Category Archives: podcast

blog, digital media, podcast, social media, twitter, youtube

top 9 social media tips for real estate – post 23-31 of 31

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

Who would have thought banging out 31 posts in 31 days devoted specifically to social media and the real estate industry?  I sure didn’t.  And I guess I learned my lesson.  I’ve completed 22 of 31.  And today is the 31st.  That’s 9 short of 31 for those of you who are keeping score.

So, instead of writing out 9 potentially poor blog posts I thought I’d encapsulate my 9 top social media tips for those of you in the real estate industry.

  1. Blog.  If you haven’t figured it out by now, blogging should be an important part of your marketing strategy.  Your blog should be the space online where people can find out how much of an expert you are on  your industry and on your neighbourhood.  The ability of your blog to also help you in your search rankings should also not be ignored.
  2. Podcast.  Although podcasting has been around for a while it is still a tactic that is seldom used.  As with your blog, use the power of the spoken word to help craft your personal brand.
  3. Twitter.  Remember not to use this as just a push marketing medium.  Use Twitter to create a following and embrace the power of conversation.
  4. Video.  The amount of time people spend online watching videos continues to grow.  We watch videos not just on our desktop.  We also use our netbooks, iPads and smartphones to consume video.  Invest a bit into a Flip video camera and open up a YouTube account.  Just like blogging and podcasting, the ability to share your thoughts on video should also not be pushed aside.  Be creative and original and don’t worry about creating something that’s viral. Just be yourself.
  5. Facebook.  Whether its Places, the Marketplace, Fan Pages or Groups.  The person or brand who figures out how to properly use Facebook in the real estate industry will win.  You don’t have to be first.  You just have to try to see what does work.  There are over 500 million users here.  People are using Facebook more and more.  More so than even Google. So take the time and figure this beast out.
  6. Location-based marketing apps.  There’s Foursquare and Gowalla.  And there are others.  I’ve seen many real estate professionals use Foursquare as an online billboard.  Other realtors use Foursquare (my LBMA of choice by the way) to highlight interesting places around their neighbourhood.  I would suggest using it to show you know your neighbourhood and your expertise in real estate.  Just try your best not to be too pushy.
  7. QR codes.  This funny looking cousin of the barcode has been around longer than the term social media.  But many businesses (real estate included) are still not using them.  Here’s the thing:  More and more people are using smartphones.  And these same people also want information as fast as possible.  Here’s a simple idea:  Use a QR code on your business card and for sale signs to drive immediate traffic to your website and listings.  Now your business is truly open 24/7 even if you’re not.
  8. Attend or Organize a MeetUp.  The power of physically meeting potential partners, leads, and clients is powerful.  In my business, lots of relationships have been strengthened as a result of meeting face to face.
  9. Try.  Things in social media and even in real estate have the ability to change at a blink of an eye.  That being said be open to trying new things often.  Try a new app. Try the new social media site.  Try it. You just might like it!

Happy New Year everyone!  All the best in 2011.

blog, digital media, podcast, social media, twitter

podcasting for real estate – post 5 of 31

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

By now you may be thinking to yourself, “I don’t think I can do this blogging or social media thing.”  Maybe it’s because you can’t figure out how to get your thoughts into the written word format.  Don’t be so hard on yourself.  It takes time.  I know. It’s taken me a long time and I don’t think I’ve arrived at all.

Maybe you like to talk though!  That’s where this post’s idea comes from.  If you like to talk, then podcasting may be for you.

Why Podcast:

Let’s first discuss what podcasting is.  Here’s a great video from friend Lee Lefever of Common Craft:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMgemQahuFM]

Do you see value in telling your story to an audience you may not have had access to?  That’s what marketing is all about.  Reaching new potential markets.

When you do start podcasting remember to share value.  Similar to your monthly newsletter it’s not always about the last listing you sold or the new property for sale. Talk about how to take care of your home, tips on saving for a down-payment and even your grandmother’s excellent pie recipe.

How to Podcast:

Here’s where it gets a little tricky.  I host a podcast called Social Media Show which is hosted by Perpetual Radio Networks (PRN).  If you were to stop me on the street and ask me “How does somebody start podcasting?” I may not be able to provide you with a proper answer.  However, if you asked me “How did you start podcasting?” then I can answer!

How I got started in podcasting:

I knew I wanted another outlet for my thoughts.  And I knew I wanted another outlet to tell the stories of people I was running into in my life.  Finally, I knew that my interest was mainly in social media.  So I did the only thing I knew how to do.  I tweeted:

I want to start a podcast. Can anyone help me?

Guess what happened?  I received a tweet back from PRN saying they were looking for someone to host a new show on their network.

Happy podcasting!

Tell us about your podcast or if you want to start and don’t know where to go leave a comment below.  Someone here may be able to help you.

podcast, social media

fashion and technology – beyond social media: sms episode 9

Yesterday afternoon, Jas Banwait joined me live as did Aditya Shah via Skype to chat about Fashion and Technology.  Again?  Can you believe it?  Who would have guessed that fashion would make a return to SMS before sports?  Don’t worry, my fashion un-sense will not improve.  I do have an un-image to uphold. 😉

On to the show! It was great.  We actually (as the title would suggest) talked more about technology and not just social media.  One of the topics we discussed was how would technology help independent designers and boutiques attract more customers.

Here’s my question to you, do you know of a mobile app or website that designers and boutiques could use to drive traffic to their stores?  If you do,  please share them here!

One that I can think of it www.MyCityLives.com.  Running in Toronto, My City Lives uses videos to help maps come to life.  Imagine visiting the website and entering “independent clothing store”.  Up would pop up all the independent clothing stores that people have posted videos about.  Simple yet effective.

Anything else?


books, podcast, social media

Google and a little Apple – sms episode #7

Apple and Google

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9533542

Last Sunday I had the pleasure of speaking one on one with Saul Colt.   Saul! (say it like it reads!) is a great guy in the marketing and social media community here in Toronto.  He is a highly regarded speaker and somehow the ladies love him.  Which is why I appreciate any time he spends with me.

On the show we spoke about Apple, Google and even one of his favourite books.

After you listen to the show I would love your thoughts on Ping – Apple’s new “social networking” experiment with iTunes.

So you use it?  Have you found it useful?  It is a pure marketing ploy by Apple or are they sincere in wanting to give back to their iTunes community?

Your comments are always welcomed and appreciated.

podcast, social media, twitter

sms episode #6

Twitter, Pulse and the Future of Social Media

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9236454

This past episode my guests and I had a discussion (among other things) about the future of Twitter.  Ameet said Twitter would last more than 5 years and be around to succeed.  Jeremy thought otherwise and stated that Twitter would not be around in 5 years.

  1. What do you think?
  2. Who’s right and who’s wrong?  Why?

Ameet also introduced us to a project he’s working on called Pulse.

  1. Check out the link.
  2. Where would you like to receive notices from your favourite retailer or service provider?

Thanks for listening, reading and commenting.

podcast, social media

sms episode #5

Hey there!

Recently I’ve started a podcast called SMS: Social Media Show.  You’ve probably seen my copy the posts here on this blog.  Starting with this post, I’m going to mix it up a little. 

Instead of posting the show notes I’m going to post a link to the podcast or Ustream of the episode.  Then, I’m going to ask some questions about some of the topics we’ve been discussing on the show.

I think this is a better idea.  I feel that by stimulating some conversation two things will happen.

First, you will enjoy the show more.  Second, I will be better able to prepare for future shows.

Chatting About Google and Chatroulette:

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9235882

Post podcast discussion:

  1. Has anyone used Google Chat to make a phone call? My brother called me and the conversation was clear and not as choppy as Skype.
  2. Speaking of Skype, should they “be afraid”?
  3. Rumour has it that making free call to the US and Canada will continue into the New Year. Given this, is there any reason to have a home phone anymore?  Doesn’t everyone use a mobile phone?

Let’s discuss!

podcast, social media

SMS episode 4

Social Media Show:  San Francisco social media and tech community

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9092865

Host

Karim Kanji – Twitter

Guests

Joallore Alon – Twitter

I work in Publishing for a large company. I’m a Social Instigator that will spur conversation at any moment. I like organizing anything that has “TO” in the hashtag 🙂 #RandomTO #RegiftTO

Guy Gal – Twitter


Yes, that’s my real name. Partner at #thebizmedia, we develop video content. Presenting sponsor of #TEDxToronto and The Art of Marketing. Founder of  #agencyball. Serve on the #GEW Advisory Board.

Mark Reale – Twitter

Mark is a partner and Web Developer at BNOTIONS, Co-Founder and Program Coordinator at the Yorkville Media Centre, and Professor at Seneca College in the Media Fundamentals, Independent Photography, and Acting for Camera and Voice programs.

Producer

Stephen Thomas

Episode Description

This Week on SMS: Discussing the Klout/Virgin America Influencer contest, San Francisco trips, and the week’s social events with guests Joallore Alon, Guy Gal and Mark Reale.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9092865


podcast, video

the hawk

I’m not his biggest fan but even I know that The Hawk is an important figure in Canadian music. And not just Canadian music. But musical history from the past 50 years.

Yes, The Hawk. Otherwise known as Rockin’ Ronnie Hawkins.

I had a chance to speak with Ronnie Hawkins last week.  We both found ourselves at the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Realtor Quest trade show.

We were both surrounded by beautiful groupies (albeit they were all his groupies but I know he likes to share) as I tried to sound professional interviewing him.

Here’s something important I learned from him:  Be in business with people who like you because chances are you will like them.  As someone who would rather make a pay cheque than receive one, this point is important.  You see, we all have a choice in who we do business with.  And although I like money as much as the next guy, I want to make sure that I’m having fun.

What are your thoughts?