Denver Blogger Gretchen Faber

Gretchen Faber is a well recognized broker in Denver real estate. She is active at the Denver Board of Realtors and manages the Kentwood Cherry Creek office. It is a pleasure to have Gretchen as part of REBarCamp blog “I’ll Be There” Interviews.

How long have you been selling real estate?

I earned my license in 1996, and got the broker’s license right away.  Back then, Colorado had two levels of licensing – agent and broker.  I decided to go for it and sit for the broker exam and I passed.  A few years later everyone had to go back and get their broker license and I was really glad I didn’t have to!

What made you decide to get into the business? What were you doing before real estate?

I was separating from my husband at the time, and had a toddler.  We had worked together in his family’s business so I naturally needed to move on.  I had always loved real estate and different architectural styles.  My parents owned investment properties in California, and they also instilled an appreciation for many types of architecture.  Real estate sales seemed a logical step.  With a master’s degree in marketing plus advertising experience, real estate seemed like the perfect career.  I also wanted some flexibility so that I could spend time with my son; take him on field trips, etc.  HA!  Little did I know how much you work in this business.  But those first few years I was able to carve out a lot of extra time with Joe – he went to many an open house with me.  He still does on occasion.

We had known each other from the Denver Board and the CIPS Committee.  Since then we both have taken up blogging? How long have you been blogging?

I became interested in blogging only recently.  You are much further ahead, and I had read about you and your blogging and found it intriguing.  At first, I just read other people’s blogs.  I was nervous to break some sort of rule of etiquette or say the wrong thing, so I never commented in the beginning.  At the end of 2007 I decided to go for it.  I thought that if I got one solid deal in 2008 from the blog, then it would have been worth it.  I investigated different platforms and coaches and decided to use the Real Estate Tomato to design my blog and teach me the ropes.   That won’t be for everyone, and many people can just do it on their own with a free wordpress blog, but I wanted to really know the ropes right out of the gate.

Social media has become so popular in the real estate industry. Can you tell us what it has done for your business?

At first I was engaging with other real estate bloggers, and these people have become my friends and coaches. We are constantly learning from each other, and no one is ever too busy to be generous with their time and answer a question.  Everyone is also very receptive to making referrals to other markets where they’ve gotten to know Realtors online.

As the blog writing began to flow, and I learned about all of the other social networking sites, I found that I’d get occasional comments from the public interested in Denver real estate.  Two weeks ago, I closed a $1.1 million transaction, cash buyer who found me from my internet presence.  He called and said, “you appear to be the expert where I’m looking.”  He flew into Denver, looked at homes for two days, and he made an offer.  I realize that this is probably not going to happen too often, but it illustrates the power of the internet and becoming the perceived expert.

If you could pick only one aspect of social media, what would that be.  By that I mean you must choose from Active Rain, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and any of the hundreds available, which one would you use and why?

I don’t think you can pick just one and I don’t’ know that I could!  It’s all so vitally integrated, and you meet up with some of the same people and also different people across the spectrum.  I think at a minimum, if you’re going to commit to social networking and blogging you need to be on all of the above.  Active Rain is powerful and gives you great links back to your site.  It’s also full of interesting conversations between brokers. Plus, consumers are going on AR more and more. You learn to ignore the trivial stuff.  LinkedIn is business related and you don’t need to spend too much time there, but should be on it nonetheless.  Facebook is a fabulous way to connect and reconnect with people you know present and past.  It’s more like your sphere.  On Facebook, you remind them that you sell real estate, but also have little reunions with people you don’t get to see too often.  Twitter is like a party. At first you can’t understand how to integrate all of these half conversations, but you get used to it.  Todd Carpenter says it’s like walking up to the water cooler at work and hearing half of the conversation about last night’s Academy Awards, and then wandering away.  You can also use Twitter to post the URL of your most recent blog post.

Are you coming to REBarCamp Denver?  Would you like to present a topic? If so what would that be?

I am coming to REBarCamp and I look forward to it!  Thanks for organizing it. I know you’ve spent a lot of time getting it just right.  I was sorry to miss the REBarCamp in Las Vegas, but couldn’t get away from work that week. It’s exciting that you’ve planned it here in Denver.

I could present any topic that you feel I’d be competent at.  You and your team are all way ahead of me!  One thing I feel passionate about is writing.  I’ve learned to really enjoy the art of writing a blog, and I don’t come from a writing background.  It might be fun to talk about how to write, what to write and work with people on relevant content, headlines, etc.  If you think that would be good or don’t have someone else better for that one.

Finally – shameless plug – my blog is www.LifeStyleDenver.com and my real estate web site is www.GretchensDenver.com !

Mike Price On REBarCamp Beginnings…

We first meet when you contacted me to be one of your “Meet the Bloggers” at NAR in Las Vegas in 2007.  You were very busy getting bloggers to do sessions at the time. What inspired you to produce that event?

Wow that was only a couple of years ago? There were not too many events centered around what has become known as the RE.net at the time. Working with Geekestate Blog and Incredible Agents, we were able to introduce blogging to quite a few Newbies. You were one of the bloggers at the top of my list to help us do that.

Many people aren’t aware, but you have been involved with supporting REBC from the very beginning.  In fact, you are the creator behind the logo we are using and all the other logos  to date for REBarCamp.

I think I’ve done them all with the exception of Houston and Portland. I’ve been involved at a pretty deep level with the REBC movement from the very beginning. When Andy Kaufman first blogged about the idea for San Francisco back in the summer of ’07 I jumped in with both feet. I had just experienced my first Barcamp and thought that putting a real estate focus to it was a tremendous idea. I worked behind the scenes by contacting everyone I could think of that could sponsor. Now that I reflect on it, I don’t think a single person said no, from Zillow to Trulia to Inman News and all of the other great companies and individuals that got behind it. Once we had a hand full sponsors, the rest just sort of fell in line. Working with Andy, Todd Carpenter, Brad Coy and all of the other volunteers turned out to be a lot of fun. We had no idea how many people would show up at the first event. We thought, 30 – maybe 50. The final tally I think exceeded 200. There exists a core group of original organizers that have stuck with the effort and have been doing what they can to keep the original focus of RE Barcamp at the center of the tremendous momentum it is experiencing. I’m having a great time with it.

Are you a designer by trade?

Yes and no. I spent a few years providing creative services as marketing consultant. I’ve managed the creative process at several companies and decided back in early 90′s to learn the process myself. I invested in a computer and started teaching myself how to use applications for desktop publishing and design. More importantly I taught myself as much as I could about the process of branding and corporate identity. One of my interests as far back as young kid was with the power of a logotype. I used to sketch out concepts for fictitious companies. Over the years I’ve done quite a bit of design work for web sites, interactive presentations etc. but what I really love the most is designing logos. It’s very therapeutic and great for the ego to know that a company or organization is using something I created for such an important aspect of their business. My interest in interactive design is what led me to the Internet in 1995.

What is it you do?

My primary gig is as a founder and President of MLBroadcast.com. We provide a way for real estate professionals to use their still photos to create really cool narrated videos. It’s similar to the video process most builders use to create their television commercials from great photos. We’ve built a syndication platform that distributes the videos via podcasting and other technologies. It’s only $29 per video and provides a fast and easy way for agents to take advantage of the latest channels to get global exposure for their listings, communities and more.

I am also the Social Media Manager for Diverse Solutions. DS provides a top notch IDX / Mapping tool and real estate technology solutions. I really enjoy connecting with real estate professionals that are doing some really cutting edge stuff with listings. Diverse Solutions is also a huge supporter of RE Barcamp having sponsored several events, including sponsoring the Name Badges for the Denver event.

Have you found Blogging to be a positive way to grow your business?

My business partner urged me to start communicating with our potential clients via a blog back in June of ’06. From a branding and identity position, it has been a tremendous success. A lot people in the industry have an awareness of MLBroadcast due to the exposure the blog has given us. Through the blog I have garnered quite a few speaking opportunities. I’ve also been selected to write on a number of other industry blogs as well. It’s at the top of our list of effective marketing tools.

Are you coming to REBC Denver?

I’m not sure yet, as you know I travel to several RE.net events during the year but the amount of time I have at hand for them is limited. I wish I could attend all of them. I have to say that you have done an outstanding job with this event and it’s shaping up to quite possibly be the best one yet. Phoenix should stand up and take notice if they don’t want to be outdone by you. Scoring a baseball stadium as their venue was certainly a shot over your bow.

If so what do you expect to learn?  What would you like to contribute?

The beauty of the Barcamp format is that there is something new to learn at each one. I’m not talking about your typical event with tracks of sessions etc. that you get warm and fuzzies from but really don’t end up doing anything with. There is always something that a person can take away from these events that you can put to action the minute you get back to your office. I’ve found the best contribution I can make is to help re professionals get a grip on the huge shift in focus that they must undertake in the coming years to becoming publishers and producers of unique content. It’s going to take a new level of business acumen, professionalism and marketing savvy. RE Barcamps are fantastic venues to help people get access to the resources they will need for the future.

IF not, what suggestions to you have to offer those who are coming for the first time?

Please do not be intimidated by the format or the goofy name RE Barcamp. The idea is to share and learn alike. If you’re not comfortable jumping into the conversations, don’t worry about it. I have yet to hear anyone say they regretted attending one of these events. Most people leave with actionable information and valuable new contacts. The best way to see what people have to say about them is to follow the events in Twitter and some of the live streaming that takes place during the events.

Thank you Mike for your support of REBarCamp and also for taking the time to provide  REBarCamp Denver with a lovely logo.  As far as Phoenix is concerned we aren’t really in a competition with them, but you are right, they are setting the bar pretty high!  It’s going to be fun watching the progression as REBC’s get better and better each time!

Mike Price can be located syndicating real estate video around the globe at MLBroadcast.

Reflections of REBarCamp 2008 from Teresa Boardman

Teresa Boardman graciously shares her impressions of REBarCamp. Teresa is no stranger to blogging, as author of St. Paul Real Estate Blog, she’s attended Inman, NAR, REBlogWorld and several boards to not just listen but speak to huge audiences about her success in connecting with her audience in St. Paul, MN. If there were rock stars in blogging, Teresa is one of them!

We love to hear what Teresa has to say because of her global view of real estate, social media and how so many tend to follow leaders for the wrong reasons.

It’s my pleasure to welcome Teresa to REBarCamp Denver Blog:

I would love to attend the Denver ReBar camp.  I attended my first camp last July in San Francisco. It was the best I have attended and I want to share what I liked about it.

ReBar camps are less formal than conferences. There were many sessions.  They were short, relevant and instead of being presented by professional speakers they were presented by my peers who actually practice what they preach and understand my business.  I came away with new ideas and learned from what others are doing.  I was asked to give a presentation on Flickr. I was amazed at how many people attended and at the questions they had. It was a wonderful learning experience for me, and it led to other presenttions on the same topic.

Rebar camp has a kind of energy that I have not experienced at most conferences.  The people who present are excited about their topics and the people who attend the sessions are totally engaged. It was also wonderful to have the chance to talk to people that I have contact with through the internet but rarely get to see, like Kristal.

Rebar camps are a great source of information and energy and a great opportunity for networking with peers.

REBarCamp Denver Welcomes Bob Schenkenberger

In the first of a series of interviews, I’d like to welcome local Denver Broker, Bob Schenkenberger.  Bob was one of the first people to register for RE Bar Camp Denver less than two weeks ago when we first announced the event on Twitter.  I asked Bob if he would be interested in sharing some personal facts about himself and what he thinks of social media.

How long have you been selling real estate?

18 years

What made you decide to get into the business? What were you doing before real estate?

I got my real estate license after I bought my first house. I felt I didn’t know what I had just done, so in an effort to educate myself, I went to RE school, and got my license.  At the time I had a good job, and didn’t plan on changing.  Then, less than a year later, I got laid off.  So, while I was taking some time to figure out what I wanted to do next, I realized I truly love looking at properties.  I already had my license, and it was a great fit!

We first met in person at a TweetUp, but we had known each other from Twitter.  How long had you been blogging at that point in time?

I started my first blog in October 2007, using the blogger platform.  I grew out of it pretty quick, and and my wordpress version was kicked off in Jan. 2008.

Social media has become so popular in the real estate industry. Can you tell us what it has done for your business?

Social media has had a huge impact on my business model.  The Get Home Denver Team Blog has taken our internet presence from a do nothing website, to a lead generation tool.  My old site got less than 50 hits per month, the blog gets 50-100 hits per day.  Social networking has allowed me to connect with my database in a whole different way than before.  Rather than a monthly newsletter, or an email, I am actually able to see what many of these people are doing on a daily basis.  How their kids are, etc.  This allows me to interact on a more personal level.  In terms of actual business, I closed 3 deals last year as a direct result of my social media efforts.  I anticipate that to triple this year.

If you could pick only one aspect of social media, what would that be.  By that I mean you must choose from Active Rain, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and any of the hundreds available, which one would you use and why?

No question, for social networking it’s Facebook.  That’s where the people are!

Are you coming to REBarCamp Denver?  Would you like to present a topic? If so what would that be?

I will be in attendance, and would be willing to help present a topic.  I’m becoming more and more interested in Hyper-Local stuff, so I think that would be a great topic.

Thanks for sharing your successes with us Bob!

If you would like to visit Bob’s Blog he can be found Selling Greenwood Village and Denver Area Real Estate at GetHomeDenver.com !

If you haven’t RSVP’ed for the REBarCamp Denver please do so now! Just click on the RSVP link on the top navigation bar and reserve your seat today.

A tour of RE BarCamp Denver’s venue

Kristal, Vali and I toured out venue last week. Thanks to both Metrolist and Armbrust Real Estate Institute RE BarCamp Denver is on! Both companies have volunteered their space for out event.

7100 East Belleview Avenue, Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Both companies are located in the same building. The Tech Center location will make it easier for folks coming up from Colorado Springs. this space is just off I-25 at Bellevue and Quebec. Armbrust is also equipped with WiFi. This is a dream spot.

Arbrust offers one really big classroom, plus several smaller meeting areas.

Down one floor, Metrolist has also offered both of their meeting rooms.

I hope the wether is nice. It should be. I want to hold my session on the patio.

All in all, I’m totally psyched about this space. HUGE thanks to both Metrolist and Armbrust for sponsoring the space!

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