There's An App for That
If you haven't downloaded the RE/MAX University app for both iPhone (and other phones) and iPad do so. They are quicker and easier to use than their web-based mother (I went with mother, but it's difficult to determine technological filial relationships. Is Yahoo the father of Google or simply a cousin? Is the iPhone father, son or brother to the Blackberry? Did Facebook and LinkedIn spawn an illegitimate child in Plaxo? Very complicated.) One of my favorite iPad apps is PULSE, a free newsreader program. PULSE lays out all of the headiness from several news sources so that I can flick through and see if something is going on that needs my attention. After a few minutes on PULSE I feel knowledgeable enough to lead classes on social networking, in much the same way I start filling out my Wimbledon entry form after reaching the "Pro" level on Wii tennis.
While perusing PULSE this morning, I happened upon a great article by Techsavvyagent.com. Take a look: http://bit.ly/ic2Xm0 It narrows down the key strategies for on-line success in 2011 to: blogging (stop rolling your eyes! I see that!) Facebook and Twitter. Master these three and you will master the most important elements of public interaction. I could have written that a year ago. This is a second chance for all of us!
I'd like to add a thought or two.
1. A strange thing is happening on the internet. Without us noticing it has become more relevant, usable and interactive. In other words, it is maturing. The difference between a successful web site (one that is visited and, most importantly, revisited) and a non-successful web site is no longer the technology. Instead what differentiates successful and unsuccessful web sites is content. Does your content draw people in, keep their interest and make them come back for more? Are you bored by visiting your own web site?
2. Think local. One of the purifying elements of our recent housing downturn is that many people are deciding (sometimes decided for them) that they can live with less and some people who are now living with less are discovering that they enjoy it. Then along comes the largest generation (by population) in American history that already gets and lives the idea of "less is more." With this trend comes an emphasis on neighborhood and lifestyle. It has always been important to know how close a home is to grocery stores and coffee shops, but only recently has it become MORE important (to a growing number of people) than number of bedrooms, bathrooms and garage spaces.
Take a look at one and two above. Wouldn't it be great to combine the two? How about creating interesting, compelling and engaging material on your web site about local lifestyle in your neighborhood or neighborhoods in which you grew up, sell in commonly or at least drive through once a month? Personally, I think I'd rather enjoy a visiting a web site like that.