Social Networking - What is the Cost of Membership?

As each day passes, more people join a growing list of users who are participating in at least one of countless online social networking communities.

To join, most of these sites are as simple as giving your name, email address, and creating a password and user ID. Click the link in the verification email immediately sent your way, and you've become another statistic in an exponentially growing list of online community members.

From big players growing their businesses to a new user getting acclimated to this new online world, anyone is welcome. Since most of these social networking sites are so easy to join, why not give it a try and see what comes of it? What do you have to lose?

Or .... Scenario #2 ... Pay to join.

Just recently, we ran across an article at microblink.com titled, "How Much Would You Pay for Twitter?". We recommend checking out their article and also visiting Guy Kawasaki on Twitter. You can also register your vote on Guy's social networking poll, "How Much Would You Pay for Twitter?"

We haven't voted yet because we're on the fence. From the looks of it, spending $5.00 a month for a social networking platform (such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Active Rain, etc.) would be a very small expense for what potentially one could gain from a membership.

In our minds, the bigger question is whether or not we would like our new online social worlds if we had to pay for it. To a certain extent, isn't the allure and power of online social networking the idea that anyone with access to a computer can join and immediately begin expressing who they are without spending any money to do so? Yes, time is money. However, if you don't have money, but you do have time, this may be your launching pad to something bigger and better. It provides a level playing field where creativity and what you know is not trumped by who you know and how well you're connected.

Would Twitter even need the default brown avatar (the default image for members who do not upload a profile picture) if it was a paid membership site? Who would pay for a membership and not take the time to brand their Twitter cubicle? I had a conversation last night about the brown avatar. That conversation would no longer exist. The laughs, connections, small talk - the Twitter community as we know it - would be in subtle ways completely different (as would Facebook, Linked In, Active Rain, just to name a few). As it is, some people for varying reasons can only contribute to their memberships now and again. Their lack of use doesn't necessarily equate to a lesser quality of content. If you were in this camp, would you pay knowing that your time to contribute was limited?

In short, what is lost when money becomes a factor? How much creativity and personality is left at the doorstep for control and manipulation when capitalism steps in and begins to rule the roost? Do you really think we would like what we see?

Social Networking Behavior - Are You Rude Too?

I'm often horrified by people's public use of the cell phone as it's original intent, a talking device. We've all had, to one extent or another, aggravating experiences at the mercy of poor cell phone manners.

Perhaps you're one of them! As far as I'm concerned, the following examples are rude and there are countless other social cell phone situations not mentioned here that scream poor etiquette. Shame on you!

• You're having a conversation with someone, their phone rings ... dead in its tracks, your conversation halts while they address the obviously more important incoming matter.
  
• You're in the supermarket and the person in front of you is taking forever to checkout because they can't hold the cellphone, dig out their credit card, and swipe their payment all at the same time.
• You're in a restaurant and your neighbor at the adjoining table is so loud that you've now learned more about their personal life than you would have ever cared to have known.

Compounding matters, the basic cell phone has evolved into countless variations of what we now call the "smart phone" (iPhone, Blackberry, Treo, etc.). They're here, they're here to stay, and it will become increasingly more difficult to remain competitive and efficient in our business spaces without using one.

From the palm of our hands, we now get to merge our online world with the real world. To be quite honest, for those of us already immersed in both worlds, the two are no longer mutually exclusive.

Helping to join this divide, Twitter, amongst many social networking tools, has definitely become a major component of our day to day networking activities. With only so much time in the day, in an attempt to remain productive, of course we Twitter via TwitterBerry on our Blackberry. No problem, right?

So, it's Thanksgiving. We're all done eating, some family is still gathered around the dinner table, others are in the front room, and I'm in the family room loosely watching the young ones run around. All is well, kids are playing nice, conversations are going on, no-one is missing me, it's time for a minute or two, perhaps three, of Twitter.

At the end of the evening, I'm having a conversation with my mother-in-law, mom, and wife and the conversation morphs into a discussion of my father-in-law and his recent obsession with his new Blackberry Storm. "People, especially the younger generation, are always on their phones, they can't seem to ever put them down!" Mind you, my father-in-law's obsession is more so due to the learning curve as opposed to having to stay connected, while my obsession comes from wanting to stay connected.

As the conversation continues, out of nowhere, all eyes converge on me and I'm asked, "Is it really that important to have to be 'playing' on the Blackberry on Thanksgiving?"

My first thought, "Playing?" And then my response was, "Well, this group is talking, that group is playing cards, they're playing Dominoes. Why single me out? What's the big deal? We're all doing different things, having a good time, enjoying ourselves."

They're response, "Everyone else is spending time with each other while you're solely engaged by waves emanating from your Blackberry."

Ouch!

I must admit, a bit embarrassing and even more so as I've become increasingly self-conscious of my actions as I'm finding myself more absorbed and constantly searching for a moment to take a peak, to stay connected.

If these tools are a major facet of our business operations and the tool naturally creates this type of give a bleep here, a tweet there behavior, what is one to do? How will our social interactions be shaped?

For now, I've become one of those individuals ... I'm not holding up the line because I'm talking; I'm holding up the line because I haven't noticed it move, since I'm too busy silently connecting. Different actions and now realizing same rude results.

Back to the Buzz!

Hopefully everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. We did and are definitely feeling lethargic after all of that food. We're sure most everyone can relate.

Now, back to the Buzz!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today we traded the Buzz for the Turkey!

The Future of Social Networking - Where is There?

Before I get too far off on a tangent, let me begin by laying the groundwork for my random thoughts which will soon follow regarding all things future and social.

Finally making time, I'm walking out of the Verizon store today after testing the Blackberry Storm. Amongst other items, one of my frustrations centered around the keyboard. In consideration, a fairly decent size when flipped horizontally but definitely still too small for my fat fingers. Because of the new touch screen technology, it's easier, even though the keys are larger, to accidentally stroke a key that wasn't meant to be stroked. Due to my aggravation, I called my business partner who has been testing / comparing both the Blackberry Storm and the Apple iPhone. He had similar frustrations, but found the Storm to be easier to type on. Through our conversation, I simply asked, how can they fix this? Nobody wants a bigger device, so there's only a certain amount of Real Estate to play with. With this, I began to ponder a bigger notion.

Patience, I'm getting there.

Staying on the same theme but moving to a different platform, let's look at Twitter. On many levels, it's similar to the Blackberry Storm and the Apple iPhone. It's the latest and greatest. It's a glimpse into the future. It's content is compact, 140 characters or less for Twitter a few inches by a few inches for the smart phones. They both integrate pics, video, music, and other media. In short, both tools provide many important things to many people.

Okay, now for the notion I was left to ponder.

Our present push into the future is quite obvious. More interaction, more contacts, more content, better content, improved delivery system, all of which are packaged up tightly for a quick evaluation before we flee on to the next new, exciting thing. In essence, as we already know, we have our mobile network with us everywhere we go whenever we want it. If you have a question, turn on your phone and "dial or Tweet a few million friends".

We know we're going somewhere with this social networking stuff. Through trial and error, we have a loose pathway guiding us there. This tool works, that tool doesn't, this tool would be great if ..., while that tool would be ... Before you know it, a new and improved product pops to the forefront. We try the tool. Enough people like it. The players in the field Tweet it. Boom, a buzz, social acceptance, the next child is born running before it ever had a chance to crawl.

Voila, future becomes present day reality.

I don't have all the answers, but I do know that those much smarter than I will most certainly develop newer and improved solutions. Until then, I'm left to wonder where all of this is headed? How much smaller can we make all of this stuff before it becomes functionally useless? What's in store next?

We're heading somewhere. But, where is there and what does there look like?

Social Networking - Why All of the Resistance?

You hear it over and over again. I don't get it? What's the point? This is not useful. I don't want to .... Blah, Blah, Blah.

The sheer amount of negativity that comes with change never ceases to amaze me. In fact, it seems that, as a society, we're most ardent in our ways during periods of time when it's obvious that "the way we've always done it here" attitude is simply not working and the eulogy is all but written on the wall.

Now, with the latest social networking revolution of the web we're hearing the same rally cries from those who don't get it. Why all of the reluctance to embrace change? In essence, it comes down to one word:

IGNORANCE

I'm not providing this criticism to be negative. I get it. I started with all of the same thoughts. I know for most of you, all of this social networking stuff is relatively speaking new, different, and oftentimes confusing. Was the skepticism any different when people started using personal PC's (anyone remember the Franklin, Compaq - when it was, Commodore 64)? We all could give a 100 examples of what we would never use that we now can't live without.

As real estate professionals, we should be embracing the changes that come with the onslaught of all of this new technology and social networking platforms. Yes, there is a negative, when you don't want to be, you remain connected and it can be tough and downright frustrating to get away from time to time. On the flip side of the coin, this connectivity enables you to do a larger extent of your business operations from the comfort of your chosen working environment.

As a theme that reoccurs hear on The Realty Buzz, embrace these social networking changes and be a part of making the experience better. Instead of being frustrated by all of this newness, spend your time, efforts, and energy getting to know these tools to start using them to work for you!

As the saying goes, doing what you've always done gets you more of what you've always gotten. If that's good for you, I apologize for wasting your time here. For the rest, get movin' and usin'. Change is what you make of it.

The Google Promote Button

Discovering the little button we've all been seeing in our latest rounds of Google searching. If you like what your Google search has found, promote the link. If you don't link what your Google search has found, remove the link.

Google's position:

Google is always experimenting with new features aimed at improving the search experience.

This experiment lets you influence your search experience by adding, moving, and removing search results. When you search for the same keywords again, you'll continue to see those changes. If you later want to revert your changes, you can undo any modifications you've made. Note that this is an experimental feature and may be available for only a few weeks. - Google Experimental Labs

A quick video of a user's experience using the Google promote buttons:





Will these small buttons have a huge impact on our Real Estate marketing efforts? It looks like Google's not the only one who will be making updates to their site! SEO forever changing as we know it?

Qwitter - Our Moment of Shame!

Since many Real Estate professionals are just discovering and beginning to use Twitter more and more each day, we wanted to continue our obsessive theme of discussing the platform.

How many of you have noticed that every once in a while the number of followers you have seems to drop? Every now and again, this seemed to be occurring with our account too, but we were never 100% sure until ....

One day, Tweeting along, I was enlightened by a Tweeting Twitter member regarding a tool called Qwitter. Curiosity getting the best of us, we enlisted Qwitter's services. For those of you who are not yet familiar with this tool, check it out (http://useqwitter.com). You now can find out who stopped following you and what Tweet sealed your fate. For the faint of heart, don't forget, ignorance can be bliss. If you tend to be a bit revengeful, stay away from this tool!

So, today we were having a successful day with new Twitter members adding us to their follow column. Sure enough, the Blackberry began singing it's familiar new email alert tune, and with pride, I picked up the Blackberry. I'm sure we've picked up another follower .... yep, we did. Email sender, Twitter. Wait, is that a "Q" in front of Twitter? It is, the email sender is Qwitter, not Twitter. What? Adding insult to injury, we not only lost one member, we lost two!

How can this happen? Why were we rejected? Thanks to Qwitter, we drilled down into the issue and determine that the following conversation was the culprit. This was the final dagger in assumingly, yet unknowingly, a fractured relationship.

Tweet to PropertyQwest (in regards to the operations of our real estate investment company and where we invest):

"Gotcha, that must be pretty exciting to be all over the country. Is their a lot of travel then scoping out deals?"

Our response:

"No, not a lot. We try to build teams that we can intrinsically trust. Management from afar! Definitely pros and cons."

Excuse me? Did we say something wrong? Apparently, we must have considering we lost two followers on the same comment. What gives?

To be honest, we've got no clue. However, there are some important lessons to keep in mind:

1. Needless to say, watch what you say. There's a big audience and the word spreads quickly (good and bad)!
   
2. Develop a thick skin as you may not always be able to comprehend why you've lost a follower. In fact, you may have lost a follower simply because they've discovered that they don't want to read your endless Real Estate Tweets, perhaps they like the Green Bay Packers rather than the San Francisco 49ers, or perhaps they don't want to hear that you're on your way to the gym. This list could go on and on!
   
3. Take Qwitter with a grain of salt. If you pay it any mind, simply evaluate the circumstances in which you lost a follower in case unknowingly there's something that you're doing that may be causing you to lose followers. After all, these are potential business relationships that we're trying to develop and nurture. Perhaps your approach is the wrong approach. If it is, you need to know.
   

Again, take Qwitter with a grain of salt! Instead of developing a complex, use this tool to your advantage. But, keep in mind much of what you do with this tool will ultimately lead to guesswork, as in most circumstances it will not be evidently clear as to why you've lost a follower. If you're that heartbroken or if you find yourself developing a complex .... seek counseling!

Embrace the Confusion!

In between our day to day activities as Real Estate professionals, more and more of us are making time for this online social networking "stuff". Remember in the beginning, your multifaceted platform of choice was Craigslist. Come to think of it, did you really have too many other choices?

Now, the social networking tools / platforms / communities are a dime a dozen - Twitter (of course, right now no social networking article would be complete without shamelessly Tweeting a plug for Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook, Active Rain, Inman, Plurk, MyBlogLog, FriendFeed, Tumblr, Jumpcut, Brightkite, etc., etc., etc.

To this point, some of you are saying, "yeah, I know these sites, get on with your point" while others are saying, "Tumblr, Jumpcut, Brightkite, what now, where did these guys come from?"

Agreed, this social networking thing seems to be all over the board for most Real Estate professionals. Where do I start? What do I use? Does this fit into my 80%, 20% time spent rule? I don't get it! How many of these things do I need to belong to? This is just silly.

Do any of these remarks sound familiar?

For those of you who've already resolved themselves to using these social networking platforms, new questions arise. How do I stand out in such a large crowd? What's the best use of my time? What's the right tool? Wait a minute, is this a popularity contest or am I looking for business leads?

Make no mistake about it, we're all learning as we go. Even the big boys and girls. However, there's a major difference. The big boys and girls are learning about things nobody yet knows about while the rest are learning about things the big boys and girls have already learned and are now teaching. They take the time to understand the silliness, using and evaluating tools and ideas for countless hours to learn what truly is silly and what potentially has staying power. Are these individuals smarter than you? In some instances, sure. Regardless, it doesn't really matter. The important point and their major advantage (key to success) is that they do this social networking thing for a living, which means they spend a lot of time doing!

As a Real Estate professional, do you earn a living by working an hour or two out of each day while taking countless days off in between? How many hours are you really putting into learning this new social networking environment?

We're not foolishly suggesting that success can be found by simply banging your head into a wall hour after hour with your efforts and pains producing results just because. However, you can't expect to be an expert without putting in the time, practice, and following through with relentless perseverance.

Hard work and dedication has it's rewards. We've all been there, we've all felt successes to one extent or another. This social networking thing is no different with one exception. We're on the ground floor, and this is no ordinary opportunity.

Embrace the confusion. In fact, be thankful for this confusion as you have the ability to be one of many, yet relatively speaking, amongst only a few, that will be able to reap the rewards and enjoy the benefits that this social networking medium will bring.

If you want more out of this, stop treating it like a hobby and start working at it like a job. Give this the respect it deserves, the devotion it calls for, and the effort that it's going to take to figure it out. After all, who said transforming your business was going to be easy? It'll take a lot of work, but it's got to be done.

Make your mark while the gettin's good. And, right now, the gettin's really good!

First Glances at the Blackberry Storm

The Blackberry Storm can now be yours. Take a peak at the 9530 ...





Useful links:

Blackberry Storm at Verizon Wireless - http://estore.vzwshop.com/storm/
Blackberry Storm at Blackberry - http://www.blackberry.com/blackberrystorm/

What`s Twitter`s Viability?

Twitter, Tweet, Tweet! Yes, we're all definitely having fun micro blogging. As with most things in life, the dust will settle and reality will set in. When it does, what will have become of Twitter?

In a previous post (What`s Your Purpose Here Anyway?), we addressed the purpose of Twitter and why, from a business perspective, we should be using the tool. Knowing our purpose, the next question becomes Twitter's viability.

Will Twitter simply be that fun social networking tool that drives you to let everyone know that you're sitting down at a Starbucks with a brimming hot double cappuccino or will it really continue to evolve into something much bigger than that?

Does Twitter have the potential to become that multifaceted, lead generating, social networking tool that ultimately we will all use as seamlessly as keyboards translating our thoughts onto computer screens?

Is it going to be that routine, that powerful, that necessary?

What Social Networking Websites are You Using?

If you're a Real Estate Professional and you're reading these words odds are you have some interest in the social networking buzz. For some, the question is as simple as what is social networking? For others, the question becomes how do I use these social networking sites to promote and increase my business?

If you don't have the foggiest clue as to what social networking is, we would urge you to become a member of the Active Rain community (120k plus Real Estate professional members and growing). Your social networking questions will be quickly answered, your haze will fall mercy to clarity, and you will quickly develop a much needed appetite for more.

Currently, our top three social networking websites of choice are Twitter, Active Rain, and MyBlogLog. Our reasoning is simple. Gobs of information (the latest and greatest), the ability to target a captive audience, and unlimited opportunities to promote and brand our message.

What social networking sites are you using and why?

What`s Your Purpose Here Anyway?

So you're a big social networking guru in the making now. It's hard to image a time when you weren't part of these social networking websites. You're confident because you feel as if you've grabbed a small part of something big getting bigger every day. First floor in an elevator Tweeting messages on your Blackberry all the way to the top. You brag to your cohorts that you have a profile on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, just three of the more well know social networking sites amongst a growing list of countless others.

In your newly found confidence, what's all of this networking "stuff" doing for you? Are you developing relationships and growing your business or are you merely playing in a playground pretending that one day you will make it too?

At the bare minimum, you have to formulate a loose game plan or generate a basic set of guidelines directing your social networking efforts. None of us know exactly what our future holds but there has to be a method to your madness. There has to be a reason why you're using these social networking sites.

It's fun to Tweet your friends letting them know you're watching "Sleepless in Seattle" or writing on someone's "wall" (Facebook tool for those of you still learning) letting them know you have a date this weekend but, and a very big BUT, you must not forget the reason in which you use these tools ... or perhaps these are the reasons.

Are they or do you have a bigger purpose here?

Are You on Twitter?

If you're on Twitter, drop us a comment leaving your profile page in our "comments" section in order for us to follow you. We will be compiling this list and re-posting your addresses to share with other like-minded social networking twittering professionals.

Do us all a favor, Tweet the message along (copy below):

The Realty Buzz Twitter list for RE Professionals. Comment on blog to join - http://tinyurl.com/6kk4m3


Follow the Real Estate professional Twitter list (updates continue, last updated @ 1:45AM PST 8/31/2010):

1. Thesa Chambers - http://www.twitter.com/thesachambers
2. Property Qwest - http://www.twitter.com/PropertyQwest
3. Joel McDonald - http://www.twitter.com/joelrunner
4. Derek Forrest - http://www.twitter.com/derekForrest
5. Marianne Snygg - http://www.twitter.com/mcsnygg
6. Susie Blackmon - http://www.twitter.com/susieblackmon
7. Patrick Riddle - http://www.twitter.com/PatrickRiddle
8. Craig Ernst - http://www.twitter.com/CraigErnst
9. Malisia Wilkins - http://www.twitter.com/malisia
10. Stuart Miner - http://www.twitter.com/StuartMiner
11. CWaterhouse - http://www.twitter.com/cwaterhouse
12. Josef Katz - http://www.twitter.com/directmaestro
13. mycmps - http://www.twitter.com/myCMPS
14. Shannon Lefevre - http://www.twitter.com/NaplesSmartGirl
15. Lu - http://www.twitter.com/ludoan
16. Chris/Stephanie Somers - http://www.twitter.com/thesomersteam
17. Jim Whatley - http://www.twitter.com/whatley
18. Paula Henry - http://www.twitter.com/IndyAgent
19. Susan Milner - http://www.twitter.com/floridafuture
20. Erin Chappelle - http://www.twitter.com/erinatkw
21. Jay Thompson - http://www.twitter.com/PhoenixREGuy
22. Bill - http://www.twitter.com/resherpa
23. Sandy Gleason - http://www.twitter.com/Sandyrealtor
24. Kevin O'Brien - http://www.twitter.com/shorerealestate
25. BHGDigital - http://www.twitter.com/BHGDigital
26. John Juarez - http://www.twitter.com/johnjuarez
27. Debra Drummond - http://www.twitter.com/MichiganMoves
28. Rita Burke - http://www.twitter.com/kennarealestate
29. Steve Mattison - http://www.twitter.com/ozarksagent
30. Sherry Baker - http://www.twitter.com/sherrybaker
31. Jay Carden - http://www.twitter.com/cosrealtor
32. Tom Royce - http://www.twitter.com/tomroyce
33. John Corey - http://www.twitter.com/John_Corey
34. ForeclosureIndustry.com - http://www.twitter.com/ForeclosureData
35. Rhonda Duffy - http://www.twitter.com/RhondaDuffy
36. Knoxville Scott! - http://www.twitter.com/scotthendrix
37. Barbara Inc. - http://www.twitter.com/barbarainc
38. Dennis P. Fassett - http://www.twitter.com/dennisfassett
39. Amy Tharrington - http://www.twitter.com/coastalgirl142
40. Amy Tharrington - http://www.twitter.com/coastalgirl142
41. Tina Merritt - 1 - http://www.twitter.com/tinainvirginia
42. Tina Merritt - 2 - http://www.twitter.com/wolkia
43. Tina Merritt - 3 - http://www.twitter.com/hrrealestate
44. Tony Longo - http://www.twitter.com/CondoDomain
45. Erica Farthing - http://www.twitter.com/ebounce
46. John Billings - http://www.twitter.com/WebbRealEstatec
47. Matt Collinge - http://www.twitter.com/604homesguy
48. Rochelle Ann Allison - http://www.twitter.com/StPaulRealtor
49. Tim McDonald - http://www.twitter.com/tamcdonald
50. Jan Huchteman - http://www.twitter.com/JanHuchteman
51. Ann Cummings - http://www.twitter.com/acummings
52. Dale Chumbley - http://www.twitter.com/DaleChumbley
53. Angel Giles - http://www.twitter.com/angelgiles
54. Katie Minkus - http://www.twitter.com/KatieMinkus
55. Pamela Williamson - http://www.twitter.com/pamelaw53
56. Pam Buda - http://www.twitter.com/pambuda
57. Jeff Turner - http://www.twitter.com/respres
58. Dean Guadagni - http://www.twitter.com/deansguide
59. Erica Muller - http://www.twitter.com/realestatefl
60. Jeff Royce - http://www.twitter.com/JeffRoyce
61. Mike Mueller - http://www.twitter.com/MikeMueller
62. Tom Vanderwell - http://www.twitter.com/tvanderwell
63. The Harriman Team - http://www.twitter.com/wharriman
64. Lauren Krady - http://www.twitter.com/lkrady
65. Maureen Francis - http://www.twitter.com/maureenfrancis
66. Jason Sandquist - http://www.twitter.com/jasonsandquist
67. Matt Wilkins - http://www.twitter.com/mattwilkins
68. Craig Barrett - http://www.twitter.com/craig42k
69. Barry Quine - http://www.twitter.com/barryquine
70. Julian Benton - http://www.twitter.com/julianbntn
71. Jennifer Egbert - http://www.twitter.com/jenniferegbert
72. Leigh Ann - http://www.twitter.com/LovelyLeighAnn
73. Ashley Gephart - http://www.twitter.com/ashdhart
74. David Childress - http://www.twitter.com/akronohiohomes
75. Mark Gordon - http://www.twitter.com/vailrealestate
76. Tony Lazzari - http://www.twitter.com/TonyLazz
77. Nancy Shakeshaft - Slack - http://www.twitter.com/nancyss
78. Chris Shouse - http://www.twitter.com/ChrisShouse
79. Drew Sygit - http://www.twitter.com/loan_survivor
80. Jim Lee - http://www.twitter.com/RealtorJimLee
81. REMarketingGuy - http://www.twitter.com/REMarketingGuy
82. Jeff Kirby - http://www.twitter.com/KirbyRE
83. Ken Cook - http://www.twitter.com/thekencook
84. RealEstateRon - http://www.twitter.com/RealEstateRon
85. Lee Michael Homes - http://www.twitter.com/leemichaelhomes
86. Julie Broad - http://www.twitter.com/revnyou
87. Emily Medvec - http://www.twitter.com/EmilyMedvec
88. Jason Crouch - http://www.twitter.com/jasoncrouch
89. Amy Chorew - http://www.twitter.com/amychorew
90. Todd Tarson - http://www.twitter.com/ToddTarson
91. Mark Madsen - http://www.twitter.com/mark_madsen
92. Brent Ellis - http://www.twitter.com/Realtor_Brent
93. Chris Myers - http://www.twitter.com/orlandoproperty
94. Joyce Corsi Hazen - http://www.twitter.com/ChariotHome
95. Samantha Lorefice - http://www.twitter.com/Sam4RE
96. Joe Manausa - http://www.twitter.com/HousingReporter
97. Linda Slocum - http://www.twitter.com/LindaSlocum
98. Lisa Spalding - http://www.twitter.com/lspalding
99. Derek Overbey - http://www.twitter.com/doverbey
100. Deborah Schultz - http://www.twitter.com/djschultz
101. John Whittinghill - http://www.twitter.com/ATLhomefinder
102. Madeira Homes - http://www.twitter.com/MadeiraHomes

Disclaimer: By no means is this an original post! We're not trying to make it out to be nor attempting to steal credit for being the original real estate tech heads to come up with this idea. With that being said, we're copycatting those who've already done this because it's a great idea and yet another way to network for that next business lead!

If you're reading this post it's most likely because you're interested in Real Estate and the future of this business using these social networking platforms to help us forge our futures.

There's no better time than now to get started!

Real Estate and Social Networking Websites - Take a Deep Breath and Relax

It seems like everyday another social networking site comes on the scene. The revolution has been sweeping the web and it continues to do so. It's been great or has it?

We're starting to hear many complaints:

• I used to belong to that site but I just didn't get it.
• There's no point in using Twitter, I don't want to hear everyone's intimate minute to minute, day to day details.
• I don't have time for all of these sites, I barely have enough time to keep up with what I already use.
  
• It's all about meeting someone face to face. A real interaction.

We could add to the list but there's no need, as we're sure you already get the point. In fact, we're sure many of you can relate to some, if not all, of these issues.

Take a deep breath and relax. As with most of what we do in our lives, finding the right site for your niche is a process of elimination. It takes time. Look around and see who's doing what. It's not hard to find who's respected in their respective fields. Watch what they do, listen to what they say, read what they post, and do your best to learn about the sites that they're successfully using to promote their brand.

Don't fool yourself into believing that these social networking sites are simply a passing phase, the latest rage. In the years to come, the landscape may look different, but the social networking power will remain new and improved.

You can have your face to face interaction. You can make that phone call. We simply suggest that it's imperative that you begin learning how to start searching for your next contact online using one of these sites.

You may not like these sites. You may not be comfortable with these sites. But, make no mistake, your future success lies within your ability to use and navigate these sites in search of your next opportunity.

Active Rain - Real Estate Professionals Start Blogging

Networking, networking, networking. There are few better Real Estate specific social media networking outlets than Active Rain. A targeted audience, over 100k members strong, for you to broadcast your real estate business message. As important, there are endless opportunities to increase your online marketing knowledge and presence through Active Rain. If you're not a member. You need to be.

However, before you get started, send us an email (PropertyQwest@gmail.com) with your email address so that we can invite you to get started blogging with Active Rain.

We want those points! For those of you who use Active Rain, enough said. For those of you who haven't started, but need to, you'll understand our NEED and GREED for points!!!

If you're tech savy, you don't need this video. Simply go to http://www.activerain.com. Otherwise, the quick video below will nudge you in the right direction.

Twitter and Real Estate

Is Twitter a valid social networking tool for Real Estate professionals?

I know, Real Estate can often be a dry subject and so can its videos! Nonetheless, Real Estate professionals are using Twitter and they're going as far as having lunch parties to discuss it. These social networking arenas may seem out of place, awkward, and downright silly at times but, make no mistake about it, these sites are our marketing future:





Put aside your frustrations:

1. I don't get it!
2. Do people really sit around all day and do this?
3. What's the point?
4. This can't help my business.
5. Nobody's going to use this!
   

In response to your frustrations:

1. Spend time using the tool. Watch other people, see how they use the tool, learn from what others are doing. As with anything, when it feels like you're hitting a brick wall, keep at it. The more you use it, the more you get it. Let me say that again, "THE MORE YOU USE IT, THE MORE YOU GET IT!"
   
2. No, they integrate it into part of their daily routine. For example, the other day I had a business meeting that was postponed for roughly 1/2 hour. During that window, from my Blackberry, I Twittered (aka TwitterBerry). What came out of this mini Twitter session? I found another real estate investing website that offered relevant information to our business focus. In short, I learned something new.
3. The point is to network! Do I really need to explain to Real Estate professionals how important networking is?
4. Backwards thinking. OPEN YOUR MINDS! Technology is our future and it's happening fast. How many people had cell phones 10 years ago? How many people used that weird thing called "email" for normal day to day business operations?
5. I guess if you consider millions of people throughout the world "nobody". Still in disbelief? Simply check out some of these TwitterFacts. Quite interesting and obviously powerful.
   

Don't allow the fear of the unknown to clutter your thinking. Technology is here to stay and if you want to "get a leg up" in your real estate space, you better get a crackin' or shall I say a TweetIn.

Visit our TwitterPage - http://www.twitter.com/PropertyQwest

TwitterBerry - Tweet and Much More from Your Blackberry

Caught up in the Twitter revolution? Tweet this, feed that, micro blog yourself into oblivion!

If you don't already know, you can Twitter from your Blackberry too, in style, with TwitterBerry! TwitterBerry is an "Orangatame Software" product that allows you serious Twitter tweeting capabilities from the comfort of the circumstances in which your Blackberry is the "connect me to the net" device of choice.



Posting your Tweets made easy:



TwitterBerry will be happy on your new Blackberry Storm:



You can download TwitterBerry directly from your Blackberry device:
http://orangatame.com/ota/twitterberry/

Minimum Requirements:

• BlackBerry OS 4.1.0+ (BlackBerry OS 4.2+ for TwitPic support)
• BlackBerry Internet Browsing Service (BIS-B or BIBS) OR a BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) OR a direct TCP data connection

Supported Device:

• BlacKBerry Storm
• BlackBerry Bold (9000)
• BlackBerry Curve (8300, 8310, 8320, 8330) Series
• BlackBerry 8800 Series
• BlackBerry Pearl (8100, 8110, 8120, 8130, 8220, 8230) Series
• BlackBerry 8700 Series
• BlackBerry 7130 Series
• BlackBerry 7100 Series
• BlackBerry 7200 Series
• BlackBerry 7520

All of this information can be found at:
http://www.orangatame.com/products/twitterberry/

The Blackberry Storm

If you're a realtor, an investor, or simply a real estate professional, period, you need a Blackberry type mobile device to enhance your day to day business functions. Our eyes are set upon the soon to be released Blackberry Storm. The Storm is poised to rival many of the plush features / functionality of Apples iPhone. Here at Property Qwest, we've been extremely partial to the Blackberry primarily because of the emailing capabilities. Those of you who own a Blackberry know what we're talking about, those of you who don't, need to find out.

ZDNet, Twitter, and the Blackberry Storm

About Twitter - Do You Twitter?

Who is Twitter?

Twitter is a privately funded startup with offices in the SoMA neighborhood of San Francisco, CA. Started as a side project in March of 2006, Twitter has grown into a real-time short messaging service that works over multiple networks and devices.

In countries all around the world, people follow the sources most relevant to them and access information via Twitter as it happens—from breaking world news to updates from friends.

What is Twitter (as noted by Wikipedia)?

Updates are displayed on the user's profile page and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them. The sender can restrict delivery to those in his or her circle of friends (delivery to everyone being the default). Users can receive updates via the Twitter website, SMS, RSS, email or through an application such as Twitterrific or Facebook. For SMS, four gateway numbers are currently available: short codes for the United States, Canada, and India, as well as a United Kingdom-based number for international use. Several third parties offer posting and receiving updates via email. Twitter had by one measure over 3 million accounts and by another, well over 5 million visitors in September 2008 which was a fivefold increase in a month.

Interesting Twitter Tid Bits:

For day to day "goings on" at Twitter, check out their blog: http://blog.twitter.com/

Interested in Twitter gadgets? Check out what they have: http://blog.twitter.com/search/label/apps/label/apps

Want to search Twitter to see what people are doing? http://search.twitter.com/

The Buzz - Want to find out the most current, most popular Twitter links? Check out TwitterBuzz

The future evolution of Twitter? http://www.sociableblog.com/2008/10/28/why-twitter-needs-multimedia/

One persons "22 Reasons to Use Twitter for Business and Pleasure":

FOR BUSINESS

1. Gain exposure for my blogs… and gain potential readers
2. Build my network with transparency and trust
3. Market my work, products, services, etc.
4. Answer questions/ ask questions
5. Learn new things from other industry professionals
6. Share tech tips & resources (baby blog post) & teach stuff
7. Meet and talk with others (some business/some pleasure)
8. Conference connecter (stay connected, share info, get social)
9. Seek out industry colleagues for assistance w/ special projects
10. Safety- Tweet unfamiliar meeting locations & while traveling
11. Better understand social media

FOR (MY) PLEASURE

1. See a new side of your friends
2. View/Share fitness tips and favorite motivational songs
3. View/Share fun pictures (of self and others, or random stuff)
4. View/Share fun links (great sites and other fun blogs)
5. View/Share local news and events
6. Exchange great recipes
7. Tweet the wacky: (ex: running the Bay to Breakers)
8. Tweet while traveling: (ex: a 24 hour Vegas trip)
9. Makes you think about your life (What am I doing?)
10. It’s just plain fun.
11. It’s free!

Intrigued? Find out more about the "What", "Why", "How" as noted by Twitter. Signup and start networking - http://twitter.com/

Real Estate, Social Networking, the Internet

Are you a Realtor, an investor, a wholesaler, or simply a real estate professional? Do you use the Internet? If you do, do you use it to simply research information, check the weather, and find out the latest news or do you use it to broaden your network and increase your business?

If you don't, you need to otherwise there's a whole world out there you're missing.

Laptops, cell phones, Wi-Fi, today's latest and greatest technology. Communication and networking drives our business as does it with many businesses. The Internet is "theee" platform to bring your world into your front room.

We're certainly not experts, we don't have all the answers, but, we do know that this technology "thing" is our future.

If you're willing to embrace this future you will find many opportunities around each corner. We'll highlight what we do, the tools we use, the sites we visit, and hopefully help you broaden your technological horizons.

Disclaimer: Perspective from real estate investors actually practicing what we preach. Welcome to our "Bully Pulpit". We intend to exploit it to the best of our abilities to expand our tech yearning horizons.