Reflections on Worldwide ERC National Relocation Conference

Wondering where I have been?  All over the place!  In mid-May I was in Las Vegas for the Worldwide ERC National Relocation Conference, followed by a V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!  While vacations are rare for me, what is even more rare is for me to take one without so much as a laptop.  On this particular occasion though, a work-free zone had been established.  But, what I want to focus on today, is the Worldwide ERC Conference.

And what a Conference it was!  I have attended many WERC Conferences over the years, including 5 of the last 5, and I have to say that this one was by far the best one I have ever attended.  Why, you ask?  For starters, there seemed to be an indescribable, indisputable energy surrounding the Conference.  The chatter was lively and the networking was incredible!  I also thought that the educational sessions were great and the speakers exceptional. 

Technology and social media also played a big part in the Conference.  There was a live Twitter board that allowed attendees to view the live tweets going on throughout the Conference.  As an avid tweeter, I really loved taking part in this!

One of the big changes that has occurred as a benefit to members has to do with the administering of the GMS (Global Mobility Specialist) Program, which I attended on the 2 days leading up to the Conference.  This program is divided into 3 separate Modules, the first of which was only available on-line, while Modules 2 & 3 were conducted in a live classroom setting.  The fact that Module 1 was only available on-line was a switch to the traditional way the Program has been structured, with all 3 Modules taken in a classroom setting.  Soon all 3 Modules will be available on-line, making it easier for relocation industry professionals to take the Modules toward receiving their GMS Designation.  For more information on the GMS Designation, please visit:  GMS Information

As Worldwide ERC continues to evolve through the dynamic leadership of CEO Peggy Smith and the actions taken by the Board, members and conference attendees continue to be amazed.  As promised by Peggy when she took over the position a year ago, Worldwide ERC has really been listening to its members and rolling out new initiatives and benefits that were echoed throughout the conference.  Everyone I spoke with remarked about the renewed energy level and cross-the-board improvements being made by the organization.

I am already looking forward to the Worldwide ERC Global Workforce Symposium, which will be held in Denver in October.  See you there!

In Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) Designation
Houston Relocation
Socal Media
Technology
Worldwide ERC

Upcoming Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Conference in Las Vegas

We have been planning for and promoting the upcoming Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Conference for several months now.  I can’t believe that it is almost here and we will be on our way to Las Vegas on Sunday morning.  If I sound excited, you are right, and with good reason!

John Daugherty, Realtorswill be well-represented at the LeadingRE and Luxury Portfolio Top Sales Associate Summit March 6^th -10^th.  Several members of our company’s management team will be in attendance:  President & CEO John A. Daugherty, Jr.,  along with our EVP & COO Cheri Fama,  our General Sales Manager Steve Thistle, our Web/IT Manager Darren Moore, and I, along with 17 of our agents:  Tania Amin, Moni Bohnisch, Jane Brennan-Martin, Cindy Caryl, Karen Cooksey, Azar Fisher, Mark Holland, Ann Lerner, Julianna Lind, Lynn Mather, Judy Mousa, Julia Nichols, Travis Nichols, Richard Ray, Patricia Reed, Jo Reid, and Connie Zubizarreta.  We will be the largest group from any member company in attendance this year!  And the buzz around the office continues.  Many agents who didn’t sign up to go this year, have already said that they intend on going next year.

Another reason to be excited, is that our company has also been nominated for several prestigious awards, including the 2010 Innovative Broker of the Year Award, the 2010 Award of Excellence for Incoming Conversions, and the 2010 Diamond Award.  They say it’s an honor just to be nominated, but to tell you the truth, we are going for the win!

I also look forward to serving on a panel at one of the conference sessions on Social Media.  Darren Moore, our Web Marketing/IT Manager will also serve on a conference panel on technology.  Additionally, one of our Sales Associates, Richard Ray will serve as a panelist for a session entitled, “Applying Luxury Marketing Principles to Your Real Estate Sales Practice.”

I plan on blogging and tweeting throughout the conference, so please check back often for updates:  Houston Relocation Blog.

Click to follow Michelle Sandlin on Twitter:  Michelle Sandlin

In Houston Relocation
John Daugherty, Realtors
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World
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Socal Media
Technology

TAG Success at John Daugherty Realtors

At John Daugherty, Realtors, it is all about team work, and being part of the JDR family.  Tonight was no exception.  As the day was coming to a close, I was whisked into a very important project with a deadline of like 3 days ago.  I think we have all been there!  Nonetheless, Darren Moore, our Web Marketing/IT Manager had drafted a write-up about our successful launching of THE TAG, and asked for my help in crafting the final product, most of which can be found in the paragraphs below…

Back in November, John Daugherty, Realtors, became the first Houston real estate company to incorporate a powerful new mobile technology called Microsoft® Tag on our yard signs. THE TAG Reader app can be downloaded from http://gettag.mobi to smart phones.  The app is currently available for the iPhone, Blackberry, and Android-based Internet-capable phones. Once the app has been downloaded, with just a quick scan from a smart phone, consumers have instant access to the property description, price and photos of our listings, along with local information such as maps, schools, and nearby restaurants with ratings and shopping.

Ever since we launched THE TAG, Darren has been called upon to talk about this exciting new technology and how we are effectively using it to market our listings, and provide consumers with instant access to detailed information in the palm of their hands.

The challenge with implementing THE TAG, was in determining the best way to connect and engage sellers and buyers through smart phone technology.  In so doing, we were able to effectively provide instant access to comprehensive information to consumers about the properties we have listed.  THE TAG is now installed on 350 of our yard signs throughout the Houston area.

The research and implementation process was quite extensive, and not without a few challenges.  The first challenge had to do with where to position THE TAG on our yard signs.  The second challenge was in determining how to attach THE TAG itself to our signs.  Darren said that a lot of testing was necessary to ensure that we had the right kind of paper for our TAGS.  It was extremely important to make sure that the paper is weather-proof, and capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, while adhering to the signs. 

Once the paper passed our rigorous testing, Darren had to educate the agents and staff about this new technology and how we planned to roll it out through our carefully planned marketing strategy.  It was essential to arm the agents with the necessary information to be able to communicate THE TAG technology effectively to their clients. 

As a result of our launching of THE TAG, our initial Press Release was picked up by over 4,800 websites.  And the success of THE TAG so far has been easily measured through the many calls our agents are receiving from consumers who have scanned THE TAGS on our signs.

THE TAG technology has opened up an unlimited number of possible creative marketing opportunities for us as a company.  We are able to utilize this technology in many different ways and create an unlimited number of TAGS, not just for our listings, but as an important marketing tool.  We are continuing to find and utilize new avenues for THE TAG.  While we continue to promote THE TAG, THE TAG continues to promote us, and differentiate our company from our competitors. 

The TAG is just another way we provide more services to the tech savvy consumer.  John Daugherty, Realtors continues to be the leader in real estate technology and innovation in Houston.

You can always click here for all of your moving to Houston or Houston Relocation needs:  Houston Relocation

In Houston Relocation
John Daugherty, Realtors
Real Estate
Technology