Barry's Biz Talk posts

The Death of Apple Pie

Okay I lied.

I'm not talking about the death of apple pie. I'm talking about the death of community. My career has revolved around establishing communities either offline or online- and I'm wondering what core values everyone here on Biznik appreciate in this community?

He are some questions for you all-

What makes Biznik a home?

If you could take one essential attitude from Biznik into your daily life- what would it be?

If you think this place is awesome, have you told your best three friends?

Have you thanked a fellow Biznik for giving you an outstanding idea?

Have you given another Biznik an outstanding idea?

Just some food for thought for the community. :)

Real Estate, Blogging, NAR, Industry Change?

This is more of a success story that anything.

Our company started almost one year ago today. Two friends brought me into the loop to help 'take it to the next level' over the summer-

I just got back from the National Association of Realtors convention in New Orleans. For those of you who don't know, it is a huge 50,000+ attendee convention that happens once a year.

My company led a panel on the topic of blogging and managed to release our CEO's book 'Realty Blogging' on Saturday morning of the convention.

In an industry as established as real estate, our team has managed to break through some of the key barriers of the marketplace. We managed to have ten staff members on hand to run our booth, but the inquiry and response to what we were doing was outstanding. We were slammed. Out of 1000 companies, I'd say we were in the top %5 for traffic.

But we are not done. My role at BSG is to move us into different markets and develop new business partnerships. We have a product that works. We are going from a real estate niche and strongly moving into new markets (which ones I can't say).

So for anyone out there who doesn't think good ideas and a lot of hard work doesn't pay off:

Simply stop, re-think your position, then blaze-forward with everything you have.

Blogging for Real Estate

For those of you who are real estate oriented and want to know about blogging- I just found out that I'll be doing a radio show with realtor Mike Kent Saturday morning at 10:00 AM on Puget Sound "Radio Real Estate" program, KGMI am 790 (located just north of Seattle).

I know it is last minute (I just found out today), but our efforts across the nation to fly 'under the radar' until the big National Association of Realtors convention on Nov 10th have been discarded. Since we are only a week away, we are going out and talking about what we are doing.

For those of you in the lending, real estate, and community related businesses, listen in. If you miss the show, make sure to buzz me or say howdy at a local Biznik event.

In search of a good virtual sales rep

Our company is growing and is seeking a Sales Representative who will be responsible for the sales of interactive blogging products and services to real estate agents and brokers across the nation. The Inside Sales Representative is directly responsible for acquiring new business with high value clients and agencies by presenting products through Web-based demonstrations and phone consultations. The Inside Sales Representative is enthusiastically focused on customer success, while continuously striving to bring in new business. Top candidates for this position will be confident, organized, and love the thrill of closing new business. Working in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment, the Inside Sales Representative will be comfortable in new sales situations and will enjoy closing business over the phone.

WE ARE SEEKING A GOAL-ORIENTED, MOTIVATED SALESPERSON TO-

• Hunt new customer sales by prospecting and cold calling. • Handle incoming sales inquiries and respond with appropriate materials.
• Majority of business day will be used to contact prospects on the telephone. • Identify business opportunities and meet with decision makers to obtain customer commitment and facilitate delivery of products and services. • Consistently meet or exceed sales goals, demonstrating focused sales efforts, an understanding of our products, services and business model, and a expert understanding of the internet. • Educate customers on product, services and marketing strategies to improve their “presence” on the Internet and build value in the customer relationship. Handle customer inquiries, questions and concerns with excellent service and follow up • Other duties as assigned

IDEAL CANDIDATES • Have an understanding of blogging and social networking online. • Have an understanding of real estate, agents, brokers, and firms. • Thrive in a fast changing start-up environment. • Have a track record in closing complex sales. • 3-5 years of sales/related experience • Bachelors degree preferred • Internet research skills • Ability to interact effectively with others: clients, peers and management • Ability to work under pressure meeting deadlines • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

WHAT WE OFFER Our company is a thriving firm quickly growing and moving into new territory. Our team works from virtual home office locations that provide flexibility for personal life and encourage each member of the team to accomplish outstanding results. We enthusiastically strive for the best and believe in a real team atmosphere.

We expect dedication, effort, and results. In exchange, we provide a competitive compensation package with a base salary and commission commensurate with experience, and a great team to work with.

FOR CONSIDERATION Please send a letter of interest and your resume to richard@bloggingsystems.com

ABOUT BLOGGING SYSTEMS, LLC. Blogging Systems provides real estate professionals with marketing and communications solutions using leading-edge blog technology. We build turn-key Community blog networks which are the ultimate real estate marketing tool. Our blog platform is unlike any other on the market today. It provides a low-cost, high results tool for Community building (both offline and on the Internet), effective communication and collaboration, competitive marketing, sales and customer relations.

For more information visit www.bloggingsystems.com

New blogging discussion

I would like to sit down with anyone interested and have a discussion on blogging technology and social networking online. I am currently working on several white papers regarding the subject (I'm lying, my white papers tend to be books) and would love input and questions from a mixed group of professionals.

One of my key focuses is how to tie in blogging and online advertising to real world marketing campaigns. I believe there is a key disruption in most businesses that fail to combine everything into a unified plan.

If you are interested in having a meeting, I am currently looking at having an evening meeting the week of the 30th thru 3rd. I haven't set a date yet, but will shortly.

Some of the things I'd like to discuss-

-Why you think your business would benefit from blogging.

-What your gut reaction is to sharing your ideas and your voice online.

-How much (or how little) effort you believe successful blogging takes.

I'm willing to talk about anything revolving around the topic, and if you have a specific item you would like addressed please let me know.

~Barry Hurd

Okay.

I am currently wondering if anyone here in the wonderful Biznik community is also attending the http://blogbusinesssummit.com on the 25th thru 27th.

There will be a lot of online professionals there covering touchpoints of online marketing, blog building, and social networking online (I'll be one of those friendly folk sharing the info).

I will be there touching base with some industry players for my company, Blogging Systems LLC.

If any of you are there, please take a moment to zip me off an e-mail and I'd love to schedule a cup of coffee with you.

~Barry