Every now and then we are asked to do things that sometimes make you a little nervous, sometimes get you outside your box, and you even wonder how you will find the time. Selling real estate is full time…believe me. This is a busy, busy season gratefully. However, when asked to give a presentation, via webinar, to the Florida Realtors CCIM group, I was a little more than concerned. Afterall, I’m not a CCIM member or a commercial agent. Sure, I’ve had a few small commercial transactions in 8 years, but nothing to write home about!  However, I accepted the challenge because in reality, social networking and building relationships is the same in ANY business, and that is the message. It is about building relationships and this is one more opportunity for me to share that message.

As you can imagine if you know me, I began the task of researching commercial agents, websites, schmoozing with the who’s who in commercial social media networks. Quickly I realized, my talk would be dead on. It would be very  similar to other presentations for beginners in the real estate social media arena. There was not much difference in the marketing, or lack thereof, with commercial agents as with residential specialists. Lots of people dabbling around in Facebook, a microbial number on Twitter and thankfully a growing number on LinkedIn. Amont the dozens I researched and spoke with, very few realtors or commercial offices had a concise social media and marketing business strategy and even fewer integrating these sites into their business webpage or blog.

I really wasn’t going to write a post about this, but I was notified today that my Powerpoint presentation, “Turn your Social Media Presentations Into Face for Face Meetings,”  that I shared on Slideshare.net was featured on the front of the real estate page. Maybe more people are interested than not. In any case, I owe it to the many people that helped me along into the abyss of social media and internet marketing to give back, so that is what I try to do. Sure, classes and knowledge of how to implement social media tools, use technology are great, but it is the relationships that come from these, the connections that lead to the face to face meetings, business opportunities, building professional credibility and networking that bring all of this into perspective in growing a real estate referral business.

Many thanks to all the people that responded to that webinar, now accessible on Florida Realtors Get Connected Business Webinar Library. Even more thanks to all the folks who I learned so much from, many of who will be attending the Real Estate BarCamp in Orlando on August 25th.

Saturday, March 13th, 2 - 5pm

“Art in an Open House.”

It came to me one day while holding a traditional house at 6475 Tracy Lane. This home deserves a different kind of marketing, one that suits its contemporary design, one that would draw people who appreciate it as a backdrop for a trendy buyer.

Tying an art show in with a benefit for LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts seemed like a winning marketing solution. Art and contemporary design, what better way to showcase both! A portion of the proceeds from the artists sales will benefit LeMoyne and donations are always welcome!

Tallahassee has many great artisans but two in particular stood out in my mind. The first, Bev Shots, the entrepreneurial idea of Lester Hutt. Bev Shots showcases the art of microscopic detail of popular drinks and cocktails in canvas prints, photo prints and metallic prints. The results are amazing, unique and colorful modern designs that are visually stimulating and fun. They’re even branching into contemporary coasters! Art from Bev Shots will line the walls of this home on Tracy Lane and will be available for purchase.

Also featured at the “Art at an Open House” will be Tire Swing Designs and local artisan Lucas VanSickle. Lucas is a young artist in Tallahassee, FL with a love for woodworking. His creations include furniture and kitchen items made from reclaimed, abandoned and discarded wood, all treasures in his world! Lucas blogs about his creations and the process he uses as well as sharing beautiful quotes that inspire him and seem to mold his artistic ideas.

6475 Tracy Lane, Tallahassee, FL will be open Saturday, March 13th from 2 – 5 pm. Join us for a taste of contemporary art and creative works of Bev Shots and Tire Swing Designs.

“Art in an Open House.” will be an event where not just buyers qualified for this home, but for those who may be thinking about their next home as well. Whether remodeling or building a new home, I am certain the creative juices will be flowing as people see this home and the art inside. Take a Preview,….

Are we connected on Facebook? Check out Art In an Open House Event on  Facebook as well!

For unique marketing plan and a FREE consultation for marketing your home for sale, contact Debbie Kirkland, Realtor.