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Taking Action for Your Business Means You Have to Get Uncomfortable

If I were comfortable with technology I wouldn’t really be on my game! Technology, you know…the tools, apps, platforms, devices…and even the strategies involved to make them proficient change so rapidly you can’t possibly know all there is to know. So why do we make ourselves crazy and get overwhelmed before even trying…it’s just our nature, or perhaps it’s just an excuse.

I recently met an amazing speaker named Craig Zablocki who was extremely spontaneous onstage. He read the crowd well and rolled with their responses naturally. And being a lifelong learner you know I had to pick his brain! So after his presentation I asked him if he could give me some tips as I’m always looking to raise my game. He of course said sure…little did I know he was looking for some social media marketing help. So we decided to meet after our event and trade knowledge! [Read more...]

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Go Ahead, Grab a Free iPad

The iPad is one sexy tool. So sexy and shiny in fact, that everyone seems to be talking about using it in their business. Or giving one away as marketing swag like in a recent episode of one of my fav shows Parks & Recreation! Btw- I’m not opposed to raffling off an iPad when it’s for a good cause.

But it seems like every time I get booked to speak at an event (lately), I’m inevitably asked to “work a little bit of iPad” into my presentation. Back to sexy and shiny again, which is fine to a point. But if you’ve seen me speak you know I focus more on substance, less on tools.

That’s not to say I don’t love my tools (iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air, etc). But they will evolve…which means I must always be ready to adapt. And I must always be ready to learn new ways to share my expertise with those who need it and want it. [Read more...]

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5 Simple Tips for Improving Facebook Communication

As I’m sure you and the rest of the world are aware of, Facebook recently made some major changes with Pages and Settings. Some of these new updates have greatly improved the way we communicate on the platform we know and LOVE! So I thought I’d share a few tips for using these new features, as well as a few of my favorite ways to keep the conversation flowing! [Read more...]

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The Art of Social Listing Exposure

If you’re looking for the article that tells you how to blast your listings out to everyone on the Web, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for the article that gives you a list of all the Facebook apps that auto-post listings to your business page or wall…this still isn’t it. But if you want to know how to share your listings in a socially engaging manner on Facebook or even Twitter…then you indeed came to just the right place!

Nearly every time I teach a Facebook class to real estate professionals there is usually one agent who asks (right from the beginning), “How do I post my listings to my wall or tab?” And my reply is most often not the answer, but a question, “If you’re a consumer do you start your search for a home inside Facebook?” (Usual reply: “uh no”) Yep…that’s what I thought.

[Read more...]

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What The New Facebook Profiles & Staging Homes Have in Common

So  tonight as I watched the new Facebook Profile being unmasked during 60 minutes, I realized I was both excited and nervous to take a peek for myself.  I headed on over to check it out and quickly recognized the prompt guiding me through the update. If you haven’t seen that prompt, you can get the ball rolling here.

Once upgraded I experienced the happy delight of a new vantage point…exactly the same high I get when rearranging furniture. Yes, I enjoy the familiar comfort of my living spaces, but it’s always refreshing and energizing to update the design and functionality in my home. Same goes for Facebook Profiles…really! So here’s what I like so far…and what might take some getting used to: [Read more...]

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Lost & Found: My Blogging Voice

The past year has been crazy for the Nicolay household…to say the least! Reggie started his new job with RPR…and has been passionately reaching out to curious agents and creating a variety of helpful resources that are soon to launch. I, on the other hand, have been extremely focused on my new company.  Agent Evolution was born from our efforts right here on MTO! After all, many of you have regular questions for us…and occasionally ask for help with your blogs. So we answered by mixing my teaching skills with Chad’s blog shop to provide a full service new media company!

In the midst of this professional progression, we’ve definitely let our regular MTO blogging schedule slide. Let’s face it, something had to give! [Read more...]

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10 Tips for Getting Reacquainted with Facebook’s New Layout

Facebook celebrated it’s 6th birthday in style…by launching a redesign of the home page.  I was excited to be included in the initial 80 million accounts that were updated with the design on February 4th. This new layout is being rolled out to the remaining Facebook users now (Reggie’s still waiting).

I have to say I’ve been a bit annoyed with some of the recent minor changes made by Facebook, but when it comes to this new overhaul…I’m a fan! Most notably, are the cleaner home page appearance and the removal of the bottom “start” bar. The search bar is now prominently displayed in the top center of the home page, just above the News Feed. And the top blue navigation bar has been simplified to include just a few key quick launch links on the left and right sides.

Now just in case you are a tad turned around by this new layout, I put together a quick list of 10 tips for getting reacquainted with the network you know and love! [Read more...]

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12 Days of iPhone Apps – Day 11: Yelp

On the 11th day of iPhone apps,
MyTechOpinion blogged to you…
If it’s local info you request,
Augmented or not, Yelp is the best!

About Yelp:

Search for and receive reviews for local business and service providers while on the go. View nearby restaurants, stores, banks, etc. based on your location. Obtain a quick rating, reviews, contact info and directions. Filter your results via distance from, affordability, and what’s actually open. You can also bookmark your favorites and/or email them to friends. View the feed of real-time results for local reviews, quick tips, and added photos. [Read more...]