Sponsor Gretchen Faber is a Strong Supporter of #REBCDen
June 16, 2010 by Kristal Kraft
Filed under "I'll Be There" Interviews
Gretchen Faber is a very active member of the real estate community. She is a manager at her company, a NAR Director and a member of countless committees. REBC is very grateful to have a strong supporter like her on board, as this is the second year she has sponsored the event.
I would like to introduce you to the readers of the REBarCamp Blog. Would you please tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a 40-something workaholic with not enough hobbies. I just love the real estate business!
How long have you been in the real estate industry? What did you do before?
I started selling real estate in 1996 after a divorce. I needed to reinvent myself and find a new career. I had been working with my husband and that obviously wasn’t working out too well. We owned an advertising agency specializing in print and radio for small financial institutions.
Tell us about your company. How long have you been working there? What services does you company offer in the real estate industry?
I work at The Kentwood Company at Cherry Creek. We’re a locally owned brokerage and I’ve been with the company since 1998. In 2007 I became the Broker Manager of the office and I still handle my real estate clients as well. I guess that’s my hobby.
Our company has made a concerted effort in the past 3 years to really leverage our online presence. We’re also blogging and on Facebook, tweeting, etc. Our industry has changed so much, and more changes are on the way!
Are you involved in social media?
Yes! I’ve been blogging about Denver and real estate at www.LifeStyleDenver.com for three years. I also use Facebook, and to some extent Twitter to focus interest back to my personal web site. My blog also links to my web site, www.GretchensDenver.com. On that site people can search neighborhoods, look for properties, map areas they like and find relocation information.
How do you use social media to leverage your business?
The more circular links you have, profiles on a variety of sites, the more you can drive traffic to your site. I’ve also had good luck by being very focused. There are times when I’d love to write a blog post about tips for brokers in the business, or ruminations on something random and then I remind myself that LifeStyleDenver is about real estate and the readership is buyers and sellers.
The best way I’ve leveraged social media is to communicate with good, interesting content that keeps potential clients engaged and gives them a reason to contact me.
How can your product/service benefit those in the real estate industry?
I’m always happy to help with advice, tips or tricks. Sharing with each other is one of the great aspects of our business. We’re a cooperative bunch!
Are you coming to REBC Denver and would you like to present a topic? Which topic?
Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow! I presented last year about writing for blogs. This year, I think I’ll just listen and take it all in.
How can we contact you?
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).
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
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
Tucker Wannamaker is No Stranger to Social Media and Teaching Tech Topics
June 8, 2010 by Kristal Kraft
Filed under "I'll Be There" Interviews
I would like to introduce you to the readers of the REBarCamp Blog. Would you please tell us a little about yourself?
I am one of those mostly natives to Colorado; I’ve lived in Colorado Springs since I was 6. I live downtown, work downtown, love downtown, drive a 1980 P200e Vespa and say “Ciao” everywhere I go on the Vespa. Have a lovely wife, Julie and 2 super cool kids, daughter Addison age 3 and son Thomas the 6th age 1.5.
How long have you been in the real estate industry? What did you do before?
I marketed myself as a Real Estate Agent for 3 years, then I worked helping others market themselves, I am now on the title side to combine it all. Before all of my real estate experience, I worked as a “coffee master” at a coffee shop for 5 years!
Tell us about your company.
I am part of Legacy Title Group in Colorado Springs and I work in business development as well as teach and train on technology for real estate agents and loan officers. We are a local business, we are committed to local businesses and our owners are the primary closers for your real estate transactions.
What services does you company offer in the real estate industry?
Title Insurance, Escrow, superb closings, on and offline marketing assistance and free rides on the Vespa.
Are you involved in social media?
I am very involved in Social Media and am continuing to learn a whole lot every day about it. I try daily to remember the whole reason Social Media exists…people.
How do you use social media to leverage your business?
I have primarily used Twitter as an educational and listening tool. I must say I have learned more from the articles and people I have found on Twitter than any other platform. I use Facebook for “hanging out” and interacting with Real Estate Agents and Lenders, because most local agents and LO’s are there. I am currently working with Linked-In for all of Legacy’s employees and incorporating it into our everyday systems as a title company.
Also, I am working on and with a network of experts to provide quality content to professionals in real estate and consumers in Colorado Springs for the bettering of the real estate market here.
How can your product/service benefit those in the real estate industry?
We help by keeping the transactions smooth and the closings efficiently fun.
Are you coming to REBC Denver and would you like to present a topic? Which topic?
I am most definitely coming and I love engaging with people on Cloud Computing and how to get all of your technology to play nice.
I hope to learn more about some heavy duty techy stuff like css3 and html5.
How can we contact you? Google me… I’m there.
Michel Brossmer Denver Native Looks Forward to Learning WordPress
June 8, 2010 by Kristal Kraft
Filed under "I'll Be There" Interviews
Michel Brossmer is coming to REBC to learn, but typical of most attendees she shared a great tip with us. Read more about her favorite tech tool and get some insight into how Michel grows her business!
Let’s welcome Michel to the REBC Denver blogsite…
Tell us a little bit about yourself, are you a Colorado native or what brought you to Colorado?
I consider myself native. I was conceived in Denver and then my parents moved to AZ where I
Was born. By the time I was 1 they were back for good and so was I. I have lived in Denver
Proper most of my life. I left Denver from 94-2003. 1st I went to AZ to help my grandparents then
I met my husband and he was transferred to San Antonio. After 4 years of hot weather and nothing
to do I put my foot down and we moved home. I’m a Denver East and Metro Grad. I’ve had my
license since 1992 and love working in the city & county of Denver. It is home you know.
Who do you work for and why do you enjoy your job?
Kentwood at Cherry Creek. It’s fun when people are so excited about moving into their
New home or rewarding when you have helped a seller move to their next step in life.
Working for Kentwood I get to see some amazing homes and that’s pretty fun too. The
Other part I really like about my job is the flexibility. I’m the PTA President at Edison Elementary
School in NW Denver and if I had an 8-5 job I would never have the time. It’s great to be
Able to be involved in my kids lives.
What is your favorite tech tool for business? Why is it your favorite?
Get Response.com. I have been collecting names in my get response account since
2003. It’s like a cash cow. It drips on people that come to my website. I get
Emails regularly from people who are ready to move And have been receiving my
Emails for 6 mos to a couple years.
What would you like to learn more about at REBC-Denver?
WordPress
Do you plan to present a topic? If so what would you like to talk about?
No.
Contact Michel:
Michel Brossmer
Kentwood Company of Cherry Creek
44 Cook St 9th Floor
Denver CO 80206
303-336-0340
