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!

*  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.

Now video to the iPhone is not revolutionary. Obviously people have been jailbreaking their iPhones for some time now to setup services like QIK to stream video from their iPhone.  But as I said, they had to jailbreak the phone which is not sanctioned by Apple and equates to hacking the device.  Now, if this news is correct, all new iPhone owners will be able to capture and share video using the device they’re already using for leading social networking applications, GPS, mobile email, internet activities, etc.

My mind starts racing at all the possibilities for real estate professionals. Imagine harnessing the power of a lifestream to aggregate all your shared video, pictures, and content shared from this one device.  (See my lifestream here.)  Let me give you an example, you drive to your first appointment of the day and you arrive a few minutes early.  You realize the sunrise is exceptionally beautiful so you take a few minutes of video highlighting the entrance to the neighborhood and sports park. You tag and share the video. Now it’s immediately available for your network to see and archived on your blog/website via the lifestream.  Later the same morning you learn of a new downtown project that will be affecting local homeowners so you break out the iPhone and open your favorite Twitter application and share the news. That too, has been broadcast to your network and archived on you lifestream.  I think you get my point!

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:

1. RSVP Here
2. Facebook Event Page

Here are some fun promo videos for the event. Please let us know what you think!
Facebook Strategy #17 – Authentic Messages

Facebook Strategy #24 – Business Pages

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.

There’s nothing as rewarding as learning something new yourself or aiding a fellow colleague with their real estate questions. Helpful content and cutting edge multimedia resources go hand and hand on the Cyberhomes Blog. As a reader, you’ll gain insight into the latest trends and technology that real estate and mortgage professionals are finding success with. Access, share and implement a variety of resources available within the Video Library, Image Gallery, and News Room.

I’ve mentioned before and I’ll say it again, Reggie is a great Web digger! The guy scours a plethora of online goldmines to bring you a frequently updated resource stream, aka the Cyberstream. The Cyberstream is content integration of information, tools, products, resources and fun…that you might not regularly find on the Web (without a little investigative Web digging).

Last but not least, no blog can be a good blog without powerful content. The Cyberhomes Blog was created for real estate professionals with REAL interests and issues. Reggie and the other talented contributors have just one simple goal in mind…bringing ideas and insight into the hands of the people that shape and mold the industry, that’s YOU!

If you’re a fan of MyTechOpinion, I’m sure you’ll feel right at home at the Cyberhomes Blog.  Check out this tour via Reggie:

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.

Here are a few tips for using local search strategies on Twitter:

Twellow Hood – Find and follow others based on your geographic location (tweighbors). Enter your location and you can view a list of Twits in your area to follow. TwellowHood also provides you with an extended bio of 2000 characters.

TwitterLocal- Search a specific location and/or the surrounding area. View and follow local twits or obtain the RSS feeds for an area.

Twitter Search – You can search for clients you already know by name and follow them. Enter a specific city name or neighborhood and view who’s talking about your market.

A couple of advanced tips for you:

Yahoo Pipes: Take the RSS feeds from several locations you’ve searched and mash them up into one feed. Then you can scan your reader quickly for new Twits or start conversations with locals you didn’t already know.

Tweetdeck- Download it and create groups based on locations or keywords. With Tweetdeck you can display several groups at once. For example, (1) all tweets, (2) local tweets/list of friends, (3) a specific location/city, (4) RE topic like relocation.

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

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 Twitter Tools:

1. 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)
2. 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. )
3. 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.
4. 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.)
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. TwittyTunes: Tweet the songs are you are currently playing with one click. Send inspirational songs, bday greetings, or just share cool tunes.
8. 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)
9. Twitterfeed : Submit your blog feed and your latest posts are auto-twittered.
10. 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):

1. @BNIX
2. @DOVERBEY
3. @INES
4. @LANIAR
5. @MADMARTIN
6. @MIKEMUELLER
7. @POPPYZOOMF
8. @RAILLIFE
9. @RESPRES
10. @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?

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. )

Part 1 – Internal Factors (Looking in at your blog.)

1. Are you speaking to your target audience?
2. Do you speak in an authentic voice?
3. Are you sharing content that your target audience cares about?
4. Is that content compelling, remarkable, or helpful?
5. Is your blog design professional and pleasing to the eye?
6. Do you keep up or add to the conversations on your blog?

Part 2 – External Factors (Looking out from your blog.)

1. Besides commenting, do you foster community interaction? (i.e. Neighborhood Wiki, Q & A Forum, Instant Messaging, Local Sponsors & Interviews, etc.)
2. Does your blog provide additional content, features, or tools to supplement your voice? (Podcast Advice, IDX Search, Mortgage Rates, Calculators, Neighborhood Maps, etc?)
3. Do you incorporate any type of social media with your blog? (Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Zolve, Real Seekr, etc.)
4. Do you regularly podcast or vlog?
5. Do you have a call to action? Do you capture leads? (i.e. email newsletter, IDX MLS Search, e-book sign up, online trainings, drawings or contests, etc.)
6. Are you sharing content in a way that nobody else is?

Note which question(s) you answered “no” to. Circle that question or questions. Now we have something to work with. Turn the question you answered “no” to into a statement. For example, if you answered no to “Do you speak in an authentic voice?” your goal would now read as “Speak in an authentic voice.” If you answered no to, “Do you regularly podcast or vlog?” your goal would now read as “Regularly podcast or vlog.”

It’s not rocket science, but it is a quick and easy way to identify blogging weaknesses both internally and externally. So, now that you’ve identified your core blogging weakness, it’s time to get focused. Whether you have an internal or external area to improve upon or take to the next level, I’ll be here next week with ideas and support for your new blog goals.

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… wait… C: wait… SD: wait…

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 I use Twitter, followed by my best advice (for the time being).  I know there are a couple of Twitter experts or eTwits (Andy Kaufman) out there who have great advice and tips for using Twitter. So please share and let us know your favorite Twitter apps as well!

FOR BUSINESS

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

FOR (MY) PLEASURE

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

BEST ADVICE

• Be yourself.
• Don’t tweet your bathroom trips unless something remarkable is happening in there. Or the wallpaper totally rocks!
• Interact with twits you relate to, enjoy, can benefit you in some way (like with their amazing knowledge of the real estate industry), or those that are just fun to YOU.
• Follow the twits that follow you…unless they are spammers.
• Don’t over-tweet. It’s annoying. Seriously. I could name names, but you know who you are.
• Don’t share too much. (TMI) EX: When you’re having the mole on your ass removed.
• Provide resources or items of value.
• Be creative and have fun with it!
• Take advantage of apps for streamlining your tweets. (Check out Friendfeed, Twhirl, TwitterBerry)
• Add a Twitter widget or bling to your blog for easy access to your tweets and to gain new twits!

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 the promo code or coupon code field and wondered what that is and how to get one?

Promo codes are special offers sent to select groups of people that can lead to huge savings. These codes tend to be for very specific products and expire after a short period or after a limited number of uses.

Luckily, there are numerous websites that post promo codes for leading manufacturers. By performing a Google search on the company name followed by the words “promo code”, you are bound to stumble upon a site with relevant codes.

I find the best luck with HP and Dell codes on sites like DealTaker.com. I have found discounts as deep as $500 off of a computer or 30% off of the purchase price. Many times, these discounts negate other deals, but they are usually better than the discounts offered on the company’s website.

If you don’t find a good promo code, be patient. New codes are released all the time.

Peripheral, Software and Other Technology Discounts

The advent of social networking has brought upon the idea of social discount sharing. Many websites have popped up where visitors can share discounts that they have run across.

Probably the best of these sites is SearchAllDeals.com. What makes SearchAllDeals special is that it compiles discounts posted on other sites like SlickDeals, TechBargains and DealCatcher.

While these sites showcase a ton of technology savings, they also offer other discounts. Does a Papa John’s 5 topping pizza for $11 sound good to anyone?

Subscribe to the SearchAllDeals RSS feed to make sure that you don’t miss out of any fantastic money saving offers.

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

Just a reminder that the Inman Bloggers Connect Conference is fast approaching, so don’t miss this opportunity to meet and connect with real estate bloggers from around the globe! The main conference portion of this event takes place August 1 from 8:30-3:00 (Palace Hotel, SF), with topics including Finding Your Voice, Monetizing Your Blog, Show Me the Leads, Blogs and Social Networking, and more. You will also hear tips from top bloggers, as well as find out Project Blogger winners. So if you haven’t marked your calendars yet, you will undoubtedly do so to attend the party of the summer, Beer with Bloggers, July 31. Don’t miss this fabulous networking occasion where you’ll finally be able to meet your fellow bloggers face to face, and enjoy some refreshing beverages. So, will we see YOU there?

Click here to register.

TUESDAY, JULY 31

5-7 pm – Beer with Bloggers

WEDESDAY, AUGUST 1

8:30- 9:15 – Finding Your Voice
9:15-10:00 – Monetizing Your Blog
10:00-11:00 – Keynote: Sitting in the eye of a media storm: The Inside Story
11:00-11:45 – Show Me the Leads
11:45-12:30 – Blogs & Social Networking: Creating Virtual Communities
12:30-1:00 – Lunch Break
1:00-1:45 – Pump Up the Volume with Widgets, Blidgets & other Doo-Dads
2:00-2:15 – Project Blogger Winners Revealed
2:15-3:00 – 10 Tips from Top Bloggers

After touring the site and talking with the ever popular Sellsius boys, I was intrigued to learn more about the site’s real estate “inclusivity”. Because the site is open to all things real estate, the community is up for open adoption! The usual suspects are welcome (residential, commercial, Real Estate related businesses), but also the not so usual. For example, the Getaway section features vacation rentals, timeshares, B & B’s and more! Searching classified Real Estate ads to find your next home or Real Estate professional, planning your vacation, and social networking has just been ultra-organized for the taking people….so who shall it be?

As a former teacher, it was always hard to see kids become “clicky” and exclude others from their playground club! But when it comes SellsiusRealEstate.com, I have to give them an “A+” for community spirit!