Here’s a hint, the blue arrows can be “automated” to serve up your post while the red arrows require some work on your behalf writing “teaser” post.

Image credit: Brad Carroll

]]> http://bobbycarroll.net/2009/10/22/is-your-real-estate-blog-well-connected/feed/ 1 http://bobbycarroll.net/2009/09/20/tweeted-traffic-alerts/ http://bobbycarroll.net/2009/09/20/tweeted-traffic-alerts/#comments Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:32:07 +0000 Bobby Carroll http://bobbycarroll.net/?p=258 Is it just me or is it a bit ironic that the very people who would benefit most from a “tweeted traffic alert” are the very ones who shouldn’t be reading tweets and driving at the same time? Now add even more irony given those organizations who are disseminating those tweets. Yes, local governmental authorities are now tweeting traffic alerts! Many states outlaw texting/tweeting and driving and many of those states now tweet traffic alerts to who… drivers. Checkout the tweet below:

Even more ironic is this tweet from a police department. Aren’t these the folks who hand out tickets to those drivers who text/tweet and drive at the same time?

Don’t Tweet and Drive!

Please don’t take this post as my endorsement that you should even think about tweeting, texting or even reading your emails, texts or tweets while driving (yes, I’ve been guilty in the past of reading emails and driving but no more). A tweet, an email or a text message isn’t worth my life, your life or anyone else who is on the highway. I do find it a bit strange that those who would benefit most from traffic alerts would be those on the road (and of course those who are about to venture out on America’s byways and highways).

Let’s Be Honest

Ever been guilty of DUIT (driving under the influence of Twitter)? Leave  a comment and let me know.

Bobby
Feel free to follow me on Twitter @rewebcoach. Just don’t follow me while driving!

The Benefits to Quality Content Generation

The two-fold benefit of consistent website/blog content generation is consumers quickly realize your portals offer timely, reliable information which sets you apart as a local area expert and trusted adviser.

Cash in on Google

The second benefit is Google rewards you by moving you up the search results ladder because you have consistently contributed high quality content for the overall good of the world wide web. Of course, none of this happens if agents and brokers fail to generate SEO-rich content and uploaded it to their websites and blogs.

Here are a few suggestions to that end:

1. Go to your local college, community college or university and secure a web-savvy intern from the business department to help shoulder the load of content generation and implementation. I’m not a huge fan of ghost blogging as so much of a blog is all about your blog “voice”. Maybe they can jump start your ideas and you can spice up your post before you click “publish”.
2. Secure a virtual assistant (VA) to provide valuable assistance in content generation and uploading content to your portals. Here again, working closely with a VA, maybe together the both of you can maintain your blog so it can be more effectively maintained.
3. Conduct a creative writing contest in your local middle school or high school and offer prizes to the best articles that state why living in your area is so terrific. Giving credit to the students who contribute content will also result in additional eyeballs (mom,dad,grand father,grand mother,sister,brother,aunt…) coming to your site if the contest is managed and publicized properly.
4. Ask local vendors and partners like home inspectors, lenders, home improvement contractors, staggers, and home builders to “contribute” content for your blog. Don’t forget to give your contributors some link love for their contribution efforts.
5. Interview local civic leaders, council members, teachers, school administrators and ask them to “guest” post on your blog. These individuals are local “cheerleaders” for your area and will sing it’s praises.
6. Look in your email client sent folder and find an email(s) you repeatedly send to prospects and clients. Use the basis of that email as a post. When the question arises again (and it will) send the link to your post instead of rewriting the email over and over again.
7. If blogging just isn’t your cup of tea”, transform your traditional blog into a photo blog so you can at least take advantage of the portal. Read this photo blogging post for more information on how to photo blog.

Your Feedback?

What creative ways do you use to create high-value content? I’d love to hear your creative ideas!

To your blogging success,

Bobby

@rewebcoach

Hop Scotching the Real Estate Universe!

Because of the incredible response we received from those who watched that first live stream of #REBCNY, @dakno and I now travel the real estate universe live streaming as many RE BarCamps as we can! Whether we share information about our passions on driving more traffic and SEO for your blog/website, guide discussions on ways to take advantage of social media tools like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn or dive headlong into all things about real estate websites, RE BarCamps are incredible opportunities for all of us to learn, share and grow!

What’s On Tap? RE BarCamp San Francisco, Beer for Bloggers & RE BarCamp Ohio

So what’s on the immediate horizon for the dakno.tv dudes? Brad and I will be headed to San Francisco for the RE BarCamp San Francisco, Beer with Bloggers, Bloggers Connect and Inman Connect. Special thanks to the Real Estate Zebra – Palmyra real estate agent Daniel Rothamel for his invitation to live stream Bloggers Connect.

On the heels of #REBCSF comes RE BarCamp Ohio! Taking place Thursday, August 20 in Columbus, Ohio, REBCOHIO organizer and Marion, Ohio Realtor Danielle Daniels has asked the lovely and talented Ms. Sarah Cooper and myself to guide a discussion on a topic that is near and dear to my heart – Photo Blogging!

If you are interested in learning why you should consider photo blogging and you are attending the Ohio RE BarCamp, I encourage you to attend this breakout session. Here are a few questions I’d ask if I attended this session:

• why do it? WIIFM?
• what kind of results can I expect from my investment of time/resources if I do it?
• is it hard?
• will it be fun?
• does it take a lot of fancy equipment to do it?

If you decide to attend this breakout session, and you already have a photo blog, and you know some of these answers, be prepared to share what you have experienced by photo blogging.

See you at the RE BarCamp!

Bobby

Helping RE BarCamps Benefit All

While each RE BarCamp is unique, there are some shared commonalities about them all. Those common values include ardent sharers and seekers of information, awesome networking opportunities coupled with pre and post RE BarCamp fun social opportunities. Here’s the thing, based on feedback voiced by attendees and read in our streaming chat room during our streams, there is a growing disappointment over the failure to deliver the kind of environment and experience some attendees were hoping for. It’s not a major problem now but, it seems to be a growing trend. I’ll identify a few of those voiced challenges momentarily.

Why Write this Post You Ask?

It’s not to “stir the pot” or “be controversial”. Frankly, I’m not crazy about controversy. Because I believe so strongly in this movement I wanted to speak out on behalf of many who have been silent to date. These trends, if not recognized, could lead to some challenging issues for the organizers and the attendees alike. The last thing I want to see happen is the RE BarCamp movement lose momentum. Hence the reason for writing this post. It’s written with the hope that each RE BarCamp will be even more beneficial to all who attend and participate. Participation by everyone is key. Offering a nonthreatening environment for learning is another key to unlocking the success of RE BarCamps.

Suggestions for Re BarCamp Organizers

Allow me to begin with the planners of RE Bar Camps. Those who help orchestra these events should be supported, thanked for their monumental efforts and appreciated for their tireless work. If you are in the midst of planning an RE bar Camp, I trust these tips will help make your job a tad bit easier. I sure hope so. Consider these suggestions.

Let’s Get Logistical!

It seems more participation is encouraged when the “main” room is organized with chairs arranged in a circular fashion or with tables and not in a “theater mode”. If tables aren’t available, no big deal. Just begin your BarCamp with your chairs situated in theater mode, then ask attendees to rearrange them in circles conducive for discussion when breakout sessions begin. If you have separate breakout rooms, have the chairs there arranged in this manner as well. It’s amazing how the logistics of a room setup impacts and encourages participation. At least give it a try. For opening and closing statements, don’t forget to secure sound reinforcement.. AKA, a PA system. Even in a small group, often it’s difficult for everyone to hear.

Stop Presenting and Start Facilitating ….

RE BarCamp planners, instead of asking thought leaders and subject matter experts to “present” on a desired topic requested by those in attendance, or prearranged in advance, maybe expectations should be set to encourage presenters to “moderate” and “facilitate” discussion on a topic. I recall with fond memories my first RE Bar Camp in NYC when the breakout sessions were small and didn’t include powerpoint presentations. Our collaborative discussions were exhilarating. From that event, things have changed. Maybe size does matter.

Stop Selling, Start Leading!

In some cases, presenters have seized the opportunity to offer products/services as solutions. Ideally, it is my humble opinion, a breakout session should about guiding thought-provoking discussions. Not to make excuses, but it’s in a vendor’s DNA to demonstrate a product’s features and benefits. I feel there has been a failure on two fronts. Number one, planners must set proper expectations with vendors/thought leaders and ensure that RE BarCamps aren’t the opportunity to demo products and services. Second, just because we sponsor these events doesn’t give us the right to expect to use precious RE BarCamp time to hawk products and services. In keeping with the principals of social media, RE BarCamps aren’t the time to hype products/services. It’s the prime time to show value and share knowledge, period. If you want to discuss your products and services do it at a more appropriate time or after the event is over.

Facilitators, Know Your Audience

If it’s your responsibility to facilitate a breakout, make sure the content being offered fits those who are in attendance. For example, if the topic is “Blogging 101″, advise attendees where they can blog and offer all the different types of blogging platforms and sites (avoid mentioning just one particular website or platform). State reasons why blogging is important. Offer creative content ideas. Gauge the group and help steer the dialog in the right direction. Avoid getting too techie. Remember, the purpose is to guide a group of blogging newbies. Stay on topic as best you can (bunny trails happen) and always solicit questions and comments to the ultimate benefit of all.

Maybe Smaller RE BarCamps & More of Them?

As word of mouth travels through RE.net (the real estate community on the web), these events will grow in popularity. I’m satisfied of that. In fact, it’s already happening. If planners wish to maintain some level of intimacy, common sense would dictate you keep the maximum number of attendees at or below 75.  Why that magic number? The Fredericksburg RE BarCamp had around 65 in attendance and to me, that was a special event. Restricting the attendance should also make the task of finding a suitable venue less difficult. Then the next logical choice would be to schedule more hyper-local events. That’s the way real estate is going anyway, hyper-local. Why not put that concept to work in the RE BarCamp realm?

Speak Out!

In conclusion, if you have organized and planned a past RE BarCamp, I solicit your feedback. If you have attended a RE BarCamp, please leave a comment as well. I’m sure your feedback will be welcomed by those who are currently planning future events. If you are currently planning an event, you chime too.

By the way, if you know me you know I wasn’t motivated to write this post to throw stones but to make observations in hopes future RE BarCamps will be even better. I’m sold on them. Todd Carpenter, Andy Kaufman, Brad Coy, and others who set the RE BarCamp wheels in motion are visionaries in my book. I guess I’m a wee bit melancholy and long for the experience like that of my first RE BarCamp I attended in NYC.

Bobby Carroll – Not an expert, just a passionate believer in RE BarCamps