Google Alerts – Let The Data Come To you

Create Google Alerts for your listings so that if by chance, websites such as Craigslist are listing properties that are at unrealistically low prices, or if your listings are mentioned on the internet or on public social networking platforms, you will be notified by email. You should set up other types of Google Alerts also: your name should be an alert; all your listings; subdivisions and any other subject that you want to keep up with.

Make sure to put your search in quotes.  Watch my video below for more details on how to use Google Alerts.

Communication could mean just listening.

“One smile can start a friendship. One word can start a fight. One look can save a relationship. One person can change your life.” Quotes Hub

No matter how many technology tools you have at your fingertips – the human spirit will always prevail when it comes to the way in which we respond to each other, whether we realize it or not at that particular moment, or later down the road, so when you are working with your clients, remember to use all the basics first before technology. You will win, first, with self-respect.

Your personality travels across the internet in your writing, so if you are somewhat frustrated, give yourself a little time to think through the situation before responding. Stick to the facts respectfully, even if they have to be harsh.

Communication could mean just listening. If you give your client time to explain their view, even if it does not seem to make sense to you, it will show them that you value their point of view. No response, just confirmation of their thoughts and feelings. Clarify and confirm with them that you understand. Provide a plan of action, and even if they get angry, don’t react with anger. This fuels the fire. Reduce the intensity by disarming them with calm responses.

Remember that technology is recording all of your responses – for sure online, and very possibility in person.

What your client thinks of you, is their business. Not yours. Run your business.

[Infographic] 64 Google+ Content Strategies

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Social Media is King

Click Here for this great presentation

Being busy doesn’t necessarily mean you are productive

Have you ever gone to bed wondering what you’ve done all day, feeling exhausted, not really feeling as if you’ve accomplished anything, all day? Welcome to the club! I’ve found this to happen to me, especially on weekends – weekends that I look forward to after a long week of hard work. How can we make our days be more productive? Here are some of my personal suggestions (some that I admittedly need to follow myself!)

• Get a good night’s sleep by going to bed at a reasonable hour.
• Write down what you want to accomplish the next day – make is attainable. Reasonable. You are not superhuman!
• Forget about it and get some sleep – if you can’t sleep listen to some meditation music to help you sleep. Breath.
• Eat a healthy protein breakfast. Don’t skip breakfast. It just sets you up for a bad day of food choices.
• Give thanks your way for another day!
• Get your list and get started, one at a time.

Most importantly, remember that whatever someone thinks of you today, is their business. not yours! Love yourself.

Tomorrow is another day!

What would I do to prepare myself to become a Realtor?

I’ve had the privilege of being a real estate technology and accountability consultant for 12 years and been asked by many why I have not considered becoming a Realtor. The answer to this question is very easy! Because it takes a special person to be a Realtor. Don’t get it twisted!  I am not saying that I’m not special, what I’m saying is, the skill set does not fit my SPECIALty  I’m a natural as a technology consultant, as I do think most Realtors are naturals in the field of real estate. Now, If I were considering this field, what would I do to prepare myself to become a Realtor?

First, I would make sure that I’m pursuing this career for the right reasons. Being a Real Estate Consultant is not for everyone. This takes a full time commitment. I have to be available to answer questions, show properties, answer phone calls – run my business, and take care of my clients and prospects when they need me, not just in the evenings after work. This means there needs to be a financial commitment up front. So I need to plan ahead. I need a financial cushion for at least six months so that I can build my clientele.

Before I even consider starting real estate classes, I need education. What do I know about my city, since this is the area I plan to market? What area would I want to market? My neighborhood? I need to think about real estate brokers in the area. Now, this is really important because my broker is going to be my mentor, my lead, my first line of contact when I get out of real estate school. That’s where I’m going to really learn how to walk! I need to do my research on the real estate companies in the area. I also need to contact my local real estate association to find what what I don’t know I don’t know.

The economy. Is the economy ready for me? Am I ready for the economy? I need to do some forecasting to see if my timing is right. Then there are the membership fees. I need to look into those too…

Technology is such an important part of any business, this would be an integral part to plan. Contact management would be first and foremost. I would start collecting a list of everyone I knew in a pile. I need to be ready to face the world – to be bold! It takes self confidence to be a Realtor. After all, you are helping people with the most important emotional and financial investment of their lives!

Now it’s time to talk to the family to let them know about my thoughts. This is going to affect my loved ones. We need to work together as a team. Maybe my teenage kids can help me with my technology work and research?

I know there’s more. I just don’t know what I don’t know yet, but I know that I have to be open and willing to learn.

13 is my lucky number!

I’m so excited about 2013 – and to be honest with you, this is really not true, because what I’ve learned in the past year is that the future does not exist. The future is now. What I’m excited about is the possibilities that I have created for myself right now! I’m prepared to provide even better support to small business owners. We can look back at the last 12 months and build upon what we’ve learned about human behavior. What we, and others have overcome. What we and others have achieved. We can celebrate the past and work now to realize the life that we want.

Take a look at the world of 2012, Zeitgeist 2012: Year In Review