Category Archives: digital media

digital media, social media

facebook places for real estate – post 20 of 31

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marketing in a social age is devoting 31 posts this month to social and digital media and the real estate industry.

This past summer I wrote a blog post on RealCashCanada.com about Facebook Places from a real estate perspective.  It might be a little dated but the information it contains is still valuable for real estate agents.

Facebook Places has arrived.  What is Facebook Places?  Well, many of you probably have heard of Yelp, Gowalla and/or Foursquare.

These are what are known as location-based social networking apps.

You may have heard about these types of apps.  However, most Canadian real estate agents don’t seem to be using them.  However, almost all real estate agents have heard of Facebook and almost all of them (you) actively use Facebook.  Which is why you’ll come to know and learn about Facebook Places.

And I suggest learning about it ASAP.  It is true that Places has yet to arrive in Canada (although it is available in the U.S.) but the time to learn about the marketing and business implications of Places is now.  Why?  Because most Canadian real estate professionals won’t bother learning about Places until it arrives in Canada.  Get a leg up on the competition now.

Marketing:

Here are some things to consider on how to use Places:

  • Open House announcements.  Tell your network of friends, co-workers, associates, clients and prospects about the properties you are selling.
  • Listings.  Many real estate agents have put links to their listings on Facebook.  Now you’ll be able to let all your Facebook friends – via Places – about the homes you are selling.
  • Tagging prospects/clients.  Do you know the type of property your client is seeking?  Put it on Places and tag your friend/client so that they can take a look at it.
  • Tagging other agents.  Let other agents know about your inventory by tagging them.

These are just some preliminary tips and suggestions.

Another thing I would highly recommend is getting on Foursquare (or another location-based app) and learning how to use it and figuring out some business applications.  That way, when Places comes to Canada you’ll be ready to learn and adapt it to your marketing plan.

Do you have any suggestions on how to use Facebook Places or Foursquare for marketing your real estate business?


digital media

homes on mobile phones for real estate – post 19 of 31

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marketing in a social age is devoting 31 posts this month to social and digital media and the real estate industry.

I first wrote the following post for Techvibes on November 20, 2009.

You remember the last time you were scouting a neighbourhood looking for your home?  There it was! It looked, from the outside, to be the perfect place. However, there was a slight problem. The Open House was tomorrow and you were not going to be able to make it.

So you drove away sad in the knowledge that this one wasn’t THE one.

What about the agent and family selling the house?  Maybe they found a buyer.  Maybe they didn’t.  If you were added to the equation maybe they would have sold to you.

Enter Homes on Mobile Phones and the equation totally changes.  These days everyone has a cellphone. The scenario now changes.  This time you notice that the For Sale sign has a text number on it. You send a text and in seconds you receive a detailed description of the house including photos and specs.  Within minutes you’ve called your realtor and booked a viewing at your convenience.

Two things make this service relevant and important today.  Firstly, everyone is busy.  This service allows people to get the information they need when they want it.  Second, consumers today want the people and companies they do business with to use the same technologies they do.  Montrealbased Homes on Mobile Phones allows the realtor and consumer to touch base through the simple use of a mobile device.

Founder Andy Nulman says, “Real estate agents need to look towards new technologies that will put them ahead of the competition, and Homes on Mobile Phones has proven results in helping agents sell homes faster and winning them new clients. Mobile is a straightforward and foolproof way to share information, and mobile phones are practically an extra appendage these days, so agents who make use of the power of mobile are guaranteed incredible results, especially with the X and Y Generations.”

Mr. Nulman is the former creator of the very popular Just For Laughs comedy festival.  How does a guy go from the comedy scene to the tech industry?  “One of the achievements I was most proud of at Just For Laughs was incorporating technology into the business, so the transition was more natural than it may appear on the surface. These days, the two are intertwined, but not back then.”

What was the impetus behind leaving entertainment for technology?  “Why did I do it? Because I had done all I really wanted to after 15 years running a festival and producing its TV shows.”

Like and tech start-up (and comedy festival) things are never easy.  However, they are challenging.  “The stumbling blocks were exactly what I loved about it–the challenge of a complete career change and the gasps and snickers from those who said I couldn’t pull it off (Just For Laughs).  By the way, they’re the same gasps and snickers I hear now about Homes on Mobile Phones…”

And it seems that if real estate agents in Canada adopt this new tech tool, Homes on Mobile Phones and Mr. Nulman will be the one’s laughing last.

digital media

BlackTrack for real estate – post 18 of 31

marketing in a social age is devoting 31 posts this month to social and digital media and the real estate industry.

BlackTrack provides real estate professionals with a complete log of   phone/email activity with durations. These secure & private reports help you automatically keep track of all your communications. You can add notes or delete log items if you need to.  Reports of a days or weeks activity are automatically emailed to one or two addresses of your choice.

The key is that everything is completely automatic.  Use your phone/email/SMS as usual, and the activity log automatically arrives every day to help you or your assistant keep you on track.

Security and privacy are also issues for professional users. With BlackTrack your BlackBerry compiles and delivers your information, not a third-party. Your report is as private and secure as your BlackBerry. There is NO Website, NO Server and NO Log-in – Just your BlackBerry.

 

digital media, social media

Another 5 Questions with StickerYou.com

Joseph Puopolo is the Head of Marketing and Business Development for Toronto-based start-up StickerYou.  A couple of weeks ago I featured StickerYou President Andrew Witkin.  Today its Joseph’s turn!

What motivates you to do what you do on a daily basis?

I am motivated by connecting cool companies with people who need their services. There are so many great ideas and issues out there that sometimes it takes a good facilitator to connect the two.

I am just a nerd by trade.  I got my first computer when I was 5 and haven’t looked back. I get so excited by new technology and what it can do to enhance the world and connect people.  I am also motivated by getting a good reaction to ideas or concepts. When it comes down to it, it is all about coming up with new and innovative ideas. I am always motivated by innovation.

Do you have any success start-up tips for people wanting to create a name for themselves in your industry?

Make sure that whatever idea you choose, you are 100% behind it. The road of a start-up is long and winding, you need to have the conviction and belief in your idea to help get you through low points and persevere.

The other component I would say is that you need to continually network. You may get stuck being very inward looking or product focused, and networking and making new connections can provide invaluable insights at key junctures. I would encourage entrepreneurs to spend a lot of time making the connections and going out to events to make a difference.

In your opinion why is Toronto a hotbed for cool tech start-ups?

Toronto, and by extension Waterloo, are excellent places for start-ups. I think it brings the best and brightest from around the world into a small area and focuses their skills. We have a growing tech journalism group that is amplifying the volume of activities similar to what happens in Silicon Valley. Obviously, it is not there yet, but I truly believe we have a solid trajectory to grow as a tech centre.

What’s your favourite tech toy and social media site and why?

While I own a cadre of tech toys, I think my iPhone 4G is my go to device. It is always there by my side with a bunch of apps ready help me remain productive wherever I go.

My favourite social media sites are Twitter and LinkedIn. I have slowly grown my following on Twitter to the point where it is an effective tool and via LinkedIn I am now connected to over 7 million plus people. Both are very handy tools.

Who would you say is one of Toronto’s social media/tech stars and why?

I always follow Soniya Monga of LinkedIn and Karim Kanji of Social Media Show. I keep  running into them at nearly every event I go to and they both seem to have their finger on the pulse on what is going on within the Toronto tech scene.

If you know someone who you think deserves to be profiled in my 5 Questions, feel free to leave me a note below.

digital media, social media

facebook marketplace for real estate – post 17 of 31

marketing in a social age is devoting 31 posts this month to social and digital media and the real estate industry.

Head on over to the Marketplace App on Facebook.  “Like” it and you’re   basically ready to use it to market the properties you have listed for sale.

You are able to post pictures and details about the property.  People who are your Facebook friends and others searching the Marketplace will be able to see what you have listed.

However, it is still not the MLS.  The MLS website is known by almost everyone in the market for real estate.  Facebook Marketplace is not.

The effectiveness, therefore, is dependent more on the relationships you have developed online.  MLS works because of its ubiquitous nature.

The key to remember then is that your business is all about relationships.  The way to succeed in real estate with these online tools such as Facebook Marketplace is to put this Teddy Roosevelt quote in practise:

People won’t know how much you know until they know how much you care.

digital media, social media, twitter

tweeting for real estate – post 16 of 31

marketing in a social age is devoting 31 posts this month to social and digital media and the real estate industry.

Should you post all your listings on Twitter?  How about only posting listings on Twitter?  Maybe no listings is the answer.  There is no right or wrong way to use Twitter in your real estate business.

Twitter is a communications tool.  The effectiveness of the tool is dependent on the user of that tool.

I’m going to assume that if you’re taking the time to read this that you are interested in growing your real estate business in 2011.  You want to sell more homes.  You want to sell properties that have a higher value.  You want to be able to acquire clients at a lower cost.  You want your clients to refer business to you and come back to you on their next purchase.

A little more conversation

Can you sell more homes and properties because of Twitter?  Anything is possible.  The key I believe is knowing how to use this tool.  Like I said above, Twitter, like other tools, is about communication.  So communicate.

Talk about what you are doing and working on.  Going to watch your kid play in a hockey playoff game?  Tweet this.  Going to a listing appointment. Tweetable.  Having dinner at a new establishment. Tweet it.

Have conversations with people.  If someone you follow says something that you want to comment on then comment. Talk/tweet with people. It’s normal and its human.  Like a link that someone has shared?  ReTweet it.

Community counts

The point is to be part of the community.  And a community member is someone who gives more than she takes.

As you develop into a trusted member of the community, you will notice that people will start coming to you.  They will ask your advice on real estate matters.  They will refer you business.  And they will start to do business with you.

I know this because it worked for me.

crowdsourcing, digital media, social media

the (in)complete list of coworking spaces in Canada

As a brand new business owner finding space to work out of can be a challenge.  I do appreciate the free wifi at the local Starbucks and The Second Cup‘s across the city.  However, sometimes my and my business partner need to collaborate and feed off of the energy of others.

And this is where a coworking space can come in handy.  According to our friends at Wikipedia:

“Coworking is a style of work which involves a shared working environment, sometimes an office, yet independent activity. Unlike in a typical office environment, those coworking are usually not employed by the same organization. Typically it is attractive to work-at-home professionals, independent contractors, or people who travel frequently who end up working in relative isolation. Coworking is the social gathering of a group of people, who are still working independently, but who share values, and who are interested in the synergy that can happen from working with talented people in the same space.”

And so I got to thinking of space that I would use.  And then I thought why not start a list that we can all add to.  Here are some coworking spaces I found in various places online.  Thanks to everyone on Twitter who helped me find these places.

karimkanji: Hey Canada! I’m compiling a list of co-working spaces in Canada. If you know of one or are one, please msg me as soon as possible.

coworkYYC – Calgary coworking space in the Ramsay neighbourhood.

10carden – This space is right across City Hall in Guelph.

401 Bay Centre – In the Financial District of Canada. Which is in downtown Toronto.

Longbranch Coworking – Want to work in a former bowling alley?  I know you do. This space is in the west end of Toronto.

Camaraderie – A cozy new place in downtown Toronto.

Centre for Social Innovation – Are you involved in a social change venture?  Then the 2 spaces that make up the CSI in Toronto just might be the place for you.

The Code Factory – Collaborative coworking space in downtown Ottawa.

The Network Hub – This space is found in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

Treehaus Collaborative Workspace – Found in Kitchener, this space also offers training and workshops.

KoworkLdn – Opening in London, Ontario in January 2011.

CoWorkative – based north of Toronto in Richmond Hill.

The Creative Space – Located in Barrie on the west shores of Lake Simcoe.

the hub Halifax – Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia this space offers work space, meeting space and events.

Queen Street Commons – Located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the Queen Street Commons is a place for people to work, meet, and relax.

Station C – Montreal’s first coworking space.

Yaletown209 – Located in trendy Yaletown in Vancouver.

Spark Box Studio – This Picton, Ontario space aims to encourage discovery and cultivation of new ideas, provide career-building opportunities for artists at all stages and to engage with the community through the arts.

I’m sure to have missed a few Canadian spaces.  Please feel free to add your favourite coworking space in the comments section below.

digital media, social media

5 websites every Realtor should use – post 15 of 31

marketing in a social age is devoting 31 posts this month to social and digital media and the real estate industry.

Here are 5 websites I believe all Realtors in Canada should use:

  1. REMonline – this is a great resource and community for real estate agents and anyone else operating in the real estate industry.
  2. Zoocasa – not only should you be here.  Your listings should be on Zoocasa.  Zoocasa is supported by the Rogers empire which includes print, radio, TV and wireless.  That’s the kind of support that Zoocasa plugs into.  You should too.
  3. HomeZilla – are your clients not just looking to live in a home but in a neighbourhood?  Then this is the site for you.  Find out where pubs, schools, beer stores, banks, grocery stores, parks and everything else that is important to you are located.
  4. Ratehub – help your clients find the best mortgage rate and get approved fast.
  5. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation -CMHC is Canada’s premier provider of mortgage loan insurance, mortgage-backed securities, housing policy and programs, and housing research.

What other website should every Realtor use?

digital media

bbm for real estate – post 14 of 31

marketing in a social age is devoting 31 posts this month to social and digital media and the real estate industry.

Sometimes I get the most interesting questions.  Such as this one:

Is there a BBM strategy for real estate?  

Think about it.  Think long and hard.  Finished?

Ok.  Let me ask you a question:  Is there a telephone strategy for real estate? Do you only use the telephone to make sales calls?  Only to make lead generation calls?  More specifically, only for business calls?

Of course you don’t.  The same applies to BlackBerry‘s popular BBM service.

It’s a mainly text-based communication tool.  Therefore, the same rules apply as with email, SMS and even phone calls:

Don’t overstay your welcome.  Be human.  Your family and friends know what business you are in.  Remind people occasionally, not often.  And don’t spam.

digital media, social media

5 more questions with President and CEO of Wave Accounting Kirk Simpson

What motivates you to do what you do on a daily basis?

#1 is the team I work with.  I like being around these guys and I love the debates that we have about different issues we face and how we can best tackle them.  Because we’ve brought together a team from diverse backgrounds (accounting, engineering, UI/design, editorial and sales and marketing) we all bring different viewpoints to issues.

I think you can see the power of that in how we have brought drag and drop functionality to how a user easily categorizes transactions in our app.  That’s not a typical feature you’d see in an accounting application and it comes from our team not being dominated by traditional software engineers.

Secondly, I get a lot of energy from meeting small business owners.  They are passionate about what we are building and I know that it will help enable them to be more successful.  That’s a really good feeling.

Finally,  I am inspired by the people I meet who have been successful in their areas — whether that be investors, partners, fellow entrepreneurs etc.  I feel motivated coming out of those types of meetings because I’m surrounded by people who can teach me a lot about how to build a great business.

Do you have any success start-up tips for people wanting to create a name for themselves in your industry?

We have a lot to prove before I’m willing to suggest that anyone should listen to my tips for success.  But since you asked…

The number one lesson I’ve learned since I started my first business 13 years ago is that relationships matter.  At the time I was 23 and I didn’t know a lot of people or hadn’t developed deep relationships with people across the industry.  When my first business failed I got a “real job” for the next 12 years and focused on building up my network.  That has proven invaluable to the launch of Wave.  I think it’s the #1 issue most young entrepreneurs have.  Where do I go to find money?  How do I develop partnerships that can help grow the business?  A deep network helps get you in front of the right people.

In your opinion why is Toronto a hotbed for cool tech start-ups?

  1. Solid access to talent which is the building block of any company.
  2. Access to resources like MaRS (I’m a big fan of what they offer to start ups and recommend them to all entrepreneurs that I come into contact with).
  3. More and more companies like Miller Thomson (legal firm), Deloitte and RBC who are taking a long term view of helping young entrepreneurs knowing that if they are successful everyone will benefit.
  4. More and more exits which are creating the next generation of angel investors who are knowledgeable about start ups and willing to take risks.

What’s your favourite tech toy and social media site and why?

I have a love/hate relationship with my new Galaxy S Android phone.  I’m coming off the iPhone 3G which had become ridiculously slow so the upgrade in speed is fantastic.  But it doesn’t come with as many features out of the box and right now I don’t have the time or patience to be customizing it so I’m frustrated.

My go to social media site is LinkedIn given the need to meet more and more people.  I’ve always been a fan.  But I’ve been spending more and more time on Twitter as we leverage it to help grow Wave.  I’m addicted to the real-time customer feedback.

Who would you say are Toronto’s social media/tech stars and why?

I’m a big fan of Sarah and Erin at Sprouter.  They are huge advocates of Toronto start-ups and the exposure is needed and appreciated.

Because we are going after the small business market I am impressed by others in a similar space: Dan at Rypple, Ben at ClearFit and Andrew at BizLaunch.  These are guys that are cutting their teeth going after a difficult to reach market and are doing a great job at it.

Finally, I love what Aron and Matt are doing at Connectsy.  Aron worked on Wave for a time and he’s an absolutely brilliant guy who made our product better.  I know everything he works on will be good.

Find out more about Wave Accounting here.