Susan Gaieski, REALTOR, E-PRO, SFR, Social Media Trainer/Consultant

"REBarCamp ORLANDO" - WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT!

NOT! Gotcha..... only for the mere reason - it's over! It's come and gone until next year! Wow, where did the day go? REBarCamp Orlando is one of the largest held in the nation. It was better than ever! This venue is successful in that it uses the unconference format", and the audience are the speakers. It's a shame if you were in the area and missed this event. It's an opportunity to network, offers spectacular learning experiences, and you never leave without taking some valuable tips with you relating to Real Estate, trends, short sale information, latest tools, technology, and what to do with all those apps for iphones, droids, and ipads. It's so important to understand the power of technology in our business.

Prior to the start of REBarCamp Orlando, attendees put their topics for discussion on sticky notes and posted on a white board. Some of the industry experts and other Realtors volunteered to lead a session in response to those needs. The range of topics (40 sessions) slanted towards social media and technology – with emphasis not only on lead generation tools but also solutions for successful closings.

As I do not consider myself a novice to social media and technology, I still manage to walk away with some great tips and advice. Here are some I'd like to share with you. If you're doing them already - great keep it up:

Video Blogging:

1. Understand what consumers and potential customers want. They want to CONSUME, so present yourself to the consumer through videos, introducing yourself. They will bond quicker with a personal face, than no video at all.
2. Take those videos and add them to your social media tools (Facebook, Blogs, Websites). Tweet those links out as well.
3. Do Video blogging in your community.. This is a good way to draw attention to a specific community. Having the advantage of living in a gated community and our club house under construction, this will be great for me as I can video the progression of activity with video and blog out to those snowbirds who haven't returned yet.
4. Make use of Slideshows and post on your websites.

Facebook Tips:

1. Try to post every 18 hours and a specific time. The consistency of posting will keep your customers coming back for more information.
2. It's important to listen to facebook friends and visitors. Let them tell you what they want. Be sure to ask questions, and respond with emotion to make that connection.
3. Be sure to market on page not on your profile
4. Marry Geo Farming with Social Farming

Twitter:

1. NOT GOING AWAY
2. RT = sharing someone else's tweets, @ with your name, # = hashtag
3. twazzup = is a real time news platform, it allows you to filter news out of live internet content

Some of the Session Leaders discussed non-technology topics. Participants collaborated volunteering their knowledge and experience. When one attendee discussed a current problem, other attendees jumped in to offer their experiences and solutions. Registrants were encouraged to download QR readers to their Smartphones for an opportunity to create virtual business cards. Chris Brown, "Florida Realtor Help" and Debbie Kirkland, were the co-hosts for this event. Reporting to you from "treasure coast breaking news", Susan Gaieski, Treasure Coast Communities.

Picture provided by RE Bar Camp.

Lasting Impressions All The Way Back to Kindergarten

Today was the first school day for our local community kids. I was reminded of that when on the evening news the Superintendent of Schools was being interviewed. She was explaining how the use of Smartboards in classrooms were important tools to encourage class participation. She discussed the day's exercise where she was trying to get the kids to communicate their emotions on going back to school. With the smartboard, they were able to interact with her to complete the exercize, tracking their emotions.

I remembered my first day of school as a Kindergartener. My first day was a scary one, something I'd remember always, something that left a lasting impression. Back in those days, the teachers had more control and discipline within the classroom. I remember my mother had shared a story with me while growing up. She told me that when she was in school, the teacher (or nun) would slap the hands of kids that used their left hand to write.

Well, back to my Kindergarten experience, I remember clearly as if it were just yesterday, the teacher actually banged two kids' heads together. She was trying to maintain some sense of order in the class. Two kids in particular were acting up, so she literally took the two kids and banged their heads together. Unbelievable, right, but it happened, and I'll never forget it. It put the "fear of God" in me or "fear of your teacher". Gosh, if teachers reacted that way today, there'd be lawsuits galore.

We've certainly come a long way, and this experience, whether positive or negative, left an impression. It's unfortunate that the teacher had to use force to get control in her classroom. I wonder what happened to those two kids and where are they today?

Education Foundation of Martin County - Supports Schools Needs

Through the years our son attended school, my husband and I volunteered for a variety of school activities. Whether attending school functions and programs, PTO meetings, conferences, and sports activities, we supported our school system. Then came the day, no more school activities and programs to support as our son went on to become part of the workforce after graduating from college. To make matters worse, we moved from one state to another. I found myself lamenting from time to time, missing all that great school involvement. In my new community, I needed to find something to make a difference and fulfill that need.

Participating in the LEADERship program for Martin County made that "difference" I was looking for. It was a great way to enhance community awareness, network with the leaders in our community and get involved. One of the programs of interest for me is the Education Foundation of Martin County. This foundation is commited to excellence in education.

Their mission is to enrich and enhance opportunities for students and teachers, in the Martin County School District, through effective fundraising, collaborative partnerships, innovative programs, and allocation of resources.

Martin County School Board - Fresh Start to a New School Year

As a new school year kicks off on Monday, August 15, Martin County School District is in high gear. Recently, Martin County School District earned an "A" grade for the 10th consecutive year from the Florida Department of Education. Martin County School District also ranks 3rd highest in Florida for total FCAT points earned.

The mission of the School District working together with families and community, is to provide students with skills and knowledge to become responsible citizens. The district follows 3 objectives:

1. 100% of the students will graduate
2. 100% of students after one year will either be employed or in a post secondary education program
3. Martin County School District will work to be in the top 5 districts in the State of Florida for academics, vocations, humanities & athletics in student performance

For more information regarding school calendar, bus schedule, and the school board, visit their website at Martin County School District.

Picture courtesy of Martin County School District.

For more information regarding Martin County or the Treasure Coast, visit Treasure Coast Breaking News.