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How to Share Video from Your iPhone 3Gs
By NikNik · July 16, 2009 · 6 Comments
If you’re a proud owner of the new iPhone 3Gs then you have a great opportunity to share video on the go like never before! It’s one thing to create video mobile style (like say with the Flip), but it’s even more exciting and useful when you can share to your favorite social networks like Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube while on the go and with only one mobile device in hand!
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. Read full story
Next-Gen iPhone Details Revealed?
By Reggie · May 20, 2009 · 11 Comments
Today when I checked my reader I was excited to see rumored details of the next-gen iPhone from the Wired Gadget Lab. The article claims the latest iPhone will be released on July 17th and will include many hot upgrades, such as:
* 32GB and 16GB storage ($199 and $299 price points to be maintained)
* 3.2-megapixel camera (up from the current 2-megapixel camera)
* Video-recording and editing capabilities
* Ability to send a picture & video via MMS
* OLED screen
* 1.5 times the battery life of the current models
* Double the RAM and processing power
* Built-in FM transmitter
* Apple logo on back will glow
* Rubber-tread backing
* Sleeker design
* Built-in compass
* Turn-by-turn directions
It’s easy to see how these new features are great for iPhone users, but how will they affect the average real estate agent? Many non-iPhone users will argue features like mobile video and MMS have been on other mobile devices for some time now. But the reality is that other devices are missing the slick yet extremely powerful interface of the iPhone combined with the flourishing iTunes app store.
12 Facebook Marketing Strategies Webinar
By Reggie · April 20, 2009 · 10 Comments
As we’ve become increasingly social online, new opportunities to interact and grow our sphere have emerged. Once such opportunity is Facebook-the largest social network in the world. Neilson recently reported that 3 out of every 10 people online in the world were using Facebook. And Facebook themselves stated that over 100 million users login to the site at least once a day, further positioning the social networking giant as a trusted communication channel.
Those real estate agents that authentically engage with their network will succeed in creating new and flourishing relationships across the Internet. Some members of your network may help your business in terms of promotion, referrals or even through a transaction. I can’t tell you which, that depends on you and your actions. Although we can help you by sharing strategies you can implement into your business immediately!
If you’re interested in learning more about marketing your business in Facebook, and you’re free tomorrow (April 21st, 2009) at 10am (pacific) please join us for a free webinar hosted by Cyberhomes.com. The session will be led by @Nik_Nik and me @Cyberhomes.
Resources:
14 Tools for Real Estate Lifestreaming
By Reggie · March 9, 2009 · 13 Comments
As a real estate professional using social media you’re probably starting to think about different ways to aggregate your web presence. So I decided to get a list going of helpful lifestreaming resources. However by no means is this list complete, so please share your favorites (i.e Facebook, MyBloglog) in the comment stream below. I’ll be sure to review and add suggestions to this permanent resource. This will be the beginning of a series of blog posts focused on lifestreaming for real estate pros like you!
Cyberhomes Blog…NOT Your Run of the Mill
By NikNik · January 22, 2009 · 7 Comments
Our very own Reggie Nicolay helped officially launched Cyberhomesblog.com today. Reggie hasn’t wasted anytime jumping into his new role as Director of Social Media for Cyberhomes. Yes, I may be a bit biased since I’m married to the guy. But the Cyberhomes Blog is more than just your run of the mill industry blog. Reggie practices what he preaches here on MTO, by demonstrating how design, content and social media strategies can make for a powerful and insightful online community.
Upon first glance, you’ll notice that Reggie integrated Facebook Connect, like what we’ve done here at MTO. FB Connect allows you to port your Facebook Profile right into the Cyberhomes Blog Community. This makes participating an optimal experience! You control your profile settings and how your comments and other resources are shared. Read full story
Finding Tweighbors on Twitter
By NikNik · January 6, 2009 · 16 Comments
You’ve arrived! You’re on Twitter, you’re tweeting, but are you strategically growing your network? And I’m not talking about following all of someone else’s followers. It’s definitely valuable to learn from your peers, but following every other agent in the Twitosphere is not necessarily going to help you build relationships and grow your network within your own market area.
There are some great techniques and tools, however, which you can employ to get to know the twits in your neck of the woods. And once you find and follow these local twits, it’s your job to befriend them with your interest based experiences, professional expertise (transparently), and above all…being helpful. Be a friendly conversationalist, gradually gaining trust and building relationships…that may lead to offline connecting and potential sales leads when the time is right.
Free Seminar Today: Web site secrets and powerful social networking strategies
By Reggie · October 24, 2008 · 5 Comments
Trying to build your online presence? Cyberhomes has hired Randy Eagar, Search Engine Expert and leading technology trainer in the real estate industry to teach you the secrets of some of the most successful agents earning over six figures a year online.
In this seminar, Randy will share easy-to-implement web site secrets and powerful social networking strategies that work. He’ll also introduce a ton of other ideas you can use to dominate your real estate market online!
The Seminar is today Friday, October 24
1-2 pm PT / 2-3 pm MT / 3-4 pm CT / 4-5 pm ET
If you are interested, click this link to RSVP
A Twitter Resource for Real Estate Twits
By NikNik · August 18, 2008 · 33 Comments
I was inspired to write this post after the several public whippings I have received in support of Twitter. I think it’s obvious that either “you do” or “you don’t” Twitter. And that’s fine. Nobody is saying (especially me) that if you don’t Twitter you will never reach Zen 2.0, or your real estate client database will double overnight. I think I just appreciate the utility of Twitter (among other things) and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned and discovered thus far. So if you love it already like Hitler, or you’ve found yourself on a bandwagon to Twitterville, this post is for you.
Quickly, (I’ll try) let me fill you in on why Twitter has become my connection companion. First, I find myself behind a computer most days and it’s nice to know that others out there sharing the same interests (or not) want to share themselves with me. And not only share their transparent moments, but also extremely helpful tips, resources, and information….that positively impact my own professional development and business. Twitter has even assisted me with customer service 2.0. (Thanks @Midphase)
Out of the office, Twitter Mobile -Style is where it’s at! I can send pictures of whacky things, great ideas, or inspirational thoughts with any of the numerous Twitter apps available. Moreover, I can check in with the people that mean the most to me. I can find out where my peeps are at for a meetup or connect with conference goers on a deeper level. BTW-If you’re already using Twitter, I’m sure you have 101 reasons why you already love it (so leave me a comment). This lightening speed overview is mostly for newbies wondering what the hype is all about.
So if you’re on the fence or not. Check out the following widely used and loved Twitter applications that I either use myself or have been clued into by other Twitter users. Twitter does not require outside apps to gain appreciation or like, they just make the experience more lovable! FYI-I do NOT recommend downloading and trying to use every app mentioned below, but rather encourage you to peruse for yourself and pick a few to try out. Now if you are in good company with other Twitter users, I’m sure they will point you in the direction they favor most!
| 10 Mobile Apps: | 10 Desktop Apps: |
10 Twitter Tools:
- Twitter Search (aka Summize): Filter your tweets by searching keywords, phrases, twits, trends and more. (ex: real estate professionals, bloggers, industry experts, special interests, key niche phrases, etc)
- TwitterLocal Search for twits in your local area. (ex: Find and follow all the twits in your neck of the woods… reach out with tips and transparency. )
- Twitter Counter : Find out who the most popular twits are. Who knows, you may identify a few great resources for following and gaining great info.
- TweetScan: Get tweets mailed to you that include your selected keywords or phrases. (ex: If you set the keywords for your niche real estate market and neighborhoods you can find twits that may be planning a move soon…or at least talking about your area.)
- Twitter Atlas: A mashup of Twitter and Microsoft’s Virtual Earth. See also Twittervision. Just a really cool visual interface for identifying where twits are.
- Remember the Milk: Kind of like Jott, but Twitter style. RTM is your personal reminder service. Ask RTM to remind you to pick up dry cleaning, order inspections, or grab milk at the store.
- TwittyTunes: Tweet the songs are you are currently playing with one click. Send inspirational songs, bday greetings, or just share cool tunes.
- Twitpic : Share your photos on Twitter. It’s as simple as that! See also Mobypicture: Post pictures with one click to Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, Wordlpress, etc. (video & audio coming soon)
- Twitterfeed : Submit your blog feed and your latest posts are auto-twittered.
- Ping.fm : Relays messages to a variety of social networking sites from AIM, Gtalk, iGoogle, WAP, iPhone, iPod Touch, SMS, or email.
To get the conversations starting, here are 10 really cool RE twits that crack me up or assist me in my goal of being a lifelong learner (don’t hate, just follow):
- @BNIX
- @DOVERBEY
- @INES
- @LANIAR
- @MADMARTIN
- @MIKEMUELLER
- @POPPYZOOMF
- @RAILLIFE
- @RESPRES
- @TBOARD
TWITTER DISCLAIMER: Twitter can spend your time like nobody’s business. So manage accordingly. Also, in the beginning you may feel compelled to add everyone who adds you. I did. But now I recognize the people I find interesting, helpful, hilarious or meaningful. Everyone else is getting “unfollowed”. Sorry, I can only stand so much noise.
BTW-Check out this new Twitter Commercial…you may see a familiar face…and hands?
“Does my blog REally rock?” An Assessment for Serious Real Estate Bloggers
By NikNik · July 6, 2008 · 15 Comments
Have you taken a good look around your real estate blog lately? Would you like to gain more traffic? And, reach each your target audience, for real? If you are serious about your blog, then you should be serious about taking new steps and exploring innovative options to boost your blog success. Don’t let your blog take a back seat to 2.0!
MTO is gearing up for the Inman Connect SF. In fact, I’ve been invited to speak on the Blogger’s Connect panel entitled, “Growing Pains: Taking Your Blog to the Next Level“, alongside these A-list rockin’ real estate blog experts Dustin Luther, Jim Cronin, and Daniel Rothamel. The RE 2.0 guru himself will be there as moderator, yes, you know him….Jeff Turner. So over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing tools and suggestions for taking that next level leap. But of course I’ll be leaving the meatiest of it all for those of you attending the Connect. So, I hope to see you there!
Anyway, our blogucation cannot begin without a self assessment, a blog assessment really. The best teachers assess at the beginning and the end of an assignment or goal. How else will you know if you made any real strides? To start, you will notice that the following assessment is organized in 2 sections, Internal Factors and External Factors. To examine your blog best, you should focus on these 2 areas.
Internal Factors are actions, tools, and strategies you put into play on your blog to give it life, display your expertise and target your audience. These may include your voice, design, blog posts, organization, comments, etc. External Factors are actions, tools, and strategies you use to reach outside of your blog, create interaction, and hopefully bring readers back to you. These may include, but not limited to: IDX Search, email newsletters, commenting, podcasting, video, social networking, etc.
Take the “Does my blog REally rock?” Assessment (Directions: Print this article, read each question, and write your yes or no answer next to each one. If you’re old school, grab a piece of paper and number 1-6 twice, then write down your answers. Keep your eyes on your own paper. ) Read full story
22 Reasons to Use Twitter for Business and Pleasure
By NikNik · May 29, 2008 · 42 Comments
Last week I was invited to take part in a top secret Twitter Mission. I received a request from JulieTweets to arrive at a red door in San Francisco by 12:30 sharp! Thanks to GPS (asking the parking attendant) I found it promptly! Anyway, once I arrived I was greeted by one cool cat and 3 hot babes with cupcakes. I was in for sure now! The hot babes (savvy production crew) proceeded to set me up for video interview. Come to find out, I wasn’t the only top secret twit invited to the red door. JulieTweets informed me that Twitter is compiling video interviews of all sorts of Twits to use in an upcoming marketing campaign. I quickly let her know that I’d be fine sharing the spotlight (not really) if she hooked me up with a Twitter shirt. Gosh, imagine what I’d do for a pair of jeans!
So for those of you that are not familiar with Twitter (come out from under your rock), it’s a cross between blogging and instant messaging. Also referred to as micro-blogging. Each tweet or post must be 140 characters or less. You can add more value to each tweet by including links to helpful blogs and Websites, your wacky pictures and videos, etc. And each tweet is centered around answering the question, “What are you doing?”
To be honest, I poo pooed Twitter for some time. I just didn’t need (or want) another social networking tool to contend with. I can admit when I’m wrong. In fact, because Twitter updates in real time I’m able to reach an on audience on the spot. Besides being just fun…Twitter is a valuable safety tool as well. If you haven’t heard about the student who Twittered his way out of an Egyptian jail, read this. You may not be visiting any foreign countries in the near future, but you can use Twitter at home to let loved ones know where you are and if any unfavorable persons are bothering you. (EX: Unfamiliar meeting locations, Open Houses, etc.)
Here are 22 reasons Read full story
Save Money On Your Technology Purchases
By Chad A. Johnson · April 13, 2008 · 12 Comments
I am what you might call a “bargain hopper”. It gives me great pleasure in knowing that I purchased something at the lowest possible price.
The slowing of the real estate market and the economy as a whole has made everyone a bit more frugal and willing to go to a bit more effort to find a great deal.
Allow me to show you a few tricks to saving money while still keeping on top of the latest real estate technology.
Discounts on Computers
First of all, never pay full price on a computer. In fact, don’t even settle for a sale price. A simple Google search and a bit of good timing can save you so much more money.
When making an online purchase, have you seen Read full story
New Buyer Tour Technology Helps Real Estate Agents Bridge the Geographical Gap
By Reggie · November 18, 2007 · 5 Comments
With Real Estate agents looking to embrace the latest technology tools like blogging and social networking, many are noticing their buyer contacts are originating from out-of-town locations. So how does a real estate agent efficiently show local homes, without the buyer traveling for each buyer’s tour? I’m not talking about emailing MLS printouts!
SiteSeer3D is an online application that integrates with your website and allows real estate agents to show buyers 3D views of local geographic areas and points of interest. OK, I know so far I’m just describing Google Earth and Microsoft Live Maps technology. But SiteSeer3D packs in tons of other useful features by interfacing with the local MLS. For example, imagine the buyer (or buyers agent) zooming into individual properties for sale and identifying a home’s proximity to schools, parks, and downtown locations. SiteSeer3D also displays parcel boundaries, much like Cyberhomes, to help buyers understand the true size and shape of the lot. Buyers can click a “details” button on any home for sale to see listing photos, tours, physical characteristics, associated flyers, mortgage calculators, community links and resources etc.
If a real estate agent would like to give their buyer a guided tour, they can use SiteSeer3D’s remote tour guide features. This allows the potential buyer to watch his/her screen while the real estate agent takes the driver seat and explores the local homes for sale and community characteristics. This tool makes the initial preview insightful and helps eliminate showing mismatches; making the actual tour day much more productive while shorting the sale cycle.
After carefully reviewing the SiteSeer3D demo, I found the technology rather intuitive; however one challenge you may face is that they are not integrated with every MLS. When they do integrate, data flows from the MLS via a FTP data push or RETS feed. I was told by SiteSeer3D Excel import is also available although I have not personally tested the feature.
Useful Links for SiteSeer3D:
Watch a video overview of SiteSeer3D
