Virtual Views - The View From Here : November 2009

Effective Link Building on Bing

Effective link building on BingYes, Google is the dominant force in search engines at the moment.  But that doesn't mean you should ignore Yahoo and Bing altogether in your link building efforts.  While Yahoo's share of searches is declining, Bing's is continually on the rise.  And, if Microsoft's deal with Yahoo goes through, Bing will pretty much take over Yahoo anyway.  Here are some tips to create effective link building on Bing:

  1. Branding - Create your brand and market it everywhere: website, blog, forums, social media, etc.
  2. Network - Seek out "professionals" in your field, industry experts, bloggers, etc., and build a rapport with them so they are well aware of who you and your brand are.  That can go a long way in upping your "expert" quotient with search engines.
  3. Press Releases - Don't underestimate the power of a press release.  Places like prlog.org allow you to create and distribute a press release for free to places like Google News and creates an RSS feed for distribution.
  4. Article Submissions - Creating and submitting articles about your areas of expertise to article directories, like ezinearticles.com, both increases your online presence and makes you appear to be an expert; two things search engines value most.
  5. Interact on Blogs and Forums - Blog posts and forum discussions are great ways to interact with other professionals and possible clients as well as give advice and show your "smarts".
  6. Social Networking - I can't stress this enough!  Facebook, LinkedIn, Plaxo, Twitter, Trulia, Zillow, etc.  You can create a link back to your site in your profile on all of these places.  Make sure you connect with "experts" in your field on all of these sites.
  7. Newsletters - Create an email newsletter to let your contacts know about new and important information.  Use your sphere of influence to create a larger internet presence.

When considering your search engine optimization, concentrating only on Google may not be as effective as you want.  Don't forget to use effective link building on Bing as well.  It's definitely an "up and comer".  Remember: If you need help with any of this, your real estate virtual assistant can help!

Pamela Cendejas, Real Estate Virtual Assistant - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!

How To Increase Your Traffic from Twitter

Follow Second Self on TwitterBy now, I'm sure you've heard all about Twitter.  Even Oprah has hopped on the Twitter bandwagon and tweets regularly.  Thousands upon thousands of businesses have found major benefits in Twitter as well.  Here are a few simple and easy ways to increase your traffic from Twitter:

1. Include a link to your Twitter account on your blogs, website or any other internet materials you use.  There are several online resources that provide cute, free Twitter buttons to use for this.

2. Don't use up ALL 140 characters in a tweet.  You need to leave a few spaces for people to retweet your tweet if they find it retweetable.  A good rule of thumb is to leave enough additional space to accommodate your username plus 5 spaces.  Otherwise, someone who retweets your tweet will have to modify your original tweet to make it fit.

3. Make sure your Twitter presence is visible throughout your website.  Don't just set it in one place and forget it.  Adding it to your nav bar will make it eye-catching no matter what page a web visitor is on.

4. Add your Twitter username and web address to all marketing materials: business cards, signatures on emails and blogs, etc.

5. Use your own content for Tweets.  Simply retweeting will not get people to notice you.  You have something to say, so say it.

6. Tweet, tweet and tweet some more.  Actively engage with others on Twitter.  Just setting up a Twitter account is not enough.  You need to tweet with others to get a nice network going.

The bottom line is that you just can't pass up an opportunity to promote yourself.  And Twitter is a great way to do that.  By implementing these simple tips, you should see an increase in your traffic from Twitter in no time. 

Pamela Cendejas, Real Estate Virtual Assistant - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!

FREE MARTHA STEWART COOKBOOK!

My Active Rain buddy, Debra Walsh, posted this on my Bon Appetit group.  If you're looking for some great Thanksgiving recipes, downloard this FREE 56 page cookbook.  Thank you, Debra.

Via Debra Walsh Orange Cty NY Real Estate 845.355.8439 (Minisink Valley Homes Slate Hill, NY - Realtor):

If you are looking for some new Thanksgiving recipes then click here to download Martha Stewart's FREE Thanksgiving Cookbook.  I have downloaded it myself and it is a 56 page color cookbook with a table of contents.  There are five chapters from Soups & Starters to Desserts and Wine & Entertaining.   Enjoy!

                     turkey, meal, thanksgiving, cooking

 

 

If you are thinking of buying or selling in the Sullivan or Orange County, NY area we would be happy to assist you!  Please contact me or visit our website for more information. 

SEARCH HOMES IN ORANGE COUNTY, NY

         GRI, ABR, CHMS, RECS, REM

 
 Minisink Valley Homes                   Office 845-355-8439
 

debbiewalsh@minisinkvalleyhomes.com 

   http://debbieminisinkvalleyhomes.org.mlxchange.com

 

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subscribe

Sarah Palin - Inside Scoop On Book Tour In Indiana

Sarah Palin - Inside Scoop On Book Tour In Indiana

Listen to Tia Nielsen, independent writer and reporter, talk about plans for interviewing Sarah Palin on Thursday in Indianapolis on BlogTalkRadio Cosmic Cow Pie.
 
Tune into the show or call in 347-994-1903 The chat room will also be open to ask any questions. You can access the chat room by clicking here.

If you have some specific questions you would like Tia to ask Sarah Palin just leave them in comments belowand we will talk about them on blogtalkradio, Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. MDT.

In a recent article in The LA Times the locations and details of Palin's tour was disclosed and Tia Nielsen has seized the moment to interview Sarah Palin in Indiana.

11/18: Grand Rapids, Mich. - Barnes & Noble, Woodland Mall, Kentwood, 7 p.m.

11/19: Fort Wayne, Ind. - Meijer

11/19: Noblesville, Ind. - Borders, 7 p.m.

11/20: Cincinnati - Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Norwood, noon

11/20: Columbus, Ohio - TBA

Tia has recently been described as "one of the most connected people around" by a Warner Brothers producer at the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis. Currently, sheis in pre production work with filmmaker Johan Bosfor his next documentary for PBS. Tia is connected where it counts. 

Tia Nielsen is known for her honesty and authenticity in her communications with her connections. We will be discussing how she is using social media in her work and how things are changing as the medium evolves.

Check out a few of the over 150 articles Tia has written: "Indy's Child Tony Dungy--Faith, family, and football," "Katie Douglas carries on--WNBA star faces emotional game," "And the winner is..." -  filmaker award; LA actor from Indy is now CEO of nonprofit. (He's 21!)

Tia not only has experience as an author, but also as an editor. She has worked on doctoral thesis projects, topic-based publications for the City of Beech Grove, Indiana; a book by James & Ginger Hout; and is currently working on a book by Juana Watson (The Santa Claus Girl).

Tia also has experience in marketing and sales with a variety of companies all over Indianapolis.

Tia racing

Racing is something that Tia Nielsen is

passionate about.  Living in Indianapolis,

 Indiana she said Indianapolis Motor

Speedway is celebrating 100 years of

motor cycle racing and 98 years of auto

 racing.  Tia participated in pre-race

 activities in the VIP rooms and this is a

picture of her in an Indy 500 simulator,

 

she shared with me that minutes after the picture was taken,  she was chagrined she crashed into the wall at a mere 140 miles per hour! 

Nielsen marvels at her chance to bring the stories and causes of others to life that often instigates action from the public. 

As a side note, T.I.A. stands for Transforming Ideas into Action which is what Tia Nielsen does. 

Connect with Tia!

Facebook   LinkedIn   Twitter


T.I.A.connects, a division
of Nielsen Burke Media
Call Tia: 317.882.3198
Email Tia: tia@tiaconnects.com

Tune in on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 9:00 a.m MDTto talk to Tia Nielsen and discuss some questions to ask Sarah Palin when wheis at Borders book store in Noblesville, Ind. 

Carra Signature Large

 

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Cosmic Cow Pie

Carra Riley

7 commentsCarra Riley CRB, CRS, GRI • November 13 2009 03:06PM

How YouTube Can Promote You AND Your Business

Have you ever thought about how YouTube can promote you as well as your business?  It's really quite easy and the YouTube account is free.  With millions of people accessing and sharing videos via YouTube every month, you would be crazy not to consider using YouTube for promotional purposes.  Here are only a few of the ways you can use YouTube to promote you and your business:

1. Personal Virtual Tours - While a "professional" virtual tour is really not much more than a bunch of still photos put together and set to music, you can be your own virtual tour director by doing your own walkthrough of a listing, providing your own narration and pointing out the most interesting features of the property.  You can make the video as long as you want.  But, try to keep it under 10 minutes for the best impact.

2. Promotional Videos - If you have hired a "professional" to create a promotional video of you, your business or your community or you create one yourself, YouTube allows you to upload it to your account, where it will provide an embed code for you to use this video on your blog or website.

3. Company-Sponsored Events - Is your company sponsoring a local event?  You can create a video to promote the event before it happens and also use footage from the event to show website visitors or blog readers what your company is involved with.

4. Testimonials - When you have helped another family purchase their dream home, whip out that camera and make a video testimonial of the happy homeowners in front of their new home discussing how they feel about using your services.

Using video is a great way to capture the attention of your website or blog visitor, keeping them on your site longer to encourage them to check other parts of your site or blog out.  You can also promote your video on several directories to get even more exposure.  There are countless ways you can use YouTube to promote you and your business.  You are only limited by your imagination.  If you have any questions, please contact me.  I'm happy to help.

Pamela Cendejas, Real Estate Virtual Assistant - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!

A Gal's Gotta Eat - Suggestion for Moving Guide

Many real estate agents provide their buyers with a Moving Guide. Sometimes they purchase the guide, Moving Moving GuideDaysometimes they write it themselves and sometimes they have an assistant put it together for them.

The Moving Guide usually contains basically the same thing:

  • List of what to do a month, week and day before the move
  • Printable labels for moving boxes
  • Important phone numbers
  • Map of the area
  • Tips for Packing
  • Tips for moving with children and pets
  • Change of Address postcards
  • Return address labels with new address

The list can be as long or short as the real estate agent's mind will make it. I have yet to see, however, a list that contains meal planning when moving. I have to admit, it's really not something that I ever thought of until I moved.

My move was made over a period of a week. So, the ever-popular pizza, burgers, tacos and other take-out got really old, really quick. I also found that I didn't always want to take time away from packing and moving in order to eat. One day, I only ate raisins. I don't recommend it.  The result was not pretty.

So, I thought of a great idea for adding to your Moving Guide - Moving Day Meals. You can create a list of easy-to-make recipes that can be frozen and then popped into the microwave. Offer suggestions such as keeping cold cuts, cheese, bread and condiments handy for quick sandwiches. Don't forget the snacks!

One of the most welcomed items in your Moving Day Meals packet would be a gift card to a local casual eatery. And, since I've recently experienced the stress of moving, I would suggest that the gift card be to a place that serves alcohol - lots and lots of alcohol.

Your buyers will thank you!

This is Why Some Animals Eat Their Young

I get emails all the time with jokes and the inevitable, "Pass this on to ten people immediately or your dog will get warts" or some equally stupid message.  I don't expect you to pass this on (unless you just can't help yourself), just enjoy a giggle.

 

I was having trouble with my computer. So, I called Richard, the 11-year-old next door whose bedroom looks like Super Computer BoyMission Control and asked him to come over.

Richard clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem. As he was walking away, I called after him and asked, "So, what was wrong?".

He replied, "It was an ID ten T error." I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, "An ID ten T error? What's that? In case I need to fix it again."

Richard grinned, "Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?" "No", I replied. "Write it down", he said, "and I think you'll figure it out."

So I wrote down, ID10T.

I used to like the little guy.

What Every Buyer Should Discuss Before Selecting an Agent to Purchase a Home

Carra Riley has written yet another insightful, information-packed blog that I think everyone can benefit by.

Thank you, Carra, for being so generous with your knowledge.

~Pamela

Via Carra Riley CRB, CRS, GRI (Carra Riley Inc.- Real Estate Consultant, Author, Speaker ):

There are four simple reasons the time is right to buy a home NOW!

1.  The inventory to select from is high.

2.  The interest rates are very affordable.

3.  New legislation created a STIMULUS package to encourage home sales.

4. The buyers market could soon be turning into a sellers market. 

 

                                 Purple design

On November 6, 2009 the President signed an extension for the first-time home buyer credit of $8,000. The legislation also INCLUDED a move up buyers credit for a $6,500.  With basic principles of supply and demand incorporating the stimulus package, the real estate market should get ready to rock again! Today's buyer is going to receive financial advantages to BUY NOW.

The extension and new credit apply to home purchases occurring between November 6, 2009 and April 30, 2010. Purchases signed by the April 30 deadline have until July 1, 2010 to close. Military personnel serving abroad have an extra year, with the tax credit set to expire June 30, 2011.

IT MAKES SENSE TO BUY REAL ESTATE NOW!  

If you are a buyer, looking to connect with a professional Real Estate agent to help you find your dream home, there are a few questions you should ask before deciding who you want to work with.

You should interview an agent you select to work with just like you would if you were hiring an employee to work for you in business. 

Knowledge IS power.  As a buyer, you make any sale work.  The loan or cash you bring to the transaction enables the closing to take place. Nothing happens in real estate without a buyer.  Working with the right agent is of utmost importance to represent you in the transaction.  My suggestion is to talk to at least three agents to compare and find the one who fits and relates to you and your needs. 

Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases most people make in their lives, so connecting with the right individual who you want to make your Real Estate agent for life is very important. 

The Real Estate agent you select to work with could possibly be a friend an confidant for a very long time.  Selecting the agent with the same care you would pick an attorney or account will make your home buying journey much easier.   

Start your agent selection process on the Internet. puzzle

Read Real Estate blogs.  See what the agent is talking about and how they present themselves as a professional.  See if they know about the area you are interested in and how much information they are sharing with the public. Determine if the person you want to interview looks like an authority in real estate.

Google the Real Estate agents name.  See what cyberspace says about the possible candidate. READ all the information. 

Check websites.  Look for references and testimonials to select the three candidates you want to interview.  Do they have an interactive website site to start looking for homes or a place where you can get free information about the home sale process. 

Once you have selected several agents to interview discuss the home sale process and how you fit into the transaction along with how they will work with you and communicate. Below are 12 points to start with.

Each state may have different variations on regulations with reference to disclosure of agency and who a real estate agent works for. Each agent will discuss specific answers to questions based on State Law.

1.  Discuss agency in your state.  
Ask the agent to explain buyer agency and seller agency so you understand who works for you and  how the representation process works.  

    a.  Do you sign a buyer agency contract? 

    b.  How long is the contract?

    c.  Can the contract be terminated and what are the details.  

    d.  Get a copy and go over ALL of it till you understand what it means.    

2.  Discuss Loan Pre-approval process.

As a buyer you should be pre-approved BEFORE you go out to look for a home.  You should not get in the car to even look for a home until you know what you can qualify for. It would be a waste of everyone's time to contract or start looking for a home if you are not pre-qualified to purchase.


3. Discuss property requirement, information.

Make a list of what the home MUST have for you to buy and a list of what the extras you LIKE to have.  Be realistic in your wants.  Describe what the bare minimum you would settle for includes. 

    a.  Location:   are schools important?  Is public transportation part of the decision? Proximity to family? 

    b.  Condition:   will you take something that needs work?  Can you replace carpet or paint?                                    Do you need something ready to move in?

    c.  Terms:  Do you need some seller financing or are you pre-qualified for a traditional loan?

    d.  Home Specifics:  bedrooms, bathrooms, lot size, garage size, zoning, basement, construction, style

4.  Discuss the sale timing.

Do you need to wait for a lease to expire, school to get out or any event which plays a part in your ability to close prior to July 1, 2010. This applies to buyers looking for the current tax credit.

5. Discuss the showing process.

When will you go look at property.  How many homes will you look at a time.  How will the homes be presented to you before you go to look? Who will show you the homes.

6. Discuss the offer price determination process.

How will the value of the home you selected be evaluated.  Will you get a market analysis of the home and information on what is going on in the area?
    

7. Discuss the process for the offer to purchase.

What are the steps involved in writing an offer.  How much earnest money is needed?  When will it be deposited?  When is an inspection preformed and where do I find an inspector.  How long does it take for an answer to the offer? 

8. Discuss potential property deficiencies. 

How does the resolution process take place after an inspection?

9.  Discuss the loan processing and appraisal.

After the contract is accepted and the inspection completed what happens and how active is the agent going to be in the process during that time frame. 

10. Discuss Insurance and utilities.

How do you select an insurance agent is there a report on the property to aid in obtaining the insurance.  What utility changes have to be completed prior to a closing.

11.  Discuss the closing process.

Will closing documents be provided for review a minimum of 3 to 5 days prior to close of escrow.  Can the buyer discuss closing questions with the Buyer's agent, accountant and/or attorney?

12. Discuss the day of closing and possession.

Is there a final walk through prior to closing.  How long will the seller have to get out of the home? When will the buyer get the keys?  How does the title actually transfer?

The agents you interview may have much more specific lists for you to review about the buying process.  Some agents will have a professionally prepared presentation on why you should select them and their company to represent you on the purchase of your new home. 

Remember, buying a home might be the biggest investment of your life.  Take  the decision seriously, select someone you feel comfortable with on a communication level.  Do not pick someone who makes you feel uneasy.  Do your Internet homework.  The transaction cannot take place without you, the buyer!

Select a Real Estate Agent for life.  Someone you can trust and create a lasting friendship and working relationship with who you can refer your friends to in the future. Your new Real Estate professional will be there for you when it is time to move again so pick the right one and make the next selling job, easy!  

You will know the right agent when you meet them.  You will connect and it will just feel good! Real Estate agent and contract

The time is right to buy now! 

Start your search and celebrate the American dream of home ownership!

How To Select a Real Estate Agent to Purchase a Home

There are four simple reasons the time is right to buy a home NOW!

1.  The inventory to select from is high.

2.  The interest rates are very affordable.

3.  New legislation created a STIMULUS package to encourage home sales.

4. The buyers market could soon be turning into a sellers market. 

 

                                 Purple design

On November 6, 2009 the President signed an extension for the first-time home buyer credit of $8,000. The legislation also INCLUDED a move up buyers credit for a $6,500.  With basic principles of supply and demand incorporating the stimulus package, the real estate market should get ready to rock again! Today's buyer is going to receive financial advantages to BUY NOW.

The extension and new credit apply to home purchases occurring between November 6, 2009 and April 30, 2010. Purchases signed by the April 30 deadline have until July 1, 2010 to close. Military personnel serving abroad have an extra year, with the tax credit set to expire June 30, 2011.

IT MAKES SENSE TO BUY REAL ESTATE NOW!  

If you are a buyer, looking to connect with a professional Real Estate agent to help you find your dream home, there are a few questions you should ask before deciding who you want to work with.

You should interview an agent you select to work with just like you would if you were hiring an employee to work for you in business. 

Knowledge IS power.  As a buyer, you make any sale work.  The loan or cash you bring to the transaction enables the closing to take place. Nothing happens in real estate without a buyer.  Working with the right agent is of utmost importance to represent you in the transaction.  My suggestion is to talk to at least three agents to compare and find the one who fits and relates to you and your needs. 

Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases most people make in their lives, so connecting with the right individual who you want to make your Real Estate agent for life is very important. 

The Real Estate agent you select to work with could possibly be a friend and confidant for a very long time.  Selecting the agent with the same care you would pick an attorney or account will make your home buying journey much easier.   

Start your agent selection process on the Internet. puzzle

Read Real Estate blogs.  See what the agent is talking about and how they present themselves as a professional.  See if they know about the area you are interested in and how much information they are sharing with the public. Determine if the person you want to interview looks like an authority in real estate.

Google the Real Estate agents name.  See what cyberspace says about the possible candidate. READ all the information. 

Check websites.  Look for references and testimonials to select the three candidates you want to interview.  Do they have an interactive website site to start looking for homes or a place where you can get free information about the home sale process. 

Once you have selected several agents to interview discuss the home sale process and how you fit into the transaction along with how they will work with you and communicate. Below are 12 points to start with.

Each state may have different variations on regulations with reference to disclosure of agency and who a real estate agent works for. Each agent will discuss specific answers to questions based on State Law.

1.  Discuss agency in your state.  
Ask the agent to explain buyer agency and seller agency so you understand who works for you and  how the representation process works.  

    a.  Do you sign a buyer agency contract? 

    b.  How long is the contract?

    c.  Can the contract be terminated and what are the details.  

    d.  Get a copy and go over ALL of it untill you understand what it means.    

2.  Discuss Loan Pre-approval process.

As a buyer you should be pre-approved BEFORE you go out to look for a home.  You should not get in the car to even look for a home until you know what you can qualify for. It would be a waste of everyone's time to contract or start looking for a home if you are not pre-qualified to purchase.


3. Discuss property requirement, information.

Make a list of what the home MUST have for you to buy and a list of what the extras you LIKE to have.  Be realistic in your wants.  Describe what the bare minimum you would settle for includes. 

    a.  Location:   Are schools important?  Is public transportation part of the decision? Proximity to family? 

    b.  Condition:   Will you take something that needs work?  Can you replace carpet or paint?                                    Do you need something ready to move in?

    c.  Terms:  Do you need some seller financing or are you pre-qualified for a traditional loan?

    d.  Home Specifics:  Bedrooms, bathrooms, lot size, garage size, zoning, basement, construction, style

4.  Discuss the sale timing.

Do you need to wait for a lease to expire, school to get out or any event which plays a part in your ability to close prior to July 1, 2010. This applies to buyers looking for the current tax credit.

5. Discuss the showing process.

When will you go look at property.  How many homes will you look at a time.  How will the homes be presented to you before you go to look? Who will show you the homes.

6. Discuss the offer price determination process.

How will the value of the home you selected be evaluated.  Will you get a market analysis of the home and information on what is going on in the area?
    

7. Discuss the process for the offer to purchase.

What are the steps involved in writing an offer.  How much earnest money is needed?  When will it be deposited?  When is an inspection preformed and where do I find an inspector.  How long does it take for an answer to the offer? 

8. Discuss potential property deficiencies. 

How does the resolution process take place after an inspection?

9.  Discuss the loan processing and appraisal.

After the contract is accepted and the inspection completed what happens and how active is the agent going to be in the process during that time frame. 

10. Discuss Insurance and utilities.

How do you select an insurance agent is there a report on the property to aid in obtaining the insurance.  What utility changes have to be completed prior to a closing.

11.  Discuss the closing process.

Will closing documents be provided for review a minimum of 3 to 5 days prior to close of escrow.  Can the buyer discuss closing questions with the Buyer's agent, accountant and/or attorney?

12. Discuss the day of closing and possession.

Is there a final walk through prior to closing.  How long will the seller have to get out of the home? When will the buyer get the keys?  How does the title actually transfer?

The agents you interview may have much more specific lists for you to review about the buying process.  Some agents will have a professionally prepared presentation on why you should select them and their company to represent you on the purchase of your new home. 

Remember, buying a home might be the biggest investment of your life.  Take  the decision seriously, select someone you feel comfortable with on a communication level.  Do not pick someone who makes you feel uneasy.  Do your Internet homework.  The transaction cannot take place without you, the buyer!

Select a Real Estate Agent for life.  Someone you can trust and create a lasting friendship and working relationship with who you can refer your friends to in the future. Your new Real Estate professional will be there for you when it is time to move again so pick the right one and make the next selling job, easy!  

You will know the right agent when you meet them.  You will connect and it will just feel good! Real Estate agent and contract

The time is right to buy now! 

Start your search and celebrate the American dream of home ownership!

Carra Signature Large

 

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Cosmic Cow Pie

Carra Riley

55 commentsCarra Riley CRB, CRS, GRI • November 08 2009 04:35AM

Web-Based Tools Drive Business Growth

Online marketing is key to business growth in today's marketStudies have found that web-based tools drive business growth.  Even through the economic turmoil lately, small businesses are starting to see a turnaround and looking forward to a stronger period of growth in 2010.  Traditional marketing methods are still commonplace.  But, businesspeople who are expecting to grow their business in the next year are focusing more of their attention to online marketing.  What are the best web-based tools to use?  Email marketing, social media/networking and search engine marketing. 

  1. Email Marketing - This includes newsletters, ezines and contact management.  It is important to use email to try to tap those potential clients.  But, it's equally important not to lose sight of those past clients who have brought you to the point you are today.  Contact management is key for this.  Providing up-to-the-minute information about the local real estate market through newsletters and ezines gives past, present and future clients a glimpse of your knowledge and experience.
  2. Social Media/Networking - Gone are the days where the only people you meet and interact with are the people in your local community.  Social media has redefined "networking" on a global scale.  Networking with others on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Plaxo, etc. allows you to reach out with other colleagues as well as current and potential clients.  This is especially important when you consider that the three major search engines (Yahoo!, Google and Bing) have determined that social media is so important, they need to crawl Twitter to keep up-to-date on the latest news.  Social media is not a fad...it's here to stay.
  3. Search Engine Marketing - With more and more buyers turning to the internet to find their next home, you want your website to be the one they see.  Marketing your site to the search engines will help you rise in the searches for your relevant keywords and help drive traffic to your site and you.

In today's economic climate, it's important to use web-based tools to drive your business growth.  If you need help with your email, search engine or social media marketing, please contact me today.  We make it our business to make your business shine.

Pamela Cendejas, Real Estate Virtual Assistant - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!