Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity May Be Coming to a Conference Near You
Team members from Tech Helpline, real estate's top-ranked tech support service, and Form Simplicity, the only Realtor association-owned top digital transaction management solution, are hitting the road.
With more agents working remotely, tech support and digital solutions have never been more vital. That's why Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity representatives may be coming to a conference near you to showcase its technology services and solutions for real estate brokers and agents nationwide.
Owned and operated by Florida Realtors®, both Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline are available to associations, MLSs and brokerages nationwide.
Tech Helpline
Check out Tech Helpline's new mobile app – available on Google Play and the App Store – that allows you to connect directly with a tech advisor while on the go. Or bring your top tech questions to the conference to ask Tech Helpline experts.
Dubbed the real estate industry's "Genius Bar," the staff at Tech Helpline have a combined IT experience of 350+ years, providing support in English and Spanish via online chat, phone, and email.
Form Simplicity
If you're looking for a transaction management solution to help you go digital – or replace your current solution – talk to the experts from Form Simplicity to see how easy, safe, and secure it can be to go digital and paperless.
Here is a list of upcoming conventions and conferences attended by Tech Helpline and/or Form Simplicity:
August 24 to 25 – Florida Realtors in Orlando, FL: Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline will return to the Florida Realtors Convention & Trade Expo at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. Their booths are in the Sebastian Foyer, and analysts from Tech Helpline will be available to assist you with any issues you might face with your devices while on site. Also, check out "Selfie City," sponsored by Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline.
Most importantly, don't miss the in-person training sessions throughout Wednesday and Thursday, by Kaz Cisowski and Jason Schatz, including:
Wednesday, Aug. 24:
10:00 am – 11:00 am: "Master the Paperless Transaction in Form Simplicity"3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: "Brokers: Reduce Risk and Remain Compliant with Form Simplicity"4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: "Learn the new and improved eSign 2.0"
Thursday, Aug. 25:
9:00 am – 10:00 am: "Brokers: Reduce Risk and Remain Compliant with Form Simplicity"10:30 am – 11:30 am: "Learn the new and improved eSign 2.0"2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: "Master the Paperless Transaction in Form Simplicity"
August 29 to September 2 – Georgia Realtors in Nashville, TN: Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline will be exhibiting at the GAR Annual Conference & Expo at The Nashville Renaissance Hotel.
September 12-14 – Arkansas Realtors in Jonesboro, AR: Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline will be present at the Arkansas REALTORS® 98th Annual Tradeshow & Convention, including as the sponsor of the ARA app.
September 13-16 – Wyoming Realtors in Cody, WY: Form Simplicity education and training expert Kaz will be teaching three one-hour classes at the Wyoming REALTORS® Conference and Expo, including "The Foundations of Form Simplicity" (1CE), "Optimizing Your Workflow with Form Simplicity" (1CE) and "eSign and Close!" (1CE).
September 18-21 – Ohio Realtors in Cleveland, OH: Tech Helpline heads to the Ohio REALTORS® Annual Convention and Expo.
September 19 – Greater Springfield Realtors in Springfield, MO: Kaz will be teaching several workshops, including "The Foundations of Form Simplicity," "Optimizing Your Workflow with Form Simplicity," and "eSign and Close!" at the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®.
September 20-22 – Missouri Realtors in Chesterfield, MO: Both Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline will be at the Missouri REALTORS® Fall Business Conference. Kaz will teach three one-hour Form Simplicity sessions. Please, check the convention's schedule for the days and times.
September 28-30 – Council of MLS in Indianapolis, IN: Stop by the Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline exhibit at CMLS2022, located at JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis.
October 3-6 – Oregon Realtors in Seaside, OR: Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline will travel to the Oregon REALTORS® Fall Convention.
October 4-7 – Idaho Realtors in Coeur d'Alene, ID: Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline also will be at the Idaho REALTORS® Convention at the Coeur d'Alene Resort.
October 5-7 – Kansas Realtors in Overland Park, KS: Kaz will provide in-person training, including three one-hour classes during the KAR Annual Conference & Expo, including "The Foundations of Form Simplicity" (1CE), "Optimizing Your Workflow with Form Simplicity" (1CE), and "eSign and Close!" (1CE).
November 11-13 – Realtors Conference & Expo in Orlando, FL: This year, Florida Realtors headquarters city is home to the biggest annual Realtor event, now renamed NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience, at the Orange County Convention Center. Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline will be front and center in booth #851.
Kaz will provide in-person training that includes three sessions on Friday, November 11, and four sessions on Saturday, November 12. His line-up includes:
Friday, November 11:
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm: "Get Started with Form Simplicity"2:30 pm to 3:30 pm: "Optimize Your Transaction Management Workflow"4:00 pm to 5:00 pm: "eSign and Close!"
Saturday, November 12:
10:30 am to 11:30 am: "Get Started with Form Simplicity"12:00 pm to 1:00 pm: "Optimize Your Transaction Management Workflow"1:30 pm to 2:30 pm: "Brokers: Reduce Risk and Remain Compliant"3:00 pm to 4:00 pm: "eSign and Close!"
December 5-8 – Triple Play at Atlantic City, NJ: The Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline team wraps up its travel schedule with the Triple Play REALTOR® Convention & Trade Expo at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Hosts include the New Jersey Realtors®, NYSAR, and the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors®.
If you attend any of these conferences, please bring all your questions for Tech Helpline or Form Simplicity. Our team is ready to help you or get you swiftly connected to Tech Helpline analysts or Form Simplicity experts to ensure you get the answers and support you need. And we will update this article on the FormSimplicity.com and TechHelpline.com blogs as more information becomes available. We hope to see you soon!
Other topics you also may be interested in:
"How Tech Helpline became known for 'Friendly Tech Support'" – July 2022
"How to Answer the Top 3 Questions Clients Have About eSigning" – July 2022
"The 5 Most Common Questions Agents Ask When They Call Tech Support" – June 2022
"Which of These 3 Reasons Convinced You to Use THE Software Tool Brokers Encourage Most?" – May 2022
Tricia Stamper is Director of Technology at Florida Realtors®, which owns both Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity.
MORE >
RETECHNOLOGY PREMIUM MARKETPLACE RELATED PRODUCTS | WEBINARS | SPECIAL OFFERS
Should You Go to a Real Estate Conference?
Is it worth it for you as a real estate agent to attend a real estate conference? You need to take time out of your busy schedule to be there. And there is also the financial cost that needs to be taken into account. Should you go?
Here are reasons you SHOULD go to a conference:
1. The Networking Potential
To be truly successful at anything, you need to surround yourself with like-minded individuals. What better place to find those people than a conference for your profession? Even the most introverted real estate agents can use this as an opportunity to build a mastermind. Despite being in a room filled with your competition, these people can become your best friends. There will always be somebody smarter or more successful than you. These are the type of people you want to have in your circle.
2. Talk to Real Estate Tech Companies
You can ask technology companies what they do in person at a real estate conference. There are plenty of companies that offer services to real estate agents. This is your chance to learn more about them, or discover new companies you've never heard of before.
Go say hi!
3. Learning
Good conferences will book thought leaders to teach you a new aspect of the industry. Zurple's leaders will sometimes talk about the consumer timeline so agents know where a real estate lead is once they find your website. Some other speakers will talk about how integrate new technologies into your business model to make it more efficient. One of the primary reasons you should go is to learn something new that your clients will benefit from.
4. Agent Referrals
For those of you going to out-of-town conferences, this is an excellent chance to create a nationwide network of agents that you can trade referrals with. This is a great strategy for anybody that conducts business in a place where people will migrate to.
5. Break Out Sessions
For a more focused learning experience, some industry thought leaders will offer smaller sessions where they can teach what they know to a smaller class. This gives you more opportunity to answer the questions that have been burning in your head for the past year.
Don't be an agent that learns all day, but doesn't benefit from it! The key is to implement everything you've learned into your business. Knowledge can only take you so far. Action is what is needed for true success.
6. New Perspectives
Despite the sensory overload, you'll be able to look at your business with a new set of eyes. Maybe they'll cover an obstacle that you could never quite master. Or maybe they introduce you to a new way to do an old thing. It never hurts to keep an open mind!
To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.
MORE >
Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity are on the road again!
Each year, thousands of real estate agents and brokers who use Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity have the opportunity to meet some of the folks who make the magic happen for these two Florida Realtors owned products at local conventions and conferences.
This year's schedule includes visits as far north and east as Nova Scotia, Canada, as far south as Hollywood, Florida, and as far west as Los Angeles, California.
As real estate's number one tech support firm, Tech Helpline serves more than 600,000 real estate professionals in North America. Available through MLSs or local associations, as well as real estate brokerages, connecting with Tech Helpline is typically accomplished via a phone call, online chat or email inquiry. Our annual direct outreach gives agents and brokers, as well as MLS and association executives and staff members, an additional opportunity with face-to-face communications.
Opportunities to connect
This year, we kicked off our spring and summer schedule for Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity with an appearance at the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in mid-May.
Tech Helpline was just represented at the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) Association Executives Seminar in early June, held in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Next up, Form Simplicity will be at "Rock the Market" at the Hard Rock Event Center in Hollywood, FL on June 25.
The next two days on June 26 and 27, both Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity will be heading to the Florida Realtors Association Executives Education Workshops in Cocoa Beach, FL.
August marks two major conventions for Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity. Association leadership from all business disciplines will convene at the ASAE Annual Meeting & Expo in Columbus, OH on August 10-13, followed by our own Florida Realtors Convention & Trade Expo (August 21 and 22) and Governance Meetings (August 23-25) in Orlando, FL.
Tech Helpline will head to another big convention as the Colorado Association of REALTORS® hosts its "REfresh Expo" in Denver, CO on September 5.
The summer tour schedule ends with two back-to-back events. The first one is in North Carolina, the NC REALTORS® 2019 Convention & Expo "Xchange'19" at the Pinehurst Resort during the Expo dates of September 14-16. That's followed by the Arkansas REALTOR® Annual Convention & Tradeshow being held in Memphis, TN at the Guesthouse at Graceland, during the Expo dates of September 16 and 17.
More to come
As the fall begins, Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline will be back at it, with appearances by Tech Helpline at the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Expo "REImagine!" held in Los Angeles on September 24-26, followed by opportunities to ask your questions about Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline at CMLS2019 in Salt Lake City on October 16-18.
The last two conventions for Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline currently are scheduled for both the 2019 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in San Francisco this year (booth #1234), November 6-11, and finally December 9-12 at the 2019 Triple Play REALTOR® Convention & Trade Expo in Atlantic City, NJ, which brings together members from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania Realtor associations.
If you happen to be attending one of these events, please stop by and bring your questions about Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline. We hope to meet you face-to-face!
Tricia Stamper is Director of Technology at Florida Realtors®, which owns and operates Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity.
MORE >
Learn How to Break Through in a Competitive Market and Win More Business
Real estate markets across the U.S. are facing an ongoing inventory shortage. For agents, this means that listings are scarce and the competition is fierce. Stakes are driven higher due to rising home prices as there is significant money to be made for those who can claim their share of the market. Sellers are aware of this too; they will list with someone they know and trust, but you may still need to show how you differentiate yourself and offer more than competing agents in addition to just counting on the strength of the relationship.
Break-Through and Differentiate yourself from the pack
Real talk: being "average" won't cut it in today's competitive market. That's why the most successful agents are constantly updating their knowledge and skill set. While your broker, MLS/association, and even your software vendors are good places to start for training resources, there's nothing like in-person training from industry leading experts!
If you're ready to take your business to the next level, we've got the inside scoop on an upcoming two-day conference that will teach you everything from building your pipeline to standing out online to creating winning listing presentations. Here are the details:
What: The Realtor.com® Results SummitWhere: The Cosmopolitan of Las VegasWhen: September 18-19, 2017
MORE >
Realtor.com Hosts 'Results Summit' in Las Vegas
Realtor.com® is doing something that we do not often see technology companies do. They are having their own conference in Las Vegas on September 19th and 20th at the beautiful Encore Resort. The event aims to allow real estate agents and teams to network and learn from their peers about how technology can be applied to power success in real estate.
We took a look at the agenda and the speakers and it's packed with incredible information from many of the industry's top producing agents, teams, and technologists. If you use Top Producer® CRM or any other CRM, I would strongly suggest that you attend to learn how great agents and teams are leveraging technology to do everything from online advertising, lead capture, lead cultivation, buyer and seller listing presentations, managing buyers, managing sellers, closing solutions, and client for life campaigns.
Realtor.com® is among the few companies in the real estate industry who have developed applications for everything an agent or team would ever need. They help you find new business whilst staying in touch with your repeat customers and referrals. And speaking of referrals, networking with top agents and teams from around the country is exactly how you grow your referral business.
Some pretty big guns are set to speak, including Eric Siegel, the master of predictive analytics. I guess the holy grail of leveraging information services is knowing exactly when a buyer or seller is ready to hire an agent and do a transaction! With all of this talk about leveraging big data in real estate, I am curious to learn what Mr. Siegel has to say.
Check out the Results Summit website to see if you think you might want to attend.
MORE >
Top Headlines from NAR Annual
Each year's NAR Annual conference is always a flurry of announcements and educational sessions. Judging by the way the endless news releases burned up our RSS feeds, this year's conference in San Diego was no. To keep our readers informed, whether they attended the event or not, we've rounded up this list of headlines from this year's trade show.
Realtors® to Receive zipForm Plus® and zipTMS™ as Free Member Benefit Let's kick off this list with some good news--and what's better than a free, new member benefit? On the final day of the conference, NAR and zipLogix announced that all Realtors will now receive zipForm Plus and zipTMS, a transaction management solution, for free. Brokers looking to expand their offerings beyond zipForm and zipTMS will be able to purchase additional tools from zipLogix via exclusive, members-only pricing.
NAR Prioritizes Member Safety in 2015 and Beyond Agent safety has been a top concern for NAR during the tenure of its 2015 president, Chris Polychron, who introduced safety classes, webinars, videos, presentations and more. NAR members can access all these materials here. RE Technology members looking to supplement these materials with practical advice for reducing risk can read a 12-part series on agent safety here.
Cybercriminals Targeting Real Estate Transactions Physical safety isn't the only threat to real estate professionals. Because they handle sensitive client data, like social security numbers and more, brokers and agents are a prime target for hackers. NAR offers an online training course for professionals looking to better understand how to protect sensitive information. For more information, learn about keeping data secure or read these digital security tips.
MORE >
Following #ICNY: Straight Talk from Barbara Corcoran, Zillow, and more
Wild blizzards couldn't keep the attendees away from this year's Inman Connect in New York City. The conference kicked off its official first day with the likes of Barbara Corcoran, Spencer Rascoff, and more gracing the stage.
We kept up with all the action by following conference goers via the Twitter hashtag #ICNY. Below is a sampling of our favorite tweets from day one.
Jacy Riedmann - @alexisohanian "In the industrial revolution, you had to open a factory to start a business, now, you need to open a laptop." #icny
Andrew Strickman - Great start to #ICNY with @alexisohanian on thinking like a startup: "Make something people want. The back button is your enemy."
PointDrive - "Love your early customers." - @alexisohanian #ICNY @InmanConnect
Kevin Hawkins - Alexis @reddit - The Web is simply the world's biggest water cooler #ICNY
Chris Nichols - "Invest in and leverage proprietary data". What's your "ONLY" statement? Your competitive advantage? - Joanna Lord #ICNY
Angela Raab - Ecosystem means participate in the industry but also participate where your consumers are. @JoannaLord #icny
MORE >
#ICSF Day 2: Tech Adoption, Branding, UX and...Surfing
It may just be my inner Californian talking, but a presentation that employs surfing metaphors is okay in my book. Judging by all the tweets surrounding broker Matt Beall's talk during Inman Connect San Francisco's second day, that assessment is correct.
Day two featured a robust schedule of speakers and sessions, ranging from Bran Inman's interview with RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly to a panel of buyers sharing their experiences as consumers. There were plenty more hella gnar presentations at Inman Connect today. To glean the best nuggets of wisdom, we took to Twitter to follow the official conference hashtag, #ICSF.
(Missed our coverage of Day One? Read it here!)
***
Zach Schabot - Love this philosophy from @mattbeall "Don't leave waves to find waves" #ICSF
Rosemary Buerger - What do you do in a lull? You paddle and position yourself to ride the next set of waves! @mattbeall Love this! #ICSF
Jay Thompson - I wanna learn to surf. #icsf
MORE >
Do You Use the “Tie-Breaker” Advantage?
Digital? Paperless? Virtual? If you find the latest tools and resources overwhelming, confusing and just plain uncomfortable, you might find the next few tips an easy solution bring your presentations, communications and marketing systems in line with today's demands using technology.
When you incorporate cutting edge innovations into your buyer and seller service model, you are confidently deploying a secret weapon to beat out your competition. According to a recent article in the March issue of the Harvard Business Review, this elevation of value offers you the "tie breaker" advantage. When customers or clients are faced with making a decision to hire you, these enhanced service options clearly emerge as the unfair competitive advantage.
To keep pace with what consumers are expecting, simply incorporate one simple step at a time to differentiate your service model, save precious time, alleviate stress and WOW your customers and clients. All you need to do is to add one of these new steps every couple of days, and you'll be up to speed and beyond in no time! Start with a few basics:
1. With any project, having the right tools makes the process easier. Smart phones are good, but when you need to engage a client or customer, having a larger screen like an iPad makes it a more professional and engaging experience. Garry Wise, of Paperless Agent, recommends that after you demonstrate the CMA or review videos or virtual tours on the device, turning over the iPad to the customer to "move" the program along builds trust and confidence.
MORE >
Did you miss it? Catch what you missed at Conference Live and Playback NAR.
It's okay, we know you're busy – successful real estate professionals often are.
But if you missed this year's REALTORS® Conference & Expo, you can still experience the event!
First, visit Conference Live 2013, a virtual window into the conference experience. This free resource takes you behind the scenes of the conference in San Francisco. Catch Lawrence Yun's residential and commercial economic forums, watch interviews with real estate speakers, and find new exhibitors, as they talk about their latest products and services.
Next, visit Playback NAR to check out the lineup of education session recordings from the 2013 REALTORS® Conference & Expo. The recordings are a great way to review industry issues, find experts for niche market consultations, and increase your professional value to your clients.
Conference attendees with a Premier Access pass can activate an 11-month subscription free as part of their registration. Others can purchase individual sessions or a complete set of recordings – packages are available for any schedule and budget.
Brokers: Purchase a package for your team to review, and share sessions with your agents.
Agents: Easily build a customized training schedule for the New Year, or download individual sessions to listen to at open houses or in the car on the way to client meetings.
MORE >
5 Ways to Have a More Productive Conference
Heading to a conference, convention, or expo this month? With so many real estate events on the calendar, chances are you've got one coming up. Before attending your next event, try doing a little strategizing to make sure you get the most out of your experience. Your time is valuable and with jam-packed event schedules, a little preparation goes a long way! Below are five ways to ensure that your event is a productive one.
1. Plan your day. The plan doesn't have to be detailed down to the minute, but do take some time to look over the event calendar and choose what you'd like to see, attend, participate in, etc. Vet the speakers, break out sessions, and vendors before arriving at the conference. What looks interesting? Make a point to explore that at the event. Doing this alone is ideal since you'll be less likely to shift your plan or make adjustments for other attendees. Don't compromise on why you want to attend. It's your conference, so get what you want out of it!
2. Set goals. Before your next event, set a few goals and acknowledge what your intentions are. Do you want to learn something new? Network with colleagues? Look for products or services to grow your business? Thinking about these things and setting goals ahead of time is a proactive way to make your event a productive use of time. To take it a step further, think about how you want to feel at the event and make that a goal, too. How do you want to feel at the end of the event? By setting goals, you'll be better able to stay focused and reap the maximum benefit. Your goals may be different than someone else's and that's okay. Every attendee has his or her own agenda, but ultimately you are responsible for your experience.
MORE >
#ICSF Day 2: Off-MLS Listings, Tech Tools and beyond
Day 2 of Inman Connect wrapped up just hours ago. As I write this, conference goers are pausing to catch their breath before embarking on what's sure to be an exciting night out in San Francisco.
Today, attendees participated in a full schedule of engaging sessions with titles like "The Paperless Revolution" and "Software is Eating the World." (When they weren't networking at Lobbycon, that is.)
Since we believe that the participants themselves are the best reporters of the Inman Connect experience, we turned to Twitter to follow the conference's official hashtag, #ICSF. See below for highlights of the best Twitter updates from Inman Connect, day two.
* * *
BoomTown - No. 1 consumer complaint: agents don't communicate what they're doing. @benkinney says be transparent. Let them know how u r helping them! #ICSF
Coldwell Banker - "You are not selling things. You are helping people to make an informed choice." - @ThePeyman #ICSF
Bill Risser - If you email a client a listing and they can't view it on their phone, you blew it. - Jessica Swesey of @1000watt #ICSF
Coldwell Banker - Listening to Bruce Zipf (NRT CEO) discuss the importance of continually building a salespersons skill set. #ICSF pic.twitter.com/pnZgFHRV5F
MORE >
Is it Important to Network With Other Agents?
We've all heard that networking is an essential aspect of strong business development. What many in the real estate industry don't seem to get, however, is that networking's sole aim is to grow and promote your business.
Looked at through that lens, the value of networking for real estate agents lies in hanging out with people that can help them find clients, not those that are competing for those very same leads.
Networking With Other Agents in Town
It appears that the real estate industry generally conflates networking with socializing, and those are distinctly different animals.
Remember, other agents in your market are highly unlikely to promote your business in any way, shape or form, so networking with them, in the strict sense of the word, is useless.
Socializing, on the other hand, may be of immense value, but for different reasons. Who doesn't need to blow off steam from time-to-time, and what better way to do that than with someone who does what you do for a living?
Who else understands the frustration of a listing client who insists on overpricing the home, or the buyer who lowballs every list price and wonders why his offers aren't accepted? From commiserating to sharing ideas, having lunch, cocktails or coffee with another agent in your market is good for the soul.
Just don't think of it as networking, and don't waste valuable time socializing with your competition under the guise of networking.
MORE >
zipLogix to Preview Next Generation of zipForm at NAR Midyear
NAR Midyear is almost here, and REALTORS® across the nation are packing their bags and finalizing their schedules. Some of you may be planning to just hit the trade show floor and explore, while others are using tech tools like NAR's Midyear Mobile App or Online Planner to figure out what booths and events to attend.
Whatever your approach, we recommend visiting zipLogix® at booth 1900. zipLogix® was the pioneer of forms management in real estate and they continue to bring cutting edge innovation to each upgrade of their system. This year, they are highlighting progress made to improve usability, store and manage documents, and improve forms automation.
Nearly every real estate professional is familiar with their flagship product, zipForm®, and this year the company will be previewing the next generation of zipForm® at the trade expo. Dubbed zipForm® Plus, this updated version takes all the functionality that users are accustomed to and wraps it in a new, more attractive package.
It's more than just attractive, though. zipForm® is a powerhouse of a solution--sometimes to an intimidating degree. We're excited to see zipLogix® adapting to the larger tech sphere's movement towards clean aesthetics that Apple started years ago. After all, a well-designed interface is more than just pleasing to the eye. When form meets functionality in an intentional way, the entire user experience is transformed.
MORE >
Inman Connect NY: Day 2
We're continuing our coverage of Inman Connect New York (check out Day 1 here) by following the official conference hashtag on Twitter, #ICNY. We've organized tweets chronologically and by presentation below for easier reading.
Enjoy!
Looking Out Two Years, What is Next for Technology?
@utahREpro - Technology is an enabler and we are storing all of this data. Predictive analytics are going to be big going forward - Steve Berkowitz #ICNY
@EV_USA - It's not just about the technology. It's how it can be used to improve client experience. #icny # evusa
@debra11 - People (online consumers) want to stay anonymous as long as possible... When they are ready - THEY will reveal themselves.#ICNY
@susanharrison - The role of #realtors is to help the public interpret the data - that's the value-add #ICNY
MORE >
#ICSF: Final Day
On Friday, the Inman Real Estate Connect conference wrapped up in San Francisco. The real highlight of the day was the Innovator Awards. I found the winners – and more – on social media.
#ICSF on Twitter
Dan Moore @mooreds : Retechnology party at @templenightclub is hopping #icsf
Chris Nichols @utahREpro : Here's your link! #ICSF Real Estate Connect Live Blog – Last Day! http://ow.ly/cIFPA
Nick, Ky Realtor @nickratliff : Winner of the Most Innovative New Technology....... Zillow Premier Agent Websites!!! #ICSF
Jeffrey Kershner @jeff_kershner : Most Innovative Brokerage or Franchise winner is Village Real Estate Services. #ICSF Congrats!
Jeffrey Kershner @jeff_kershner : Most Innovative RE Website winner is Zip Realty! #icsf
Nick, Ky Realtor @nickratliff : Most Innovative MLS or RE Trade Association...... Denver Metro Association of Realtors (DMAR) #icsf
Jessica Hayes @TechieJess : Congrats @akardell! Won the Most Innovative Real Estate Startup. :) #icsf
Bryan Sereny @bryan_sereny : Dotloop innovator of the year #icsf
Lou Mintzer @LouMintzer : :) @HomeSnap wins "Most Innovative Mobile App" at @Imman Connect! #icsf
MORE >
#ICSF: Day One
I couldn't make it to Inman Real Estate Connect in San Francisco this week; so, I'm doing the next best thing: following the conference on social media. I'll be sharing some of the highlights here for all you folks who are in the same boat.
Follow ICSF 2012
If you'd like to follow ICSF yourself, you can check them out here:
Twitter – also check out #ICSF
Facebook
RealEstateConnect.com/sf12
#ICSF on Twitter
Some of my favorite Tweets for Wednesday, August 1st (opening day of the conference):
pamela_kabati @pamela_kabati : Expect incremental improvement in housing markets and continued low interest rates over next year, says Inman econ panel. #icsf
Lockhart Steele @Lock : Great "New Kids on the Block" lineup at #icsf: @dreamcommerce @happyinspector @homevisor @honestbuildings @lovely @revintanews @videolicious
Laura Monroe @LauraMonroe : Data is like a river with tributaries running into it and there are thousands if tributaries. #icsf
Chris Lambrou @MREDChris : "Real Estate Data is much like a flowing river..." [have to chime in that this river is currently highly polluted] #noSwimming #icsf
RealEstateLivin @RealEstateLivin : @InmanConnect as it happens. Tune in to the Connect live blog: http://ht.ly/cF96u #icsf #realestate #REALTOR
Steve Hundley @1parkplace : It's not about pins. It's not about pictures. It's about people. @Chris_Smith #icsf This is still a relationship business. More than ever!
Lisa Archer @LisaArcher : backlinks are overrated. via @Chris_Smth #icsf
MORE >
Video: Tech Tuesday with Maya Paveza (Nov 8)
Our social media guru, Maya Paveza, talks about the topic that's on the top of all our minds: the National Association of REALTORS® convention in Anaheim.
MORE >
The Queue: Live from the Keller Williams Family Reunion
I have to say that the Keller Williams Family Reunion conference was a blast. In this week's episode of The Queue I was able to interview several industry thought leaders and get the inside scoop on some innovative new technology solutions.
This week I cover Ben Kinney, Stefan Swanepoel, eEdge, Tiger Leads, Howard Tager and more.
MORE >
Inman Real Estate Connect In the Palm of Your Hand
Keeping track of the time and where you are supposed to be when are among the greatest challenges facing attendees at Inman's Real Estate Connect conferences like the one being held in New York City January 12 – 14, 2011. Fortunately, the good folks at Boopsie have again produced a secret weapon to help attendees make the most of their time: the Connect NYC 2011 Mobile App.
Boopsie's Connect NYC 2011 Mobile App puts several useful tools in attendees hands including:
The Conference Schedule – showing the entire conference schedule in chronological order
Sessions Starting within 1 hour – showing all sessions schedule to get under way within the next 60 minutes
My Sessions Plan – allows attendees to create their own customizable schedule for the conference so they don't miss a thing
Speakers and Exhibitors – helps you find exactly who or what you are looking for if they are participating in an official capacity
Twitter Feed – find out what your other attendees are tweeting and keep up with or make conference news. The Speaker Channel includes each individual speaker's Twitter name, so attendees know who is who
New York Hotels, Restaurants, Taxis and Weather – on the outside chance that the conference isn't enough, these channels help you find what you're looking for around the city.
MORE >
Get the Best Bang for Your Buck at Inman's Real Estate Connect
"Real Estate Connect brings together two very important things for everyone in the real estate marketplace: the ability to learn about current trends and the ability to network with the movers and shakers of the industry," explains WolfNet's Rich Bailey, who will be attending his 15th Real Estate Connect conference next week. "Being a Gold Sponsor and sponsoring the Demosphere lets Wolfnet keep our hands on the pulse of what's happening around the real estate industry to the benefit of our customers."
Inman's Real Estate Connect differs from other real estate industry conferences in that it brings industry leaders in the fields of real estate and technology together in one place twice a year (San Francisco and New York). Many participants find the event so useful and important to their success that they return year after year. The conference is produced by Inman News a leading source of independent real estate news, information and commentary.
MORE >
Who to See and Where They’ll Be
For any of our subscribers who are making the annual pilgrimage to pay homage to real estate and toast the National Association of REALTORS® in New Orleans, we are here to help you meet the right people and still make it to the networking and entertainment events planned. NAR has once again whipped up a jam-packed schedule including guest appearances of David Hasselhof, Bill Walton and Earth, Wind and Fire.
Beyond the social events, one of the highlights of the show is the Expo Floor. This is where you can ask your questions, demo products and meet face-to-face with the makers of the technologies that make your life smoother. NAR’s annual conference is the single best place to go to meet the most technology vendors and test their products out. This year NAR’s Expo Floor has 387 technology vendors.
Real estate technology just got even more overwhelming.
387? Who has time to walk through 387 vendors at NARdiGras 2010, the largest real estate conference in America?
That is where we come in. We have created a much shorter list of our premium technology vendors and some extras.
MORE >
Want to Expand Your Brand’s Reach? Using the ANGEL Strategy?
The world is changing. Today the opinions of clients make or break brands. Socialization of negative feedback is more prolific and influential than we have ever seen.
This is the message Sandy Carter, Vice President Software Business Partners for IBMbrought to a WITI keynote address. Her seminar was titled, “Ecosystems, Partners and Social Media: A 10 Minute Warning.”
She began with a personal story about Foursquare. For those who do not know, Foursquare is a location-based social networking game. Sandy uses this technology to “check-in” to various hotels, restaurants and local hot-spots to share her location and preferences with her Foursquare friends.
Once, Sandy came across a certain hotel that was offering a discount, and so she booked a room at that quoted price. When she arrived at the hotel, they quoted a higher rate. Disappointed, she socialized that this hotel could not be trusted to stick with advertised prices. Within a minute the supervisor come out of her office and said, “We will adjust your price, if you stop tweeting.” So what did Sandy do? She got on Foursquare and become the mayor of the hotel to promote it.
The power of consumers talking to other consumers is clear, and powerful.
MORE >
Re-Connect with Inman
Some of the most popular national real estate conferences to attend in the country are Inman Connect conferences. Packed with engaging speakers, technology trade shows, interesting topics and networking opportunities, Inman conferences provide distinct value for real estate agents and brokers.
For those of you who are on the fence about attending future Inman Connect conferences, or were unable to make the journey to San Francisco, but would like to hear a re-cap on the most popular topics this year, stay tuned.
MORE >
140 Character Conference & Real Estate: Onto Capitalism!
I just returned from the 140 Character Conference in New York City; it was held at the 92nd Street Y April 20-21, 2010. Jeff Pulver organizes these conferences, and peripheral meet-ups around the country.
This event was looking at the "State of NOW", the effects of the "Real Time Web" on media, mainstream and otherwise, as well as a variety of industries, including Real Estate. The take-aways from this event were varied; the presenters were wonderful (see the list of my favorites with Twitter profile links at the end of this article).
The first day was more about the "media" and mainstream effects, the here and now, the power of the immediacy of Twitter. The instant reporting, the instant responding, the sense of community that we have all built together to make this world just a little smaller and more familiar. The second day was a bit more esoteric, delving into some very deep subjects; right in the middle of a few very emotional topics was the Real Estate panel. As Jeff Pulver introduced us, he said "... Now, on to capitalism". Isn't that what Real Estate is all about?
(Real Estate panel pictured: Robert Watson, me, Amanda Wernick and Eric Stegemann.)
MORE >