I wonder how many people in general look at their relationships with others and say, “Gee, I wish I had done this, or said that, or taken a little more time with so-and-so.” I’m really grateful for the many sides of people in my life and that I am getting to see and know all of them. There seems to be one common thread among the ones I admire and call friends, and that is the fundamental desire to push outside every box we seem to have been placed in.

REAL ESTATE BARCAMP ORLANDO 2011

It’s been a week since REBarCamp Orlando, and after arriving home, with two stranded Massachusetts folks, Speaker Leslie Lambert and Moriss Partee,stranded from hurricane Irene,  I am finally getting unpacked and re-organized.

Planning this year’s event quickly became a BIG job when the numbers of attendees rose over 300, then 400, 500 and finally 640.  While I didn’t expect all of them to show, we did calculate that we had over 533 in attendance, a pretty great turnout for events like this. The biggest fear for me was keeping it REAL, and keeping the integrity of a true BarCamp style event intact.

We had a few folks outside their little RE BarCamp shells,..they wanted to get up on the board, get in front of an audience, just could not wait to “present.” So, we decided to mix it up, again , keep it as organic as possible. A large white board held pink stickies with attendees “Need to know” subject matters, and white session facilitators “Will help you know” topics.  I’m not sure it worked exactly like that, but it kept the board from filling with session hogs and gave more people a chance to collaborate and to really think about what the needs of the attendees may be.

There were some bumps with vendors and product pimpers, but that won’t happen again so easily,.. you just live and learn as they say! As in any BarCamp, the organizers got great ideas as well as to how to keep that from being an issue in future events.

The highlights for me were somewhat different than for others, for first-timers etc.  This is my third REBarCamp,.. but many of the attendees who were also speakers at the Florida Realtors Conference were actually friends of mine. Yes, friends that I met online during my initial dive into social media. Others were online only acquaintances until REBarCamp Orlando where we had our first “in real life” meetings. 

In any other circumstance, that might be a little weird for some who are not as social, but I have a gift.. it’s that I am from the South. I swear I inherited some ability of intuition about people and when you add the most beautiful part of social media to that, (how social media enables you to learn about people on a deeper level than casual friendships), it just makes for the perfect opportunity for REAL friendships and networks that extend way beyond our business lives. Meeting Diane Guercio and Amy Cesario for the first time after nearly three years of online friendships was like running up to hug a sister you had known all your life, but never laid eyes on. It was wonderful, happy, and yes, brought a little tears, but it was not strange or forced because through social media, I knew them before they ever arrived. Wouldn’t you like to know your customers like this before you ever try to help them? Can you see my point?

All the above may seem a little gushy so for your non-gushers here is also the reality – Social Media and Networking events like REBarCamps give you much more than any other conferences you can attend. Hands down. You want to know how something really works, if it works, you need to get to a RE BarCamp.

So, here are questions that people ask us social media event gushers about all the time:

1. What”return on investment” do you get? 
2. How do you make money with social media?
3. Do you use it for business only or personal use?
4. What do you get out of planning a Real Estate BarCamp?

Simple answers:

1. Business relationships build referral bases, provide you with education from the school of hard-knocks, provide you with money-saving and making tips that you can’t get from a book, and those you can get from a book – or online.  The adopters of social media, who “get it,” will share their knowledge,.. and expect you to do the same. I’m constantly working it, but Social media increased my business by 65% this year. That’s no peanuts!
2. Applying what I just said in #1. You build the relationships, it will come. I have had 6 incoming referrals from others I met at REBarCamp 2010! I’ve made five  direct referrals to my friends of social media. I’ve increased my business by 65% in one year from direct social media marketing efforts, and my sellers are thrilled to see their home being exposed in so many venues. I have acquired buyers directly from social media efforts..and it’s not slowing down.
3. My business is me. “Me” is who I am on a business page as much as a personal page, just in a dress (sort of), and with a certificate that says, “I know a little something about,….and I can help you, and yes, it’s my job, and I hope to get paid for it sooner or later.” People know I’m a Realtor on my profiles, for sure.
4. I get a lot of satisfaction, seeing agents get excited about their businesses again – it’s a synergy that I can’t explain adequately in words, but it’s inspirational. I also have a network of industry leaders, Realtors, vendors, association executives that I would never have met , that I am closely associated with that have given me much more than I have given in return! Plus, I believe in “Pay It Forward.”

This year, I thank my early influencers once again for all that I learn from them.. both on and off the Real Estate Island. MikeMueller of AreWeConnected.com, Diane Guercio – Realtor, Towne and Country Real Estate, Mass., Lesley Lambert, Realtor, Western Mass; Bobby Carroll, Dakno Marketing, N. Carolina; Amy Cesario, Realtor, Denver, CO; Jeremy Blanton, 210 Consulting, Myrtle Beach; and my Ra-Ra sisters (a Mastermind group formed after REBCORL 2010), Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs; Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater and Janie Coffey, Miami and mentors Bill Lublin, Amy Chorew, all of whom were at Real Estate BarCamp Orlando among many others who helped make this one a memorable event. These are some REAL people, and REALLY smart people of REBarCamp Orlando 2011. When’s our next event?

Education is a requirement set for the in the REALTOR Code of Ethics. Higher ethical standards for members of the National Association of Realtors involve dealing with the public, with fellow Realtors, and for setting the bar higher for Realtors as individuals. There are many educational events you may hear Realtors today discussing. Last fall I attended 2010 National Association of Realtors Conference in New Orleans. In the winter I attended the NAR Mid-Winter Business Meeting, This spring the XPlode Technology conference and this summer will be at the Gainesville and Orlando REBarCamp events and the Florida Realtors Annual Conference in August.

These events aren’t just for fun, although we try to make the most of it. These are necessary educational meetings that showcase hot marketing topics, marketing products and trending technology business building tools that are necessary to conduct the daily business of real estate sales.

The day before the NAR Conference, I attended the Real Estate BarCamp in New Orleans. Open to 200 or so agents who registered weeks before the conference, the “un-conference” was standing room only. Agents and technology leaders gathered to create a schedule of various classes that spawned creative discussions on topics such as Realtor Property Resource program development, mobile phone applications, Google Tools, Geo-tagging and blogging strategies. People may wonder what a Realtor would need with this type of knowledge. Believe it or not, Realtors don’t just ride people around in their cars.

Real estate is a consumer demand profession. Real estate brokerages are re-defining their business models with the  demand that consumers place on them. Finding the happy medium between consumer demand and Realtor schedules is a constant challenge. Brokers struggle to support the needs of their agents and agents are constantly learning the most effective ways to serve their customers. (more…)

A Blog Challenge and Talk Tallahassee Blog

One of my social media mentors Riccardo Bueno with Diverse Solutions is holding a challenge, “31 Days To Build a Better Blog” .  I’ve subscribed to the challenge, consisting of exercises to help me build this blog, Talk Tallahassee, into a more informative, focused blog. Part of the challenge is to come up with an elevator speech. To me,  it seems like a mission statement.

So, if we met at a networking event here’s what I’d say:

Hi I’m Debbie Kirkland, I’m a Realtor and I write a blog called Talk Tallahassee. I’d  love to have your input on my posts so that I can help people learn what makes Tallahassee a great place to live and why it’s a great place to call home.  Here’s my card, can you take a look at it sometime this week and give me a call?

I’ve been blogging now for about two years, and my goals were to provide information to buyers of real estate who are not from Tallahassee with a resource of information and an insight into what the Tallahassee community has to offer. For sellers, it is a way to showcase your neighborhoods, your homes, and what it is that you love about them. I admit, it’s been a little scattered. finding time to write while working has been another challenge all together!

In my listing presentations, I always ask my sellers to write a little something about what they love about their homes, what attracted them to purchase, and what they want to share with a new owner. I make those statements a part of my presentation to home buyers and to my marketing plan. In the same way I ask my sellers to help me, I’m going to solicit your help in this challenge!

I want this blog to be an arm of not only of my real estate interests, but a source of information that people enjoy reading and will pass along to others. I’m here to sell some real estate, but more than that, I’m here to help people make decisions about buying new homes, investment properties and second homes.  I want your help, so I’m asking you to comment, participate in the posts, conversations, etc. What do you want to know about Tallahassee, about real estate?  Help me make this blog better for you and for others who are reading it! Ok, here we go @Ribeezie!

Oh the things you learn at Real Estate BarCamps or technology conferences. Being in real estate is about changing with the times. The Time for learning innovative marketing techniques and ways to give savvy buyers “Quick Responses” that can be viewed on the go has arrived. These “QR” codes can be viewed by smartphones with QR Code Reader Applications such as Google Goggles for your Android Phone, or several  iPhone QR readers and several others. The apps lead you to photograph the code, then translate that to the website where you can view more information.

So what would a Realtor want with this kind of contraption? Well, how many times do sellers ask, “How many people have you shown my home to?” or “Is anyone looking at my home?” QR Codes allow Realtors to track who is seeing their listings, and give us information on those people such as what kinds of people are interested in it so that we can adjust marketing plans and niche market.

These codes are put into websites, into marketing materials, magazines and print advertising, and even on real estate signs! (Coming this week to Debbie Kirkland’s Listings!)

There is certainly a shift in marketing. Shifts not only in marketing listings, or locating buyers, but in how Realtors market themselves. I spend a lot of time asking buyers and sellers what they want in a Realtor. I have found buyers and sellers want to work with a real estate agent utilizing the most innovative, productive marketing tools to help them reach their goals, and one that is resourceful and respectful of making the most of their customer’s time. Time management, organization, data production ~ customers want to cut to the chase and to accomplish their goals more effectively and efficiently. It’s more and more about timely communication and depth of marketing outreach.

So, forward thinking we go… watch for QR Codes on my listings soon! If you see one, send it to your friends! Get your reader and take a look at this new listing and the message above!

Want a Marketing plan for your home that reaches more buyers, want a QR Code for your home?

One of the best attributes of the network of people in real estate is that they are loyal. Loyal to their customers, loyal to the industry and loyal to those  with whom that they do business. One of the ways I accomplish this is by networking with other Realtors who refer business to me and conversely, allowing me to get to know who I would make outgoing real estate referrals to as well. Face to face connections, social media connections and industry leadership participation are just a few ways to accomplish a viable, reliable real estate referral network.
I am constantly reviewing and altering my business model. Picking up creative methods of marketing, utilizing the latest in technology and social media venues keeps me on my toes and reaching the customers I need to be successful and to sell properties for my customers.  Did you know Realtors have an Ethical responsibility to constantly educate themselves? Yes, it is specifically stated in The National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics!

I’ve been fortunate enough to organize a Real Estate BarCamp in Orlando the day before the Florida Realtors Conference along with a leadership team at Florida Realtors. This is a really important, FREE event for Florida Real estate agents and brokers, staff, etc.  It is a chance for them to ask the questions and get the REAL answers from others in the industry or in businesses that support the industry and who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise. Attendees will have an opportunity to hear over 30 sessions over 30 subject matters!.. maybe more!

Lesley Lambert, a Massachusetts Broker said,  as with all un-conference camps, “The law of two feet” applies.  If  you don’t like the session you are in, simply walk down the hall to  another one that suits you better! I have learned more at BarCamps and PodCamps than I could have learned in a year of college courses.”  I feel the same way. There is a lot of information to process and much to learn, and venues such as Real Estae BarCamp is just one of them. Keeping current, utilizing tools that help me connect to customers is as rewarding as it is a necessity. Sellers demand more exposure for their listings, buyers are searching more using tools that we did not have available several years ago. My job as a Realtor is to give buyers those resources and my reward is selling them their next home or investment property.

Susie Blackmon, Chris Griffiths Bonita Springs, FL  and Debbie Kirkland, Tallahassee, FL had this to say about REBarCamps and what they garnished from their involvement over the years.

Ask me about my marketing plan for sellers. Ask me how I use technology to sell homes and to reach buyers of all ages. I will be happy to share it with you. Connect with me via the social media icons to the right!

Tallahassee Board of Realtors, First Member Technology Forum

Debbie Kirkland, Neil Ryder, Ken Griffin, Rae Roeder and Paul Galloway will be speaking to the Tallahassee Board of Realtors and sharing tidbits about technology with other Realtors in a non-traditional, un-conference that will hopefully be the beginning of future technology group discussions.

Want to know about smart phone technology, Social Media Tools for Realtors, Contact Management systems, Google Tools, Listing and Marketing Tools? Don’t miss this high energy, chock-full-of knowledge conference. Your Take-A-Way will give you a boost for sure!

WANT MORE?  Don’t forget to Register for the Real Estate Bar Camp in Orlando ~ a FREE un-conference, led by your peers from across the country, the brightest minds in the business. Come learn their secrets, tips and tools! It will be a great Follow-up to this presentation!

August 25, 2010 8AM – 5PM ~ The day before the Florida Realtors Annual Conference!

See details about REBarCamp Orlando at: http://www.REBarCampOrlando.com

My friend Gerry, “Realty Man” posted this link on his Facebook profile, and I just had to re-post, in some way.

Gerry is riding in the Cape Cod Getaway soon to raise money for MS. Take a look and support Gerry!

A new battery powered bike from VW is foldable, perfect for travel or people getting on or off our city buses, etc.  Just wondering why they are in China first. I think they’d be a great success in the USA. Hopefully our government didn’t make it so difficult to get them here! First person to get one of these VW bikes, let me know!

VW, if you’re looking for a test subject,. I’m game! ; ) (Will park the Harley for this!)

Ride it like you stole it Gerry! Good Luck in your efforts!

For 2 years now I have been involved in social media marketing and networking and incorporated that into my marketing plan for real estate.  Part of that plan was my involvement on Twitter.

Twitter is a social media networking platform where people with similar interests connect with others and engage in short quips or thoughts either directly or just to express themselves. In a short sentence, one can type their thoughts and see what others say about them, or engage in a full out conversation with replies or direct messages to their followers. As far as how it is used in real estate, it is word of mouth advertising, and instantaneous feedback for those who monitor and follow your work and your life whichever you are disclosing.

Connecting with people via Twitter allowed me to find what I feel are the brightest minds in real estate, the forward thinkers, agents with dynamic marketing skills, website `and SEO  knowledge and innovative ideas, real estate bloggers and more. Connecting the dots between these people allowed me to then discover the technology experts that bring the fun into real estate marketing.

Real Estate Technology South (#RETSO) is the largest technology conference in the Southeast. I am planning on meeting dozens of the people I have connected with this past year there! Discussions and classes on the latest technology tips, how to enhance business, talking with vendors about products and networking with some of the smartest people in the industry is what I will be doing there!

I can’t wait to see some of these folks, particularly many of the “Twitterqueens” that have shared tons of fun and support over the last year both in business and life in general. After all that learning, of course their will be a few celebrations that I am sure will be memorable and leave us all with a few smiles!

Connect with me on Twitter and follow the fun.. @FloridaSunSales !

Did you know that a Realtor is bound to continue their education according to the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics?  Ethics training is paramount and after this comes all that goes into maintaining knowledge of every aspect of an industry that changes more than just about any other industry. Changes in market conditions, real estate law, financing and underwriting, zoning regulations and even building codes to name a few. Few customers realize the amount of education required of Realtors, not just for continuing education, but in achieving designations and certificates of study.

If that is not enough, learning how to effectively market properties, utilizing the latest technology and tools available keeps one not only ahead of competition, but enhances all listings by giving them greater visibility in todays marketplace.   We are moving toward technology in every aspect of our lives, who knew Realtors would need an understanding of technology to be effective marketers?  It is mind boggling considering most Realtors, when they began their careers had virtually no marketing experience. Many veteran agents have time under their belt, but do they use current marketing tools? It is a question customers must ask of their agents prior to listing with a Realtor.

Todays agents must be masters at listings, sales, and marketing.  All of these things are imperative to success. All of these change often, and all are changing with advent of social media avenues. Avenues for finding buyers and sellers and investors have changed.  Marketing methodology has morphed. A good Realtor will know what is working and what is time-worn and ineffective.

Over the past two years my marketing strategies have changed. I’m an avid reader and have been watching trends move from print advertising to the tools that today’s buyer and sellers use on a daily basis. I have attended seminars online and in person on marketing strategies, employed these in my new website, and expanded my visibility into social network environments by providing information about Tallahassee in hopes of attracting residents to our area and in obtaining buyers while establishing credibility with local sellers.

Learning about social media and marketing has helped grow my business, establish my brand, and has given me inspiration to help others learn what I have over the past few years. I have held technology seminars and continue on this path. tomorrow I will be hosting a Virtual REBarcamp webinar education seminar at my office where area agents will learn from some of the best in the business. Together we will learn, discuss and implement new marketing strategies for the upcoming year. The schedule below is what we will follow during this Virtual REBarCamp.

Keep in mind all that goes into your Realtors business and how they utilize the tools of technology along with their knowledge of all that is imperative to know in our industry. Give your Realtor a pat on the back for all that they put into your listings, your home search and your investment analysis!

Virtual REBarCamp Schedule for January 4, 2010.

Happy last day of 2009. For many, this is a year they’d like to forget… for others it’s a year to remember.  What ever your reflections of 2009 may be, I wish you health, happiness, and success in 2010! I decided to highlight a few things about real estate,. and a few things about my life in general this year. Good bad or ugly, these are the things that influenced my life this year.

Wishing you success in 2010

In the real estate industry there have been lots of changes, not all for the good, but these were HOT topics of discussion, success and challenges of 2009:

• Tax Credits: The most tweeted about, discussed and rediscussed issue of 2009 in real estate. It is what helped first time home-buyers acquire homes in 2008 and what sustained many down-turned market area, including mine!
• Tax Credit Extensions: maybe redundant.. but deserves two slots in the top 10. Again, this extension and the credit for current homeowners was pivotal in 2009 for many home-buyers and the trickle effect of sales and tax rebate money was felt in many areas including Realtor commissions, home repairs, supplies, furniture sales, etc. Give people money, they will spend it.
• Social Media Marketing Infusion into real estate marketing plans. Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn, Zillow, Trulia, blogging and sometimes public flogging..it certainly has emerged into a part of every forward thinking, insightful, and creative marketing professional. Here’s Mashables “10 of the Best Social Media Tools for Entrepreneurs”. Like it or not, technology is going to grow… and fast.
• Video: In my opinion video has opened the doors again for marketing, for communications, for sales and service. It’s a two way portal to the future and to every aspect of business and our lives. Look for more video Emails, Marketing, Postings, Documentation than ever before in 2010 as well!
• Foreclosures:  If you can see, hear and have picked up a paper or magazine,you know the dilemma our nation has faced with the number of home foreclosures on the books. What you may not know, is how it has affected our markets… If you really want to know, ask someone who has a home for sale right now. Homes sold below market value simply because of overstock supplies have devastated equity nest eggs of those who have attempted to sell their homes in less than 7 years.  Short term investments have lost money, just as the stock market and other investments.  I agree with this article that Foreclosures in 2009 will top 2008. We can only hope that  re-addressing ways to counsel those who have suffered losses and repair credit issues for those affected will be a focus of 2010 so that they can purchase again in good faith and with a renewed spirit and ability to own a home in the future. Seven years can seem like an eternity.
• Short Sales: There have been more short sales classes in my area and in my State than any other continuing education classes. As difficult as banks have been in handling these issues, some Realtors have been equally as difficult. Either they are uneducated.. or the rules keep changing. It’s really a little of both. However, you would think we have a duty as Realtors to “consult” with customers. Really? Who forgot that from real estate 101 anyway?  for most Realtors who are sticking by their industry and who have a sense of the core of their industry, this is not new,.. it is simply an adjustment to business as usual. Sometimes we work harder than others, it’s just that simple. I’m amazed at those who say, “I won’t work with short sales.” That’s a bit elitist if you ask me. Get out there and let’s deal with this so we can all move on.
• Politics and the real estate industry. How about politics and every facet of our lives. All I can say on this.. is GET INVOLVED.  If you want to say anything to me at all about politics, tell me first that you have told someone, preferably and elected or appointed official, about it first. Otherwise, you are part of the problem.

On a lighter note, there were a few really funny things that made me smile, and laugh, a lot in 2009!

• Sometimes you just have to take a break.. and YouTube certainly provides a few laughs. Several funny videos came to mind,.. or my mind at least, as you may not see the humor. Nothing cures a bad day like humor, and in most cases you have to laugh to keep from crying.. but these were particularly inspiring…. JK Wedding Entrance Dance, Bacon Is Good For Me!, and Susan Boyle’s success story.  Lessons:  Dance like there is no tomorrow, have your bags packed just in case things don’t work out,.. and never judge a book by it’s cover.
• Then there are the moments that inspire.. funny, most seem to come from children. The latest.. I have worked with customers for 7 years.. before this young man who is now 5 was born. So, when we finally see each other and begin our home search a priceless moment arrives. I hug mom first at our greeting, .. then little man,.. and he looks at me and says,..”What about him?”, pointing to dad…of course.. a hug for dad too!
• Of course, there are the moments that you have to laugh at yourself. I could probably write a book on dumb Realtor mishaps, but nothing takes the cake this year like the day I was previewing, alone, a house for a customer. Rule #1 always check locks before you let a door slam behind you. As I entered a second story porch, with no exit, the door slams behind me only to lock me out of the house. Oh, I am smart, I have a key, but the key doesn’t work for that lock. Thank God I have my phone,.. and I can call another Realtor who can come to my rescue!  There are others I am ashamed to put to print, at least until I retire and need money for a comedy film or book.

A few really great things that happened, of course, center around the people I have met throughout the year. Not all are in person yet, but all have made a difference in my career and in my personal life.

• The “Twitterqueens” Twitter of all things opened the door that was partially cracked open for me early in 2009. In my quest for like-minded professionals I stumbled upon @HeyAmaretto and @LesleyLambert early in the year, and the adventures unfolded from there. We spoke many times on a personal basis, and many more times on twitter. I have learned from them, we have walked through some storms together, and we keep the lines of communication open for ourselves and others that are truly growing their businesses and social networks. My days and evenings usually involve a few shout outs to the ladies and gents of the Twitterqueens and often a few toasts for things unspoken.
• REBarCamps: I attended my first this year in Miami in September 2009. After following many of the speakers and social media presenters for months, I was able to make it to Miami for a day of networking and learning that brought all that I had been trying to accomplish together for me.  My connections to these folks have gotten deeper, and my understanding broadened as a result.
• Ultimately,  My website re-design and re-focus of my business and the scope of community that I was trying to accomplish all rolled together after this meeting and is on it’s way to being a great resource and a lot of fun for those looking not only for real estate in Tallahassee, but who want to know more about our community. It’s a work in progress, but it is my life. If you want to know about the Tallahassee, FL and surrounding area, give me a shout.
• And lastly..Cancer.  Just the word makes me shake. This year, in May I celebrated my 7th year remission from breast cancer with people from my Board of Realtors at the Tallahassee Relay for Life.  I walked beside survivors and I walked hand in had with my dear friend David,  facing a struggle which took his life in September. By far, the most honorable, yet hardest task of my life to date, was speaking at his service. My father fought liver cancer this year and won his battle.. my Board President fought lymphoma and is winning his battle thusfar, and yet many more are still suffering. This is the one constant in life that we just can’t seem to shake.. the loss of those we love.. the battle with cancer. All we can do is fight, give..continue to research and come up with treatment that prolongs our time with those we love. If you gave towards this cause, I thank you,.. if you continue to give, I thank you.. and if you promise to give in 2010, you will receive thanks tenfold.  If you remember nothing else about my ramblings today, remember this.. life is precious, it is to be sucked up, invested in our bodies, minds and spirits and those gifts are meant to be shared with others. Let none of us forget what we owe each other, what we owe this thing called life.

Happy 2010 Everyone!

From Debbie Kirkland… @FloridaSunSales