Unfriend Reaches Oxford Dictionary
November 16, 2009
The Oxford dictionary has added a new word to its extensive vocabulary which signifies the ever grow influence of social media. The word “unfriend” has managed to find its way into the English language. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, “unfriend,” means to remove someone from your friends list on any particular social network. Facebook being a great example. For someone who is unfamiliar with social networking, “unfriending” doesn’t seem like a big deal at first. But in reality it can be the equivalent of ending a meaningful friendship with someone. Social media has become an intricate part of communicating with others. Many people have developed friendships through mainly through these social networks. “Unfriending someone can have a hug impact on your social network standing if your not careful who you remove. “Unfriending” can be no different then ending a friendship in person. Perhaps many Facebook users don’t realize this, but you can be offending someone without even knowing it. It’s important that Facebookusers learn proper etiquette when using such networks. Communicating through Facebook and other sites is no different then talking with people in person. Having this approach will only help your reputation in the social media world.
The quest to go paperless
October 28, 2009
Have you ever wondered how can I or how can my office that I manage start the transition to go paperless or inch closer to paperless on the realtor end of the equation? Well, although tablet PCs have been out for quite a while, tablet PCs are just starting to come on strong in the real estate business, especially in the Midwest market. In short, a tablet PC allows users to digitally sign documents anywhere on the screen. Let me be clear, you can hand write a novel on the tablet pc using the writing utencil supplied with the computer, so it’s more than just getting signature, you can write whatever you want to write on your contracts, or you can write what you want to write on anything for that matter with your tablet pc. My 3 year old laptop finally puked last week. Literally the period key completely fell off of the keyboard, which is why I’m using so many commas in his post.
I originally became interested in a tablet pc about 3 months after a friend purchased one. His business has been more efficient, as well as more organized. I’m excited to wow buyers and seller alike as soon as the new pc comes in. I will do a follow up post as to what my buyers and sellers thought about signing contracts digitally instead of paper. As far as getting a copy of all signed documents to seller and buyers, I have an air card that will keep me connected to the interenet anywhere I go, so I plan on emailing the sign documents before I even leave the home. It’s a good idea in theory, however before I get to excited, I’ll try it out first, then report back.The Celestine Prophecy movie download
The Iphone and Social Media
October 14, 2009
The apple IPhone since it’s official launch several years ago has changed the mobile media landscape forever. It has also helped in the new social media revolution that is changing the way we communicate forever. But with other phones entering the market challengin the Iphones supremacy, will the Iphone still be relevent several years from now? It is a valid question. Look at how technology has changed in just the past few years. It is certainly realistic to think that a new phone can overtake the amazing IPhone. But the IPhone has become more then just a smart phone. It has become a cultural symbol of modern day cool. Business people of all types sport the IPhone as a way to do business. Many Realtors have switched to the IPhone because it gives them the mobility to interact through the venue of social media. i.e Twitter. Plus with apps like Zillow and MLS search. The IPhone is a tool that Realtors cannot do business without. The Iphone will be around for sometime, but this should bring about some other great phones the Apples competitors.
Using a Sidekick for Real Estate? Think Again
October 13, 2009
T-Mobile and Microsoft suffered a serious blow over the last few days. The company announced that Sidekick users on T-Mobile service may incur data loss that can’t be recovered. Users have been warned to not turn the phone off or let the battery get to low otherwise it could result in permanent data loss. Lost data could include contacts, photos, emails, calendar entries and appointments. If that wasn’t bad enough, Sidekick users have been suffering from a major outage all last week as well.
The data loss is a result of a cacophony of errors including failed server backups by Microsoft. The Sidekick relied on cloud backups through the company Danger, which was acquired by Microsoft (cloud computing services allow devices to remotely store data elsewhere instead of on the device itself). T-Mobile is offering a credit of one month of service for the users effected and up to a $100 per user for data loss. Techcrunch has posted a copy of the letter sent to Sidekick users on their site.
Hand held email devices have gained popularity for real estate professionals over the last couple of years. In light of the problem at T-Mobile, having a redundant system for your email, contacts and other pertinent data is definitely a must. If you aren’t sure how your information is being stored, contact your provider. You’ll be glad you did.The Skulls III video
Twitter and Big Ideas
October 8, 2009
Tech giants Mircosoft and Google are trying to tap into the Twitter phenomenon. The companies are in talks about a possible data licensing deal. The two companies are trying to take advantage of the real time information Twitter has from the tweets of its 54 million users. The problem is there could be a conflict of interest on the part of Microsoft since it also has stake in Facebook. But why are companies like Google and Mircosoft after real time data? One answer is trends. With real time information, companies will be able to determines trends in music, pop culture, and of course technology. This will certainlyhelp product development. The ability to be able to communicate and understand consumers in real time is a coveted ability sought after by major companies. This will undoubtedly give Twitter more leverage in the new social media revolution.
A Clear Choice for Realtors
September 30, 2009
Technology has been rapidly advancing, especially in the real estate industry. Virtual tours a few years ago were the pinnacle of marketing in the industry. Now, high definition videos are rapidly becoming the standard. Consumers are also less patient than they were a few years ago. They want access to information immediately as well as instant access to their agent.
A relatively new company could be the Realtor’s new best friend. Clearwire is an up and comer in the high speed broadband market actively competing against cable providers. Granted many Realtors already have full access to their email via a Blackberry or similar device so why should Clearwire interest them?
Clearwire is the first company to offer true mobile high speed internet access in several major cities and the list is growing. The company is already located in several major markets like Las Vegas
and Atlanta with plans to expand into 16 major cities within a year. With their mobile device and a laptop, agents can access the MLS from virtually anywhere instead of having to stop at a “hot spot” and hope for a clear connection. Add a mobile printer and there is no reason why any agent will need to stop at the office again.
Some companies have offered similar services in the past, but the speeds were much slower and the cost higher. The company also offers some bundled deals that include a home service at a higher speed and regular telephone service.
Twitter and Facebook Use Voice Technology
September 28, 2009
Starting Thursday, Twitter users will be able to make direct voice calls to each other. The service will be provided by a third party company called Jajah, an Internet communications provider. To use the service, users will have to type in “@call@username to contact someone by voice. Facebook is also using voice communication technology courtesy of Vivox. The pros for this are obvious. This will make it even easier to communicate and network with other Twitter users. If someone sends out a tweet related to Real Estate. You can call this person directly to discuss there tweet. The downside is that users, more specifically telemarketers, will abuse this system. Just imagine being bombarded with voice calls from telemarketers right when opening Twitter. Pretty annoying! Companies will certainly use this loophole to get past the do not call list.This abuse will bring more rules and regulations that will only hurt the Twitter experience. Twitter and Facebook certainly have the right idea, only time will tell if this application will improve the social networking experience.Impact Pt II buy
Apparently, Twitter Makes You Dumber!
September 9, 2009
I came across an article yesterday from Cnet news that caught my attention. The article was about a study conducted by a psychologist from the University of Scotland. The study suggested that using Facebook enhances your intelligence while Twitter in lamens terms, makes you dumber. Her arguments are that Facebook increases your working memory since your trying to keep up with the ever increasing amount of friends one networks with. Twitter on the other hand, since it is a micro blog, reduces your attention span and working memory. To play devils advocate, I can see her point in contrasting both networks. Facebook does have a number of applications to use within its network, where as twitter is a very condensed platform considering it’s a micro blog. But to somehow suggest that using one network over the other will make you more or less intelligent is just flat out wrong. It’s how you use these networks that should measure one’s “intelligence.” If you can use Facebook and Twitter to market your business and make a substantial profit, then you’re a pretty smart person. If you just open a Facebook and Twitter account and expect business to come your way, then you need to smarten up. If the article in question proves anything, it shows how so many people still don’t understand social networking and how it has changed the world. Oh well, now I am going to send out a tweet and lose some brain cells in the process.
3D To a Listing Near You
September 3, 2009
3D is coming back, in a big way. Companies and software developers are figuring out ways to expand the use of 3d technology in areas of business and in life. There is a new software called Photosynth which lets you create 3d images with digital photos. Let’s say you want to take a photograph of an airplane. You would have to take several shots in different angles of the object you want to photograph, the airplane being the example. Once you’re done you upload your photos to www.photosynth.net
The Fountain movie . Once uploaded, the photos will be stitched together creating 3d images which will let you explore a particular space or object in all directions. This technology has huge potential in Real Estate. Image having all of your listings in 3d letting buyers view your listings from all different angles and perspectives. The advantage this technology has over say video tours is that the buyers can look at the property at there own pace rather then the pace of the person taking the video. Using images is essential in developing a web presence. Internet viewers love eye candy. 3d is just another way to satisfy there appetite. The big question is will 3d fade out again as it did in the past? Consider that Sony is creating plasma 3d flats screen and blue ray players including the PS3 late this year or next year. 3d video conferencing is also in development. With all this investment in 3d, it seems that it is here and here to stay. Now it is simply a matter of how to use it for your real estate business.
The NFL wants to control Tweets
August 24, 2009
It seems that Twitter is starting to get on the wrong side of the NFL. Commissioner Roger Goodell is considering new policies that regulate players tweets. There are a number of reasons why the NFL would want to do this. Perhaps they prefer players to state there opinions on NFL sponsored networks. Or maybe the NFL is nervous at what players can say outside the locker room. The NFL has dark secrets like any other organization that they would rather be kept from public scrutiny. The NFLs’decisions sets a disturbing precedent. If they impose these new policies, other corporations outside the NFL will propose similar policies to its employees. Will this threaten freedom of speech? It’s certainly a good start. The government is already monitoring social networks and users who log into government sites. The NFL doesn’t want to begin acting like the thought policy controlling what NFL players say and do. What they do on the field is one thing. What they do on there own time is there business, not the NFLs’. But the NFL’s attempt at controlling its’ players tweets is another example of how powerful social networking really is. This should be more of an incentive to implement social networking into your business. Instead of stifling tweets, the NFL should embrace it and use it to promote America’s most popular sport. You listening Roger Goodell!!Big Stan download
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