tim mancuso: Still think Social Media is 'Just a Fad'? Check Gary Haye's Social Media Count Chart - This will BLOW your mind! - 05/27/10 12:00 PM
Hey friends - check out this great little widget / app that Gary Hayes (@garyphayes) at Personalize Media created.
This shows just how FAST Social Media is advancing - WOW! Share this post with anyone that still thinks Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Blogs etc.) is 'Just a Fad' or isn't essential for their business!
JUMP IN! Don't let the world pass you by! Start today friends, Engage!

(6 comments)

tim mancuso: RPR and Parcel Based MLS Systems: Is Change Good for REALTORS & NAR? - 05/24/10 03:30 PM
Great discussions are happening about RPR and the transition to enhanced data or parcel-based MLS systems.
Aggregators are looking for ways to integrate the myriad of information around a specific property record and present this to their end users; whether that is the REALTOR, consumer, service providers or a combination thereof.
An associate of mine (Thanks, Jon) pointed out that the big argument is whether real estate professionals are in the SERVICE business or the INFORMATION CONTROL business. I don't however think that the debate should really be about whether the REALTOR is in the Service business or the Data … (3 comments)

tim mancuso: Is Facebook 'Fan Page' Business Marketing 'Handing your Client Book' to your Competition? - 05/10/10 05:40 PM
A Great question came up the other day at one of our Business Networking Lunches: "Should I market my business on Facebook?"
Now, the simple answer is YES! ...But wait, there's more.

As it turns out, the owner of this particular company was concerned that his direct competition would work their 'Fan' (now 'Likes') list to take away their client base - via cold-calling and other social media prospecting activities.
Now there's one I hadn't heard before, and I was just about to discount their concern when I began to really think about it. I believe it's actually … (40 comments)

tim mancuso: Cost vs. Results - working out your ROI - 05/07/10 06:17 AM
Too often in marketing and advertising we focus on the 'cost' of the program or run.
While this is essential to operating a sound business, the real consideration must be the question: 'What is my return on this investment / ad spend?' As an example, I'll tell the tale of 2 Brokers (Real Estate - but you can fill in your own industry here as well).
Let's call one Big Joe and one Little Joe.
Big Joe and Little Joe both had the same need: marketing effectively to short-sale prospects. The solution they were presented was to automate a custom … (2 comments)

tim mancuso: 'Down Market' Means it's Time to Market! - 01/24/09 12:11 PM
'Down Market' Means it's Time to Market!
With the current real estate market crunch many people have pulled back on their marketing spend. Successful businesses however are Increasing their marketing – here’s why:
• Less Competition: The downturn in the economy and marketplace tends to ‘clean up’ the industry, reducing the overall number of service providers and thereby increasing your potential ‘odds’ of gaining business
• Separate the Wheat from the Chaff: As a general rule, only those providing a solid service and/or product will be able to ‘ride out’ the slow-down. Part-time players, ‘Johnny-come-lately’ types, and non-committed businesses will typically … (1 comments)

tim mancuso: Top Gift Ideas for 2008!! - - - What is YOUR Top Pick? - 12/24/08 04:22 AM
Okay, so I was looking around for the 'Top Gifts' for 2008, like I do every year.
- It's quite fun to see what 'everyone' thinks is best and what we end up with here at home, etc. (Gives you a good idea how much TV the kids are watching, too!)

So here's the challenge, this year it looks as if the retailers have figured out that they can leverage this info as a sales and marketing ploy - a full 95% of the articles I found are posted by the retailers themselves! - Needless to say, they do not … (6 comments)

tim mancuso: Commercial Real Estate Bailout - Do you Approve? - 12/24/08 04:10 AM
This week some of our Nation's largest commercial real estate players approached the Administration (Congress, the Treasury Dept., and others) to ask for help in the form of bailout money due to the current economic picture.
Key to this is whether or not 'Joe and Mary' taxpayer approve - after all, we are the ones that will inevitably be paying this bill, not Congress.
Estimates were given that over the next 36 months and estimated $530 B (that's BILLION) in commercial mortgages will be due for refinancing. 2009 estimates are at $160 Billion.
The challenge lies in the … (4 comments)

tim mancuso: Prevent Identity Theft IMPORTANT Information - free federal identity theft info - 12/23/08 01:27 AM
The Federal bank, credit union, and thrift regulatory agencies yesterday posted their new Identity Theft information and it is available for you to review and share with your clients and sphere.
If you haven't yet known someone affected by this, the odds are that you will by the end of 2009. Each day, consumer identity theft grows at an alarming pace.
A few key excerpts from the recent release: (note: you can download the brochure in .pdf format via the link below)
You can fight identity theft - Here’s how:
• Never provide personal financial information, including your … (2 comments)

tim mancuso: Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation - Changes! I'm still here friends! - 12/05/08 10:14 AM

Today we have made the change from LandAmerica to Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation. This is due to many factors (none of which I am qualified to discuss here - friends and associates can contact me for updates directly) and by no means represents a change in my business or employment / companies.
I appreciate the calls and emails, and wanted to leverage this forum to clarify that we are continuing forward with our Super Service and that I am here to assist you with your Training, Coaching, Mentorship, Technology, Marketing and Title needs as always.
Thank you again for your questions … (3 comments)

tim mancuso: FBI Top 10 Most Wanted Widget for your Site(s) - Pretty cool! - 12/02/08 06:39 AM
I just got word that the FBI released their 'Most Wanted' widget update.
This is available for nearly EVERY site and social network out there (go figure, it's the FBI for goodness sake!)
Included are code sniplets and auto placements for: * Facebook
* MySpace
* MyYahoo
*AOL
*Email
*Standard Embedding
* and lots lots more..
Note: I didn't see Active Rain listed in there, nor did I see any AR folks listed in the widget...
:-)
I think it is very cool that we can add USEFUL widgets like this to our site(s) and in doing so … (5 comments)

tim mancuso: What do you do to stay Motivated? - 11/13/08 02:56 AM
I was recently asked the question: "What do you do every day to stay motivated?" First and foremost, the 'why' must be established. That is the critical Goal Setting component. Ask the question: "Whatever it is you (we) do, what is our primary reason for doing it?" (Helping others, making a difference, earning a living, paying it forward, climbing the corporate ladder, etc.) Next, every individual needs to find what motivates them and work an effective strategy tailored to their specific style, inner language of success, etc. For example, one person may be motivated by pleasure e.g. the prospect of achieving … (7 comments)

tim mancuso: Veterans' Day Tribute - THANK a Veteran for our Freedom - 11/10/08 12:43 PM
We Remember! Veterans' Day * November 11, 2008 Veterans' Day is a day to HONOR our HEROES who put their lives on the line to protect our Nation. Please join me in Thanking a Veteran during this day of remembrance and tribute. It's the right thing to do, and not enough of us do this as often as we should. To all who have served this greatest of Nations - I sincerely Thank YOU for your commitment and sacrifice - on behalf of myself and my family. -Tim Mancuso … (3 comments)

tim mancuso: Blackberry vs. Palm vs. iPhone - which do you choose and why? - 11/07/08 02:50 PM
If I knew how to place a 'poll' into this post, I would do so.
However, so far it's been a bit too hairy and I've resolved to get the question out there 'old school'.
Blackberry vs. Palm vs. iPhone - Which do you choose, and why?
Post your choice and your reason below as a comment, and let's see who the winner is.
FYI: rumor has it that the money is on Blackberry for this one. I personally was in another meeting just this week when that familiar 'default' Blackberry 'ring' was going and no less than 4 people reached … (14 comments)

tim mancuso: How far will you go to 'win' over the 'next AR'er' in the rankings? And what is the ROI for higher placement? - 11/07/08 02:42 PM
I've seen many posts regarding the points, rankings, and placement opportunities here on Active Rain over the years.
Today the question came up about just what the ROI is for 'moving up the list' and gaining points and ground in your local market (city, county, state, etc.).
I'd like to hear from active AR folks out there as to what their tangible and intangible results have been from their blogging, commenting, etc. and the subsequent 'rise' in the points/results that ensued.
For example, if you aren't a 'Featured' member in your market (city, county, state, etc.) - and there is only … (2 comments)

tim mancuso: Where have all the agents gone? We are Truly Blessed to be here! - 11/06/08 01:52 PM
I just wanted to take a minute to remember all the agents that have 'left the business'.
Add to that all of the mortgage lenders, title reps, inspectors, appraisers,  - you name it - that are no longer able to offer us their excellent services and assistance.
It's bittersweet to still be here working productively in the Real Estate - there are many many  talented business people that simply can not afford to offer their services given this economy.
I know far too many people that have gone back to previous industries just to support their families, replace income lost … (2 comments)

tim mancuso: Creating your Personal Brand - Marketing to your Unique Strengths as a new agent - 11/06/08 01:33 PM
I recently found a GREAT post from Michelle in the Nashville, TN market area. I think that her ideas of finding ways to differentiate herself from the local competition are evidence of her being 'on track' as a successful agent/broker. Now, many of us would say: 'just work hard and give great service', etc. - however the key to REALLY succeeding is to create a brand and identity for yourself and align your marketing to leverage that to your base/sphere/public... and STICK WITH IT. Check out her post, and also I've copied my response here for your convenience. I like where … (3 comments)

tim mancuso: Hurry up to see the Linkedin Wizard!! - only 1 hour left!! - 11/06/08 12:58 PM
Hey - this is cool! If you have NEVER seen the Linkedin Wizard, here is your chance! -You'll have to hurry though, he's only online for another hour or so - I think he's off at 8pm PT today. Seriously! Check it out here and you'll FINALLY get to see the famous Wizard of Linkedin.com! Here's that link: Linkedin.com Wizard Now, many people have mistakenly called your truly the 'wizard of Linkedin' in the past, however I always set them straight and tell them that I'm just an avid user and fan of Linkedin, and by no means a 'Wizard'. By … (0 comments)

tim mancuso: Shortcuts (keyboard) for Outlook - helpful and useful - 11/05/08 02:01 AM
Over the years I've found it quite helpful to learn a new keyboard shortcut for commonly-used functions within popular software applications. Since most of us spend quite a bit of time in Outlook and other Microsoft programs, I often share the tips from the help section(s) with both my team members and business partners, just as a refresher.
Here are some useful shortcuts for Outlook - your system may vary depending on your version, etc. - remember to check with Microsoft's 'help' section to determine the best tips for your specific application. Hopefully one or more of these, used regularly, can … (4 comments)

tim mancuso: New Law Closes Tax Loophole on Capital Gains - 11/03/08 03:03 PM
A popular tax-saving loophole regarding capital gains taxes on some primary residences has been impacted by the recently signed 2008 Housing and Economic Recovery act.
If you have clients that you believe may be impacted by this latest ruling, and/or would like to learn more about this and other Real Estate issues, news items, and tax information - just let me know.
I have access to a wealth of knowledge to share with all Real Estate professionals including the changes outlined above.
Some key points of the recent modifications:
The new law states that the gain may not be excluded for … (4 comments)

tim mancuso: Last good week for warm-weather grilling - - in shorts, anyways - 11/03/08 02:28 PM
They say the cold weather is nearly upon us - as we say goodbye to the short-wearing warm weather days of grilling, smoking (meats, that is), and BBQ-ing, I wanted to share some pretty cool BBQs and Smokers with you all. Now, by no means is my own personal grill anywhere NEAR as cool as these (in fact, my wife pushed mine home down the street one fine spring morning from a neighbor with a 'free' sign attached to it. . . but that's ANOTHER story entirely!!) editor's note: Nicole is the BEST wife ever!! In any case, enjoy the coming … (1 comments)