Jeff: Brad, a look at http:jeffturner.info will probably illustrate your point. But just when I think I’ve joined every social network known to man, another one rears it’s ugly head.

I think some people watch my behavior and think I’ve got nothing better to do than play on social networks, when that’s clearly not the case. I don’t actually use all of the social networks I’ve joined, or all of the web 2.0 tools or social messaging sites I test.

For example, there are three major social messaging sites today, Jaiku, Pownce and Twitter. If you go and view my page on each of those networks independently, you’d certainly get the impression that I am active in all three of them. In fact, I’m only active in one, Twitter. I feed original content from Twitter into my Pownce Profile and I use RSS feeds to drive content into my Jaiku Profile. Now, there are a few people on Pownce who I will sometimes communicate using the Pownce tool, but it is rare. And even as I’m writing this, a new site, FriendFeed, is quickly becoming a place of value for myself and others, but I still drive most of the content there via Twitter.

I join these networks to learn. I’m looking at very specific things when I am setting up a profile and engaging with it for the first time. I’m looking at user interface and user experience and the size and quality of the visible communication on the network. Often, I’ll finish out the profile and see if I know anyone on the network and move on. Sometimes my continued use of a network has nothing to do with being social. Some social networks are valuable because of the tools they are built around.

I’ve signed up for well over 400 different web 2.0 sites, a percentage of them would be considered pure social networks, so managing passwords and logins is also key for me. I am on a Mac, so I use 1Password to manage all of the passwords. I allow the program to generate random passwords, so my logins are very difficult to compromise. But I don’t recommend that an agent even begin to be a part of that many online sites. Two or three social networks will be all that most people will ever need to navigate.

Jeff: First of all, you have to treat your online social networks the same way you treat your offline social networks, your “real world” friends. If you have your friends over every night for dinner and drinks and games, before long, you’ll simply grow tired of even your closest friends.

You must set boundaries on your time or you will find yourself eating up large amounts of it before you know it. And sometimes it’s hard to spot when it’s happening. Some networks, like Seesmic, eat up time in large chunks, so it’s easy to identify the time that’s wasted. Other networks, like Twitter, eat up time in very small, 140 character chunks, so they are deceptive in how much time can be wasted. If you’re capable of multitasking effectively, then a network like Twitter can be used effectively with partial attention. That luxury doesn’t exist with many other social networks.

My advice for most people would be to set aside some time each day to check into your social networks. Most of these networks do not require constant attention.

Jeff: We have a large number of extremely vocal Real Estate Shows supporters who are also very active in social networks that real estate agents frequent. The social networks magnify and expand what would have happened anyway via word of mouth. The benefit to Real Estate Shows is that their unsolicited testimonials are spread further and faster as a result.

For me personally, social networks like ActiveRain, have provided a place to share knowledge and to connect with people I certainly would not have met otherwise. And, I try very hard NOT to be constantly selling Real Estate Shows on ANY social network. Some may argue with that approach, but I think the biggest mistake people make in social media is placing a higher priority on the media aspects of the network than they do on the social aspects of the network. Something happens to business people when they go online. They behave in ways they would not if they were at a local Cub Scout function with their kids or at the local Chamber Of Commerce meeting. They forget to be social, they forget to get to know people first, and they rush into the network and just start selling, selling, selling. You might be able to get away with that in a Business to Business (B2B) social network, but that’s never going to play well in the open social networks with people who come to those networks solely to be social.

Jeff: Brad, I started to answer this in the last question. I’ve used the analogy of deer hunting to explain this. Imagine that Realtors are the hunters and consumers are the deer. When hunters go out to hunt deer they do their best to camouflage themselves so they can sneak up on their prey. But they’re forced to wear these bright orange vests so they don’t shoot each other in the process. When you and I go on these social networks, we’re not hunting deer. We’re hunting hunters. So, they’re easy to spot. They’ve got on these bright orange vests. They can’t hide.

That makes it a lot easier for those of us who are working in the B2B world. Using the same analogy, if you could, the best way to hunt deer would to be able to become a deer and walk right up to them in the wild. I think social networking will turn into something valuable for many Realtors, but they’re going to have to learn to take off their orange vests and camouflage and just be a deer.

Jeff: Brad, we actually spend a great deal of time here at Real Estate Shows talking about these very things. I’ve said, on more than one occasion, to others heavily involved in what is now called the “RE.net” that we’re all just talking to ourselves. So, in our view, Alexander van Elsas’s post about the tech elite creating its own bubble, is right on target. Bill Leider wrote about this very thing on our blog back in September of 2007.

The most common reality is not found online. Today, in the midst of the techno noise about the latest, “we can’t possibly live without this” applications, the most often used approach to contact and prospect for new clients is – DIRECT MAIL. Sending postcards via snail mail is still the default choice in the average Realtor’s marketing tool kit. Why? Because it still works.

Relationships and personal referrals are still the most prominent and coveted sources for getting new clients. And the vast majority of Realtors have not yet connected the dots as to how technology can help create the kind of new relationships that lead to referrals. There is an entire generation of Realtors who do well and account for a huge number of transactions that will probably NEVER make the connection because they don’t have to. They can continue to operate effectively and earn their livelihoods for the rest of their careers.

So we may be looking at a very long-term technology adoption cycle. It may not occur in meaningful numbers until an entirely new generation of Realtors, buyers and sellers dominates the transaction world.

It’s one of the major reasons our focus at Real Estate Shows is on easy and effective, not on the latest tech craze.

Marketing Tips, Breakout Sessions and San Francisco

In addition to the many breakout sessions to attend and one of the biggest benefits from attending this event will be the perfect opportunity to meet those Dakno clients who are coming. Among those that are attending include:

• Joe Manausa, Tallahassee real estate blogger
• Kevin Tomlinson, South Beach real estate blogger
• Scott Patterson, Aventura real estate blogger

So come July 22, I look forward to connecting at the Real Estate Connect.

Are you going?

Bobby

There are actions that we must take that will create known reactions. Too often, I hear agents talk about market conditions as if the market has the ability to shut down one’s production. Now, I suspect if we went into the great depression, something like that would be possible. But the fact is that a single agent does not have to be affected by market conditions if the agent understands where the business really comes from. It is time to go back to the basics.

Anything Worth Doing is Worth Measuring

I have measured real estate prospecting and lead source results for years. Early in my career, I was taught that “anything worth doing is worth measuring.” So I figured I would share the results of some of this measurement. Often times, the content in the Tallahassee Real Estate Blog contains charts and graphs that were created through daily measurement.

Real Estate Prospecting Glossary

In order to share these results, we must establish some common language. The study of real estate prospecting requires that we all use some common terms so that we are talking about the same thing. The following glossary will explain some key words that these measurements are built around.These are the key elements of the sales cycle:

Attempts – This is the process of trying to communicate with somebody. Dialing the phone, knocking on a door are two great examples of an attempt.

Contacts – A contact is measured when we have a real estate, fact-finding conversation with another person. Talking to somebody at the grocery store about your child’s baseball game is not a contact. Seeing somebody in public and eventually asking them “who do you know that is looking to buy or sell real estate” would be measured as a contact.

Leads – A lead is identified as anybody looking to buy or sell real estate within a certain amount of time. If I were a new agent, I would use a one-year time frame, if I were already established and had good systems, I might adjust this down to 6 months or less.

Appointments Set – Appointments set are measured every time we set an appointment with a new customer. The key is to only measure the “1st” appointment with a customer, whereas follow-up appointments with the same customer are not factored into this measurement.

Appointments Conducted – We measure the first meeting with every new lead in order to determine how effective our real estate prospecting has been as well as how well we convert our appointments.

Sales – A sale is “new ink.” A new pended side is the result of all of our real estate prospecting. The key is to measure when you succeed in a yes decision by the customer.

Closings – Every time you close on a real estate “side,” you measure this.

So now that we have the common language established, let’s take a look at the real estate business funnel and how real estate prospecting feeds the entire cycle. The follow graphic shows the relationship of each of these different points:

The Real Estate Business Funnel

There is a lot to be gleaned from the business funnel. First of all, look across the top of the graphic and you will see that it shows a time-line. Working from right to left, we can see that for a closing to occur, we must write a contract (sale) roughly 30 days earlier. For a sale to occur, we must have a first appointment roughly 30 days prior to that. For this appointment, we must follow-up on leads prior, etc., etc., etc. The funnel shows us that attempts bring contacts, contacts generate leads, leads bring appointments, appointments bring sales, and sales lead to closings. That is the real estate funnel!

Measuring Key Actions

If we look at the bottom of the graphic, we see that several key measurements have been labeled “A” through “E”. If a real estate agent who is active in real estate prospecting will measure the key actions described above, the agent will then begin to record results and study these key ratios. How many contacts do you make to get a closing? How many appointments to get a sale? These measurements can really help quantify the real results that an agent achieves and will help this agents’ coach make modifications to the work schedule, resulting in higher earnings for the agent (or fewer hours worked).

Note that from left to right, the real estate funnel is much like a funnel you would use in the kitchen. The left side of the funnel is much larger than the right side, implying that we must make many more attempts and contacts than we are going to get as sales. This is a graphical explanation to the old adage that “sales is a numbers game.”

Putting It Into Practice

I hope every serious real estate professional can learn to measure the results of real estate prospecting. I have seen from personal experience good agents become great ones, once they identify their strengths and weaknesses through this process.

Giving Credit (And Link Love)

Before I get too far, I want to give a hat tip to MyTechOption for actually spurring me to write this post. They wrote a great post about achieving better search results. It was that post that made me think,
“Hey, I should expand on that and show people a few more tricks you can do with Google magic search box.”

Define a Word

Okay, so I picked the example because the Dakno Web site is one of the sites referenced. Yes, I know, shameless plug.
Example: define:web site

Converter

Have an overseas buyer and need a quick conversion? Let Google help.
Example: 1200 square feet
Example: 549,000 USD to GBP

Google Calculator

Need to quickly figure out a commission split? Why not use Google instead of reaching for your calculator.
Example: 2+2 (while the example is simple, Google can actually do complex algebra!)

Movies

Work isn’t everything, With that in mind, try using Google to help find a flick. Be sure to include your zip code.
Example: movie: iron man 27609

Maps

Yes, we all know about Google Maps. But I bet you actually go to maps.google.com. Instead, simply type the address directly into the main Google Search bar. Google will automatically recognize it as an address and give you the option to add a start point – Instant driving directions.
Example: 1100 Navaho Drive, Raleigh, NC

Check Flights

Is your flight to Inman Connect on time? Simply Google it
Example: delta 967

Weather

While we are talking about going out of town, why not check the weather
Example: weather: 27609

Spell Check

I have to admit it. I am the world’s worst speller. So bad that Microsoft Word sometimes has a hard time figuring out what I was trying to type (it’s true). That’s when I do a quick Google search. It’s always right on the money. And what makes it even more valuable than Microsoft Word, it can check people’s names, company names, and more!
Example: Brad Carrol

There Has To Be A Better Way

To get around this “junk code” problem, I used to encourage real estate bloggers to first paste their copied content into notepad. This would then remove all of the formatting (and thus the junk code) leaving you with nice clean text. The only problem was that this extra step became quite cumbersome. I knew there had to be a better approach. So with the help of the big G, I went on a hunt.

The Simple Solution for Real Estate Bloggers

While I found a few different solutions, none was as simple as a piece of software called Pure Text. Pure text is free software that runs in the background of your computer. Instead of hitting “Control V” to paste your copied content, you simply hit “Windows V” (The windows key is the key just to the left of the space bar that has the Windows Flag on it). This keystroke will paste your copied content as pure clean text! The software even lets you edit your “clean paste” keystroke (in case you are not a fan of the Windows key). So the next time you want to grab a quote from a website or write your post in Microsoft Word, be sure to paste your content as Pure Text.

I have been reading the Maverick blog by Mark Cuban recently. If you haven’t had a chance to read his post, I recommend you give it a try. In fact, recently I’ve been reading several blogs authored by C-level corporate types. The variety of topics are both interesting and thought-provoking. Mark (Owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA team) seems to get on his occasional anti-big media rants but always makes his point about blogging in a manner that helps you understand how to build your brand and elevate the perception of your product or service in the eye of the public. His no-holds barred blogging style is both transparent and honest. He has a pretty big ego, but then again, look what (or who) he has to deal with on a day to day basis. Talk about egos – NBA ballers must possess the biggest egos of all. I’m not prone for recommending many blogs but in this case, I say give it try and let me know what you think. Be prepared – it’s different!

Local Raleigh Developer Tries His Hand at Blogging

In a different vain, because I’m so drawn to other blogs that discuss real estate, I recently discovered a blog authored by Greg Ferguson with Mercury Development here in Raleigh. Greg does a nice job providing a unique perspective as the co-leader of his real estate development company. Greg blogs about each phase of the construction process of a large residential project in Eastern Wake County – Wendell Falls. I like the “insider perspective” he brings to his blog. I also like how he refuses to use his blog to “over hype” the new community. The blog is “raw” but effective providing a glimpse into the endless sea of red tape required to get a project of this magnitude moving along. I look forward to Greg’s updates as the project takes shape. I have a real sense of the purpose of Greg’s blog and he does a nice job communicating that to his audience. It’s obvious Greg is a quick study and a willing learner of the art of blogging.

My Personal Blog Project

This brings me to my personal blog project I recently launched. With my focus on the Southern Outer Banks of North Carolina, it is my desire to provide a blog portal to my site visitors that communicates valuable area information and offers a unique perspective to the Crystal Coast. I believe individuals and families who come to the Crystal Coast to vacation or maybe desire to live here as a permanent resident will find the information useful. From fun things to do or real estate tips, site visitors will gain a perspective on this area of the North Carolina Coast that will enhance their vacation value or maybe help them make smarter decisions how they buy and sell real estate on the Crystal Coast. So far the feedback has been positive, but it is a work in progress (like all blogs should be). So that’s my blogging objective, to help those who visit or decide to live on the Crystal Coast to understand and appreciate the natural beauty of this area and to make the most of the precious time they share together here.

So what is your blogging objective? For some it is making people aware of your brand, for others it’s their platform to spread their “gospel”. In each example above, the authors of these blogs have a mission – a blogging objective. The next time you write a post maybe it would be a good idea to think about that as you write your blog.

Helping you blog with a purpose,
Bobby

A Crystal Coast Blogger

Raleigh, North Carolina – Dakno Marketing, Inc. a rapidly growing real estate web design and marketing firm, announced today the acquisition of Blogger Lounge and its blog portal http://www.bloggerlounge.net/. Blogger Lounge is the comprehensive blog marketing Web site recognized by Technorati as one of the top 1% of blog sites in the world. The acquisition highlights Dakno’s investment to transform social media marketing functions into a viable component for real estate professionals who desire to effectively reach consumers in the blogosphere.

Added to Dakno’s ever-expanding real estate web products and marketing services, the acquisition of Blogger Lounge and its authoritative blog site will enable thousands of professionals to have immediate access to all of Blogger Lounges’ marketing minds, tools and resources. BloggerLounge.net contains a wealth of information resources including blog writing tools, B2C marketing to the blogosphere, blog site development tools and more. The addition of this asset will make BloggerLounge.net a true one-stop destination for professionals and organizations who seek to broaden their on-line presence and knowledge.

According to Brad Carroll, CEO/President of Dakno Marketing, “Blogger Lounge and its’ Web site is one of the largest repositories for blog skill development, as well as social media marketing concepts and promises to provide a platform to gain high-value blogging consultation and experience. Offering a wealth of information on social media marketing, SEO endorsement benefits and a superior platform for real estate marketing idea incubation, this blog site acquisition is a natural fit with Dakno’s overall growth plans and new emphases on social media marketing.”

“Blogger Lounge and its’ highly regarded blog site has proved to be a valued resource to the blogosphere for many years. Possessing a strong network of more than 1,200 blog sites, BloggerLounge.net has a superior Web site infrastructure, and a solid revenue generation track record which closely aligns with ours,” said Bobby Carroll, Director of Business Development at Dakno. “This acquisition advances our growth strategy and our ability to deliver superior blog marketing consultation.”

About Dakno Marketing

Dakno Marketing is real estate web design and a single-source solution for online and offline real estate marketing needs. Providing client-focused real estate marketing solutions since 1998, Dakno counts many of the industries top producing real estate professionals and brokerages as its clients.

For additional information regarding Dakno Marketing, Inc., send an email to info@dakno.com, visit their Web site at www.dakno.com, or call (919) 877-8511.

Through all these months we’ve shared and learned form each others, I’ve known very good friends and loyal readers. I’m very grateful with all of you. Thanks for the experience and thanks for the wonderful moments, we’ll meet again.

Thanks to all of my loyal readers, but above all friends. Thanks to:

Jon
Santosh
Mjda
Thomas
Phlizzow
James
Prasanga
Caroline
Josh

If one day you need someone to talk or if you need an advice or just a friend, you knw where to reach me. medianthem(at)gmail.com

Well thanks to all of you I wish I could thank each one. That’s it! See you my friends! and keeo enjoying BloggerLounge now with a new head and a new administration.

Bye.

George C.

Yesterday I stumbled accross with a very interesting blog, StylishLabs ; It is a blog about creativity, innovation, trends, design and much more, I think it will become a great blog soon.

StylishLabs is a community dedicated to all those designers, developers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, artists, bloggers and creatives looking for inspiration, style, ideas, creativity and knowledge. Our aim is to build a space where ideas flow, and where knowledge is shared also a space to inform you about the latest trends, tips, ideas and news.

Here you’ll find all you need to know about design, creativity, innovation, style, entrepreneurship and much more. This is a place for the talented ones and for those willing to become part of a new breed of creatives and entrepreneurs. But this is also a space to learn and share, with a little bit of fun and style. If you want to be part of the new age, The Age of Creativity you’re in the right place.

Well their first project is very interesting too, StylishLabs is calling for creative sites around the Internet to become part of this “Distinguished circle“. So if you run a blog or site about design, freelancing, creativity or innovation submit it now and the guys from SL will review it as soon as possible.

This is my newest theme, the second of the autumn-winter collection 2007.

3 Columns

Widget Ready

Wide Content area

Unique Design.

This theme is available for Download. I hope you like it. what do you think?!

Download Aureol 1.0!