Twitter Tops 2009

I'm the first one to bash Twitter. I hate the fact that www.twitter.com pretty much sucks as a tool for (eek gats) actually using Twitter. I hate that Twitter never seems to work as expected on my mobile device. Mostly, I hate the fact that I feel compelled to use Twitter because everyone else is doing it. I am still crushed that FriendFeed is out ... sold to Facebook and it's users to ... well, Twitter. Where else?!

But those of you that know me know I am not a negative person. In fact, I am typically annoyingly positive, so I do see the bright side of Twitter. Although admittedly, I had to be dragged back to tweeting a few times in 2009.

2009 was THE year for Twitter. Everyone is on it - from our very own Jamie Mancuso to Anderson Cooper to Ralph Macchio to Barack Obama. All superstars in my book, but there's more, what about Ivy Bean - the 104 year-old from England or parent's-to-be that are setting up accounts for their still-in-the-womb kiddo's?! Companies have Twitter accounts, Comcast's Frank Eliason is famous for his customer service on Twitter, the CEO of Zappos, Southwest Airlines and yes, Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors. Not to mention ALL of the good that is being done on Twitter ... there are loads of tweeters working hard for all sorts of causes out there. Twitter was H-U-G-E in 2009.

I do finally see the value in Twitter. And this will surprise you. The best thing I have gotten out of Twitter? Hands down - the "in real life" relationships that I have created, nurtured and grown on Twitter. These relationships have brought me incredible friendships, business contacts and even tighter connections with family and friends. Surprised? Hey me too!

For a more official review of How Twitter Conquered the World in 2009 - see this Mashable article.

So yes, I will continue to tweet ... until the next cool micro-blogging tool comes along at least :)

Happy Holidays!!!

Customizing Your Facebook Privacy Settings

On December 9th, 2009, Facebook updated their Privacy Settings (again). When you logged in, you were greeted by a letter giving you a treetops view of the changes and then prompted to change your settings with Facebook's guidance. Being uber-curious about any changes to my account information on Facebook, I did go in and update my settings right then and there. As I travel around to your offices, I am hearing that many of you did not.

So, don't hit the "skip" on this one kids, let's get those Privacy Settings updated now!

The "transition tool" as Facebook is calling it, along with TONS of other information can be found here.

So, let's do this thing ... go to Settings > Privacy Settings (upper right on blue bar)

Here, you can control the privacy settings for your profile, contact info, applications & websites, search and your block list.

Click on Profile Information ... this layout should look different to you. First of all, the Preview My Profile is front and center (well, right and center) and allows you to see how different friends will see your information.

Also, on the right, each section of information on your profile can have customized privacy settings. This was always the case, but Facebook has broken out more of the sections to allow you even more control.

Your friend lists are super important here - if you haven't broken your Facebook friends into lists yet, go and do that now ... go to Friends (upper left blue bar) > click on Friends (again) > click Create New List. Creating lists like: bests, family, colleagues, etc. can really help you simplify your Privacy Settings.

When you click on the boxes to the right of each category (shown below) you can select Everyone, Friends of Friends, Only Friends or Customize to lock out or allow certain groups with just a few clicks.

If you are going to Customize, you can really drill down into your privacy - use your friend lists or individual names here.

Don't forget to Save Settings when you're done!

I've only covered a tiny snippet of the new Privacy Settings layout, so please dive in and keep updating your settings! It's so important to know and control what you have out there :)

Wow - You REALLY Missed Out

It has to be said ... if you missed RE BarCamp and Triple Play last week - you really missed out. What a great week of education, networking AND FUN!

RE BarCamp kicked off the week on Monday night with great sessions on topics like - Social Capital, Building Your Online Network, Facebook Fan Pages ... and more. We heard from cool cats like Kim Wood, Bill Lublin, Heather Elias, Rudy Bachraty and the list goes on ... !!!

You will have to wait a whole year for the Realtors Triple Play convention to roll around again, but in the mean time ... why not catch an RE BarCamp???

Virtual RE BarCamp - ONLINE :)
RE BarCamp New York - January 6th, 2010

Want to see what you missed at Triple Play? Get the session handouts here and/or purchase the audio recordings.

Plan on attending Triple Play next year > December 7 - 8 - 9, 2010!!!

Have a great rest of the week!

My Happy Place - RE BarCamp and Triple Play in Atlantic City!!!

Does it get ANY better than an RE BarCamp and Triple Play all in the same week?!!! No, it doesn't. For those of you already planning to attend ... let me say > GOOD MOVE! For anyone still on the fence > OH COME ON!!! There are so many cool things you will miss ...

1. RE BarCamp Atlantic City or #REBCAC - Monday, 12/7, 5pm to 10pm at GAME ON! at the Pier at Caesar's (registration starts at 4pm)

First of all, this event is FREE. Besides that, RE BarCamps r-o-c-k. Why? Where else can you get in a room with other real estate type folks that know tons of great technology information?! Hang out and learn from some of the smartest people I have ever met. After attending the RE BarCamp in Philly back in May and watching/listening to several more online, I can honestly tell you that this will be worth your time. Get the details here and don't forget to RSVP!!! Look for me and Chris at the registration table.

2. Triple Play or #TP09 - Tues 12/8 thru Thurs 12/10 at the AC Convention Center

I heart Triple Play. For less than $100 you can access 2.5 days of top-notch education sessions, networking events and so much more! Some of my favs include: Doug Devitre, Amy Chorew & Bill Lublin, but there are tons of great educators. Come early and get some CE credits out of the way or grab a new designation. Triple Play is a steal. Take advantage of it! Get the details here.

3. PAR YPN Networking Event - Weds 12/9, 6:30pm at Bally's Casino

Join the brand new Pennsylvania Association of Realtors - Young Professionals Network at our fun and fabulous networking event at Bally's! Check us out at www.parypn.com!

Still not convinced? Well at least follow us around online then ... use the #rebcac and #tp09 hashtags on search.twitter.com to see what we are up to in Atlantic City.

> http://search.twitter.com/
> type in #rebcac or #tp09
> click Search!

If you are coming down to AC - let me know! I look forward to seeing you there :)

LinkedIn and Twitter - So Happy Together

WOOHOO!!! I posted yesterday on the Facebook Fan Page about LinkedIn and Twitter joining forces with your status updates ... here are the details:

1. Make your Twitter account visible on your LinkedIn profile ...

Use this link to make your Twitter account visable to others on your LinkedIn profile.

-- Select how visable you want to be ...

-- Select to share "all tweets" or just those you mark with a #in hashtag

-- Click Save Settings

You can always change these settings later on the Twitter Settings page!

2. Use #in or #li to share posts from Twitter to your LinkedIn status ...

Use #in or #li hashtags to share your Twitter update on your LinkedIn status message - like so ...

3. Add the Tweets app to share your Twitter activity on your profile and keep track of who your following on the LinkedIn homepage ...

The Tweets app on LinkedIn will show your latest Twitter activity on your LinkedIn profile.

Click Add Application to add Tweets

-- Select to display on your profile

-- Select to display on your LinkedIn homepage

Stay in the loop > follow @linkedin to hear about new features, advanced tips, and more on Twitter!

Happy Wednesday!!! Have a great rest of the week :)

More on Twitter Lists

Okay, it's been a week or so and I have had some time to digest and form an opinion on the new Twitter Lists. A few tips ...

First and foremost, when making a list - make it for YOU. You can put anyone on a Twitter list, even people that you don't follow on Twitter. My advice here - make your Twitter Lists for you. Translation ... I have a list of favs - these are my favorite people to read on Twitter for a variety of reasons. I did not make this list for anyone other than myself ... just to have a nice quick link to access my favorites. If someone likes my list and chooses to follow it - great - but that's not why I created it :)

Being on someone else's list can be ... a huge compliment or a little strange. Most of the time, being "listed" is pretty rockin and can get you a slew of new followers and great connections on Twitter just by getting listed. Know where you are listed! You can see the # of times you are listed just underneath your username on the homepage of Twitter, at listed. Click on this to view the lists that you appear on and see their creators. You can view the list, follow the list and check out the list maker from here.











If you find yourself on a list that you do not wish to be associated with ... you will need to block the list creator to remove yourself from that person's list. You can do this by clicking on the list creator and then choosing block username.

Have a GREAT week!!!

Twitter Lists Explained

You may have heard the buzz ... Twitter "Lists" has landed! As a lover of lists, you know I had to check this out pronto. So what are Twitter Lists??? They are lists that Twitterers are creating of other Twitterers that they want to call out and categorize. For example, I created a list called, "CBH" and added any Hearthside agents that I follow on Twitter.

Now that I have this list, I click on it and see what all of the CBHer's are up to at any given moment on Twitter. Bonus - the list is public, so other people can "subscribe" to my list and get all of the CBHer's too!

For the easy peasy route ...

- Click on Following (people you follow on Twitter)

- Each person will have a little Manage Lists icon (looks like a list ;) on the left side

- Click the Manage Lists icon to see your options

From here, you can ... create a new list OR add this person to one or more lists that you have already created. How easy is that?!

When you click to create a New List, the box below will pop up. Type in your list name - notice how your list will have it's own URL (listed underneath). Set your list privacy and click Create!

Once you have your lists set up, you can access and edit them easily.

- Click on the list you want to display

- See what's happening with your list, or edit as needed

Super fun right?!

Happy Halloween Eve!!!

Triple Play Extends Early Bird Pricing!!!

Hey real estate agents ... where can you find tons of amazing education, fabulous networking and super FUN opportunities to stay in the ahead of the technology curve??? Realtors Triple Play!!!

December 8th - 9th - 10th, 2009 in Atlantic City, NJ

Early bird registration has been extended to NOVEMBER 20th!!!

Fun new thing to try this year? Schedule yourself ahead of time - pick the sessions you are interested in attending and get your time slots filled up automatically.

BONUS - for the first time in Atlantic City ... RE BarCamp! Get the skinny on RE BarCamp AC here or ask me for details.

REBCAC is scheduled for Monday, December 7th, 2009 - location TBD.

Have a great week!

Still Crushing on Video

Whoa! Today, Mashable announced that YouTube is now reaching 1 billion views per day. A billion - YOWZA!!! Expect my video crush to continue well into 2010 ...

Agents - you need to be on YouTube!!! Here is where you say, "but Stef, what should I video?"

A little list ...

1. Can we please do video listing tours instead of the ole virtual tour? Yes, pictures are important - vital even - take double the photos you are taking now. Just skip the bathroom - unless it's Borgata-like and truly a must see.

2. How about starting a vlog? A blog where each post is a little video from you? So fun!

3. What about an agent profile video? A little hey this is me, here is why I'm the agent for you.

4. Show me your community - your favorite section of town, main street, the coolest parts of where you live.

5. Make a video of the process - out with buyers, writing the agreement, right down to the settlement table. Show your first timers how it all works!

Start carrying your video camera with you everywhere - and use it!

Happy Friday :) GO PHILS/GO BIRDS

Twitter-like Facebook Feature Fun

I have a love/hate relationship with Twitter. One feature of Twitter that I so LOVE is the @username feature. I can @myfriend and write to them directly on Twitter - still a public tweet mind you - but I know my friend will see it.

I can also use the @username to "mention" my friend ... "I'm here with @myfriend, teaching with @myfriend, hey do you know this super cool kid @myfriend."

Facebook is keeping tabs on Twitter's sky-rocketing popularity and copying this popular Twitter feature. Now, in my Facebook status updates, I can @myfriend just as I would in Twitter ... tying my update to that person.

Now, my @myfriend is "tagged" in my status update on Facebook ...

Just as you would be careful tagging a photo on Facebook, please be cautious with your use of the @tag on in your status updates. Remember your netiquette and only tag when appropriate.

GO PHILS!!!

PAR Young Professionals Network Kick-Off Event!

Join in the fun of the REALTOR® MAGAZINE Pennsylvania Young Professionals Network Kick-Off Event!

Where: Kildares Irish Pub, 826 Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia, PA 19406
When: Saturday, October 10, 2009
Time: 5:00 PM
Please RSVP by Thursday, October 8, 2009
RSVP to: Jonathan Coles of New Pennsylvania Realty at jcoles@newpennrealty.com

Become part of the new generation of leaders and tap into new ideas and fresh perspectives from other REALTORS in the ever changing demand of the real estate industry.

Build your referral network and learn about new and free resources from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

Stay abreast of industry happenings through the YPN Blog at www.realtor.org/ypnlounge.

For more information, visit www.realtor.org/ypn.

Video Killed the Virtual Tour?

Or maybe I am just hoping that it will?! Is anyone else tired of seeing 20 or so pictures being zoomed in and out on with cheesy Muzak in the background to make a virtual tour? Me too!

Is video relevant? I think so. According to an article posted on Mashable on August 10, 2009 written by Ben Parr, You Tube is the 4th most visited site on the internet - beating even MSN!

Coldwell Banker launched On Location, it's branded YouTube channel on May 5th of this year and is already boosting nearly 5 thousand agent profile videos, listing videos, office videos and community videos from Coldwell Banker agents around the world.

You can do this - I know you can. Most of your digital cameras already have a video function. Sometimes we only find this out when we think we are taking a photo and actually manage to record a video instead. Go ahead and get your camera out ... I'll wait.

Now - do you see a little video icon somewhere in your settings? If you don't ... consider getting a Flip Video camera - they are cheap and super easy to use.

So, how do I get started? Get out there and practice! The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be with the process.

In a post I wrote a while back, entitled, Virtual Tours Are Dead, I gave you a little list of video tips that I am repeating below now ... why? Because they are still relevant.

1. Turn on all of the lights in the home. I mean all - every last one you can find.

2. Take your video in segments if possible, rather than all in one continuous shot.

3. Move the camera SLOWER than you think you should. If you think you are moving it slowly, move it slower - really.

4. Use a tripod and leave it on the ground so you are only moving the camera side to side (again,think segments), move the tripod when you are ready for your next shot (or segment).

5. Speak clearly and loudly or if possible, record your voice over the video when editing.

6. Definitely - definitely - definitely use your voice for an audio description (just say NO to cheesy music and/or silence).

7. Keep it short or you will lose your audience.

So get out there and start shooting! I know you can do this ... feel free to send me your videos for help and/or feedback.

Have a ROCKIN Friday!

ePropertySites Basics

Seems like I've been spending a lot of time teaching and assisting agents with ePropertySites.com lately so I wanted to cover a few of the basics here. There are a ton of super cool things that you can do with this program - so many, that I know a lot of agents feel a bit overwhelmed. Let's break it down ...

Go to: http://www.epropertysites.com/ -- (you can use FireFox, but the program seems to like Internet Explorer better - some of the menus overlap in FireFox)

Note: You can get your login & password from your Mortgage Mobility representative!

Once you login, the first place you should visit is the Setup tab - check that your information is entered and complete, that your photo and company logo are uploaded and SAVE!

Now, you can add a property ...

- Click on the Properties tab

- Click Add New to add a property

- Fill in each page with your property information - details, links, pick your website layout and domain, add any upcoming open houses and notes

- Browse and upload your photos & video

Once your property is loaded - use the menu below to tweak it further ...

Have rockin Tuesday!

Sign up for Triple Play 2009!

I HEART Triple Play. Truly. Such a great conference - loads of educational sessions, networking opportunities and FUN packed into 3 days in Atlantic City, NJ. But the real reason I love Triple Play? Well, there are two ...

1. So affordable!!! Only $65 if you sign up online before October 15th, 2009 - YOWZA!!!

2. Atlantic City, NJ - this conference is PRACTICALLY in our backyard!

You need to do this - take a day (if you can't take all three) and come down to AC. To sign up for Triple Play, see what's on tap or just get the lay of the land, go here:

http://www.realtorstripleplay.com/

Get more info from the Triple Play Facebook Group or follow TriplePlayExpo on Twitter :)

I hope to see you all there!

More Ways to Go Mobile

We have more ways than ever to go mobile now - through the new iPhone and Android Coldwell Banker applications, plus the mobile site for Coldwell Banker!

Coldwell Banker has released an app for both the iPhone and the Android phone that allows anyone to search for listings or use their CB home value estimator tool right from their mobile phone! The apps for these phones are specific to just the iPhone and Android platforms, but there are other options if you use another type of phone.

The official Coldwell Banker App for the iPhone is available for download in the iTunes app store. http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=325309137&mt=8



If you can access the internet from your mobile phone - no matter what kind it may be ... you can check out: m.coldwellbanker.com. Here you can search for listings, search for an agent or find home values.

No more excuses - get out there and go mobile!!!

Share This Button on Listings!

So no big secret that I am into sharing. Sharing rocks. Now, we have a Share This button on each listing (on the "view details" page) on our CBH website!!! Think of the possibilities ...













- 1 click to share my listing on Twitter
- 1 click to share my listing on my social networks (Facebook, LinkedIn and tons more)
- 1 click to share my listing on my blog
- 1 click to share my listing on my social bookmarking sites (Delicious, StumbleUpon, Digg)

I can even text my listing, email my listing or save it for later. So many ways to share!

Super cool fact - share the listing from your CBH website and the link to the listing details will take the person to YOUR website when they click to view the listing! Translation ... go to your CBH website and share the listing from there (if your happy smiling face is not in the top frame, you are not on your CBH website).

Note - please use your netiquette when sharing :)

Be a Facebook Grouper (for your own sanity)

I'm a grouper. I can't help it. I crave organization with every last bit of my being. Sad, I know. Grouping my Facebook friends was the greatest thing I EVER did in Facebook. Really.

Now, if I want to know what's going on with my CBH pals, I click my CBH group and *poof* get to see all of our agents updates/happenings. I don't have to deal with an unruly and huge news feed that shows all of my 200 + friends and groups.

Want to be a grouper too? Here's how:

- Click on Friends

- On the left menu, under Lists & all the way down, click Create

- Type in a name for your group

- To select your group members, click on their thumbnail pic in the window

- Click Create List when you are finished

Once you have your groups created, you can add friends to them at the initial friend connection when requesting to be someones friend or when accepting a connection. Just click the drop-down arrow where it says, "Add to Group". You can add friends to more than one group.

Grouping your FB friends will allow you to pull up members of your groups faster than you might be able to find them on your own. Look at the news feed of a particular group to see what that particular group is buzzing at any given time. For me, FB grouping helps me find what I want and need quickly.

Have a great afternoon :)

Share This (Really)

These days, sharing with your friends is easy peasy. When you read an article or blog post online, besides being able to leave a comment, most times the website will ask you - would you like to Share This? Heck yeah I'd like to share it! Now, where should I share it ... Facebook? LinkedIn? Twitter? Delicious? StumbleUpon? Reddit? Google? Technorati? MySpace? Do I even have a MySpace account anymore?


















Slow down. Take a deep breath. Let's talk strategy. What social networking site do you use the most? Is this article or blog post appropriate for that site?

The social networking sites that you will see many share options for are Facebook, LinkedIn & MySpace. If you are social bookmarking you are likely to be using either Delicious or StumbleUpon. If you read your favorite blogs through "readers" where each new post comes into your account automatically, you are probably talking about posting with Reddit, Google or Technorati. NOTE: I am making BROAD generalizations here as there are loads of social media sharing options ...

So, back to my little article that I LOVE and NEED to share with all of my pals. By sharing the article with them I am essentially re-posting it with the users permission. When the "share" options are there - feel free to use them. Now, do not copy and paste the article or blog post to your own blog with zero information on where you got the information.

I heart Share This - one little button allows me so many re-posting options that I know I can feel comfortable with sharing. You will see this on my blog, just underneath each post and that means YES share my work. Why? Why not? I have no illusions about my readership stats here.



















Happy Sharing :)

Facebook's New Twit-tastic Features

Is Twitter becoming obsolete? Facebook is adding Twitter-like features faster than you can type your 140 characters. These additions have been subtle, so you may not have noticed them. Let's review ...

1. You can now upload your photos via your mobile device right on the mobile Facebook site (m.facebook.com). Not a big deal for those of you already using a third-party app to upload your mobile pics to Facebook, but a nice addition nonetheless. This feature is similar to apps like TwitPic that will upload your mobile pics directly to Twitter. Go to m.facebook.com on your mobile device to check out this new feature - "Upload Photos" is front and center on the main page - click "Upload" to get started.

2. Facebook is also getting rid of the "regional" networks in an effort to make their site more open. You will notice this if you go to the Friends tab, click Browse Friends and in the "browse by" box - the regional network option is gone. You can still browse by work or school.

3. The final and most Twitter-like change is the "follow" feature. When you add a friend, you can see their updates before they accept/deny your request. This will only work if the person you are trying to connect with has their status updates set to "everyone".

I'm not convinced that Facebook is the new Twitter, but I like these additions and hope they will add a real "follow" feature going forward.

Happy Friday!!!

Losing It With Twitter

My Twitter account imploded three days ago and took with it 200 or so of the people that I follow in the Twitterverse. I don't follow without forethought, so this is a big deal for me. I now have lost access to many of my favorite folks and their updates on work and life.

Twitter usernames might seem like a dumb thing to back-up, but honestly, it's practically an email address these days.

That said, my new rant is now - why don't our contact managers have a micro-blogging username field?

Until Gmail gets on board with my new field idea, you better believe that I am going to start saving these usernames (from my FriendFeed account at least). How can this be accomplished? It will be a little work on your end, basically, figure out who is important to you on Twitter and/or FriendFeed and add their username to their contact record.

The most frustrating part of this is that I am pretty religious about backing up ... I back-up my back-ups. Why? Because I've had my external drives die and trust me, it hurts to see your back-up crash and burn. I know you are putting hours and hours of work in online - do yourself a favor and take the time to back-up your work. Not just your docs and pics either. Back-up everything!

Local Celebrity or Internet Fame

I remember hearing *somewhere* that as real estate agents you should be "the local celebrity" in your market. Okay, you've heard it everywhere (admit it). Now, I challenge you even further to achieve Internet Fame.

Internet Fame is not as difficult as you might think, but it won't just happen to you without some honest effort on your part.

The first and most important thing - LISTEN. Get on LinkedIn, Facebook, Plaxo, Twitter, FriendFeed, Active Rain, etc and see what folks are talking about online. Start following people and listening to the conversation. Build out your profiles on these sites and start making connections. Not down with these sites? Find your own! There are loads of social networking sites online to accommodate every interest.

Next, you will have to bring VALUE. What will you contribute to the conversation - real estate information? homeowner tips? helpful sites? interesting reads? comic relief? Find a healthy mix that works for you and bring it. Get active on Trulia and Zillow and interact with other agents and consumers.

Be CONSISTENT. This is by far the hardest part ... trust me. This is only my second blog post in July. Second! I had 24 in May!!! Once you get started, don't stop, don't leave me hanging :)

The last thing I would recommend is probably the simplest - READ. Check out Technorati and Regator for what is percolating in the blogosphere. Search by keywords - real estate, mortgage, etc and then tag your favorite posts and blogs. Get on Twittorati for a breakdown of the Twittersphere.

Don't just be the local celebrity - achieve Internet Fame!

New Name - Same Stuff (sorta)

So lately I have been having some serious blog name regret. What was I thinking naming this blog "CBH EDU 2.0"? I mean, hello - how can someone so focused on what's next add 2.0 after a blog name (and URL)?

The 2010 Web or Web 3.0 is right around the corner and I'm not one to be left behind. So, I decided to rename my blog after the technology series of classes that I create and run for my company - Tech Daze.

So much of what I write here ends up in my TD classes that it only makes sense to make the change. That said, you can expect the same from me content-wise in this space.

For those of you saying to yourself, the what - Web 2010 ... Web 3.0 ... is she kidding?

No. I know that many of your are just getting comfy with Web 2.0, but I'm about to make you go to the next level with me (again).

A few things to really get you going with regard to the next web ...

- Email is dying a slow death. Who needs it with all of this real-time chat?
- Virtual Tours are out. Start a relationship with your video cam now.
- Mobile is essential. If you can't access the internet on your phone - throw it in the recycle bin.

No worries - I'm here to help :) Happy Wednesday!

Shiretoko Shock | Spread Firefox

Shiretoko Shock | Spread Firefox

Posted using ShareThis

Diggin Digsby

Instant messaging has been around forever, or at least since the 70's when you could IM on your green screen. We used to only be able to IM with others using the same IM client but those lame restrictions were dropped and these companies have opened up and allowed us to chat across company lines for quite a while now.

You could be instant messaging and not even know it! Even if you are not using instant messaging through a traditional client like AIM (AOL Instant Messaging), Yahoo or Gmail, you may be chatting or instant messaging with friends on Facebook or MySpace. Plus, with real-time communication on Twitter and FriendFeed - which are technically micro-blogging, but really could be considered a form of instant messaging ... you could be out there IMing all over the place.

Over the past few years, I have tried out a few different clients for managing ALL of my IM accounts in one place. My latest IM client crush is Digsby. I can manage all of my accounts - Yahoo, Gmail, Facebook, FriendFeed and Twitter in one lovely little Digsby window that I keep anchored on my desktop.

Digsby just put a new release out today that has made the service (per Digsby) - 50% faster. Sounds good to me. Here is how I use Digsby ...

I have three IM clients (Yahoo, Gmail and Facebook), plus three email addresses (Digsby alerts me of new emails) and three of my social networking profiles (Facebook, LinkedIn & Twitter) filtering into Digsby. Adding Facebook allows you to see FB status updates, plus friends that are online at any given time.

Because I am a grouper - I filter my IM pals down into custom groups (family, pals, work, etc) so I can quickly see who is online if I have a burning question or some other message that I need to share at that moment. Another new feature added today, Ctrl+F pulls up the Buddy List Search in a handy shortcut.

Most of my IM's are text to text, but I can pop a photo in chat window and send it over or chat with my webcam. The file transfers in Digsby are fairly quick and painless for the most part.

I've read that emails are dying a slow death, soon to be replaced by all of our real-time communication. For me, this is already happening on a large scale. Remember, you can save your chat logs if you need to remember something - they are super easy to search and filter by date and user.

I know, I know, you don't want to hear that email is on the way out. I will break you in on this one slowly. Promise!

Gmail Goodies

Love all of the slick inter-connectedness of web 2.0 tools??? Consider Gmail as your new email client then ... it's full of web 2.0 fabulous-ness.

Here are just a few cool things you can do with Gmail:

1. Pull in ALL - yes all - of your email accounts into one inbox

Many of us have 2 or more (sometimes 5) email addresses - with Gmail, you can pull all of your email into one inbox. Not that exciting as you can do this with most email programs ... but still nice. I have all 5 (UGH 5) email addresses filtering into Gmail and filing under separate tags - work, Diamond, personal, yada yada ... this helps my muddled brain keep things straight.

2. Respond from all your email accounts (sort of)

Gmail allows you to send out (after you verify that you own the email address) from your various email addresses. So, I can send my stef_hahn@yahoo.com emails out under my Yahoo address, my s.hahn@cbhearthside.com emails out as such and so on ... here is the only caveat - when I send out from another account (other than my Gmail account that I am logged into) the Gmail address is always included.

Like this: From: stefanieaingehahn@gmail.com On Behalf Of Stefanie A. Hahn [s.hahn@cbhearthside.com] - Education Director - Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors

Now, admittedly, I paid $20 a year to Yahoo before to mask this (so it really did appear to be coming from the address I wanted - sometimes my Yahoo address, sometimes my CBH address), so it is a trade-off. Gmail is FREE. Nuff said.

3. Tag emails with relevant keywords/names/etc

This is fab - truly - no more folders! Now I can tag an email with several tags - I am no longer limited to a one folder filing system. My tags will allow me to pull up these emails whenever I need them.

4. Chat directly within Gmail and save your chats as emails

Chat (or instant messaging) is the new email. Yes - email is dying a slow death ... being replaced slowly by instant messaging., micro-blogging and text messaging. Also known as, "I want it all and I want it now".

Now you say, but Stef, I have no record of these things - my chats, etc. Not true! You can chose to keep all of your chats in logs, your micro-blogging on Twitter or FriendFeed will live on the interweb forever and well, your texts will save on your phone until you delete them. Promise.

5. Manage your contacts - even get suggested contacts from Google!!!

Google is not a contact manager, but you can do some contact management with your Gmail account. My fav part - suggested contacts. This is HANDS-DOWN the best feature of Gmail - suggested contacts. I email someone not in my address book and POOF - Google says, hey kid, add this person to your contacts. I click OK and WOOT they are in my address book! LOVE IT.

6. Create and manage multiple task lists

I am a list person, so you know I have multiple tasks lists in my Gmail. They are super easy to set-up and use. Plus I get to "cross off" each item, rather than just deleting it. You will only get this if you are a list person.

7. Add all sorts of fun extras, but beware ...

Check out Google Labs for all of the cool Gmail add-on's but be careful ... I added Google Goggles and seriously regretted it during one rather late Friday night of work. Check it out for yourself to see what I mean.

Still not convinced??? Gmail is not for everyone, it's definitely more web 2.0 that most web mail programs out there, so make sure you are comfortable with these tools before jumping in.

Facebook Usernames a.k.a. Vanity URL's

Whoa - great news today ... Facebook is finally launching Facebook Usernames - www.facebook.com/username/ - where YOU, yes YOU get to pick your custom vanity URL. Holy crow it's about time!!!

No more funky link with a long number at the end ...
http://www.facebook.com/people/Stefanie-Ainge-Hahn/769026843

Now, if I go to www.facebook.com/username/ at 12:01 am on Saturday, June 13th, 2009 - I can get my own name ... or a variation of my name that FB suggests. It's important to note that the usernames are on a first come/first serve basis, so I KNOW you will all be logging into FB at 11:59 on Friday, June 12th to get your name!

Why bother? It's all about being Google-tastic. Getting to the top of the heap. The same reasons we create a vanity URL for LinkedIn, set up a Google Profile and so on ...

So - my advice - get online and get your FB vanity URL. Have I ever led you astray??? No.

Click here to get all of the details from the FB blog.

Get in the Know with these Suggested Follows

Since a growing number of you are getting on and using Twitter, I wanted to give you a list of "suggested" people to follow to get you started off in the Twitterverse. These are merely suggestions, no pressure, but if you know what's good for you ... :)

Hold up, wait a minute - how do I follow someone on Twitter? Let's review:

- Click on Find People

- Type in a first and/or last name or username (if you know it)

On the 2nd tab over, you can search further ...

- Enter your email & password for your Gmail, Yahoo or AOL account and Twitter will search your contacts to see who on your list has a Twitter account

- Click Continue and Twitter will give you the option to select who you would like to follow

Your third option is to invite people to join Twitter via email ...

- Click "See what you'll send them" to preview the invite text

- Type in the email addresses

- Click Invite

Want more? Twitter offers a list of Suggested Users for you to follow ...

- Check out the suggested list and check off anyone you are interested in following

- Click Follow when you are done

Finally, the EASIEST way to follow? Check out the folks below, click on their name and if you like what they are selling, click follow (just underneath their name).

So, now for my little list to get you started:

@coldwellbnkr - guess who? Your brand! Easy.

@trulia - Rudy from Trulia - smart and cute

@chrisbrogan - Beadling loves him, plus he's kind of a big deal ... a definite follow

@jburslem - founder of the Future of Real Estate Marketing blog

@PAR_Meg - our PAR e-Communication Specialist and all around cool chick

@dougdevitre - RE and tech trainer - uses all forms of soc med ~ shares tons of info

@amychorew - National Speaker/Trainer for Real Estate & Technology

@AndyKaufman - founder of RE Bar Camp(s), RE agent and tech guru

@bnix - RE broker in Georgia, half of RE Tech South, he knows a ton, just listen ...

@KimWood - local PA agent rockin the Twitterverse & so much more

It was yesterday when I started writing this post ... Happy FRIDAY!!!

A Few Basic Twitter Tips

So, by now you know I've made up with Twitter (sort of) after our break-up in March. I am currently pushing my FriendFeed posts to Twitter when possible (new blog post alerts, sites to check out and a few other things).

For the longest time, when I checked my Gmail contacts to see who might be on Twitter when I was actively tweeting, there was no one. I mean zero - nada - ziltch ... no one to find and follow from CBH, our vendors and well, the rest of my contact list.

When I made-up with Twitter the other night, WHOA - 33 contacts now use Twitter!!! YOWZA!

So of course, I followed you all. Now, a few things have come to light ... which of course, I will share with the world - or at least those of you that read this post.

1. Many of you signed up for Twitter, wrote one post and then ... well, I don't know, you haven't tweeted again. Some of you just signed up and have never posted? Don't get on a site just because you hear that it is the next big thing. Research - evaluate and then decide if you want to participate.

2. I see lots of blank bios. If I didn't already know you, I would NEVER follow you without a bio. It's only 140 characters, you can think of something. Sum up yourself and let folks know a little about who you are ...

3. Many of you posted about work only - give me a social post or two - let's get to know each other.

4. Give me substance or get off. Don't just tell me what you are doing - tell me what you are reading and give me a link so I can go and check it out. Tell me what you are listening too and give me a link so I can listen in ... get it? Share photos, links and substance - most of all be relevant. URL to long for 140 characters? Check out TinyURL - www.tinyurl.com and convert your link in seconds to something smaller and more manageable.

5. Learn the basics. Here are a few definitions to get you started:

Tweet: a tweet is your 140 character or less post on Twitter








@Reply: you can reply directly to anyone's tweets or mention them via their @username















DM: these are direct messages from that are private from the twitterverse (between you and the twit you DM)


Followers: twits that are following your tweets

Following: twits that YOU are following and therefore showing their feeds in your twitdom - find by name, network, email or check out the suggested users










One more thing, check out your Settings - make sure you fill out your one line bio!!!

Happy Tweeting :)

RE BarCamp Philadelphia #rebcphl

Yesterday was the first ever RE Bar Camp in Philadelphia!!! What a great day - packed with loads of social media know-how and experts galore. Got to see and meet some of my biggest geek crushes in the flesh :)

GPAR hosted roughly 300 campers and the event used 6 of their office/classroom/boardroom spaces. There is no set agenda, in fact, anyone can run a session. Most of the day yesterday there were 6 sessions running simultaneously on various topics. Some of the sessions were more of a presentation, while other sessions were Q & A based or more of a discussion.

To see the pics, go to www.flickr.com and type in #rebcphl in the search box.

To see the Twitter flow & ebb go to: search.twitter.com and type in #rebcphl in the search box








Dakno TV streamed a bunch of the sessions live yesterday ... I will post the link once they put the recorded sessions up.

Next time - I want YOU with me! Already I am hearing talk of a possible RE Bar Camp before the 2009 Triple Play (one of my fav events of the YEAR) ... I will keep you posted.

Virtual Tours are Dead

Yeah I said it. D-E-A-D ... tired, flat and so over. Be DYNAMIC with video!!!

Video is where it's at - whether you are posting to the Coldwell Banker "On Location" YouTube channel or to your very own channel, video is fast becoming an essential marketing piece. Now, since I have been preaching in your offices about creating and using video, a few of our agents have listened and recorded some videos. To those agents I say, YOU ROCK and thanks for getting out there and for sharing your videos with me.

Today, at our Manager's Boot Camp, our Hearthside managers broke into teams and recorded video segments on our Flip cams - SO FUN. See me if you need a good laugh ...

I wanted to mention few things though that I have noticed from today's experiment and from the wonderfully adventurous agents who have sent me videos ... just some of my humble observations & opinions.

How about a list? I know you heart my lists.

1. Turn on all of the lights in the home. I mean all - every last one you can find.

2. Take your video in segments if possible, rather than all in one continuous shot.

3. Move the camera SLOWER than you think you should. If you think you are moving it slowly, move it slower - really.

4. Use a tripod and leave it on the ground so you are only moving the camera side to side (again,think segments), move the tripod when you are ready for your next shot (or segment).

5. Speak clearly and loudly or if possible, record your voice over the video when editing.

6. Definitely - definitely - definitely use your voice for an audio description (just say NO to cheesy music and/or silence).

7. Keep it short or you will lose your audience.

Need more information on the Coldwell Banker "On Location" YouTube channel? Get it here.

Want to practice? Look for me in your offices - I carry my Flip cam with me and we can practice to your hearts content!

Google Earth Project Maps the Fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan

Happy Memorial Day

This is one of the coolest things I have seen in a long time ... Google Earth has created a map of all of our fallen servicemen and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. The project is called, "Map the Fallen" and gives you the stories behind their lives - plus photos, comments from family and friends and how they died.

Go to http://earth.google.com/ and download the latest version of Google Earth.

Google Earth Project Maps the Fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan

Posted using ShareThis

Get the most out of Zillow

If you haven't been there in awhile, it's time to go back and check out Zillow. I received an email from Sara Bonert at Zillow on Friday with links to a few helpful videos to get you started. I have embedded these videos below for you convenience.

To begin, set up a profile and get involved in the conversation in the Advice section. In this clip, Sara explains how to set up a profile and she gives you the skinny on Zillow Advice.



Zillow also offers free marketing tools - check out the full list on Zillow Pros.

Next, begin marketing yourself on the site. In this clip, Sara explains a few of the ways real estate agents can market themselves on Zillow. Keep in mind that our listings are already being syndicated to the site, so you will not need to manually post your listings.



Finally, get all of the details you need on the "zestimate". Sara explains the "zestimate" - including how Zillow calculates the number, when they update the information and the challenges of accuracy with the zestimate.

Watch this if nothing else - it's important to know how Zillow comes up with the number and the issues of accuracy involved.



For more information, check out the Zillow News channel on YouTube.

Enjoy your Sunday! Thanks Sara :)

FriendFeed Fantasticness

We've talked about why I'm over Twitter ... go back and read that post if you need a refresher AND some of the cool things you can do with FriendFeed. While monkeying around in FF this morning, I found another - super cool - FF feature. Let's discuss ...

So the main problem with micro-blogging is that SO many people are writing, tweeting and commenting and this can get pretty noisy. Even if you are not following many people - but one of the people you are following is a mad poster and has lots of connections, those posts will clog your screen.

I am a big fan of groups - with all of your social networking efforts - as this will help to organize your connections and the information you see. Creating groups on FF is essential for your sanity. That said, you can also create information filters within your FF account.

Did I lose you? Think about what you are interested in ... no, think about what I am interested in for a minute. I'll tell you - real estate, technology, web 2.o (surprise surprise). So, within FF, I can create a filter to show me any posts that contain those particular words. Pretty fab right???

To set up a filter:
- Click on Advanced Search (next to the Search box at the top of your FF page)
- Select the radio button "All FF Users" for Include Entries from
- In the keywords box, type in whatever you want to see
- Click Search






















Like what you see in your search results? Save it!
- Click on Save this Search (top of your FF page)

Need to tweak it? Go back and play around with your search until you come up with the results you want. My advice? Keep your searches broad in the beginning, you can always edit them later.

The result? A handy menu with all of your filters - click on a filter to see posts on your topics from all FriendFeed users. Woot!!!

"They go to the Internet real estate agent"

Happy Friday!!! Mr. Beadling asked me to share this article on my blog today. Personally, I think it is a MUST READ. Really. Do it, I know it's Friday, right before Memorial Day weekend (hey, I'm writing this post - hello?) ...

The Online Marketing Difference: Traditional Agents Earn $36,700 Annually; Internet Agents Earn $100,000+ Annually | RISMedia

What stuck with me? One line - "They go to the Internet real estate agent."

Woot! That's where I come in. Let me help you get there.

Have a great weekend :)

Load Your Listings in the Facebook Marketplace

A Review - the Facebook Marketplace

Use it - love it. Ha ha it's fun, super cool and EASY peasy. Okay, let's run through the steps shall we ... ???

First of all you should know that Marketplace is a Facebook application by Oodle. If you have never been, type "marketplace" into your FB Search box. In the search results, select Marketplace - powered by Oodle and then Add the application.

In the Housing section ...

- Click Post

- Click Sell It

- Type in what you are selling, "a cool pad" and click Post

A new box will open: Sell It - Details

- Type in the answer to, "Why are you selling it"?

- Type in the price

- Use the drop-down to select category

- Enter your location

- Type in your description

- Keep the My Profile box checked off

- Click Browse to upload your pics (4)

- Click Submit

So, what are you waiting for ... ???

Home Retriever

Did you know that Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors now has a Home Retriever on our website? Your consumers can sign up to receive new listings that will be emailed to them automatically from our site. Sign up is easy ... go to http://www.cbhearthside.com/ and click on the Home Retriever.

Sign up in just a few steps:

Check out the CBH Home Retriever today!!!

PowerPointing Fool

I am a PowerPointing Fool ... writing classes like a mad woman this month. Since so much of our Coldwell Banker & Hearthside marketing materials are in PowerPoint, many of you want to know how you can be a PowerPointing Fool too.

Of course, we have a class for this - PowerPoint Plus - run by the Fool herself. Check the company calendar for upcoming dates. Can't wait for me? Here are a few more PowerPoint resources ...

PowerPoint 2003 Courses - Microsoft self-paced online training
PowerPoint 2007 Courses - Microsoft self-paced online training

Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 Roadmap
Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 Roadmap

Microsoft PowerPoint Templates - all versions

Hey guess what, your brand, Coldwell Banker has LOADS of free classes on all of the Microsoft Office products on Coldwell Banker University.

Go to > cbworks.coldwellbanker.com
Mouse over LEARN
Click on Coldwell Banker University
Click on Course Catalog
Click on FREE Self-Paced Learning
- Yeah FREE check it -
Click on Office Productivity
Click on Presentations - LOADS, and I mean loads of classes!

Be a PowerPointing Fool.

Get an Retaggr Card

For those of you that have accounts on various social media sites, sharing those profiles and letting your pals know you are out there can be a daunting process. Consider signing up with Retaggr and get an online business card of sorts that contains links to all of your web 2.0 tools.

Add your basic info, a photo, your office address (anything you would put on a paper business card) and then add your LinkedIn and Facebook profile links, your Flickr or Picasa account, your Twitter or FriendFeed and just about anything else you can think of ...

The benefit? Retaggr is FREE and easy to set up. You can create a custom URL with your information or get the code for a nifty little card. They also have full blown profile pages - super fun - that you can use to display your information. Let people know where they can find you with Retaggr!

Use the custom URL you create in your email signature, on your paper business cards, and just about anywhere else.

http://www.retaggr.com/card/StefanieHahn

Use the card (you will need to embed a tiny bit of code) for more impact ...



Super fun right??? You will love it :) Happy Monday!!!

Consider a Vlog

Seems like more and more of you are asking me about starting a blog these days. Admittedly, I try to talk you out of it. If you are not already inclined to writing, meaning, you journal, write long emails, and generally have a lot to say ... this will be tough for you. Also important - you should write well - I'm talking grammar, spelling, flow, all of it.

I understand why you want to put yourself through this torture, I know what you are hearing out there. Homepages are dead. Blogs are everywhere.

There are a few things you should you know ...
- No one will read it, unless you promote the heck out of it and manage to get folks there
- Once you build it and they come, you need to be cool with comments/challenges/criticisms
- You will lose credibility fast if you don't write posts regularly

Still not convinced? Good - see me and I will get you started.

My thought ... consider a vlog (video blog) instead. You can record a video in a few minutes (heck Ian Watts does it in his car) and upload it to your very own YouTube channel (easy peasy). Bypass the writing, agonizing and re-writing. Sure you still have to promote it, but video is hot and text is, well kinda flat.

Who's in?

Social Media Time Management

One question I get all the time ... "how do I find time to use all of these social media tools"? In fact, just saw an article pop up in my Facebook inbox from one of our agents on this very subject. Everyone wants to know - where do I fit this in when I am already so busy???

For me, it's just part of my life. For better or for worse, I update statuses, upload photos and message with friends constantly throughout the day and night. Note to self - less uploading :)

For you, well, I just can't say. My advice would be to find a healthy balance that works for you.

The example I always give our agents involves my own personal shortcomings with talking on the phone and checking my voicemail. Email, text or instant message me and I will get right back to you. But call me or leave me a voicemail and forget it. It's not on purpose, I just can't answer my phone most of the day and when I can, I'm in the car (usually speeding on some major artery). If I listen to a voicemail when I am driving - forget it, once I exit my car, your message has been wiped clean from my mind ... sad, but true. I need things in writing!

We all have to find the healthy balance that works for us (me included), so when you find it - let me know!

Your Summer Reading List

Ditch those paperbacks and pull out your laptop! Before you head down the shore this summer, check out the sites below and get your summer reading list ready in advance! We're reading blogs this summer folks ... You want to know how I know what's up - the blogosphere.

You've gotta see regator - by far my fav starting point on the interweb each morning/noon/night. Create a free account, save keywords (realestate, technology ...) and even save your fav channels (or categories). This site is fantastic. I mean it. Best ever.
















Don't miss out on Alltop - (as in all the top stories) search for anything, browse by category or alphabetically. Create an account and mark your favs or bookmark the blogs individually.

Check out Technorati - search for topics and blogs that interest you and start clicking. The Technorati homepage will give you the latest headlines and any blog posts that are rising by attention. Find a blog you like and mark it as a favorite or get the RSS feed.

PS: Keep the sand on your keyboard to a minimum.