Learn from the man who wrote the book on Word of Mouth Marketing
May 21, 2008
No, seriously, he actually wrote a book called Word of Mouth Marketing.
Andy Sernovitz is another VAR Convention & Expo speaker that I’ve had the privilege of seeing live and in person. Like his book, Andy’s speech is chock full of practical tips and techniques that will help you turn your customers into a volunteer sales force.
I’m very excited to see him speak again. He’s the former CEO of the Word of Mouth Marketing Association, a prolific blogger, and — yes — he’s on Twitter. Andy’s matter-of-fact, down-to-earth speaking style will give everyone at the VAR Convention & Expo actionable ideas that they can start using immediately. You’ll walk out of Andy’s presentations and make a real difference in your business the very same day. Andy is all about word of mouth — and we guarantee that VAR members will be talking about this amazing session.
From Andy’s website, here are three free things you can read and use ahead of his Saturday morning keynote address at VAR’s Convention & Expo 2008. You might even want to subscribe to his newsletter.
Reel in referral contacts in no time flat with Speed Networking
May 7, 2008
Pump up Your Referral Network: Speed Networking: Saturday, September 27 at 4 p.m.
Here’s a news flash: REALTORS® aren’t exactly known for being introverts. Still, some of us on the VAR staff notice that attendees tend to flock together with other REALTORS® from their local associations, making it difficult for even the most gregarious agent or broker to actually meet new professionals from other parts of the state. And then there are the rare introverted agents who would benefit from a little bit of structured networking time. We have the solution and it’s called speed networking.
During this facilitated networking activity, we predict you’ll meet more people in the space of an hour than you would ordinarily meet all day long at a convention. Bring a thick stack of business cards and prepare to schmooze until you lose your breath. Having facilitated many speed learning events for other groups, I can assure you that one of the byproducts is becoming hoarse and tired from the constant talking. Not for the faint of breath.
You bring your elevator pitch, some interesting conversation, and business cards. Speed networking will do the rest.
Let go of the joystick: Marc Davison implores real estate brokers to spend more time with clients and agents
May 7, 2008
Out of the Cockpit and into the Cabin: Friday, September 26 at 1:30 p.m.
Tray tables up! Seat backs in the upright and locked position! At a recent convention, I had the good fortune of attending this very session by Marc Davison, altered slightly for a slightly different audience. I had the doubly good fortune of sharing a noon-hour breakfast with Davison after his presentation. Having read his blog for several months, I enjoyed soaking up his knowledge and getting to know the man behind blog.
I’ve described Marc Davison as the Malcolm Gladwell of real estate marketing. And it’s not just the hair: Davison and Gladwell share a profound understanding of how culture and society are changing, and how business is trying to keep up. As a consultant for Inman News, an entrepreneur, and a former professional musician, Davison has extensive experience in marketing, innovation, product development and branding. He is certain to challenge your thinking about client service, professional image, and innovating the real estate business.
In this session, Davison will encourage brokers to build their bottom line by spending more time and energy focusing on the front line of their business. Brokers who are removed from those who are up to their elbows in the real estate transaction will be increasingly out of touch as the market evolves, but being close to agents and their clients will open eyes to the changing realities in real estate, he says. Davison will equip brokers with strategies they can use immediately to turn the tide of their own obsolescence.
Having seen it with my own eyes, I can personally recommend this session.
So many reasons to love Baltimore
May 6, 2008
I’m a dyed in the wool Virginian, proud to be a citizen of the Commonwealth, and always feel a bit resentful any time I cross the Potomac River. But I have a fond place in my heart for Baltimore. Let me count the ways:
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
The first throwback stadium, and 15 years later, still the best. I was fortunate enough to see the All-Star game in this facility when it first opened back in 1993. I love how you can walk down Eutaw Street and see the silver discs on the street where some of the longest home runs hit at the park have made their landings. The brick warehouses and views of downtown from all over the park are spectacular.
The Inner Harbor
Just blocks away from Camden Yards is this national treasure of public spaces. The panoramic vista of the skyline from Federal Hill is breathtaking and a wonderful place to jog. There are street performances almost every night of the week, and the number and quality of restaurants and shops in this area is tough to beat.
Power Plant Live!
Offering many outdoor concerts, this little corner of the Inner Harbor is home to the Hard Rock Café and ESPN Zone, perfect for those of us who have never fully grown up.
National Aquarium
I can remember visiting as a child and just being awe-struck. I think my favorite part was holding sea anemones and horseshoe crabs in the hands-on interactive exhibit.
Fells Point
This historic district, filled with cobblestone streets and 1800’s homes, is the perfect place to grab dinner in a little café, grab a late night cup of coffee or just go people-watching.
Do you have any must-see attractions? Please share!
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Experience Baltimore
