Let’s start with obvious failures inside Facebook…at the moment!

MyRealEstateListings (there are 2 of them, as well as a few more similarly named cohorts) but they essentially all do the same thing- create a “MyRealEstate” or “MyListings” tab on your profile. You can then click on the tab (when was the last time you clicked on a tab) to view a lack luster interface of your manually entered listings from which you can then decide to click further to obtain details, which lands you on a third party site outside of Facebook. Click for more details, really!?!

My Listings, or Realtor Listing Application, displays your listings on a tab or box on the side of your profile. But again when you click to learn more you are taken to a third party site away from Facebook. Third party site. Really!?!

CenterStage for Real Estate, a failed, failed attempt to charge you $8 for displaying listings inside Facebook. Don’t even get me started! $8, really!?!

Oodle Pro aims to solve the listings inside Facebook issue. The tool can distribute listings to online communities like Facebook Marketplace & MySpace Classifieds. I’m sorry, when was the last time you were on MySpace.  Really!?! Oodle Pro can upload your listings to your Profile and Fan Page, yet they recommend to keep personal and professional identities separate from one another.  Listings on both, or is it one or the other, really!?!  And Oodle Pro will run you $15 a month! Really!?!

I will throw them a small “woot” for displaying links back to social profiles from wherever your listings get posted online.  And I do see great value in listing syndication to numerous online marketplaces and listing aggregators…don’t get me wrong! But the Facebook MarketPlace is not where I’ll be turning to search for my dream home. Really!?! I’ll turn to a reputable source…like the agent, broker, or one of the major real estate portals.

Apparently, the best options…

Posting your listings as status updates on a Fan Page dedicated to your local market, where locals can choose to participate seems like the best choice to me! This strategy is non-invasive, opt-in, and informative. It can even be more friendly and creative since you can add your own take via text in the status bar along with a link to the listing…preferably one that takes you back to the agent/broker blog or site.  Check out the example from Heather Elias.

Now if you don’t host listings on your own domain, the next best option is creating a single property site or posting to Vflyer or Postlets. Once you’ve created a detailed packed site with all the trimmings (local info, pictures, video, etc) you can post the URL to your Fan Page Wall and include a brief message. Some services include an autopost to Facebook feature.

SeeMyListings from Realtor.com is a widget that can be added to your Facebook profile and displays your listings. To view more details you are derailed to a 3^rd party site, but it is a more reputable site (at least in the eyes of consumers) and also displays listings in a much more user friendly manner.  See the example I grabbed from Mariana Wagner’s profile on the left.

Now if you are looking for a more organic way to share listings inside Facebook, I would recommend using photo albums. You can create photo albums of active and sold listings. I have to say, The Rains Team, does a great job of sharing listings via photos on their fan page.  But don’t forget to include a few details about the home, and important contact info.  I also came across Lesley Lambert’s photo of a recent listing via Posterous inside Facebook. She emailed the photo from her phone which was posted to her Posterous site as well as her Posterous photo album inside Facebook.

Last but not least, if you like to have stuff that no one else has you can create a custom tab for your listings with FBML (Facebook Markup Language).  You could brand the landing page with links to your blog or listing sites.  Check out  the Los Gatos Real Estate & Homes Fan Page via Mary Pope Handy. She includes a great deal of area info, market reports and listings with links to her blog. But again, I worry that tabs get looked over. Nonetheless, I know where to look for Los Gatos housing info inside Facebook.

My opinions on all this…really!?!

Personally, if and when I’m ready to move again I wouldn’t go to Facebook to look for listings. I’d go to a resource that rocks…like the agent or broker Website or a national aggregator. I go to Facebook to make connections and build relationships….to chat and find out what’s new in the lives of my friends, family, colleagues and clients! Search listings, really!?!

But if you’re goal is to show everyone the listings you’re currently managing, then go ahead and share them at Facebook too. But consider posting them to a Fan Page dedicated to your market area with links back to you, your site, or your company…not third party sites. Third party sites, really!?!

Don’t fail at implementation! If you post photos about the listing on Facebook don’t forget critical contact info or brief details. No contact info, really!?!

So, what’s your opinion…

• Do you think listings should be posted inside Facebook?
• If so, what’s the best way?
• Where do you post listings ? Profile and/or fan page?

Other posts you may enjoy:

• MyMarketWare Unleashes Even More Market Power!
• Make Real Estate Personal with Eyejot Video Email
• Is My Facebook Profile Complete? FacebookGrader Has the Answer!
• How to Make Use of Twitter Lists
• How to Give Your Brand an Instant Facelift

What are Twitter Lists?

Twitter Lists are nothing more than groupings of your tweeps based on categories you choose. For example: I have 3 lists thus far, (1) RE Rockstars, (2) Tech Influencers, and (3) Keepin’ It Real. Tweeps can exist in multiple lists, but at this point it looks like you are limited to creating 20 lists.

How to create your Twitter Lists:

(1)   When the feature is available to you, you will know! A happy blue bird will invite you to “create a new list” right on your home page.

(2)   To get started, select the “create a new list” button at the top of your profile. Or check out the right sidebar under Lists, and choose “New List”

(3)   You’ll be prompted to name your list and decide whether you want to make it public or private.

(4)   Once your list has been named, you can then add your chosen tweeps to any of your lists from the drop down on their profile.

How to manage your Twitter Lists:

(1)   If you like to be organized, consider making a list of possible lists prior to going hog wild.

(2)   Identify what is most helpful or relevant to your network. When it comes to real estate, you should “think local”. Lists of local businesses you recommend and/or local tweeps are a great way to connect your community.

(3)   Identify your hobbies and interests (i.e. travel, photography, dance, etc.) and consider making a list or 2 of those.

(4)   Identify topics and tweeps that help you be better at what you do or feed you with relevant content. You may want to create both public and/ privates lists for these categories.

(5)   You should know that once you have created a list, you can re-name.

(6)   Create 3 lists to start so that’s it’s easy to add tweeps in real-time and as you think of them!

Why Twitter Lists ROCK!

(1)   You can better focus on conversation with your target network/locals, similar to the way lists are used in the Facebook Live Feed.

(2)   Stay tuned in to those who influence your business practices or the real estate industry. Get to the good ideas and relevant content faster.

(3)   Connect with your friends and family by filtering them out for easy access!

(4)   If you make good lists, tweeps will share them and look to you as a resource.

Finding Twitter Lists that ROCK:

(1)   Visit your favorite tweeps and scan their lists.

(2)   Go to Listorious, a directory of lists by category where you can scan the most popular Twitter Lists.

(3)   Go to TweetMeme which aggregates the most tweeted Twitter lists.

(4)   Tlists lets you launch, curate and distribute twitter lists. <Coming Soon!>

Promoting your Twitter Lists:

(1)   Write a blog post containing links to your lists.

(2)   Create a badge on your blog that links to a favorite list.

(3)   Create a page on your blog dedicated to your lists.

(4)   Promote a list on your offline marketing.

Twitter Lists – Best Practices:

(1)   Don’t ask people to add you to their list. Unless they’re holding open additions! @Scobleizer did, but I didn’t beg him to be on a list…rather I asked him to be the judge! And I’m quite honored he found a place for me on his Tech Pundits List!

(2)   Don’t create lists that are inappropriate or mean spirited…you won’t make many friends that way!

(3)   Try not to take it personally if someone doesn’t add you to their list.

(4)   Stay focused on building relationships through conversation and offering helpful resources. The better reputation you create, the more influence you will have amongst your peers…and yes, the more lists you will find yourself on.

(5)   Thank those tweeps that add you to their lists. You can view the lists you’ve been added to easily, just look next to your follower count. Select “listed” and reply with a simple DM or perhaps public “thank you”…depending on your level of excitement!

MyTechOpinion

This feature is still in BETA and it will be interesting to see what happens once everyone has it. I have a feeling that being “listed” is going to be of great importance to some…but remember it’s not always about the numbers, it’s the quality of the list created and who’s doing the creating that really matter!

Other posts you may enjoy:

• 10 Reasons to Tweetup & 10 Tips for Success!
• How to Give Your Brand an Instant Facelift
• What’s YOUR Twitter Success Story?
• The Tweet Plan 2.0
• MyMarketWare Unleashes Even More Market Power!

Windows 7 seems lighter, faster and cleaner. It has breathed new life into my aging computers.

First Impressions

Microsoft has done a good job of simply refining Vista. At first, I was disappointed that Windows 7 is so much like Vista. After upgrading 2 computers and working with the operating system, I am glad Microsoft didn’t start from scratch.

Compatibility

As an early adopter of Vista, I dealt with software and hardware compatibility issues. This was frustrating and costly as many programs and peripherals had to be replaced.

Fortunately, everything that worked on my Vista computers is compatible on Windows 7.

Learning Curve

The learning curve is not nearly as steep, as well. When adopting Vista, there was a noticeable decrease in productivity as I learned how to do things the “Vista way”.

After completing the installation of Windows 7, I jumped right in. Nothing slowing me down. Only new features to learn over time.

Installation

I have suffered through upgrading every version of Windows since Windows 3.11 in 1994. Never has a Windows upgrade been so simple.

Upgrading from Vista to Windows 7 is a breeze. Launch the disc, follow the prompts and you are up and running. The installation can be time consuming (4-5 hours for each of my computers), but the process is very straight forward and simple enough to complete.

If you are upgrading from XP and switching from 32-bit Vista to 64-bit Vista, the process is a bit more complex. You will need to wipe your hard drive clean and start from scratch. This is a very long process as you have to reinstall on programs and device drivers. This may be a task best suited for a professional.

Installation Tips

The installation is simple, but there are a few tips that will make for a smooth upgrade.

• Run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to identify if any of programs or hardware isn’t Windows 7 compatible. Address any issues it uncovers.
• Back up your data twice in 2 different locations. The Vista to 7 upgrade shouldn’t cause data loss, but better-safe-than-sorry.
• Unplug all peripherals over than your keyboard and mouse. You can plug those webcams other USB devices after the installation is complete.
• Temporarily disable your anti-virus program.
• De-authorize your computer from within iTunes. You can authorize it again after installing Windows 7.
• During the initial installation procedure, another Windows 7 compatibility test will happen. This one is more detailed than the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. If any issues are listed, quit the installation process, address the issues and start the upgrade again. This usually means removing a program or two.

After the Installation

Once Windows 7 is installed, there are a few activities to perform to ensure that your computer is running at its best.

• Run Windows Update to get any patches or updated drivers.
• Check for hardware driver updates on the manufacturer’s website. Many Windows 7 drivers are already available. If Windows 7 specific drivers aren’t out, the most up-to-date Vista drivers should work.
• Check for software updates. Depending on the program, updates can be found either from within the program or on the manufacturer’s website.
• Go to Microsoft’s website to download free add-ons like the Windows Live Movie Maker or desktop themes.

Overall, Windows 7 is a huge improvement over Vista. Any real estate agent running Vista shouldn’t even hesitate to purchase an upgrade disc. This technology is that good.

Those still working on 2001’s Windows XP, now might be the right time to invest in a new computer.

Check back for a more in-depth look at the best new features of Windows 7 and how they will benefit your real estate business.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Lucky Number 7
• The Real Estate Techie Holiday Gift List 2008

Now when it comes to selecting a WordPress theme that delivers a clean design, variety of options, highly optimized code, and customer support….the MTO team chooses StudioPress. Which has been a great theme option for us and our Web design clients. But now theme legend, Brian Gardner, is back and has developed AgentPress, specifically for the real estate industry. In fact, we’ve partnered with Brian to offer customization and consultation for AgentPress theme users.

We’re excited about this new theme (yes, because partnering with Brian ROCKS) and because it brings together the best features of StudioPress: sleek appearance, clean code base….but also integrates listings with custom property templates. So now when you’re adding listings to your blog, all you need to do is upload an image once and Brian’s AgentPress theme dynamically auto-sizes it for you. Uploading a listing with Wordpress has never been easier! And if you’ve been looking for a way to archive your sold listings, this theme will take care of that for you too!

We choose to use AgentPress because once customized with your selected features and content, you’ll have a blog that makes an impact with your local market, impresses your clients, delivers relevant resources, and helps you better maintain relationships with your sphere.

We can help you customize your real estate blog with highly relevant content and resources to benefit your local market. Some of the customizations we feel an innovative real estate blog should have, include: IDX search, local market and real estate trend data powered by Cyberhomes ,Walkscore, & others, neighborhood & school score data, Facebook Connect or Fan Box integration, as well as  lifestreaming multiple social profiles (Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, etc.)and shares.

Visit AgentPress to learn more and if you’d like assistance with AgentPress customization, contact us at info@mytechopinion.com. Got questions or comments, drop us a line right here!

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Services
• PSD2HTML for Coding Your Real Estate Blog Design
• MyMarketWare Unleashes Even More Market Power!
• Make Real Estate Personal with Eyejot Video Email
• How to Make Use of Twitter Lists

We are now back to a time of great anticipation. Hopes that Microsoft will redeem itself with the release Windows 7 abound. Will Windows 7 be faster? Will it ask fewer annoying questions? Will it work with all of my current software and hardware? With the Windows 7 release coming October 22, all of our questions will be answered soon enough.

Actually, I hope to answer some of these questions a bit sooner.

Windows 7 Launch Party

Not sure if by sheer luck or stupidity, I am hosting a Windows 7 Launch Party. It is an event that you hold in your home for friends to showcase the new Windows during the products launch week. You supply the food, drink and people; Microsoft provides streamers, cocktail napkins, activities and a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate for the host.

A lot of work to do to help Microsoft pitch a product, but I can’t pass up a techie experience. Plus, it gives me an excuse to throw a fondue and chocolate fountain party. Can’t have enough of those in your life.

Introduction to an Operating System

With my Windows 7 Launch Party Kit in hand, my first step will be to install the operating system.

I’m a bit apprehensive as to what the next few days hold. Will the installation go smoothly? Will all of my hard ware be compatible? Will my software work properly?

Then, once it’s installed how quickly will I acclimate to the new system? After I got Vista, it took awhile before I knew my way around and was as proficient as I was on XP.

Stay Tuned

With a pre-release of Windows 7 in hand, this presents a unique opportunity to share with our MyTechOpinion readership. As I progress in my adoption of Windows 7, I’ll document my trials and tribulations on our blog.

Hopefully, the information shared will help you in your adoption of Windows 7 (or maybe help you decide not to switch).

Wish me luck in my upgrade and check back to see how it went.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Goodbye Vista!
• Zipform Desktop Is Now Vista Compatible
• Winforms meets Microsoft Vista
• Windows Vista for Real Estate Agents
• Windows Vista for Real Estate Agents

I’m accustomed to presenting in a why-to, how-to style, but it was still fun to hit the audience fast and furiously with 20 takeaways for their real estate business. You may not like all of the following tips, but I wouldn’t expect you to. This list represents a wide scope of online marketing ideas, so (1) you’ll need to consider your current marketing plan and (2) decide which of the following can assist you best with your business goals.  If you have a specific question about any of the tips, leave me a comment and I’d be happy to expand further!

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Tweet It Forward: The Secret to Building an Invaluable Twitter Community
• That’s What You Get For Waking Up In Vegas!
• Is My Facebook Profile Complete? FacebookGrader Has the Answer!
• Get Your Tweet On With Twitter for Real Estate Twits v.2
• Get TECH-NIK-KOL at RETechSouth

BlogWorld officially kicks off October 15th at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  The first day of the 3 day program will provide some specific niche tracks…one of which is Real Estate BlogWorld. The agenda for REBlogWorld is packed with rockin’ speakers and sessions covering a variety of topics specifically geared towards the real estate industry (i.e. Social Media ROI, Hyperlocal Blog Content, Branding in the Social Age, etc).  Yours truly will be moderating an ALL-STAR panel including Jeff Turner, Ian Lurie, Todd Carpenter…and rumor has it, David Armano! My fellow MTO rockstars, Reggie Nicolay and Chad Johnson, will be presenting their idea of the “One Site”, the real estate blog of the future that can be achieved today! To obtain all the details for the day, register and view special hotel rates, visit REBlogWorld.com.

Now just when you think all the fun is over, another 2 days of social media bliss will ensue! The BlogWorld & New Media Expo was my favorite event last year! I was able to get up close and personal with many of my blog idols: Darren Rowse aka “Problogger”, Laura Fitton, Lee Odden, and Chris Brogan. It was like a Disneyland for bloggers! And I would say that the learning, laughing, and conversing I experienced was even more fun than Space Mountain!

So I’m extremely excited to not only attend this year, but also have the opportunity to speak alongside some of social media’s finest! If you plan to go to BlogWorld, you will not want to miss, “How Twits Lay Golden Eggs – The Art of Social Engagement for Business”, on Saturday October 17th, 4:15-5:15 pm in Room 221.  The panel includes microsharing maven – Laura Fitton, the nicest social media pirate you’ll ever meet – Chris Brogan,  real-time innovator – Nick Halstead…and me (clearly the underdog who begged, borrowed, and danced her way into speaking at BlogWorld).  At any rate, I’m in and would appreciate any support. My promise to you: a fun, playful learning experience with highly useful takeaways!

If you’re lucky enough to be headed to BlogWorld, here are a few pre-trip tips for you:

• Follow @blogworld and @reblogworld on Twitter
• Check out and RSVP for both events on Facebook (REBlogWorld, BlogWorld & New Media Expo)
• Plan your schedule now. Don’t forget to RSVP for Branding in the Social Age, Integrating Everything Into the One Site,  and How Twits Lay Golden Eggs: The Art of Social Engagement for Business
• Read Reggie’s post: 10 Ways to Make Deeper Connection at Your Next Conference

So, “shut up and put your money where your mouth is” and “shake the glitter” with me at BlogWorld in Vegas, baby!

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Live from BlogWorld!
• Get TECH-NIK-KOL at RETechSouth
• Get Your Tweet On With Twitter for Real Estate Twits v.2
• Balancing Your Social Capital, One Interaction at a Time!
• 50 Do-It-Yourself Marketing Ideas for Your Real Estate Business

Tweetups also give small business owners a chance to reach out to consumers (in a non-spammy way) and gain more exposure. Some local businesses will even take it a step further by sponsoring or hosting a tweetup. For real estate professionals who understand the current marketing and communication shift taking place, tweetups offer a unique way to engage with likeminded locals and grow your network. But there are many more reasons to tweetup, here are my top 10:

10 Reasons to Tweetup

(1) It’s fun!

(2) Gets you off the computer and facilitates meeting your online friends in person! Face to face!

(3) Connect with other likeminded tech folks and make new friends with similar interests.

(4) Connect with local business leaders which can lead to more referrals or cooperative business endeavors.

(5) Learn more about your local community – local needs, new businesses, upcoming events, etc.

(6) Support a local charity or fundraiser. Rally supporters, organize donations, or host an event.

(7) Promote your business authentically via networking. Your business will undoubtedly gain more exposure from word of mouth and via the media (photos, videos, etc) being shared from tweetups.

(8) Share your love of Twitter with others who know EXACTLY what you are talking about – favorite apps, cool tools, new tweeps, etc.

(9) Swap twitter business strategies, as well as other social media tools and tips. Share what has worked for your business, talk best practices, and ask questions.

(10) Reconnect after the tweetup on Twitter, support local endeavors, pay it forward with RTs, and foster your new friendships.

If you haven’t been to one, or wish to start a regular tweetup group in your local area, check out these 10 tips for success!

10 Tips for Continued Tweetup Success:

(1) Create a Facebook Page for an online hub, inviting others, and fostering community.  Invite several admins to participate by sharing helpful links, creating future events, and regular communication.

(2) Identify media makers! There will always be that one guy or gal who loves taking pictures and/or video. Dub him or her as your media mascot and invite anyone who enjoys sharing media to take a lot of photos and video at the tweetups. And be sure to post to Flickr and Facebook, tag tweetup members and promote commenting!

(3) Center the evening around an optional activity or fun contest! This will help kickstart conversation. Draw upon your local attractions, restaurants, activities. (ex: bocce ball, star gazing, wine tasting)

(4) Name tags!  Okay, it may seem dorky, but how else will you remember the names (and usernames) of your new Tweeps! Check out these super cute “Tweetstickers“! An alternative option would be to create a fun sign-in sheet or board.  The usernames can be made into a list and then shared via Facebook, email or your own tweetup blog.

(5) Invite speakers or “sharers” meaning someone shares a helpful twitter tool, social media strategy, OR provides a fun demonstration. Could even be a local restaurant sharing a favorite recipe, a nurse sharing flu-shot clinic hours, or real estate pro giving some helpful advice or tips. But remember to keep it short & tweet! Tweeps are there to connect and converse, not to sit and watch a speaker all night.

(6) Create an official local tweetup blog (invite several tweeps to contribute), OR  lifestream local member tweets.

(7) Create an event page, either as a Facebook Event, Twtvite, or a page off your tweetup blog. Be sure to share with your local network, invite newbies, and connect with new tweeps ahead of time!

(8) Get a local business(es) to host the tweetups. A local restaurant owner who uses Twitter or has the benefits explained to him/her will usually offer up their location for regular use (especially if your tweetups take place during the week). Our local Tri-Valley Tweetup Club has invited several businesses to take part to help provide exposure to a variety of locals in our community. I happen to live in an area with over 40 local wineries who are happy to participate. For example, our October 8th Tri-Valley Tweetup is being hosted by Wente Vineyards. In fact, they are so excited to host us that they are pouring our first glass of wine for free and setting up a star-gazing center for attendees!

(9) Involve local businesses as sponsors (prizes for contests, host activities, freebies). Again we reached out to our community and our friends at Diablo Magazine bring free mags to our tweetups, our Tri-Valley Visitors Bureau brings local treats and wines for prizes when we have contests/activities, and other local business owners, like Swank Mommy provide special giveaways from time to time!

(10) Everybody loves a T-shirt! And they can help promote your local tweetup club! Even better when you add fun phrases like “wearing my twitter shirt” or “show me your tweets”!

Now these are my tips and suggestions. You could really go in a lot of different directions here. There is no one true formula for tweetups. I have attended tweetups that were organized specifically for real estate professionals, or in conjunction with a local conference. In fact, I’ve attended a tweetup that was itself a unique learning event hosted by a speaker. However, in my experience I’ve really enjoy my local tweetup group, because I get the chance to connect with people who live, work and play in the same community. The tweeps I’ve met have shared their reviews of fun events and activities, suggested new local resources which I have benefited from, and most of all….I’ve made many new local friends! Oh, and did I mention…it’s fun!

Other posts you may enjoy:

• How to Make Use of Twitter Lists
• How to Give Your Brand an Instant Facelift
• Get Your Tweet On With Twitter for Real Estate Twits v.2
• Farming Twitter With DemandSpot
• What’s YOUR Twitter Success Story?

Here are some highlights of what’s new:

- See upcoming Events & Birthdays
- See Pages, post updates & photos to Pages you admin
- Write Notes and read your friends’ Notes
- Upload videos from an iPhone 3GS
- Upload photos w/Complete photo management
- Change your Profile Picture
- Zoom into photos
- Like posts and photos
- Full Facebook News Feed
- Visit links in a built-in web browser
- See all of your friends’ friends and Pages
- See mutual friends
- Easily search for people and Pages
- Make friend requests & fan Pages
- Quickly call or text your friends
- Create shortcuts to your favorite friends and Pages
- Chat with friends

What does this new Facebook app mean for you?

By now you should already know that Facebook has over 250 million users world-wide…the largest social network in the world. This new application brings all of that power into the palm of your hand.  For the first time this app lets users interact with Facebook they way they could from their computer.

Here are a few of my quick favorites:

A) I absolutely love this new ability to add shortcuts to my favorite people and pages. Here’s what you do:

1. Open the Facebook 3.0 app on your iPhone
2. Slide the main screen to the left. You’ll land on the shortcuts screen.
3. Click the “+” in the top left corner
4. Now search for a friend or page that you manage or read. Click the icon and it will be instantly added to the shortcuts screen.

B) Upload video or photos to your wall or a friend’s wall:

1. Visit the wall in which you would like to post videos or share photos
2. Click the camera icon the left of the status field
3. Follow the on screen prompts

(*Video is only for iPhone 3GS. Also for now you will not be able to preview the video you leave from the Facebook app. You will see a message however that they’re working on it. Looks like we can expect it in a future update.)

C) Use your Facebook lists with the Newsfeed:

1. Click the “News feed” icon
2. Now you enter the full newsfeed, click the “News feed” button at the top right
3. Now spin the wheel and stop of the list you want to view

Please reply here and let us know what you like best about this new app, and how will you use it?

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Trulia Sure to Impress Consumers with New iPhone App and More
• TinyChat: Don’t let the name fool you, it’s all muscle
• The Crunchies 2008 – One Geek Girl’s Night Out!
• Regator iPhone App Delivers Quality News & Cool Interface
• Real Estate Agents with Verizon: It’s Time to Upgrade

When it comes to online branding, remember the 3 P’s: personality, professionalism, and passion! Your blog, social profiles and avatar should be consistent but also showcase your 3 P’s! Now when I happen upon these visual missteps, the teacher in me wants to fix it immediately. Fortunately, I can do one better….give you the tools to fix it yourself, as well as a few basic guidelines to consider.

Avatar: This is the image that can be associated with everything from your tweets on Twitter and your status updates on Facebook to your business cards, LinkedIn profile and other professional marketing. I suggest selecting a photographer than can shoot both a headshot and more relaxed or natural pose. Then you can use both versions for all your marketing needs. NOTE: When it comes to Twitter and Facebook, you can and should have a little more fun with your avatar. Take your professional pose and magically enhance it with one of these sites: BeFunky, Blingee, PhotoFunia, Picnik.

Social Profiles: Some social profiles like Facebook and LinkedIn will only allow you to upload your avatar. But others like Twitter and YouTube, allow you to completely customize your background. A custom background can imitate your professional blog/Website branding, but should also be infused with personality and passion! Here are a few examples of some of my favorite custom backgrounds: @SellingPeoria and @Cyberhomes.  If you liked these, then visit TwitterPinch for truly amazing Twitter and YouTube backgrounds. It may cost you $150, but it’s worth every penny! In the interim, try these free branding tools: Twitbacks & BackgroundTube.

Blog/Website: Your business home base. Should be highly professional, showcase your expertise, include your logo, branding colors, highlight niche or local flavor. Consider hiring a professional designer to create your logo and/or header image.  Once you have those pieces in place, it’s pretty easy to take your logo on the go….by adding it to the design of your social profiles.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• How to Make Use of Twitter Lists
• 10 Reasons to Tweetup & 10 Tips for Success!
• Real Estate Marketing: Carving Your Niche
• MyMarketWare Unleashes Even More Market Power!
• Make Real Estate Personal with Eyejot Video Email

Regator.com is online hub of hand-picked blogs representing numerous content areas. Basically, you can search for and find quality blog posts on just about any topic. With millions of blogs, it can be a very time-consuming task to find, identify and bookmark the REALLY GOOD ones out there. So Regator chooses the best and most resourceful blogs, then organizes them in a way that’s easy for you to locate exactly what you are looking for. You can also be assured that these blogs will offer you quality content, which is key if you aim to be your network’s trusted advisor!

With the NEW Regator iPhone app, which is FREE, you’ll have mobile access to over 3 million quality blog articles from 500 diverse categories. Everything from beekeeping to real estate technology! View real-time trending topics and the most popular blog posts in the blogoshere! And best of all, share what you find via email, Facebook, and Twitter.

MyTechOpinion

I already turn to Regator.com to find interesting blogs and helpful resources. Now I get to do it on the fly….woohoo! This is a no-brainer! It’s a free resource that helps you help yourself, and others! Love it! FYI- While this free version of the app does not feature the “MyRegator” tools available on Regator.com, a paid version with these features may be released in the future if there is demand.

To obtain the Regator iPhone app visit the App Store and search for “regator”. To see Regator in action, check out the  video below.

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• Windows Vista for Real Estate Agents
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With that said, my Twitter for Real Estate Twits ebook is back! I’ve updated the first version (released March, 09) to include new tools, new tips, a new tweet plan, and even success stories from real agents using Twitter for business.  In “MyTechOpinion”, Twitter for Real Estate Twits v. 2, is one rockin’ guide that clearly explains how to not only get started with Twitter, but also learn key strategies for becoming your network’s trusted advisor. But don’t just take my word for it, check out what these real estate pros have to say…

To download your free copy of “Twitter for Real Estate Twits v.2″, click here! And please drop me a tweet if you want to let me know what you think about the ebook, have any questions or just want to “get your tweet on!”

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• 10 Reasons to Tweetup & 10 Tips for Success!
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• How to Make Use of Twitter Lists
• How to Give Your Brand an Instant Facelift

DemandSpot

Manage your leads and even create a PPC campaign to target locals based on your current listings and expertise.  Click on the “Ad Campaigns” tab to get started. You’ll be prompted to give your campaign a name, enter a location, set your budget, create and schedule your tweets.  Although these campaigns are fee based, users do not get charged unless their tweet with related media is interacted with. No clicks, no charge! PLEASE NOTE: Use this feature wisely and don’t spam people with repeated overtly sales-like messages. Engage with relevant listings or specific local info.

MyTechOpinion

In my opinion, DemandSpot is truly the most progressive and comprehensive twitter tool that I have come across for real estate professionals. And even more localized features are on their way! Soon users will be notified of a lead in their market area that matches the agent’s market/farm criteria. DemandSpot will monitor, match and notify users automatically! Because this tool launched recently in July of ‘09, it is still very new and we have yet see how the real estate industry will react and implement it.  But I see some serious potential if used properly.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• 10 Reasons to Tweetup & 10 Tips for Success!
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• How to Make Use of Twitter Lists
• How to Give Your Brand an Instant Facelift

Back in November of 2008, I create d the Tweet Plan in order to streamline the resourceful side of twittering. I sent it to Darren Rowse (aka @Problogger), and he was intrigued and understood the value of better organizing your tweets to reach your network. Rowse published my tweet plan on his Twitter tips blog, Twitip.com. Shortly after, I modified the Tweet Plan specifically for real estate professionals and shared it here on MTO.

Well, the Tweet Plan is back and super charged with a new handy tool. In this new version you will drip your resourceful tweets using an auto-tweet tool called HootSuite throughout your day, but also share some spontaneous thoughts and experiences when you have time to! Let’s get started!

Step 1-  Start a Tweet Topic List

Start with a tweet topic list, which is nothing more than an on-going list of topics you are passionate about, as well as your expertise. Here’s a quick example:

Step 2- Identify Your Resources

Visit and bookmark your favorite sites that provide great articles and media related to your topics and expertise on your Tweet List.  Here are a few of my favorite sites:

Step 3: Schedule Your Drip Tweets

Now that you know where to find resourceful content, all you need is a great tool to automate your drip tweets to your network. My favorite auto-tweet tool is HootSuite. To get started, visit HootSuite.com and login with your Twitter info.

Next drag and drop the “Hootlet” into your toolbar.

Now you are ready to visit your favorite resource sites and set your drip tweets. For example, let’s say you  visited the Cyberhomes Good Reading Blog. First, scan the site for a relevant article you’d like to share with your network.

After selecting the article you like, click on the “Hootlet” shortcut in your toolbar.

The Hootlet window will pop up and automatically create a tweet for you, including the article title, name of the Website, and shortened URL. You can then choose the “send later” link to schedule when you’d like that tweet published. You can also modify or customize that tweet with your own verbiage if necessary or even add you own opinion.

I recommend scheduling 5 drip tweets a day and staggering them out (i.e. 6:30am, 9:00am, 11:30am, 2:45pm, 7:00pm). And in order to better manage your time effectively, consider blocking time daily for a “Twitter Check-in”. During that time you will add new followers, send welcome messages, and schedule your 5 drip tweets for the day (or following day).

Step 4: Supplement with Spontaneous Tweets

Now if you’re sharing resource or drip tweets you ARE providing value to your network via broadcasting. But in order to become your network’s trusted advisor  you should also be listening and responding. So try to make a little time each day (even if it’s only a few minutes) to scan your network’s tweets and respond back if you can relate, offer assistance, provide help, or just laugh along! Everyday moments and occurrences are very easy for people to relate to and engage with.

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• What’s YOUR Twitter Success Story?
• How to Make Use of Twitter Lists
• Finding Tweighbors on Twitter
• 10 Reasons to Tweetup & 10 Tips for Success!
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Live Blogging

Flickr Photos

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On Wednesday, the Inman Connect will get underway. I KNOW for a fact that there are some exciting presentations planned to rock the RE industry. And there may even be a little dancing…that is, if I can call upon the Inman attendees for a bit of encouragement (not for me, but Reggie may need a nudge).

MTO will be in full effect at these events and plan to share the latest happenings whether you can make it or not! Reggie has hooked us up so that we can “Cover It Live”, Chad will be snapping photos like nobody’s business, and you can count on me for some video tweets. We’ll be aggregating it all on MyTechOpinion. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to join the conversation here! You’ll be able to comment on our liveblogging posts. And if you tweet using the #mtosf hashtag you’ll be pulled into our live stream on MyTechOpinion.

ALSO, I’m looking forward to conducting some on-the-spot mini Video Tweet Interviews! If you can’t be here, but have a question for one of your favorite attendees, I’d like to help! Just DM me the question and the person you’d like me to ask, and I will take care of the rest! I’ll be sharing his/her response to your question via a Video Tweet, which will also be shared in our stream here on MTO.

We’ll start liveblogging tomorrow morning. If you are planning to be at Inman, I hope you’ll join us as we’ll be presenting and participating in the following sessions:

Blogger’s Connect Workshop: Wed, August 5th, 12:15-1:00pm Closing Business in 140 Characters: How the Pros Are Using Twitter to Farm The Real-Time Web

Blogger’s Connect Workshop: Wed, August 5th, 1:45-2:00 LIVE LAB The Experts Give Feedback on Your Blog, Your Profiles, Tweets and Videos in Real Time

Inman (Main Conference)- Thur, August 6th, 3:00-4:00 pm DEEP DIVE 2: Twitter & Facebook Best Practices – Moving beyond setting up your account to driving engagement and avoiding embarrassment.

One more quick announcement! I’ll be releasing version 2 of “Twitter For Real Estate Twits”! It will be available tomorrow via free download.

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• LIVE from SF: REBarCamp and Inman Connect 09

The error message starts with (1) “Warning: Cannot modify header information – headers already sent by…”, followed by (2) a reference to a plugin file and (3) a reference to “pluggable.php on line 850”.

This error can seem like a bunch of gibberish, but once you know what you are looking for, it is quite easy to fix.

The Source of the Error

What has happened is that a PHP file in a plugin folder has picked up an extra line or two after the closing PHP tag. Sounds complex, but it isn’t.

Basically, Wordpress doesn’t want to see any extra lines after the “?>”. The page should end immediately afterward. Doesn’t seem like a big detail, but coding is about little details.

Finding the Guilty Plugin

Section (2) in the above diagram tells you the plugin with the frivolous carriage returns.

You will recognize the “/wp-content/plugins/” as the folder that you uploaded your plugins into. After that is the name of the plugin folder with the corrupt file. In this example, it is WP-Print (an excellent way to add printer friendly pages to your website).

The Fix

The easiest fix is to download a fresh copy of the plugin and replace it for the old folder.

If you have customized the plugin, replacing the entire folder may mean losing your modifications. In that case:

• Find the file identified in section (2) of our diagram. In the example, that would be wp-print.php in the wp-print folder.
• Open that file in the Wordpress plugin editor or your favorite code editor.
• Place your cursor right after the “?>” at the bottom of the file and hit the delete key on your keyboard until no additional spaces remain.

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Here at MyTechOpinion, we have created our own custom lifestreams via the feed route that displays our Web activity in real-time, and also acts as our online homebase, resume or business card.  For those of you that have been looking for a affordable and extremely easy way to share your online lifestream in the form of a resume or biz card, Card.ly is a brand new service that provides just that!

Okay, you might be thinking, what makes this service any different from those other online business card solutions. For starters, Card.ly not only links to your social profiles but also pulls the feeds from your chosen sites and displays them in on a “stream” page.   You also get to select your own free vanity URL (ex:  http://card.ly/niknik).

Card.ly offers over 30 design skins and is both hcard and vCard compliant. You can also choose from a variety of embeddable widgets for sharing your Card.ly.  With the free version, you can display  3 RSS feeds on the stream page. Now if you’re an online phenomenon, like I know you are, you’ll probably be more impressed by the premium account offering.

Card.ly Pro provides you with a variety of “pro only” design skins, and includes unlimited RSS feeds on the stream page. You can also use your own domain name, remove nofollow from outbound links, view statistics, and more. This option will cost you $2.99 a month or $24.99 for the year.

MyTechOpinion

Card.ly is a new offering from Dan Blake of TinyChat, which we find very useful as well. And according to him, they are just getting started with this service. Soon users will be able to customize their theme by dragging and dropping sections from one space to another, as well as change colors.  In addition, Blake has plans to roll out a store system where users can contribute their own design skins and get paid by other users who select their skins.

Card.ly is definitely a great choice for business professionals who maintain a variety of social profiles, blog, and share other Web content. With this service you can create your own custom business card/resume within minutes. QUICK TIP: If this service interests you, be sure to visit Card.ly after reading this to secure your unique URL.

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Now using the Ubertor website system, clients of the $57 and $77 website plans can upload videos to their website and display them using the Combustion Video player. The same videos can also be easily syndicated to YouTube and Viddler.

The Contest: Your Chance To Win!

As I was talking with Steve about this new feature, we decided to make it a little more fun and give away some sites for MyTechOpinion readers.  Here’s how it will work…

Any MTO  reader is eligible to enter. However, if you are already an Ubertor client this prize is not applicable to your current website package. But you do have the option to gift your prize to any colleague of your choosing not already using Ubertor. The first 50 readers to retweet this article will be entered into the contest automatically.  Then tomorrow, NikNik will add the first 50 retweeters names into a hat and pick 5 winners. Each of the 5 winners will receive a website for one year for only $1.00.  The package usually runs  $77/month for an annual value of $924.

Looking for a few Ubertor website examples? Check these out:

• http://www.sandiegocastles.com – Kris Berg
• http://www.ianwatt.ca – Ian Watt
• http://www.theuncommonagent.com – Mike Lefebvre
• http://www.harborsiderealty.com – Mike Cannuscio

*Winners below

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• No related posts.

For example, you could be at a closing and simply record a brief testimonial from a happy client. With the right iPhone app, you are only a few clicks away from sharing that testimonial on Facebook. Likewise, you could be working with a stager who offers some super advice for homeowners. With your iPhone 3Gs, you could record the stager’s tips and share them with your network on Twitter in a matter of seconds! Basically, you can turn around and share just about any engaging moment, interesting occurrence, random thought, helpful tip or even your favorite dance moves with your iPhone 3Gs.

Here are a few more video ideas for savvy mobile real estate professionals: community interviews, neighborhood characteristics, local business info, quick homeowner how-to, event reporting, candid expertise tips, inspirational thoughts, etc.

To get started sharing video from your iPhone 3Gs, you’ll need to visit the app store and download an application that makes sharing possible. FYI- You don’t need an app if you just want to share video via email or to YouTube as those features are available from the iPhone 3Gs itself. You can even set your emailed videos to go to Twitter, but I’ve found the video sharing experience to be much easier with a video friendly app.

Which apps make sharing video from your iPhone 3Gs possible?

Twittelator Pro: $4.99 Share video in the form of Tweets. This is a full service app. You literally have all the features a mobile Twit requires along with the video feature. Twittelator Pro allows you to select your photo/video preference from a variety of providers in the settings. Note: both Yfrog and Moby are used to send video, and if you choose a different photo provider like Twitpic, Twittelator will automatically select Yfrog to send your videos.

Twitvid: FREE Share video tweets.  It’s that simple. Your one off video twittering service. It’s an super easy app but it leaves me needing more Twitter features from another app. However, I love that Twitvid pulls in my branded  Twitter background so my video tweets are displayed atop my own Twitter profile, which adds a nice personal touch.

TweetReel: $2.99 Also a very simplistic video and photo tweet sharing option. But for the price, the only other option you get here vs. Twitvid is multiple accounts. I’d save your $3 for now.

Video Up: $ .99 An easy solution to send your videos directly to Facebook.  This app uses Facebook Connect to seamlessly upload your iPhone created videos to your Facebook profile. For those of us waiting for the new Facebook app, Video Up is definitely a great interim solution at a reasonable price.

Video Uploader:  $ .99 Upload video to YouTube, Blogspot, & Facebook. Clearly a great choice with several options but that depends upon which networks you share video to.

Kyte Mobile Producer: $4.99 Upload and share video to your Kyte Channel. This app is noted for its high speed and quality video. You can also tweet your videos from this app by adding your Twitter login within the Kyte settings.

Pixelpipe: FREE Upload videos and photos to Pixelpipe and then pipe them to over 95 Web destinations: Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, Viddler, etc. Although this app costs you nothing, it’s not free of occasional glitches and perhaps a hefty setup process for the video sharing newbie.

12 Seconds Video Messenger: Recently unveiled at the Real-Time Stream CrunchUp but not yet available in the app store, 12 seconds brings you their video twitter messenger.  Ideal for sending short video tweets via direct message. Stay tuned as we’ll bring you more info on this app!

The NEW Facebook App: Stocked with 15 new hard hitting features, one of which will also be video upload and share. Once this baby launches, you can bet I’ll be first in line at the app store (along with millions of other users)!

Qik: If you’re a hard core RE techie you may want to consider jailbreaking your phone for live-streaming with Qik. That is, if you’re okay with your iPhone warranty becoming null & void (although there are ways to work around this). many happy tech-stars are enjoying the utility of Qik. Yoo-hoo Apple & AT&T, I think it’s time you hop on the live-streaming app bandwagon!

MyTechOpinion: I favor Twittelator Pro for video twittering, as well as for its numerous other features. This app meets all of my mobile tweet needs and comes with rockin’ online support via @twittelator!  As for video sharing to Facebook, Video Up is as easy as it gets. But as I mentioned I’m parked out front of the app store with my high beams shining on the new Facebook app!

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