My New Outside Blog

In today’s real estate market, buyer’s still carry the upper hand when it comes to negotiation. And as their Realtor, it’s your job to passionately and intelligently guide and educate your clients through the sales process from start to finish.

It’s time to add the ‘social media talk’ to your list.

Have the conversation with your clients
With online connectivity virtually blanketing the entire world and the expansion of the savvy buyer, it’s important you have a conversation with your clients about disclosure of information regarding their listing on social media sites and communities, like Facebook and Twitter.

First, take their social media temperature. Ask them a few questions to gauge their social media engagement and overall understanding of the medium. There are several camps of the types of people, as well as mind sets who engage in social media. Those who participate all the time, those who keep their feet wet and those who don’t while holding up a large closed sign with big locks on their door.

Don’t disclose the sales or escrow process online
Make sure your clients keep the marketing and pending sale information of their home close to their chest. Be sure they don’t discuss pending offers, the inspection process, or escrow particulars in the social media communities in which they belong.

Many of your clients may find this activity harmless and just friendly chat amongst their friends and family, but in some instances, it could derail a sale. For example, if your client’s Facebook pages are set to share with everyone, the information they post is ‘open’ for the world to read. Twitter is also open for everyone to read—even if your client has protected tweets, individuals within their community have access to their posts.

Savvy buyers can find your clients in social media communities
Potential buyers can find out the names of property owners through county assessor website information and run a search through various social media tools to locate a property’s owner. Any information your clients post in open social media communities can disclose the type of people the owners are, and potentially, the progress of the property’s advancement through the sales process, pending offers and the home inspection.

Remember to add the ‘social media talk’ to your new client presentations or have the discussion with your current clients. In the end, it may save the deal.

Story taken from RIS Media. Byline: Lisa Loeffler, President of Genuine Media. For more information, visit www.genuinemediaco.com.

Valerie Fitzgerald specializes in luxury residential real estate in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, Santa Monica and Malibu. Valerie has more than 20 years of real estate experience and is known for her solid reputation in the West Los Angeles brokerage community. She’s also the author of the book published by Simon and Schuster Heart and Sold: How to Survive and Build a Recession-Proof Business.

Search Luxury Homes in Los Angeles at Valerie Fitzgerald Real Estate Listings or contact Valerie Fitzgerald at 310-285-7515.

If they're not in the office.....then where are they?    If you don't know the answer for that question you may wish to consider a career in the food service industry, or as a greeter at Wal-Mart.

These days with all the high tech gadgetry your office can be where-ever you are....including your car or a park bench.  There's no need to be in the office to access information, or set appointments. 

Fulfilled sales people are out getting known.   They're upgrading their circle of friends by associating with top business and professional people.   They're making new personal contacts daily.   They're seeing and being seen.....and they're plugged into everything that's going on in their sales coverage area.

Maintaining a high profile for fun and profit is easy, but it requires a game plan and initiative.  

For as long as I can remember I've associated with people who are much smarter and more influential than me.   I carry a brief case with a laptop, a camera and cell phone where-ever I go......and promote constantly in a casual way.  Often I'll snap a photo of potential clients having fun (asking permission first) and send it to them via email.   It's a great non-invasive way to follow up.

Sitting behind a desk waiting for the phone to ring won't take you where you want to go, however building relationships in a fun relaxed atmosphere will pay dividends for years to come.   That's because clients are more at ease in this kind of setting.  Millions of dollars in sales routinely happen while playing golf and at the 19th hole after the game is over.

It's important to create a good first and last impression....that's because people tell people....who in turn tell more people about you.   It's called "viral marketing" and it's the most sincere, honest kind of marketing you can have.

100 Ways to Create Real Estate Leads.

How effective is your marketing? Until you start this important element of your business, your business will not really get started...

The key fundamental element in the first level of your real estate investing business is creating systematic and consistent lead generation. Have you focused on that area yet? If not, you do NOT have a business, you have a hobby and a dream. Your commitment to this area of your investing career is critical to your success. There are many different ways to create leads.

Here are about 100:

Accountants and CPA Firms: They have clients with financial problems where an investor can be of help.

Advertising: Never stop. Use simple ads with a USP, Unique Selling Proposition: Quick Closing, All Cash etc., Buy Houses Ads, Newspapers, Flyers.

Attorneys: Attorneys know when people need money, often to pay their fees! Not just probate but divorce, family law and real estate attorneys.

Auctions: Do your homework in advance. Auctions move very fast and a single mistake can be costly. Visit your local auction a few times to just observe. Know values and repair costs before bidding. Foreclosure: Very risky, not for the newbie Sheriff Sale: Same as Foreclosure IRS Sales

Apparel with Logos: Hats, T-Shirts, Golf Shirts, Hand Bags

Appraisers Bandit Signs: Check your local sign ordinances. Some places have no issue with them others do. We Buy Houses Stop Foreclosure

Bird Dogs:These people can be very valuable to your business. It is important to know your local laws about compensating unlicensed people.

“Blue Tarp” Houses: often blue tarps on roofs

Boarded up windows: or visible disrepair

Business Cards different types: one for seller, one for buyers, one for professionals (banker, attorney, CPA)

Builders Models: Frequently builders will sell a model home at a discount.

Building Inspectors Car & Truck Loans: Some folks would rather keep the wheels than a roof over their head. Buy here, pay here dealers can be a good lead source.

Car Repos: If the car is going the house isn’t far behind.

Carpet Cleaners: Many of their customers are preparing a house for sale.

Charitable Groups: Frequently receive gifts of real estate, but they’d rather have the cash.

City & County Inspectors: Code violations and red tags. If you develop a reputation of buying distressed properties and improving them, you become an asset to the community.

Classified Ads: For Sale: Look for Key Words - transferred, motivated, divorce, owner financing Want to Buy For Rent by Owner: Look for burned-out landlords

Condemned Houses: Many counties will provide you a free list.

Consumer Loan Companies: When their loans go bad they are frequently willing to deal rather than foreclose.

Courts: Eviction Filings, Probate Court, Divorce Cases, Tax Liens, Code Violations

Credit Repair Agencies & Counselors: Many times the only way someone can get their spending under control is to sell a house they can no longer afford.

Direct Mail: Pre-Foreclosure Letters, Probate Letters, Out of Town Owners, Post Cards, Bankruptcies, Divorce, Delinquent Taxes, Military Owners

Door Hangers: You can also use pre-printed post-it notes to leave messages at target properties. Be sure to advertise on both sides, you can even sell the back side and recover your advertising cost!

Door Knocking: Distribute flyers and go door-to-door asking residents if they know of anyone planning to move because you'd like to buy a house in their neighborhood!

Drive or walk Neighborhoods: Get to know them well and take notice of changes.

Estate Sales - often the real estate will also be available and perhaps with owner financing

Eviction Court: great place to find landlords

Expired Listings: Connect with an investor friendly Realtor

Family Members: talk about what you do and ask for referrals

Farming Local Areas: Become the local neighborhood expert.

Flyers: Cut your cost in half, print two to a page and distribute: Shopping Centers, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Malls. Put on car windshields or pay someone to do it for you.

Friends: “Do you know anyone who wants to sell?” Most people know 2 people who will be buying or selling a home this year.

FSBO Signs: for sale by owner

Funeral Homes: Can be a good lead source before information on a decedent becomes public.

Garage Sales: Are they moving?

Hair Salons: Lots of talking going on during hair cuts!

Home Builders: Need to sell their buyers houses so they can close on the new place.

HUD Foreclosures: Internet: Rent Clicks, EBay, Craig’s List, Wholesale Sites, Lead Services, USLeaseOption.com

Insurance Brokers: Policy changes from owner occupant to landlord or vacant house coverage.

Investor Packages: Investor who's ready to retire and cash out their portfolio. May be able to negotiate seller financing as well as a discount.

Judgments: Check the public record or hire someone to do it for you.

Large Employers: Let them know you buy properties because if they need to transfer an employee, they don’t get stuck carrying the house. This can be good for renting executive properties for short-term transferees, too.

Lenders: Banks / REO’s: - Mortgage Brokers, Private Lenders, Hard Money Lenders

Liened Properties: Mechanics Liens, HOA Liens, Tax Liens

Lis Pendens: Notice of a law suits, usually a foreclosure.

Magnetic Car Signs and Wraps: Check with your auto policy carrier as to whether or not this will affect your coverage. A rider may be required.

Market Bulletin Boards: Grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants

Military Transfers: Military bases provide an excellent transient market for those needing to sell and buy off base housing

Mobile Homes: Get to know park managers. Banks don’t like mobile homes but they can become little cash cows. A special license is required if you’re going to get into the mobile home business.

Moving Companies Neighborhood Newsletters Networking: Other Investors, Call We Buy Houses ads & signs, Churches, Public Speaking, Investment Associations, Work, Clubs

Newspaper Carriers: Who see the vacant houses everyday?

Nursing & Retirement Homes: Frequently residents need to sell a house.

Pens: Buy cheap ones and leave them everywhere you go.

Pet Odors: If your home has housed a number of pets we may be the buyer for you.

Pizza Boxes: many sell advertising or sponsorship spots

Postman Public Speaking: Rotary, Lyons and Kiwanis Clubs, Realtor meetings and other associations

Quit Claim Deeds: Are a sign that something has changed with the property.

Radio Ads or Show Real Estate Agents Referrals Relocations: Great for Subject-to or buying on lease option

Rent Credit: Trade rent credit for a down payment

Rental Agents & Property Managers: Let them know you want to buy and also find a local manager. You buy, they manage…win/win!!

Retirees: A growing population with free and clear homes. Excellent prospects for seller financing.

Section 8 Landlords: Each county maintains a list

Short Sales Social Media: A new way to get your message out: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube

Structural Damage: Once you know what you're doing, you can buy at a rock bottom pricing.

Tax Deed Sale Properties: These do not come with title insurance so do your home work.

Tax Lien Certificate Properties Termite & Pest Control Companies: Write a check and the termites die. Write another check and replace the damaged wood. May find great deals.

Title Companies: Not all transactions close like they are supposed to. Let the title companies know you can help in a pinch, for the right price.

Trading Up: Trade your newly renovated property at retail for a property down the block that you can buy wholesale. Try a sign that says “Will Take Your House In Trade”

TV and Radio: Cable companies may have community service spots for free.

Vacant Properties - look for tall grass and neglected houses

Web Sites Wholesaler Lists: A good wholesaler can find you multiple properties.

Withdrawn MLS Listings: Easy to get from a friendly real estate agent.

As you can see there is no shortage of ways to generate leads.

To start, pick out 10 ways for consistent lead generation for your real estate investing business and focus on those. In the beginning of our investing career, Jim & I walked neighborhoods with flyers and put magnetic signs on our cars. Why? Inexpensive and effective! Not glorious marketing techniques but we got leads and our very first seller called from our magnetic car signs!

The number one common element of failures in a real estate investing business is not treating it like a business. And, the most important step to establish in ANY new business is LEAD GENERATION! Without customers, there is no business.

Whether you are looking for foreclosures, REO's, owner-finance, HUD, wholesale, free & clear, rentals, fixer uppers, spread investing, etc, it all revolves around having leads. Get busy and NEVER EVER stop marketing for leads!

Anything you've tried that's not on my list?

**UPDATE** So many of you are leaving great addtional ideas that I'm adding them to the comments section on my blog so the list will continue to grow! Thanks!

Karen Rittenhouse | www.karensperspective.com | 336-834-0614 | karen@karensperspective.com

Agents: this recap is for you. I have now been active in the blogging community for over and year. I calculate that I have written at least 300 blogs posts specifically about short sales that are designed to help the Realtor® navigate the short sale transaction.

Here are five that have received great accolades and that I think you will find helpful if you are working short sales or if you plan to work ‘em in the near future.

Realtors: Here's Another Reason Why I Love Short Sales Just in case you are not yet on the short sale bandwagon, here's a short post about why you should embrace the short sale transaction.

Short Sales and the "Investor" This explanation of the difference between a servicing company and an investor is a must read for anyone involved in a short sale transaction.

A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich: How to Review Your Short Sale Offers This post provides a few tips and tools for reviewing offers on your short sale listing.

When Negotiating, Are You a Verb or a Prepositional Phrase? This post reviews different techniques that agents use when negotiating their short sale listings.

Short Sales and Approval Letters: Advice for Agents This blog post in several months old, but the advice about how to handle the short sale approval letter is still applicable today.

I just want to take a minute to thank everyone who subscribes to, follows, or comments on my blog. I really enjoy writing and participating in the blogging community and love to read your comments-even when we disagree.

P.S. Wondering what the photo has to do with the blog post? Absolutely nothing. It's just a random vacation shot. If you've been reading the blog, then you may know where I am today.

Broker, Realtor®
DRE #01324959
Broadpoint Properties, Inc
San Diego County Short Sale Specialists
Short Sale Expeditor® 

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me in these other communities?

    

With only than 51% of REALTORS saying they actively use social networking sites, these seven secrets might help close the gap between the average real estate professional and the average consumer.It's a question of prospecting. How do real estate agents of today plan to prospect to their customers of tomorrow? Will it be with the tools of the past - telemarketing, postcards, newspapers - or the platforms of the present, most notably social networking? With consumers consistently telling us the number one way  they found their agent was by personal referral, it's time to drop our advertising foolishness and join the networking party.

And network with their prospects all day long.

Now, that doesn't mean you shouldn't have a plan. The way to win friends and influence others - this time, online - is far different than it was in the old days. Back then, you could buy the back page of the newspaper or the back of the bus, slap your high school photo on it, and display your peacock feathers as the "number one, super-duper, most winning-est agent in town." Customers would line up to work with you because the influence model was very "Model T." But in the Age of Consumer Reports - and consumer feedback, control and customization -  Skeptical Consumers (Gen X) and Collective Consciousness Consumers (Gen Y) are immune to the "we're the best" transmissions coming from businesses.

They want more.

Furthermore, nobody likes a braggard who only talks about their self, their products or their awards. They move away from them at the party - why would they click to connect with them online?

That's why we've collected these seven secrets to being successful with social media-based prospecting activities. We'll admit, they're the complete opposite of Model T ("traditional") advertising methods for selling real estate and building a client base. But then again, when haven't we been anything but good contrarians for our industry?

1. It's networking, not advertising. Influencing your sphere isn't done by relentlessly touting your products or services until they break down and buy them. It's done by contributing value. What can you do, say or suggest - using online tools like sharing, commenting and linking - that offers something of value beyond your inventory or latest certificate of achievement? Focus on the people, not your products.
2. It's the same as real life. Do you go to lunch with a personal friend or business prospect and just whip out your marketing flyers? If so, your lunch meeting must rival the fast food experience. If you go into the social media world with pre-defined sales objectives, you'll likely have the same result as an advertising-luncheon. Nobody wants to show up if you're just going to be an infomercial. Instead, be yourself, and start a conversation.
3. Conversations involve listening more than talking. The biggest secret of social media success is that your sales prospects will willingly, gladly and readily tell you everything you need to know about them to make a sale. If you listen. This doesn't mean they're going to post "I need a REALTOR" or "We need more bathroom sinks!" on their Facebook page. But they will post their personal lives - got a job, lost a job, having a baby, and so on - that contain the key indicators of when they will need you soon. All you have to do is keep an eye on your prospects to be at the right place (online) at the right time (all the time).
4. Consider your own experience. What annoys you about your social media experience? Are you frustrated by mundania postings by others? Announcements of their farming success? Useless invitations to open houses thousands of miles away? Price reduction news? If these things bore you in your news feed, why would you think they'd excite your sphere of influence in theirs?
5. Share to grow. The best way to get new friends is to share something so cool, interesting, wonderful and thoughtful to your current friends that they want to tell their friends about it. It's called a multiplier effect. Make a few  friends or prospects' lives better by sharing an idea, link, video, data. They may be thankful enough to "pass it on" by sharing, reposting, tweeting your contribution to their personal friends. That's how you grow your sphere of influence; not harvesting your friends' friend-lists and trying to mass-email them.
6. Ask. The greatest salesmen in the world know that  success comes from offering solutions to people's problems, not just promoting whatever they happen to have on-hand. What if you don't know what people need from you? Ask. Use polls, surveys, simple questions to invite people to share their needs, desires, confusions, hopes with you. Don't make it obvious: Don't ask how many bathrooms they need, but what features of a homes might make their life easier, better, more enjoyable. Then you'll know exactly what to go out and list - desirable homes, not just anything from the next available seller.
7. Play. People like to be around people who are real. Especially Gen Y, who can spot a slick-snakeoil-sales pitch from a hundred lightyears away. In an industry that says it's "about the people" we do a  poor job of showing them that we're people too! This doesn't mean you have to post pictures of your tattoo on your wall. But you should be sharing the "professionally personal" side of yourself. Do you volunteer in town, coach the little league or dress up as Santa for a good cause? Post some pictures, tell the story, invite others to comment. People want to work with others who they can connect with on a personal level - not just the agent with the most notches in their belt. So stop worrying about letting your hair down, showing your softer side or making people laugh a little online. Selling or buying a home is an emotional experience: show people you're more than just an advertised real estate robot.

Selling real estate should actually be easier than ever before. Aside from great finance rates, lots of inventory and a population transition that's moving lots of Boomers down and lots of Gen X/Y'ers up, real estate agents should be selling more than ever - even with the recession bumps in the road. The challenge is that what makes modern consumers connect with others - not advertising, but personalized relationships - can't be communicated with the classic Model T marketing tools we're forcing into the socialsphere. Most agents claim they got into real estate because they "like people." With social media, they can prove it by connecting with the people all day, every day. The secrets of social networking success are amazingly free - but they can help you earn more than ever before in real estate sales.

.

How To Embed Your Youtube Video into Google Maps

We had over 700 people register for the Youtube Video and Blogging Classes we held over at ActiveRain University this last month. In these sessions, we covered how to create and use video more effectively for your Blogs and websites. We shared some cool tips and important tools regarding the use of video and how to get the most out of Youtube's new look and their added features.

The one thing we didn't have time to teach was "How To Embed Your Youtube Video into Google Maps", then How to embed the "Interactive Map" with your video into a Blog post or website.

SO HERE'S THE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE MANY OF YOU WHO ASKED:

You'll need a Youtube account, if you don't have one, set one up, it's FREE.  You'll also need a Google Account to sign in and save your maps. If you don't have one, set one up, it's FREE too.

Step 1: Upload your video to Youtube.com

Step 2: Select the video you want to embed into Google Maps

Step 3: Copy the embed HTML code from the Youtube Video
(it should look something like this)

Step 4: Go to maps.google.com and click the "My Maps" Link

Step 5: Click on the "Create New Map" link

Step 6: Search the map to find the exact location where you want your video to appear
            (zoom in close to find exact location)
Step 7: In the "Edit" mode, click on the placemark icon and place it on the map

Step 8: Click on the "edit HTML" link and add youtube embed code into description box.

Step 9: Give your marker and description box a "Title" and click "ok" and then "Done"

Step 10: Your video will now appear on Google Maps and can also be viewed on Google Earth

Now, to embed the saved Video and saved Map into your Blog or website, click on the "Link" located in the upper right corner and copy the embed code from Google Maps.  Next, place the embed code in your Blog post (using the HTML tab) or on your website and save.  This will put the interactive map including the video into your post or on your web-page.  Visitors can now watch the video from within your interactive map, and never even leave your post or site.

The best part is that even if you don't embed the iframe map into your Blog or website, the video is still attached to Google Maps and can be viewed by anyone who clicks on the video from within the Google Maps page.  Here's what the completed project will look like in a Blog Post.  Try doing this with your community videos, your virtual tours, your travel videos, any video you've created that you want to show up on Google Maps.

Be sure to turn down your volume if you hit play, this video is pretty loud.

View The Black Hole - The Glory Hole in a larger map

   Download The ActiveRain "HELP" Toolbar for your Browser

ActiveRain University Calendar    Real Estate RainCamp     The ActiveRain Manual

           

Our job as Real Estate Professionals, whether you are a Realtor, home stager or other industry professional involves first impressions and being prepared for your daily dealings with anyone you come in contact with.  After all, anyone who owns a home, knows someone who does or is in the market to sell or purchase a home is a prospective client. So regardless of what you're doing or where you are, first impressions are key.

Now prospective clients who are in the market for a RE pro may have found you online (GREAT!) through your snazzy website, blogs, articles or other sites where you're on and they were impressed enough to contact you via email or phone. While email correspondence is fine it still keeps the relationship somewhat impersonal and eventually you will most likely speak to the prospect by phone (recommended if they leave you a number to reach them follow up with a phone call!)

But do your phone skills kill? 

You can take that either way, figuratively like the youngsters say or literally. Meaning are they a good or bad?

Over the last month I've realized how important my phone skills are again. They've become what I call my client's first tangible impression of me and my first live "interview" for the job. 

In fact, I have actually been told by two recent clients how important my phone communication was to my company, Home Star Staging, getting the job. 

You see, both clients had called other home stagers locally and eventually settled on me based solely on our communication by phone.  In these scenarios, I "killed" in a good way and my colleagues killed the deal in the dead way.

Here's a quote from one in an email I received after he had spoken to (as he told me) at least 3 other home stagers that he couldn't quite "connect with":

"Hello Karen, Thanks for talking with me this morning.   Your ability to quickly and effectively communicate what you do and how you do it is greatly appreciated.  Below is [my wife's] contact information and a short summary of our situation.  I am sure [my wife] will call or email you for a consultation next week."

This job has turned into one of my longest and most lucrative contracts as well most rewarding to date.  

The most recent call came this week from a Realtor who was calling home stagers in the Dallas,TX area for a client whose home has been on the market for several months.  He explained what his client needed and that he had "already talked to another lady who said she was going to come in and redecorate the whole place" and that is "NOT", in his words, "what the client needed".  I booked a home staging consultation with his client within a day after our conversation and she's well on her way to getting the house where it needs to be for selling. I've also started a working relationship with the Realtor I plan to cultivate into more partnerships working with his clients before going on the market.

Here are my 10 Tips for Phone Skills that Kill (in the good way)

1. SMILE before you answer the phone - as silly as it seems smiling before picking up the phone actually helps the tone of your voice improve and it doesn't hurt your mood!
2. If you don't recognize the number don't answer your phone if you cannot freely talk. Better it go to voice mail and you hear the message from a prospect than answer rudely or hurriedly.  This is one of my biggest peeves!!! Why would someone answer the phone only to tell me that they "don't have time to talk and can you/they call me back later" NO! 
3. Make it a rule (unless you're in the middle of negotiations or other pressing business but let your current client know AHEAD OF TIME)  not to answer your phone while with another client.  This is another huge problem with me.  It is the ultimate in rudeness to be in the company of someone I am paying to have MY time wasted by their phone calls. It does NOT IMPRESS someone that you appear to be busy!  Treat your clients as the one and only as a rule - not the exception to the rule.
4. LISTEN to the client's needs - don't assume you know what they want until you hear them out
5. Repeat what they've said if you're unsure and ask for more details if you need more
6. Be prepared with some pre qualifying questions of your own to see if THEY are a client you can help or have to refer them on. A pre qualifying question I ask is, "Where is the home located?"  If it's out of my area I am happy to refer and it frees me and the client from a long phone conversation better saved for someone who can help them.
7. Know your business and what you can and cannot handle
8. Don't overwhelm them with information they're not asking for
9. Always ask if they need additional information or clarification
10. Always thank them for their call

We're in a competitive industry friends and it's up to you to kill or be killed. It's always good to brush up on those skills. 

 Anyone else have some pointers to share?? 

*****************************************************************************

Are you selling a home in Plano, Murphy, Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Richardson or Dallas, TX? Do you need help and  expert advice on preparing a home for sale ? 

Home Star Staging is a qualified, insured home staging company and we are always here for you North Texas!

• Pre-listing property consultations
• Post list "trouble shooting" property consultations
• Owner occupied property staging (utilizing owner supplied furniture & accessories or including some of our own inventory)
• Vacant & investment property staging (Full and partial rental furniture packages, accessories and staging services)
• Is your office interested in hosting a home staging class or presentation? Just ask!
• Contact Karen at 496-964-0516 or Karen@homestarstaging.com

 

 

Is Your Business a 'Favorite Place' on Google? The Importance of Local Business Listings

Today I was pleasantly surprised to receive a letter in the mail from Google Headquarters. They wrote to notify me that my local business listing for City Realty, Inc. had been selected as a 'Favorite Place' on Google. They stroked my ego a bit by talking about how they select 'Favorite Places' based on the number of times people found my business listing in searches and clicked on it for more information. The letter informed me that less than 1% of all U.S. businesses receive this recognition. But ego stroking aside, what does this really do for my company?

As it turns out, it does quite a bit. Also included with the letter was a large sticker with a unique barcode. This is Google's QR Barcode. QR barcodes have been around since the 1990's when they began development in Japan. QR stands for 'Quick Response' as the purpose of these codes is to be quickly decoded by mobile devices. With the advances in mobile phone technology here in the U.S. over the past few years, these barcodes are beginning to show up all over the place. They provide an easy way for people in urban areas to gain instant information and reviews about a particular business before they decide to go inside.

There are many real estate related uses for this technology that may soon become relevant, but that is for another post in the near future! For now the QR barcode provided by Google can function as an easy way for customers to gain access to my company's hours, phone number, website, customer reviews, etc. The barcode can be printed and distributed on flyers, business cards, brochures, and any other printed promotional materials. We have also posted the sticker in our window for customers who happen to stop by when our office is closed.

Here is a little video created by Google to show what the 'Favorite Place' barcode can do for businesses:

 

Dowloading QR Barcode Reader for your Phone

For Blackberry Devices

For iPhone

For Android Devices

Find out if your mobile phone supports QR scanner technology

Another fun way to experiment with this technology is to create your own custom QR barcode. You can set up your barcode so that when someone scans it they are directed to your website or other information. Learn more about creating custom QR barcodes.

Here is a sample barcode I created that links back to this post: 

What are some ways you can think of to use this technology in your business?

 

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner

Reasons to love Living in Olympia

Breaking News in Olympia

Olympia Homes for Sale: Listing Wire

HomeBuyer Toolbar

Search the Map: Olympia Homes for Sale     

www.tomferry.com

On the days you don't feel like working at all or completing the projects you know you have to tackle, I want to offer some simple ideas to get you through it! Ask some simple questions to help you get yourself right back into action.

Remember, your strategy matters and your passion rules!

-Tom

888.866.3377

www.yourcoach.com

P.S. Did you hear about the hot deal we have on the Anaheim Success Summit right now? Call the office 888.866.3377 and let my team give you the scoop!

The Top 50 Google Tools for Business

This compilation is for all of you out there who use Google for searching and SEO, but may not be aware of all the other tools and services that Google has to offer for your business.  My inbox used to get so many questions about many of the links and tools below, it seemed like a good idea to bring them all into a single location for your review and use. 

I know you'll find some of this information helpful or useful to you and your Business.

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

1. Google Alerts – Get email notifications from any keyword or phrases used on the web.
2. Google Buzz - Start and share conversations about the things you find interesting.
3. Google Blog Search – A sophisticated way of searching the web specifically for Blogs.
4. Google Books – Google has a ground-breaking agreement with authors and publishers.
5. Google Business - All of Google's On-line Business solutions for small and large Business.
6. Google Checkout – Find it online, purchase it with Google’s Checkout tool.
7. Google Chrome – The fastest and cleanest Web Browser for PC’s and MAC’s.
8. Google Custom Search – Create your own custom search engine for your Website/Blog.
9. Google Desktop – Take control of PC or MAC Desktops, find anything faster and easier.
10. Google Dictionary – Don’t knock it till you try it, watch out Webster.
11. Google Directory – The Web organized by Topic and placed into Categories.
12. Google Earth – Explore and share the World in 3D. Add your photos and Videos.
13. Google Finance – Track and Edit your Portfolio, Charts, and Graphs.
14. Google 411 – Dial Directory Services and Information from any phone for FREE.
15. Google Health – Organize all your medical records and store them on-line.
16. Google Images – The Ultimate Image search on the Internet.
17. Google Maps – The best way to map out directions and share with others.
18. Google News – All the news you’ll ever need and find in one location.
19. Google Patents – Every US Patent is search-able with the full text.
20. Google Product Search – Find any product in one location instead of searching sites.
21. Google Scholar – Looking for a specific paper or Scholarly articles, find them fast.
22. Google Toolbar – Allows you to add search, share, and contribute to your fav browser.
23. Google Trends – For those who want to know details about search engine trends.
24. Google Videos – Used for searching only Video and Vlogs on the Internet.
25. Google Web Search – Still the #1 search engine tool with the #1 advanced features.
26. Google Web Search Features – The best search tool for movies, music, books, etc.
27. Google Code – This is a developer tools, used for APIs and other resources.
28. Google Labs – One of the best Online Tech Playgrounds on the Web.
29. Google Blogger – Create your own Blogspot Blog, it’s easy and free.
30. Google Calendar – Setup and use a Global Calender that you can share with others.
31. Google Docs – Create spreadsheets, presentations, documents, and more.
32. Google Groups - Use Groups to connect with others and share ideas and discussions.
33. Google Knol – Write a Knol and Share what you know with others. Learn too.
34. Google Mail – Google mail has so many great features for email, and it’s FREE.
35. Google’s Orkut – It’s a Google Social Network, stay connected with others.
36. Google Picasa – Upload and store, find, and share your photos and images.
37. Google Picnik - The newest online Photo and Graphics editing addition to Google.
38. Google Reader – Delivers everything you want to know from the web back to you.
39. Google Sites – Create your own websites and group wikis for private or public use.
40. Google SketchUp – Allows you to Design, Build, and Create 3D models and images.
41. Google Talk -  Talk to friends, send IM’s, communicate with others via computer.
42. Google Translate – Helps you and visitors to view any site in any language.
43. Google’s YouTube – The second most searched site in the World. Youtube.com.
44. Google Mobile – Take Google on the Road, & don’t leave home without your phone.
45. Google Maps for mobile – Just as good as GPS, view maps, directions, get un-lost.
46. Google Search for mobile – Search the web from your phone anytime from anyplace.
47. Google Pack – Get the entire Google Pack for your PC or MAC.
48. Google Voice – The best way to manage phones and services FREE. (invite only)
49. Google Wave – The future of email and real time collaboration. (invite only)
50. Google Wonder Wheel - A Wonderful Wheel of relavant search terms.

Take a few minutes to explore what some of these great tools can do for you and your business, then make sure you keep an eye on Google in the future, their development team creates and produces new products at the speed of light.

Did I miss any?  Do tell!  What is YOUR favorite NEW Google Tool or Product?

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