The Sun Sets on #REBCDen

Compliments to @Respres (best real estate virtual tours/shows on the planet) who created a representation of our Tweets today.

Is Social Media a Fad? Watch This Then Answer #rebcden

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

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

MacGetIT.com

kevin@macgetit.com

Cell: 303-500-2839

LinkedIn

Facebook

Twitter: @kevincullis

International Social Media Trainer Brad Hanks to be a #REBCDEN

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

Brad Hanks Seminars

Connecting People with Success

Tucker Wannamaker is No Stranger to Social Media and Teaching Tech Topics

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.

Who should attend REBarCamp?

REBarCamps are a phenomenon that have been finding excited participants across the nation since 2008.  Typically the topics covered at REBarCamp relate to the web, blogging, digital technologies, video, cameras, social media, mobile devices, conversions and conversations.

The most common question people want to know, “Is REBarCamp for advanced users only?”  In a word the answer is “no!”  Of course that doesn’t mean the topics covered are exclusive to beginners!  The format of BarCamp is intended to bridge the gap so everyone can find common ground and learn a trick or two.

Traditional BarCamp agenda’s come together spontaneously on site.  A grid is placed on the wall and speakers are scheduled to present that day as time allows.  Each slot is 30-45 minutes where the speaker may introduce a topic and illustrate main points then open up the conversation to everyone in the session.   This is when information exchanges and the learning begins.

As the organizer, I am asking everyone I meet if they have a topic they would like presented.  It so, let’s hear it!

So far suggestions have been made for

• website optimization
• how to pick relevant keywords and tags
• How not just to use social media but more importantly to UTILIZE it to build business
• What are The Real Causes of Success in Real Estate
• Short Sale Strategies
• Photography Tricks and What camera should I buy?
• Help Understanding Video and it’s Usage
• Reputation Management
• Tech Tools that Will Provide Value Beyond Tomorrow

The list can go on an on.  If you have a subject you would like to learn more about, bring it up.  Also, if you are talented with a subject and want to share, show up and let’s hear your stuff!

So who should come to REBarCamp?  Anyone no matter their skill level who is passionate about sharing, learning and is forever sharpening their skills to be the best!

See you at Camp!

kk

Wendi & Trinity Title Support REBarCamp Denver!

When REBarCamp Denver was in the infancy stages of planning, Wendi Milinkov was one of the first people to step forward and offer to sponsor.  Typical of Wendy, she has the ability to cover a lot of ground without ever breaking a sweat.  Each year Wendi is responsible for recruiting volunteers to moderate at the Realtor Rally, in addition she is a member of the Education Committee always offering her assistance and knowledge.  It’s with great pleasure I welcome Wendi and Trinity Title to REBarCamp Denver.

Would you please tell us a little about yourself?

I am a highly motivated, type A 30 something! I’ve been in the title business my whole career since graduating from college in 1993 with a BS in Marketing/Public Relations from Northwest Missouri State University. I am a mother of two boys, and I enjoy writing, playing golf, teaching title and marketing classes and networking. My customers rely on me for being a great source of information to them in helping them build their business and be more efficient in their day to day work efforts. I quickly help them solve problems and I enjoy being the “right hand woman” on the title side!

How long have you been in the real estate industry?  What did you do before?

I have been in the title insurance business since 1993, where I began my career in the claims & special projects department, served as the marketing director/public relations director and then worked as an account manager for the last 9 years for a couple of local title companies.  Before title, I was a student-but I worked for the chamber of commerce and for a local alzheimer’s facility handling public relations work. Before that, I was a cashier girl in my mom and dad’s little store by the college.

Tell us about your company.  How long have you been working there?  What services does you company offer in the real estate industry?

I am currently working at Trinity Title. I’ve been employed there for 6 months and I love it! We are a young, upwardly mobile company that was founded by a family who “grew up” in the title business. Most of our employees originate from the bigger title companies in town, and we’ve taken the best philosophies-and revolutionized our systems to fit the way the real estate and title business is changing. We’re tech savvy, innovative-and big on social networking. We offer all the core services you see from other title companies, but we don’t rush out the door at five. We can handle after hours closing, virtual closings or whatever our clients may need.

Are you involved in social media?

Of course-Linked In, Facebook, Active Rain, Plaxo. I’m not too into Tweeting just yet.

How do you use social media to leverage your business?

I use it to keep in touch with friends, associates and as a great way to network 24/7. I think there is a careful balance you must apply to your social networking. You need to keep a business flavor-but you should also allow the fun side of your personality to show. If you’re all work—and no fun-people will view your efforts as a “commercial.” If you bring value to your social media efforts, as well as fun, it’s amazing the response you’ll receive. Our company has received orders from our contacts in our social media networks who are outside of the real estate and lending business! It’s very exciting to watch this trend!

How can your product/service benefit those in the real estate industry?

We have a VERY attractive 10 year, 50% re-issue rate. We’re sensitive to our economy and to the price sensitivity of the consumer. Our core services and products are the same as the larger title companies, but we use some outsourcing techniques with our marketing and farm packages and with some virtual offices to keep our costs lower. We don’t want to be in the habit of hiring and laying off like many of the larger title companies do.  We offer a great net sheet tabulator on our web site, cd’s and e-files for our title documents (yes, we are a green company), an experienced title and escrow team, after hours closings, marketing services and more.

Are you coming to REBC Denver and would you like to present a topic? Which topic?

I’m coming—but I’m not teaching! I’m very excited to be a part of it and I know so many of the folks that are a part of the event from another committee we served on them. I’m proud of them for putting on such a great event!

How can we contact you? By email or by phone! wendi@trinity-title.com  or 303-886-6288

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