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 :)