Incredibly Valuable AND Free!!!

Have you ever been pleasantly surprised at the value you received at a sponsored event? Today I truly was. I went to a technology seminar in San Diego sponsored by Prospect Mortgage and featuring Tom Ferry and his internet specialist, Josh Galvan. For a three hour event, I expected at least 25% of the time to be spent on self promotion (buy my product...use my service). Not so!! I was really humbled and pleased to enjoy three solid hours of technology instruction pertinent to my business with barely a mention of how I could repay the generosity of the sponsor. (Thank you Prospect Mortgage). In a financial environment that breeds "every man for himself", I truly appreciate the knowledge that will help me grow my business and serve my clients much more efficiently. And the event was free!!

Some key points I picked up on:
~Social media is not just for kids! Fact: 100% of real estate transactions the first half of this year looked for agents or homes online!
~Don't just "scream" at the population what a fabulous agent you are...engage and interact with your internet viewers. Find out what they are interested in. Ask questions. Humanize yourself by letting them "peek" at your personality. Bring value to what you post online.
~Be relevant. Your clients are looking on the internet. Are you there? Be sensitive to the age group you are targeting and make the message specific to them. The Gen X and Gen Y group are sophisticated in their searching and want their information accurate and fast...give it to them. They will appreciate the knowledge without being hounded.
~Finally, don't "Market" to your followers. Be genuine. Be authentic. Engage. Once your web visitors feel they can trust you for correct information and truth in advertising, they will gladly select you as their valued Realtor.

So thank you Tom Ferry for the incredible 3 hour class in all of the technical workings of social media. And thank you Prospect Mortgage for supporting my business model and assisting me in becoming a better real estate professional for my clients. I am grateful.