Video Interviews from the International Builders’ Show – Round 3
Last but certainly not least, here is the final round of videos from the International Builders’ Show. If you want to check out all the interviews from IBS, they are here on YouTube.
One of the highlights of the show for me was meeting John Fanning, the Co-Founder of Napster. (if you aren’t familiar with Napster, it is the service that basically turned the entire music industry upside down) He attended the Extreme E-Marketing presentation on Thursday and we spent a few minutes throwing around some video communication ideas.
Want some great marketing ideas from the best in Australia? Darren Mehl is the marketing manager for Metricon, Australia’s largest homebuilder. I spent half of my final day hanging out with him and the executive team soaking up as much as I could. Darren is extremely sharp and an all-in-all cool guy (its not just the accent).
Good thing I had my iPhone ready when I bumped into Extreme Makeover Home Edition, in the cab line. He shared some great stuff plus said some nice words about Simmons Homes. As I write this, I am working with Simmons on their third Extreme Makeover. (watch out, volume is high on this one)
I caught Jason Forrest from Shore Forrest in the hall after an event. I wanted him to talk about his new book, the 40 Day Sales Dare. I love the concept plus the interactive blogging from those who are on the dare.
Video Interviews from the International Builders’ Show
One of the best things about the International Builders’ Show is the opportunity to meet and learn from the best in the country. Below are a few videos from day 2 of the show.
I can’t say enough about Myers Barnes. He has inspired me on so many levels and is a force to be reckoned with in the homebuilding industry. He is one of the best New Home Sales Trainers in the country.
Myers talks about the current state of the market and what can be done from here to move in the right direction. If you watch only one interview, watch this one.
I had the chance to hang out with the group from LGI Homes based out of Texas. LGI Homes has been recognized as one of the top 200 builders in the United States and the only builder to increase closings and revenue over the last 3 years. Eric Lipar is the CEO and shares some successes from last year and aggressive (but from everything I have seen – attainable) goals for the future.
I grabbed Tom Nelson after his presentation with Myers Barnes. Tom is the founder of NDG Communications and had some powerful points for creating focused content for your marketing programs and how to make it work. (As a bonus, he tells you how to get your whole vacation to Vegas paid for)
Are you looking for a great system to mange your internet leads and prospects? You need to take a look at Lasso Data Systems. I was able to catch the CEO, Dave Clements, and ask him about the new QuickStart product starting at $39 per month and the great features of this system.
What are some takeaways from the show? Don’t be shy, chime in and leave a comment below.
Video Wrap Up from the International Builders’ Show
What a tremendous time in Vegas. The International Builders’ Show was a huge success with a new and refreshing energy in the air. I wanted to post a quick video with a few takeaways from the show.
Stay tuned over the next week as I upload a lot of great video interviews shot with some really cool people you should get to know. I tried posting from the show but 3G wireless just couldn’t keep up with the Flip HD. (here are some from the first day)
If you were there, please be sure to leave your comments below, maybe something you are going to implement that you learned from the show.
Off to Orlando next year (we will miss you Vegas!)
Realtor.com Launches Real Estate Search iPhone App
Realtor.com has hit a home run! A little late to the game but they finally released their iPhone app – and survey say… it’s actually good!
Until now, I had been using Zillow’s app as my location based search tool. Drive by a house, pop it up and see what the home was listed for. Problem was, not every home was on Zillow. (Of course, the opposite could be true about FSBO on Zillow and not Realtor.com…) At least I could get data without calling.
Now, Realtor.com released a slick app that works great. Check out the video below and the quick hits from their site. Download it and play around. Good stuff.
As Joel points out on his post, now is more important than ever to make sure your sites are optimized for mobile. I couldn’t agree more.
Here are some of the specs from the Realtor.com website (I have added my thoughts in parenthesis) :
Not only can you instantly access over 4 million homes for sale with the touch of a button (that’s huge), whether you are driving or walking through a neighborhood, you can also see:
- Homes for sale nearby your current location with your GPS enabled iPhone (bam! huge…finally…)
- Open house times, dates and locations (they still do open houses?)
- Homes for sale on a map, even the neighborhood you’re standing in, instantly (yeah buddy!)
- Multiple photos, property details and pricing on nearly any home for sale (Realtors you better add more photos, please for the love…)
- More homes for sale than any other real estate site in America (true, for now at least)
- Information you can trust – because it’s the official listing site of the National Association of REALTORS® (Well, if you say it’s official. really…I trust everything that’s on the interwebs)
The 2010 International Builders’ Show
I am looking forward to another great International Builders’ Show in Vegas this year.
I am honored to be presenting in two "guaranteed to blow your mind" sessions. Are you attending? Be sure to drop a note in the comments section below.
90-Plus Ways To Capture Homebuyers Online and Then Close the Deal >>
Date: Thursday, January 21
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: South 221
Description: There’s no question that most buyers turn to the Internet to search for a new home. Increasingly, consumers eliminate builders from consideration based on little more than the builder’s ranking in an initial Google search, the look of their website or the builder’s follow-up on Web-based leads. In short, many consumers are choosing their home builder based as much on the builders’ Internet savvy and presence as on their product. This session will give builders proven strategies for maximizing their online presence – and tools for winning online.
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn how radically the home buying process has changed
- Capitalize on new home buyer expectations and extend your online reach to capture more buyers
- Maximize your Internet follow-up and manage your leads for more sales
- Engage prospects with social media
- Write Web copy that makes a difference
- Unlock the secrets of being found online, including keywords
- Differentiate your online presence and follow-up from the competition
Speakers: Brian Flook, Mike Lyon, Andy Brown
Extreme eMarketing – Take Your Internet Program from Good to Great >>
Date: Thursday, January 21
Time: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: South 221
Description: So you have a Web site … now what? Join us for a high-energy, content-rich Internet marketing and sales master’s class. Fill in the missing pieces of your Web program with a comprehensive strategy. Learn how to use your Web site to drive traffic, manage social media to generate awareness and use eLead follow-up to close the sale. Warning: For serious remarketers only! Get your pens ready to write as we give away powerful secrets sure to sell more homes and add revenue to your bottom line!
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn the elements of a complete Web marketing strategy – and why you need one to remain competitive
- Pick up proven techniques for planning, budgeting and implementing your strategy
- Get insights into the role of social media in your Web strategy, as well as tips and techniques in eLead follow-up and conversion
- Acquire better ways to evaluate your strategy and make modifications on the fly
- Learn which elements you can do in-house and which you should outsource
Speakers: Carol Flammer, Mike Lyon, Meredith Oliver
