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Erica McClenny

Maximize Twitter Simply with TweetDeck

Earlier in the week there was big news that I posted about with the emergence of Twitter posting into Google Searches.

I've been overwhelmed by the questions and concerns of some folks on how to use and maximize Twitter to it's fullest potential.

I'll be honest, I am in NO WAY an expert and I strive to find a new tool for my business each day. One way I've found to eliminate wasted time with Twitter, Facebook and MySpace is using TweetDeck.

tweetdeck logo, how to twitter

About TweetDeck

TweetDeck is your personal browser for staying in touch with what’s happening now, connecting you with your contacts across Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and more.

With TweetDeck anyone can tweet like a Pro. Customize your Twitter experience with columns, groups, saved searches and automatic updates helping you to effortlessly stay updated with the people and topics you care about. See what people are saying about you and join the conversation by tweeting, sharing photos, videos or links directly from TweetDeck. We like to think of it as air traffic control for Twitter.

Connect with your Facebook and MySpace friends directly from TweetDeck by updating your status, posting photos or videos, commenting, liking and groups your friends to make it easier to follow only those you really want to see what your friends are doing by creating columns for each of your groups of friends.

Here's my tip on maximizing Tweet Deck for your real estate needs and "follower" tracking.

1. In the top left corner there is a magnifying glass to "Search" for people or topics. Input your city name or keywords you look for when trying to find clients. Example: buying a home, selling a home, relocating to XYZ.

I always look for Raleigh, Relocating to NC, Relocating to Raleigh, wake county schools, moving to Wake County, things to do in Raleigh, buying a home in Raleigh, foreclosures, investing in real estate, etc...

You'll have a column pop up and you can see anyone who Tweets about those things. I then will give a quick response to that person with a direct message. It's not a sale pitch!

Tweet from JoeShmoe: "Hey, I might be relocating to Raleigh with Cisco"

My Direct Message to Joe: "Hey Joe, Cisco is a great company! Where are you coming from?"

From there the conversation may continue or Joe may not respond. It's ok. Trust me...there are MANY other people who you can chat with via Twitter.

It's not about following people unless you want to hear what they have to say. Twitter is about finding real time sources that provide information that you want to hear about.

Sooo...Twitter can work in your favor if you use it.

I will Tweet about Raleigh homes for sale, Foreclosure Alert, Tips to prepping your home to sell along with other local events.

Don't sell yourself constantly...provide local information and become an expert. If you Tweet it, they will come!"

Google + Tweets+ Local Info = BUSINESS for me!

Google, Tweet and find me faster!

Tweet, tweet says I! If you'd like to propose real time information to your clients, potential buyers and sellers or just reach out to folks who haven't embraced all that the social media world offers...your words will now reach people faster than ever.

Think about someone looking for a Foreclosure in (Your Area)...you can post a specific property and there's a potential that they will see a short Twitter post instead of that blog post, that takes you minutes (or hours for some) to type up. Quick info, quick response will equal an increased bottom line.

THIS IS BIG NEWS!

google logo

Official Google Blog

10/21/2009 02:09:00 PM

At Google, our goal is to create the most comprehensive, relevant and fast search in the world. In the past few years, an entirely new type of data has emerged — real-time updates like those on Twitter have appeared not only as a way for people to communicate their thoughts and feelings, but also as an interesting source of data about what is happening right now in regard to a particular topic.

Given this new type of information and its value to search, we are very excited to announce that we have reached an agreement with Twitter to include their updates in our search results. We believe that our search results and user experience will greatly benefit from the inclusion of this up-to-the-minute data, and we look forward to having a product that showcases how tweets can make search better in the coming months. That way, the next time you search for something that can be aided by a real-time observation, say, snow conditions at your favorite ski resort, you'll find tweets from other users who are there and sharing the latest and greatest information.



Follow me here for updated Raleigh, NC, Wake County, NC and North Carolina foreclosures searches. I offer FREE Foreclosure searches for all my home buyers looking for Raleigh real estate.

Follow my TWEETS @EricaMcClenny

Social Media No No's

How often do you receive a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook from someone you don't know?  Do you accept it?

How often do you track someone on Twitter who just has good info or witty comments?

 

What is the draw to meeting new people or tracking new products and services? 

As an expert in Raleigh Real Estate here in North Carolina, how can I offer value to help the public? 

 

I personally think people misunderstand social media to be an ADVERTISING HEAVEN!  That isn't the case...

It's about building value, establishing yourself as a trusted information source and providing a win win for anyone you come in contact with.  If a new friend is reaching out to you on Facebook, what can they offer to create value for you and all of your others contacts. 

Facebook isn't about games, or gossip or even finding old long lost friends.  It's about sharing my thoughts and professional viewpoint to people I don't normally interact with. 

There have been a few blogs on AR that speak about Facebook being a waste because they don't want to see the games.  Here's a quick way to solve that problem.  GAME SPAM BLOCKER

 

If you think you're supposed to post that you're a Realtor with every comment, group or person that you come in contact with, you're pushing potential clients AWAY!  Keep it light, fresh, and only post business half of the time unless it's a dedicated Fan Page about your role in real estate.

I'd love to meet some new people!  Fee free to follow or fan me today.  I'm happy to reciprocate and follow along with your life too.  You never know when we'll cross paths in the real world!

New Job, ACROSS THE COUNTRY! Get Prepared Quickly...

Often Realtors are looking to help people on the receiving end of the relocation...what about preparing folks on the other side of this equation? We have thousands of people relocating to the Raleigh, NC area each year. Raleigh has been ranked #1 for Young Professionals, Smartest City in the USA along with huge growth projections. Relocation is an active part of my business that is real, emotional and something I see often.

Many families are split for a short (or long) period of time, while one spouse travels ahead and the others "cleans" up behind. I tend to form a relationship with the arriving party but I never stopped to think what those they left behind are dealing with.

Here a few tips in assembling a team to help make a relocation transition smoothly.

moving truck, relocation to Raleigh

1. Before you call a mover, start cleaning out your stuff. This is a GREAT time to donate and receive a tax write off for those items you haven't used in ages. Think of your new city as a fresh start. Embrace the move don't think of it as a hassle. Ask the partner who's leaving quickly to clean out and pack their own stuff so you don't have to "figure out" what they want to keep.

2. Ask if the relocation company has a list of approved moving companies that have a SOLID track record. You'll need to be cautious packing boxes, if you're doing this on your own. Make sure you're labeling your boxes so the move will be simple. If you are footing the bill for your own move...this article has some awesome tips.

making a list, preparing to sell a home in raleigh

3. Make a list of services to cancel from the home you're leaving. You may also want to think about getting to know you're neighbors better. They will be there to support and inform you if anything goes awry when you do fully vacate your home.

Last but not least, INTERVIEW several Realtors. If you can find a Realtor who's willing to host a webinar so both of you can review services together, this will save you time and be much appreciated by the Realtor. Please don't assume the Realtor that the relocation company suggest is the best person to sell your home. Most relocation companies will allow another Realtor to represent you. It's some paperwork for us, but worth earning your business in my opinion!

Good Luck with your move and I look forward to seeing you on this end in the Raleigh, Cary, RTP area of North Carolina.

Please Help Starving People...donations needed!

This was just emailed to me from my 86 year old Aunt. Let me know if you can help!

"I just had a call from a charity asking me to donate some of my clothes to the starving people throughout the world.

I told them to get lost!!!!!

Anybody who fits into my clothes, isn't starving!!"

Did you enjoy the chuckle? I sure did! Sorry to trick you but I needed to get your attention. My Aunt really did send this me along with 30 other jokes. Here was my other favorite.

The Power of a Badge.....

DEA officer stops at a ranch in Texas , and talks with an old rancher. He tells the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs." The rancher says, "Okay , but do not go in that field over there," as he points out the location.

The DEA officer verbally explodes saying, " Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me." Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removes his badge and proudly displays it to the rancher. "See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish.... On any land. No questions asked or answers given. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand? "

The rancher nods politely, apologizes, and goes about his chores.

A short time later, the old rancher hears loud screams and sees the DEA officer running for his life chased by the rancher's big Santa Gertrudis bull.......

With every step the bull is gaining ground on the officer, and it seems likely that he'll get gored before he reaches safety. The officer is clearly terrified. The rancher throws down his tools, runs to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs.....

" Your badge. Show him your BADGE ! "

Hope you had a good laugh and enjoy your day.