All Day Internet & Social Media Workshop: Home Builders Association of Northern California
I am excited to be presenting a Internet Marketing & Social Media Full Day Workshop at the Home Builders Association of Northern California on March 25th. We would love to have you join us!
Morning Session
Social Media Success: Creating Powerful Communities Online TO Boost Traffic and Sales
Date: Thursday, March 25
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: HBANC Conference Room
101 Ygnacio Valley Road, 4th Floor Conference Room
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Description:
Are you searching for answers on how to use social media such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn to increase sales? It can seem overwhelming, but have no fear—we can get through this together!
Take control of your own digital network, and use these tools to reach out to more people, connect with more Realtors, and engage current and past customers—without spending any more of your marketing dollars.
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn how to touch your sphere of influence through Social Media
- Discover ways to quickly implement Social Media into your business plan
- Maximize your impact by interacting on sites such as twitter and facebook
- Engage and grow your online community
- Utilize free tools and tricks to increase your business without busting the marketing budget
Afternoon Session
Converting Browsers to Buyers: Proven Strategies for Selling Homes Online
Date: Thursday, March 25
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: HBANC Conference Room
101 Ygnacio Valley Road, 4th Floor Conference Room
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Description:
We all know buyers are starting their search on the web and know of our communities before ever walking in the door. Whether you have a commanding internet presence or you are stuck in the digital dark ages, this intensive half day seminar, Browsers to Buyers, will deliver the proven methods necessary to develop and dramatically improve your online new home sales. This essential hands-on workshop provides an easy-to-follow roadmap leading to a successful Online Sales Program that will help you attract and capture more qualified buyers and explode your sales goals.
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn about the online sales process
- Discover ways to engage leads quickly and effectively online
- Maximize your lead capture rate by setting appointments from your website
- Attract and capture qualified traffic
- Implement a plan to meet and beat your sales goals
(video) Epcon Communites Goes Tech at National Sales Conference
I’ve recently discovered, after presenting at Epcon Communities’ national sales summit, that Epcon agents are people who take action!
During the summit, I had the pleasure of sharing concepts with their sales team and builder partners on how to create digital communities. We talked about integrating new technology into the sales process.
After my discussion on incorporating video into the sales presentation about 12 sales executives didn’t just take notes, they took action. They went to Target and bought Flip Mino cameras (rumor has it security almost kicked them out for trying to negotiate a group discount)
You know me, I never go anywhere without my own Flip. While I was there I shot a few clips myself with some amazing individuals!
In the first interview, I talk with Phil Fankhauser the CEO of Epcon and the best-dressed man in the industry. He shared some great concepts the night before. Here is my favorite quote, “If the market is 17% off, doesn’t that mean we are 83% on?”
Next up is Nanette Overly, the VP of Sales and a dynamic individual discussing action steps for 2010.
And finally, Ed Barber, Sales Executive of the year for Epcon talks about how he is going to use video email to blow up his business in 2010. (plus he talks about his dog, Teddy Bear)
Is Social Networking a Waste of My Time?
“How in the world am I supposed to keep up with all of the Social Media stuff, I don’t have enough time as it is?” I hear this question just about every time I present on the subject.
I just finished a great webinar with sales agents about social networking and building communities while building a powerful personal brand. Sure enough, during the Q.A. portion, someone asked it again.
I think it is an extremely valid question. The last thing you would want social networking to be is a time sucker, especially if it replaces critical business development opportunities. My standard answer is don’t spend more than 45 minutes a day of your “business” time.
Let’s face it, I have yet to see someone be 100% efficient from 8-5 every single day. So take some of that spare time and engage in your digital network. On that same note, don’t get caught in what we call “digital quicksand” where you emerge hours later and realize you have been doing nothing but playing Mafia Wars.
It may look like I spend more time on these sources than others, but I follow my own advice. I have a few tools that allow me to be efficient. (tweetdeck, hootsuite etc) but my swiss army knife is my iPhone loaded with all of my social networking apps. Because I am connected, I can use my “down time” for connecting with others. Yes, you will have to trade in your “dumb” phone for a “smart” phone – I talked about that in a recent post.
Think of all those times you are waiting around. Maybe you are getting your oil changed, stuck in traffic, waiting for the dentist, sitting at the mall waiting for your wife to finish shopping at the Gap – you name it. This is a great time to pop on Facebook and talk to a few folks, send a retweet or comment on a LinkedIn discussion.
If you are committed to using social networking to build your business, this is how you can do it without wasting time. Or you can just stop watching American Idol and use that time to build your brand – just a thought. Some call that being a workaholic; I just call it smart business.
I shot this video on my iPhone waiting for my oil to get changed. (I was a bit under the weather, sorry for looking so rough)
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.
