Hope you enjoyed the highlights from REtechSouth 2010. Of course, there’s a few people I missed like Jeff Turner, Hal Lublin, Brad Nix, and a number of others. We’ll see if I become a faster draw with the Flip over time.

So, you can tell it was a good time, but what was learned? What did the various real estate agents in the building take away from the event? After all, that’s what these things are for right?

I can’t speak for everyone in attendance, nor did I attend every session, but I can share a few tidbits of knowledge that I picked up from REtechSouth 2010. When I read the wrap up of an event, I like quotes or “nuggets” of worthwhile information, so that’s what I’ll present here. Click on the name of each presenter to find them on twitter.

Jeff Turner – Transparency is for Amateurs

Have you ever noticed the amount of photos tagged on facebook of someone with their head in the toilet? How about real estate agents trashing other agents or griping about their clients online? Yeah, it happens… a bit too much. The message: Folks, that’s not transparency, that’s dumb – and you need to know the difference. Filter your online conversation by making sure your comments and content follow these four guidelines:

1. Is it truthful?
2. Do you have clear motives?
3. Is it the right content?
4. Does it impact trust?

Of course, there’s nothing like seeing the presenter in person, but you can find Jeff’s presentation here.

Brian Copeland, Todd Carpenter, Sherry Chris, Pete Goldey, and Dan Green moderated by Matt Fagioli - State of the REunion

Todd Carpenter: Todd made a great analogy that I think people should use more often. He used Champ Bailey, a former Georgia Bulldog and top tier NFL cornerback in his analogy. The point was this – the cornerback is responsible for defending wide receivers and often times he gets burned and gives up a big play. But, he’s got to have a short memory and come back strong on the next play. The same goes for a quarterback who throws an interception or a pitcher who gives up a homerun. You can’t dwell on the mistake you just made. Learn from it, get over it, and make a big play next time.

Brian Copeland: I love the straight forward, no frills attitude of Brian Copeland. He tell’s you how he does it and he’s good. So…

• His buyer’s agreements are set for 30 days. That’s plenty of time to get things done.

• Listing agreements are 30 to 60 days. Again, that’s enough time to get it done.

• If it’s not selling, he doesn’t adjust the price from $325,000 to $320,000. He’s dropping it to $299,900. Why? Because that’s a whole different price point. That my friends, makes total sense to me. If people aren’t interested in that house at $325,000 they’re probably not interested at $320,000 either… it’s all about the price point.

• You’ve got to become a “Media Agency.” Share as much as possible with the client and know how to do it all.

Sherry Chris: A great, practical nugget came from Sherry. You’ve got to let your clients know the way they see a house has to change. In today’s market, you’ve got to look at your house as just that – a place for you and your family to live and call home. Stop thinking of it as an investment because – it may change, but – that’s just not how it is right now.

Tom Ferry – Getting Gen X and Y Clients Offline and Into a Home

Of course, if you’ve seen Tom Ferry in action, you know he rocks! This guy was energetic and motivational. If nothing else, he motivates you to think about the things you’re suppose to be doing… well, not think about them, do them!

• Thanks to Tom, I’ve got a new saying. It’s called GSD. GSD = Get Shit Done. Plain and simple. Ideas are meaningless if you don’t take action.

• Stop telling everyone the market is great. In reality, “How’s the market” depends on what they are trying to do. Are they buying, selling, investing, or renting?

• There are Four Addictions that Kill Your Dreams. Don’t give into these.

1. Addiction to the opinions of other people. It’s when you care so much about what everyone else thinks, you stop short of your dreams.
2. Addiction to the past.
3. Addiction to drama. (Ladies…)
4. Addiction to worry. (Gentlemen…)

Ilyce Glink – A Sneak Peak at Tomorrow’s Real Estate Buyers and Sellers

Ilyce made a great presentation on tomorrow’s real estate buyers and sellers – namely Gen X and Y. I’ll be honest and say I didn’t take too many notes on this one because I’m a borderline Gen Y myself. However, she was awesome. Her delivery kept us intrigued and the content was great. She was also fun to hang out with while she signed books or posed for a few photos with the crowd.

What Did You Think? What Will You Do?

There was some much information at this event, I couldn’t possibly put it all here. That and the fact that I didn’t attend every session. So, as real estate agents who seek more knowledge and insight into using technology to better their business, I encourage you all to follow these guys and gals on twitter. Get to know them and learn as much as you can. Then, don’t just think about it, do it!

If you attended REtechSouth 2010, feel free to add to this wrap-up in the comments. What sessions did I miss? What important information did I leave out? If you didn’t attend, what did you learn from this post? Which part of this information are you currently experimenting with or planning to try?

Thanks to Brad Nix and crew for a great event.

It’s probably still true that the best way to learn most anything is through experience – being thrown in the fire or voluntarily diving right in are both admirable options. The only option I don’t recommend is to sit and watch the times and technology pass you by. However, the world moves at a swift pace these days. It’s tough to keep up with the inventions and innovations of today’s high-tech world. By the time you think you’ve got one tool figured out, it’s time to master the next app for that. But, how do you jump in and stay ahead of the curve, if you don’t know what to jump into?

If you’re a realtor, you join agentgenius.com. Why? Two reasons jump out at me. First, they do indeed keep their readers up-to-date on the latest tools – both beneficial and simply interesting. From new technology for real estate agents to the latest, greatest apps, they cover pretty much all the bases. But, reason number two is the kicker. Those tools they introduce to you and those apps they bring to your attention – they tell you how to use them! I know… awesome concept right? Real estate friends, that’s what you have got to understand about marketing and social media – it’s not about the tool itself, but how you use the tool that matters. AG does a great job of not just writing about new things, but giving you examples of how you can use them to your benefit.

And of course, AG covers lots of other topics in the real estate industry that will be useful for you to chew on. Benn and Lani Rosales, with the help of other awesome contributors, have created an atmosphere conducive to learning, sharing, contributing, and networking. Not to be harsh, but realtor buddies, you needed this. Not all of you, but a whole lot of you. I’ve seen your business cards, your yard signs, and your commercials. But, it’s not too late! Agentgenius.com is easy to navigate. Browse around, read some articles, and leave some comments. After you get acquainted, read this, then go here and sign up. You’ll be glad you did. Trust me, as I pursue my interest in real estate and work towards my license, whether that leads to agent duties or primarily playing the marketing role, you’ll see me taking my own advice and hanging out at agentgenius.com a lot.

As a marketing guy, I read and comment on several marketing/social media blogs. As a real estate agent, you should get involved in this one.

Finally, what do you enjoy the most at agentgenius.com? What would you change? What other websites do you find useful for real estate agents who could use healthy discussion?