeking On"...someone has to do it!

You network in the most fun places with fabulous people. Good for you and Karen! It sounds like an eye opening experience.

Good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone! That is where the true learning begins. Keep up the great work!

Missy, I so admire your dedication to education and action. You are not only not afraid to try new things...you lead the way!

Missy,

Thanks for the mention of hab.la. I will have to check it out. I agree, growth is never sedentary.

Missy,

You continue to amaze me with all that you do, learn and pass on. Thanks for the report, and...Yes, you are THE Ann Arbor Geek Realtor!

Missy like you I know the value of reaching out beyond just our Real Estate sphere. You just never know how a social relationship can turn into business.

Missy, did you ever visualize how far you would come into the whole internet aspect of business just a few years ago? You are an inspiration to those of us who haven't traveled as far yet, but see you as a beacon of where we can go. I bet with your southern charm and savvy knowledge, you wowed all those youngsters.

DEC

2008

Hi Missy, you are going to have to be careful, you'll change your dress code and start looking like a Geek with your flip camera at the ready! Great information and sounded like a fun time. Thanks for all the comments this year. Have a Great Holiday!

Missy - thanks for the sharing the information, and that sounds like a great time. Happy Holidays!

Missy, you always are coming up with new geek stuff....I don't know how you do it, but I'm glad you do. So many of us have learned from everything you share. I aspire to be so geeky! I am so not, but I have come so far in the recent months due to people like yourself. Thank you so much.

Hey Missy! Yes! You are a major big time oh my goodness would you look at her GEEK! And we wouldn't have you any other way! Thanks for the great tips! Keep 'em coming!

Missy, I loved the REBar camp that we here. I have just been invited to a photo camp in January. It sounds like fun. I'm still trying to learn all the things this camera will do and I think this will help.

DEC

2008

Missy, I attended the Houston REBar camp and found the experience inspirational. I learned more than I could ever absorb. I think your advice about getting up and walking to another group, if your needs are not being met, is important. I wasted time at one session that turned out just to be a sales pitch. When I finally got up the nerve to move on, I joined a group that was answering questions I had all day. I regretted not getting there earlier. Happy Holidays! Julie in Katy, TX. http://www.fuellingkaty.com Julie

DEC

Yep, you are. It has been fun reading your blogs over the past year as you learn more and more. Scott and I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season with all of the joy and love that it brings.

Patty, Merry Christmas to you, thanks for reading my posts this year.

JAN

You wrote this back in December but I just stumbled up on it. I love it...you're always so inspirational in getting us to try new features, new techy stuff...you're leading the waygirl! I'll have to check out the Hab.la software.

Maria