Robert Santarsiero

Although it is nothing new in the internet world, it is surely most useful than ever. Skype.com is a website where you can make live video calls between 2 people or an entire boardroom. It goes for an unbeatable price-tag of...FREE! In real estate this is a great assest whether you can't make it to an office meeting or need to present a contract/ speak to a client anywhere in the world. International phone calls on the website of course would come with a price but not with video calls. To sign up, it is very easy, it is similar to an AOL Instant Messanger or MSN messanger where you build a friend list and can interact with a person when they sign on.

You download the application which takes all but a few minutes and then need a webcam and microphone which many web-users already own or have built into there PC and/or laptops. There are millions of users already on Skype but I see it as such a great tool for the future of business. Honestly, I think everyone should have access just like they have created an aim, facebook page or myspace. Beyond its easy access and convientent approach to connect with colleuges and clients, it is truly impressive. Also, in my area at the New Jersey Shore, Skype actually interacts with our MLS system so you can call the agents or homeowners directly from your computer when searching a listing and it is remarkably useful. My skype username is 'RJSRealtor' where I am actively building my friendlist and conversing with business people internationally. Feel free to add me as a contact. www.skype.com

Robert J. Santarsiero

Diane Turton Realtors

Standing out from the crowd physically leaves a lasting impression on the consumer as well as your knowledge. I have always had a personal niche for style and not to be out of line; but usually recieve positive comments every day. I guess it runs in my genes because my father and grandfather were both meticulous on there outfits, color tones, fit and general prescene. It is absolutley understandable on the cost of finer dress but to look completely presentable with the right shopping strategy, it is affordable. Generally, it's a must and should be part of your business anyway. You don't need 10-12 Armani custom-suits to look the best (well maybe in some offices). Most of all, it is about having the right colors for your enviroment, fitted and a even assortment. Im sorry ladies, but these tips are directed to the males because I wouldn't say I'm a consignor of womens attire. Hope I can help!

1. Make sure your dress shirt fits you accordingly; personally this is a pet-peeve. If you are a thin guy, wear a slim fit shirt, If you are of medium build wear a classic-fit and so on. Also, always have the shirt pressed and clean. It is essential when you are meeting new clients and making a first impression. You want to appear that you are sophisticated and organized.

2. Adapt to your enviroment. For example, I work at the beach so I am constantly wearing bashe's and light blues a couple times a week. Not to say to eliminate colors but choose accordingly, if you are at the beach on a spring afternoon, dont wear a black suit and grey dress shirt. Vice Versa, if you are in Manhattan on Park Ave. meeting a client in December dont wear exotic dress pants and a pastel dress shirt. Create your own style and brand yourself but keep it on a professional level.

3. The knot. I split up my week 4-3 under my circumstances. I wear a tie approx. 4 times a week. A problem I see amung many professionals is they will have a great suit on and the knot will be sloppy to give them a common place look. That can all be changed with taking an extra minute in the morning.

4. Get a watch. It doesn't have to be the Rolex or Geneve but I wouldn't want to shake hands with a big client with the watch out of the cereal box. Something presentable you can find for 50-100 dollars and you will have it forever essentially. Nothing tacky or overally clustered, plain is always better in business. A leather band is always a nice touch.

5. Shoes. Make sure your dress shoes are clean and polished. When you see a successful person in business, you will notice they usually always have sharp shoes and it is one of the first things observed by a client or colleuge.

6. Dress Pants. Simply, If they are very baggy, dont wear them. Same goes for the suit jacket, a local tailor can fix that usually for under $40.

7. SmartPhone. Show you are up-to-date with the technology. It is the finishing touch and always admired. Plus, it is a hell of alot easier to do business.

Thanks,

Robert J. Santarsiero II

New Jersey Shore Real Estate

As professionals, sales-people and Realtors alike, relationships are the underlying factor to connect us to our clientele. The more your name is branded and circulated throughout your social circle, the quicker you start building a reputation for yourself. Once your name becomes associated with your profession, that is when people remember you for your service. Essentially, you need to build friendship, focus detail on your consumers needs, and self promote personally. The simple strategies of self advertising through paper goods are not going to be effective in an unhealthy economic climate, it is obvious. Thankfully, in the past 8 months as a 20 year old rookie this was all picked up on fairly quick. I believe the straight shooter mindset of building quality relationships through networking online and business/personal functions is key. I don't believe print marketing is a 'bad move', though it definetley is not what will boost your business. Social networking is the turning point; blogging, ActiveRain, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Myspace and a long list of other websites have transformed business in general in such a short time. It almost seems that the world is becoming a smaller place everyday. The more people you meet, the more leads you are creating, the more doors you are opening. The old ways of business are not going to effective much longer as we are on the cusp of virtually a complete change of real estate tradition. Personally, I believe my generation of professionals coming into there careers are going to be sharper than ever. The competitive drive is going to be amplified and we are going to be an elite class of Realtors. I guess you could say, 'The strong will survive'. My best advice is start your facebook account, twitter, build your webpage and socially expand everyday. Hey, but what do I know? I'm just a rookie learning the ropes of relationships and real estate.

Robert J. Santarsiero II

Diane Turton, Realtors

New Jersey Shore