Yesterday, at the 6th Annual MLSLI Tech Fair, I had the privilege of moderating a fantastic star studded real estate blog panel - How A Blog Can Benefit You. Each panelist spoke about what blogging has done for them both personally and for their business. They shared personal blog stories, tips and advice. They made us laugh. They made us think. They were authentic.
The stars of the show were:
Christine Forgione - NY Houses 4 Sale
Linda Davis - The Eastern Connecticut Real Estate Blog
Dan Green - The Mortgage Reports Blog
Joesph Ferrara - Sellsius
Moderator:
Rudolph D. Bachraty III - Sellsius
Some of the best moments occurred during the Q&A session. It was amazing to see the audiences enthusiasm and interest in blogging. There were so many questions that our panel went over it’s allotted time limit. We just did not have enough time to answer everyone’s questions. We did our best after the panel, and then we spilled over to our booth where we actually walked some folks through the entire set up process using wordpress.
Quite honestly, I was overwhelmed by the amount of interest people had in blogging. They loved the idea that blogging was a cost effective medium for establishing yourself as a local real estate expert. They loved our stories. We loved hearing theirs. I saw the wheels turning inside their heads as I spoke to them about the advantages of blogging. I never really saw that at any other trade show I ever attended. Usually, people tell you they think your idea is good or that they will look into it further when they get home. But not at this show. People took the initiative to ask questions and take notes. They were like sponges - just soaking everything up. I’m sure we’ll see a few new real estate bloggers emerge in Long Island very soon. They were go getter’s!
Public speaking is not something that I am that comfortable with, so my apologies for being a little rusty. During the panel introduction, I wanted to make one simple point - that blogging is a way to stand out from your peers and differentiate yourself. I asked the audience if they knew how many licensed real estate agents there were in New York State - someone yelled out 80,000. Amazing, I called the Department of State myself to get an accurate figure and they did not know the answer, Anyways, out of 80,000 agents, I could count on my two hands how many were known real estate bloggers. Is that an amazing statistic or what?
I then asked the audience if anyone could tell me what made them different compared to their peers - nobody raised their hand to answer me. I suggested, blogging was one so opportunity. I told a story about how I got noticed by the Founder and CEO of RIS Media at last months Leadership conference. Everyone was wearing suits - as we all do at such occasions. But I wanted to stand out. I decided that I would were a visor, golf shirt, shorts and sandals. On top of that, I sat in the front row and video taped the conference while also snapping pictures.
After the panel, John Featherston approached me and in essence asked, “Who the Heck are you?” After Joe and I did some explaining everything was ok. The point is that Mr. Featherston would have never noticed me if I blended in with everyone else. Blogging can do the same for you. When going to a listing presentation, chances are, you will be the only agent in your local area who blogs. That in itself may give you the edge.
Blogging is not easy. It takes time, passion and dedication. Start slow. Learn from others and you will be just fine.
Where are those Sellsius dudes?
Linda, Joe and Phil
All your Blog belong to us - Dan and Phil
Linda and Christine ask Joe if he remembers everyone who signed our Blog Tour USA board
Dan demos Bring the Blog to Christine and Wilfred
Phil and Christine strike a pose
Band of Bloggers
MLS secrets?
WellcomeMat
Phil di Video of WellcomeMat
Joe and Rudy busy blogging
Blogs are yummy.
Wake Up!
Trulia and Property Shark out getting coffee
Dan “the man” Green gives us his autograph
Linda asks Joe what a blog is…..
Many thanks to Jenny Natale and Beth O’Connor for inviting us to their most excellent event. Thanks to everyone who attended our panel and to all those that we spoke to. If anyone has any blogging questions, please leave us a comment, call or send us an email.
Happy Blogging to all!
More on the event:
The Tech Fair Was a HUGE Hit! - Christine Forgione
Technorati Tags: MLSLI Tech Fair, Sellsius, Blogging
What a great video you guys did. Loved it.
A good time was had by all.
Rudy, nice job moderating the panel and audience questions. If only there had been more time, right?
I was hooked. Blogging seemed to me to be the Web 2.0 upgrade froma web site.
Its important to keep current in any fiels so why not impart that curentness to potential consumers.
Just tell me or email me what platform and how do I add photos to my blog?
Rudy, Joe, Christine, Linda, Dan and Phil,
Thanks so much for the great video and wonderful tech fair pictures. They are the first I’ve seen and they are awesome. (Especially the one with the MLS Secrets! I’m going to have to ask Bill Dimmler what’s in the bins.)
I was trying to put into words the feeling at that blog panel and it was difficult to describe to people who didn’t attend. You did a great job in nailing it down. It was the enthusiam of everyone there - you on the panel and the Realtors who attended.
Thank you again all so much for contributing to a great day! And we definitely want to see you all again at our next Tech Fair - if not sooner. There is a definite demand for this info!
BTW: This is my first time responding to a blog post.
Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging, Jenny.
We’re happy to have the honor of being the first blog you posted a comment to.
It was so nice to meet you all! Hope to see you again at Inman in NYC!