Rich Morrow a Real Geek will Discuss How to Relieve Our Tech Pain Points #rebcden
June 15, 2010 by Kristal Kraft
Filed under "I'll Be There" Interviews
Most people realize the best way to learn is to align yourself with those who know what you don’t and are willing to share their knowledge. Rich Morrow is a professional developer with a marketing background. He brings not just experience but his time-tested talent to Real Estate Bar Camp Denver.
It’s with great pleasure I welcome Rich a real Geek to #REBCDen…
Tell us a little bit about yourself, are you a Colorado native or what brought you to Colorado?
I’m a CO native who’s moved around quite a bit (Bay Area, Tokyo) & come back home 4 years ago. I’m a Web Developer by trade & have nearly 2 decades experience building top-shelf product for Fortune 500 companies like Amazon.com, FedEx, Nike, and Goldman Sachs.
Who do you work for and why do you enjoy your job?
Self-employed as an independent Web Developer & Business owner. My boss is a slavedriver.
What is your favorite tech tool for business? Why is it your favorite?
For small & medium businesses, I have two favorite tools — Drupal and Rackspace Cloud. Drupal because it lets me get sites up in days instead of weeks and it’s incredibly secure & well designed. Rackspace Cloud because it lets me host extremely scalable sites for ridiculous cheap (as little as $11/month).
What would you like to learn more about at REBC-Denver?
Pain points that Agents + other RE pros have when it comes to leveraging technology for their business, and how to better remove their roadblocks.
Title: Engaging, Sales-Driven Website Development + SEO
Synopsis: Building an extremely professional, results-driven site no longer requires a Developer, Designer and thousands of dollars. I’ll share 20-30 different design and functionality principles that anyone can easily integrate into their sites with CMS’s like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla. I’ll share 5-10 different online tools & services you can use to get valuable free advertising and exposure for your site. Users who implement these principles soon find their sites on Google 1st page for some extremely competitive terms like “[STATE NAME] mortage” or “[CITY NAME] mortgage”. We’ll take one extremely successful Agent’s website & dissect it to show you exactly how they achieve success.
Title: Securing WordPress & it’s underlying LAMP stack.
Synopsis: A brief intro to some simple but effective things that individual WordPress site owners (and you don’t have to be a programmer) can do to keep hackers out of their site(s).
Is Social Media a Fad? Watch This Then Answer #rebcden
June 15, 2010 by Kristal Kraft
Filed under REBarCamp Denver
The way we communicate is changing. If you aren’t in step with society you will be left behind. Are you willing to risk it? A wise business person would not.
Come to REBarCamp this Thursday and get in the flow, don’t be left behind.
Kevin Cullis Plans to Share His Perspective on Gaining Professional Credibilty #REBCDen
June 14, 2010 by Kristal Kraft
Filed under "I'll Be There" Interviews
Kevin Cullis was introduced to me a couple months ago by master networker, Mary Steinmeyer. She knew Kevin and I would hit it off right away because he is such a geek (meant in a kind way!). Well she was right. Kevin has such enthusiasm for what he does, it’s hard not to get drawn in. He recently authored and published his own book and is now in the process of marketing it. His experience will be interesting to hear about. Since we all have a book inside of us perhaps Kevin will inspire us to write.
It’s my pleasure to introduce Kevin Cullis to REBarCamp Denver blog…
Kevin you recently wrote and published a book. Could you tell us about your book?
What is it about?
There are currently two general genres of books: business and computer books. Business books that cover all types of imaginable topics and computer books covering how to use and fix computers, but nothing that brings these two subjects together into one: A business or project management perspective of using a computer. Just as you get a drivers, and not maintenance, manual for your new car, my book is about the same. I provide a business the computer “drivers manual” giving you the essential of things you need to do for your business on a Mac. A PC version will be coming out later.
How would it relate to us in the real estate industry?
No matter if you run an online business, a traditional brick-and-mortar business, or a real estate business, there is a computer at the center of it. Unfortunately, many business resist technology and never fully maximize what their computers can do. In many cases, they may be searching for solutions to difficult business problems – solutions that are hiding in plain site, right on their computers! Every business deals with marketing, sales, and the actual running of their business and at each step it takes time, and in some cases, money, to make a business work. Spending some time learning how to do better on your computer will actually save money, in some cases, many times over.
Are you involved in social media?
Yes, I’m involved with FaceBook, Twitter, and LinkedIn with Facebook getting my most frequent use.
How do you use social media to leverage your business?
By far the first and most important is making connections with others on a regular basis. All sales are about relationships and social media helps bring it together.
First, it’s all about connections with others, especially of like-minded individuals, such as fellow entrepreneurs and business owners. Some of my connections have some of the greatest daily encouragements, and as any business person can tell you, we all need it everyday. I even have a Facebook fan page for my book, “How to Start a Business: Mac Version” that I can interact with my fan base. This will become more important as I can target specific people on Facebook with their advertising as I see fit and can draw in more fans.
Are you coming to REBC Denver and would you like to present a topic?
Yes
Which topic?
How to establish instant credibility with your clients by writing your own short book in 90-120 days.
How can we contact you? (email, phone, twitter handle)
Kevin Cullis
Chief Business Geek
Cell: 303-500-2839
International Social Media Trainer Brad Hanks to be a #REBCDEN
June 12, 2010 by Kristal Kraft
Filed under "I'll Be There" Interviews
How many real estate trainers do you know who are invited to train in Turkey? I know one in particular who is always Tweeting from parts unknown or in an airport. Brad Hanks who lives in Douglas County is seldom home to enjoy it. Instead as a Social Media Evangelist, he travels spreading the word. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Brad will be able to attend REBC, because he is worth hearing.
In case there are some who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Brad Hanks, let’s take care of that soon. In the meantime, Welcome to the REBC Blog Brad…
Tell us a little bit about yourself, are you a Colorado native or what brought you to Colorado?
I moved to Colorado in 1985 after graduate school. I had job offers on the east coast, but decided to move to Colorado and roll the dice for employment because I loved the area. I figured I’d rather live somewhere I loved and find a job, rather than take a job that took me somewhere I didn’t like.
Who do you work for and why do you enjoy your job?
I’m self employed, and love what I do (speaking, training and consulting), because it takes me to so many different parts of the country and introduces me to so many new people.
What is your favorite tech tool for business? Why is it your favorite?
Overall, social media would be my favorite tool for business, even though it’s not “technology.” Social media is about interaction, engagement and developing relationships. It’s my favorite tool since it deals with the strengthening the foundation of sales – relationships.
What would you like to learn more about at REBC-Denver?
How others are using technology to get business. I’m looking for specific strategies that have impacted someone’s bottom line positively.
Do you play to present a topic? If so what would you like to talk about?
I’d love to present. I can present on a variety of topics, from specific applications like LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook, to broader topics such as social media risk management, building your brand, or online reputation monitoring and management.
Contact Brad Hanks:
@BradHanks
Connecting People with Success
Sponsor Mark Schow of Obeo Brings a Ton of Experience to #REBCDEN
June 11, 2010 by Kristal Kraft
Filed under REBarCamp Denver Sponsor
Mark Schow doesn’t know this, because I’ve never told him, but awhile back I had a buyer-client tell me he only looks at listings with OBEO shows on them. Of course he didn’t say OBEO he just indicated to me which logo he clicked on! Guess that is a testimony to the quality of work Mark and his company produces. So much for the other properties, in my client’s mind they didn’t exist!
So naturally when Mark Schow indicated a desire to sponsor REBC Denver, I was delighted to have him! Please welcome Mark as a sponsor as we learn a little about his background…
Tell us a little bit about yourself, are you a Colorado native or what brought you to here?
I quit my engineering job with Shell Oil Company way back in 1983, packed up all my stuff (everything I owned fit into my Ford Bronco) and move to Colorado to be a ski bum! Bold move, but I wouldn’t change a thing and I developed much of my entrepreneurial spirit during my early days in Colorado. Lots of character building during my five year stint as a Boulder street performer, 250 shows as the MC for a Chinese acrobatic troupe at the old Elitch Gardens, Tom Bosley’s stand-in on The Father Dowling Mysteries series and a variety of bit parts in plays, TV commercials and corporate videos. I was happy to meet my wife 15 years ago who helped me settle down as we raise our two beautiful daughters and enjoy life in Lakewood.
Who do you work for and why do you enjoy your job?
I launched Mediamax, Inc. 8 years ago to act as the Colorado distributor for Obeo. I started the business from the ground up and personally photographed over 3000 homes in the early years of my business. I guess I’m a professional photographer, but I was lucky enough to surround myself with many other more skilled photographers who are the real reason for my companies success. After working for myself for the last 8 years I honestly think I’m un-employable anywhere else. I absolutely love the challenge & independence that comes with managing my own business.
What is your favorite tech tool for business? Why is it your favorite?
My new iMac with iMovie09 and my Canon Vixia camcorder with lots of cool accessories. They’re my favorite because I love the creative, storytelling, process that comes with producing videos. Online video is absolutely booming and becoming bigger part of our service offering.
What would you like to learn more about at REBC-Denver?
I need to improve my WordPress blog design and integration into my website. I’m hoping to learn more about that and actually find a good WordPress developer at REBC who can help. I also want to hear Real Estate agent success stories using Social Media as a business & customer development tool . . . is anyone actually making money from their social media efforts? I’m guessing the answer is yes, but by very few agents at this point in the social media evolution.
Do you play to present a topic? If so what would you like to talk about? (Give us a brief outline.)
My videographer and I are planning to demonstrate the various options available for producing online video . . . from a ‘do it yourself’ Flip camcorder production to a high definition professional video, we’ll provide an abbreviated demonstration of the steps to shoot, edit, upload and distribute video on the web.
Are you involved in social media?
Yes, but not consistently and not effectively enough to see a measurable difference in my business. That’s why I’m attending REBC-Denver.
How do you use social media to leverage your business?
I’ve been fairly active with social media, but I feel I’ve spent the last couple years learning and setting up the infrastructure for leveraging social media to drive more business . . . now it’s time to put a plan into action and measure the results!
How can your product/service benefit those in the real estate industry?
We like to think high quality visual content is essential in today’s real estate industry. Our services save the agent time, help agents win listings and ultimately captures the interest of online & offline buyers and makes the agents phone ring!
Mark Schow
Mediamax, Inc. – Colorado’s Exclusive Obeo Distributor
(303) 988 7497 Main
(303) 988-6809 Direct
(303) 884-8535 Mobile
(866) 809-0286 eFax
Carol Grape to Offer Her Wisdom on Real Estate Photography #REBCDEN
June 10, 2010 by Kristal Kraft
Filed under "I'll Be There" Interviews
Carol Grape is came highly recommended to me several years ago when I was looking for speakers for REALTOR Rally. Carol volunteered to help and has been a steady supporter always willing to pitch in when needed. Carol’s photography talent is well placed in real estate and she is very popular due to her willingness to share.
Personally I’m a tad jealous of her, not only because she gets to take pictures all day, but because she is named after my favorite color and gets to wear it all the time! It’s just not fair!
Let’s welcome Carol to the REBC Blog, please tell us about yourself…
I am really a sculptor who makes a living as a real estate photographer. I grew up in the Maine, went to grad school in Ohio, lived in NYC for 6 years, then moved to Northern KY with my husband for 15 years. We have been in Colorado (in Ken Caryl) for 6 years this summer and love it. We try to ski 10-15 times a year.
How long have you been in the real estate industry? What did you do before?
I have owned my business, grape imaging since February of 2005. Before that and moving here to Colorado I was an adjunct instructor at the Art Academy of Cincinnati and Thomas More College. Just before leaving KY, I was the Chair for the Master of Arts in Art Education program at the Art Academy, as well as the Gallery Coordinator. I was also working actively on exhibiting my sculpture.
Tell us about your company. How long have you been working there? What services does your company offer in the real estate industry?
In my company, grape imaging, ltd I do photography and virtual tours for real estate, custom design flyers, postcards and brochures and design PowerPoint Presentations and Listing Proposals. www.grapeimaging.com
Are you involved in social media?
I am involved in social media a bit. I stay active on Facebook and have a blog, on which I am not as active as I should.
How do you use social media to leverage your business?
I use Facebook not only to show my personal side but to also promote tours that I do for my clients.
I use my blog http://grapeimaging.wordpress.com to primarily give good tips to those Realtors and offices that are doing their own real estate photography. I feel that doing the blog shows off my expertise as a real estate photographer.
How can your product/service benefit those in the real estate industry?
My goal is to promote an excellent visual presence on all real estate websites. I would love to see those fuzzy, dark, dismal photos that show up on mls sites across the country disappear and replaced with well lit, well framed, crisp images for the consumer to view.
Are you coming to REBC Denver and would you like to present a topic? Which topic?
I will be at REBC and would love to offer any information to participants on real estate photography and virtual tours.
How can we contact you?
cgrape@comcast.net or 720.981.3943
Larry McGee Sponsors REBC Denver 2nd Annual Event
June 9, 2010 by Kristal Kraft
Filed under REBarCamp Denver Sponsor
Larry McGee is a big supporter of education in real estate, he teaches associates in his own brokerage and authors a real estate brokerage oriented blog called Brokerisms. Larry not only sponsored this year’s Real Estate Bar Camp but he also encouraged the agents at The Berkshire Group to attending by covering half of their expenses! Now that’s putting your faith in REBC!
Let’s welcome Larry McGee to the REBC Blog…
How long have you been in the real estate industry? What did you do before?
I am an (almost) lifelong resident of the Denver area, and a REALTOR® since 1978. I have owned or managed brokerages since 1985, and currently own The Berkshire Group, REALTORS® in Denver.
What is your favorite tech tool for business? Why is it your favorite?
My favorite Tech Tool is my iPhone. I use it to keep with my business and communicate in all of the ways necessary in today’s world. I even use it for a phone.
What would you like to learn more about at REBC-Denver?
I want to learn more about WordPress, FaceBook for business, and meet and interact with excited and curious people.
Do you plan to present a topic? If so what would you like to talk about?
I will be presenting a topic “ Quality Service Certified and how REALTORS® can Raise the Bar”. I will use a Power Point presentation to outline the subject and to elicit commentary from the attendees to lead the group into a discussion of measuring quality service and marketing the positive results.QSC (Quality Service Certified) is the REALTORS® best answer to service ratings. Instead of allowing our service to be publicly rated in a random, usually unflattering way.
The fact is , REALTORS® and their services are being rated, everyday, by many rating systems and consumers. The fact is you are being rated, you just do not have any voice in the results.
QSC trains the REALTOR® to present service standards in a formal way, and independently surveys the client after closing to provide positive accountability for the REALTOR®. By telling the consumer what to expect at the beginning of the transaction, the consumer is almost always positively impressed with the results.
Come learn the facts about the industries service standards, how you can “raise the bar”, and increase your referral and repeat business by 50%, while at the same time virtually eliminating client complaints.
Contact Information:
Larry McGee
The Berkshire Group,REALTORS®
303-513-1436
