Point2 Agent Education

October Education Sessions, now Themed!

The Education Sessions for October are ready for your registration!  Want to find out how to reach more prospects and gain more leads?  

Thinking your website needs some touching up?  Or maybe your new to Point2 Agent and you need to know the basics on what to do and how to get started.  You can learn all this and much more by attending any of our free Education Sessions!  

 We have changed it up and are now introducing themed Education weeks.  Here is the breakdown:

First week:       Website Editing
Second week:  Data Management
Third week:      Marketing Strategies
Fourth week:    Brand New to Point2?

This Weeks Education Session List

Join us for an Education Session

Looking to create a splash page for your website?  Wanting to increase traffic to your site?  Interested in what the Professional package contains? 

The September schedule of Education Sessions is now up - check and see which topics would benefit you!

Daddy's Girls

I randomly ran across an article the other day that provided documented research indicating that girls who have good childhood relationships with their fathers are attracted to men who look like said fathers.

As a self-professed "Daddy's Girl", I would have to agree.  My Dad plays a huge role in my life in so many ways, and after reading the article, I concede that I'm usually attracted to guys who have similar characteristics.

Before this post sounds like a suggestion to find me a date (much to my Mother's chagrin!), here was my thought: this is interesting, especially when you have a potential buyer who is obviously a Daddy's Girl. 

How do you identify us?  We reference our fathers, we solicit their advice, we may comment on how we need to text or call and ask them something.  Suggesting that the father join you in looking at the house or coming to appointments may be beneficial, especially if the woman is independently buying the house.  As he is still the dominant male influence in her life, Dad's opinion will be important.  Personally, I had my Dad look at my house before I bought it, not only because he is a carpenter, but because his opinion is valuable to me.

If the significant other is there, though, there could be a fine line.  Significant others of Daddy's Girls usually are a tad cautious around the fathers because they know how strong that father-daughter bond can be.  Just ask the guys who found themselves staring down the barrel of my Dad's shotgun when I was a teenager...

Before I show more of my redneck roots, have a great weekend! :)

Tanya

~ Tanya Spilchak, Education Coordinator

Don't Spend Enough Time on Facebook Already? Facebook Places Is Here For You.

So you like Facebook, you're on it all the time but you just can't get enough.  Facebook Places is
here for you!  On top of changing your status updates, checking out your friends new photos, and seeing what pages you can 'Like', you can check-in on your iPhone wherever you go!  (Only iPhone now, Blackberry and Adroid phones soon to come).

You can show your friends exactly where you are, and when you arrived there.  Some may call this just another way for others to stalk you, but most of us don't think about that.  If it's new, and it has to do with Facebook, we're in!

Facebook Places is an application that allows you to show and share your physical location.  Decided to hit up that trendy new restaurant everyone's been talking about?  Don't just tell them, show them!  You can add comments about the Places you visit, and view your friend's comments to see what they thought of the Place.

Now, some people would rather just bring their friends along and discuss the Place in person, but I have a feeling people are going to be checking in and adding comments anyway.  In this day and age, children (yes, children), will text each other even if they are in the same room as one another!  When did texting become more fun than having an actual conversation with the person right across from you?  But perhaps I'm just old fashioned that way.  But I seem to be getting off topic here.

 Right now, Facebook Places is available in the United States only.  When you check-in to your destination, a Place page shows you a map of where that Place is located, a list of friends who are currently checked in at the Place, and a list of your friends that have checked into the Place in the past.  You can post a story about the Place to your Facebook profile by clicking on "Share".

If you're familiar with FourSquare, it's essentially the same thing, but with Facebook running the show.  The big question right now is, how can Facebook Places benefit you.  The Places application gives you a way to promote and grow your business on Facebook.  You can give your customers the ability top check-in at your business, giving them the power to tell their friends about your business.

 Here's how to get started:

1.  Launch the Facebook app on your iPhone and click on Places.  Remember, if you do not have an iPhone, Blackberry and Android users will soon have access to Facebook Places.

2.  Click on the 'Check In' button in the top right of the screen.

3.  Facebook uses your GPS location to find nearby Places.  A list of Places will appear and you can click on the desired Place and check-in.  Now if you want to add your own business, click on the + button at the top right of the screen.  This is how you add a Place.

4.   Type in your information.  When your done typing in your details and you're happy with what you have, click 'Add' in the top right of the screen.

Your Place is now available for everyone to check-in and tell their friends that they have arrived at your Place.  I mean really, who doesn't want one person to check in, and now their 482 Facebook friends all see that they are there, at your business.  It's like letting everyone promote your business just by showing up.   Happy networking, I think I'll go 'check-in' somewhere with an ice cold refreshment :)

Where In The World Is {Your Name Here}?

On my way to work this morning, I drove by one of those recycling/garbage bins that provide advertising space.  I noticed that there was a big sign for a local agent that contained his picture, name, job role, and phone number, mainly because I am conditioned to do so...kind of like being conditioned to notice sale signs, scrapbooking stores, and posters for movies with George Clooney.

But I digress.

Seeing the sign on a busy street on an item that everyone uses was really impressive.  What was alarming, though, was the fact that the sign was missing the agent's website address. 

Considering that studies indicate that over 90% of buyers start their real estate search online, providing only a phone number limits this agent to the 10% of the market that might pick up the phone or wander into a real estate office.  Now, of that 10%, how many could potentially see that sign, remember that agent, and phone that number?  While the agent had a great idea for a great advertising feature, the number of leads could drastically be reduced.

Even after being conditioned to see the sign and having been impressed with it, I don't remember the agent's name.  I'll admit with a blush that I actually looked for a website address, as I like to go online and take a look at the houses listed in the local area.  I'll be the first to admit that I'm a tad strange, but how many others will disregard the sign in the same manner?

Your website is a marketing asset, just like your name, just like your phone number, just like your business cards, and just like the listings themselves.  When investing money on advertising, include it as part of the overall message.  Being able to reach that 90% going online, being able to provide that online resource, and being able to show those listings will help you not only increase the number of leads you receive, but also the number of listings you sell.

When all else fails, put a picture of you with George Clooney.  I'll be sure to notice it! :)

Tanya

~ Tanya Spilchak, Education Coordinator

Dream A Little Dream...

Since my friends have decided that life requires more movies, we went to see Inception last night.  Having been fascinated with dreams, the subconscious, and alternate realities for years, I loved it.  If you're not into psychological studies of the mind and the meaning of what we dream each night, you may want to skip it. 

What is the most fascinating is the dream itself, and how we all dream, even though we don't think we do.  On average, a person has four dreams per night, although usually does not remember them due to not waking after they are experienced. 

Freud thought that what we dream about is indicative of our innermost subconsious desires and needs.  We often cannot work through these desires in real life, but can do so in the safe world of the dream.  Nobody can see, hear, or experience our dreams, so being angry or happy or passionate or silly in a dream is socially and personally acceptable.  Interesting...

What, then, do buyers dream about when looking for a house?  Is that list of 'must-haves' really what they need or something that they've only dreamt about?

The most difficult aspect of dreaming for most people is reconciling the dream with reality.  Some dreams are so vivid, so real, so 'this-makes-perfect-sense-to-me', that combining with the actual situation can be difficult.  Here's where you come in as a real estate professional. 

Looking at everything they want and everything they think that they want, going through and prioritizing those needs and wants will help them find the reality, yet still remember the dream.  A hot tub would be awesome, but how often do you take hot baths right now?  A double oven would be convenient, but how often do you find yourself wanting to cook two things at once?

Personally, I say skip the hot tub and instead purchase the most awesome fridge on earth that gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.  I will dream about it tonight. :)

Tanya

~ Tanya Spilchak, Education Coordinator

Little Commitments Are Important

We all have them: people in our lives who make commitments to us, yet never deliver.  Regardless of how small the commitment is, they can never seem to pull the trigger.

I have a friend who is always booking time to come and visit from a neighboring city, yet always cancels at the last minute.  This weekend was another date to add to the list.  To add insult to injury, she indicated in her message this morning that the real reason she was coming was for some other event she had planned.  Ouch.

Is it just me, or is accountability and reliability falling by the wayside?

Just yesterday, I was discussing a recent customer service experience in a restaurant where the server made a mistake, then swore and had a fit, blaming the issue on everyone and everything else, when it was her who had made the error.  Rather than calmly indicating that she messed up and would need to correct the error, she made a big deal out of something that I, as the consumer, wouldn't have even noticed if she hadn't pointed it out to me.

On a positive note, there are people who still hold their commitments as important and are reliable in following through with them.  Their actions are like a breath of fresh air when they occur, and they really do stand out as beacons of hope and happiness, restoring one's faith in humanity (my thanks to you, Trent). 

Is it just me?  What commitment observations have you made lately?

Tanya

~ Tanya Spilchak, Education Coodinator

Another Interesting Social Experiment...

After being recommended by a friend, I watched "Dating in the Dark" last night.  For those who haven't heard of it, three men and three women enter a house and proceed to meet each other, and date, in complete and utter darkness.  The premise of the show is to see just how much physical attraction plays into our everyday interactions with each other, versus how we interact based on personality, laughter, and speech patterns.

Interesting, especially to someone who loves to observe social interactions between people!

Last night's group was interesting.  There was the one guy who based everything he 'felt' on how thin or 'thick' he thought the female was.  Being in the dark just made him talk about it non-stop in a condescending manner.  Here's a hint, dude: women don't want to talk about their weight, especially when the goal is to get to know each other.  Needless to say, after insulting the woman and belittling her based on his perceived notion of what she looked like (he was completely wrong), he was not chosen for further dates.

In contrast, the other two guys and three girls were there to learn about other people and really see if what they are usually physically and visually attracted to matched with what they are attracted to in terms of personality.  There were some pleasant surprises that yielded happiness.  With them, it was the personal connection and discussions shared in complete darkness that swayed their decision to go on a date with the other person, not the physicall appearance they saw when the "reveal" in the light occurred.

Is love blind?  How does this extend into real life?

Ever talk to someone on the phone or online without knowing what they look like?  It's natural for us to try and picture what that person's face or hair would be like.  Humans are, after all, mostly visual learners.  We connect visually with the world around us as a means of getting around, performing basic tasks, and understanding what others need from us on an ongoing basis.  Body language is almost as important as the verbal language.  Interesting, though, was the fact that connections were made without the visual aspect.  Connections on the phone or Internet are made without the physical.  We take meticulous care to ensure that we can talk to the other person, that they can connect with a similar emotion or life situation, that they show interest in how we feel.  The one couple's life experiences of being children of divorce brought them together, for instance.   

While the physical appearance of the person in the reveal didn't seem to be a deal breaker for the guys and gals last night, it was definitely a component in making the final decision, though.  The main point: did the personality match what that person looked like in terms of smile, gestures, style of dress, etc?

Personally, I am an eye person.  I notice eyes instantly, as they indicate a lot about a person.  Do they twinkle?  Are they closed off?  Are they open and expressive?  That physical characteristic says a lot about how that person will likely interact with me and others.  Our eyes give off a lot of non-verbal cues that others read on an ongoing basis.

Take-away from my experiment in watching a social experiment: the best (and successful) matches occur when the personality matches the physical.  One of the guys thought he was a complete geek that nobody found attractive, although after dates in the darkness, he had two women interested in his sense of humour and who thought he was gorgeous when they saw him in the light.  His confidence in the dark extended into all facets of his character and made him irresistible.  Letting your inner self and light shine will come through everywhere.

So, next time you're getting professional photos done for business cards or taking photos for your website, show who you are on the inside on the outside.  Wear those animal prints.  Slap on that hat.  Grab those suspenders.  Be who you are, as your personality is what people ultimately will be interested in and attracted to.  :)

Tanya

~ Tanya Spilchak, Education Coordinator

Having Trouble Uploading Your Photos? Try These Quick Steps!

Photo Requirements for Point2 Agent

·         For listing photos - if the file sizesof the photos are larger than 500 KB, or up into the 1MB or larger size, it is recommended that you upload them one at a time.

·         Even for smaller photos (e.g.100-400KB), the number of photos uploaded at once may need to be limited.

·           Photos must be saved as either .jpg or.gif file extension.  These are the two most common image file extensions,and are the only image file types that are compatible with the Point2 Agent software.

·         File name and folder names cannot include symbols (e.g. photo#1-trip.jpg) If this is the case, the file must be renamed with these requirements in mind.

·        File path for the photo must not exceed 250 characters.

Issue: You are attempting to add photos to your Point2 Agent account, however the photo box appears blue or black, or is a white text box that contains a Red X.

Troubleshoot:  Ask yourself, is this a first time photo upload, or have you successfully uploaded photos to your account previously.

If this is your first time uploading a photo to your Point2 Agent Account:

·        When first attempting to upload an image to your account, a Security Warning screen will open asking you to install Java, which will be required for you to be able to add images to your website.  Instructions can be found here on how to install Java so that you may upload photos to your website.

If you have successfully uploaded images to your Point2 Agent Account in the past:

·        There may be a program that has been enabled in your browser that is set to block pop-ups.  For example, a Google toolbar has an option that will allow for the blocking of pop-ups. If a Google toolbar or another program is in place to block pop-ups, please disable temporarily so that the security warning can be accepted.

If the issue persists, please follow the troubleshooting steps below:

Browser Settings (For Internet Explorer 7 or 8)

Clear your Internet Cache, and Cookie Files.

1.      Open an Internet Explorer Browser

2.      From the Tools menu, within the Internet Explorer Browser, select Internet Options

3.      Click the Delete button, then select the Cookies checkbox

4.      Click the Delete button at the bottom of the page to remove all cookies stored on your computer

5.      You can then click OK to close the Internet Options window

Reset Your Internet Explorer Security Settings

1.      Open an Internet Explorer Browser

2.      From the Tools menu, select Internet Options

3.      Click on the Security tab

4.      Select Custom Level

5.      In the Resetto: drop down menu, select Medium

6.      Then click Reset. If your settings are already at medium please do this step anyway

7.      Click OK to confirm reset

8.      Go to the Advanced tab

9.      Under Browsing,uncheck the option Enablethird-party Browser Extensions. This requires restart

10.    Click Apply,then click OK

11.    Restart your computer

12.    Login to your Point2 Agent Online Office and try uploading photos again

Computer Security

Do you have an Anti-Virus or Firewall program installed on your computer?

·        Your Anti-Virus program may have to be disabled in order to upload photos to your listings, as well as adding youruser photo and logo.

·        You must disable the program entirely,not just some of the individual applications within the anti-virus program.

·        If you are using a Firewall program then you may need to disable those as well, or change some settings within that program.

·        You may also want to try adding your domain name to a Trusted Sites list for those programs.

**Please note: Point2 Customer Care Representatives cannot assist with disabling anti-virus programs,and we only suggest doing so for troubleshooting purposes.  We do not recommend that you leave your anti-virus software disabled once testing has been done.  If, by disabling your anti-virus software, you are able to add photos, we recommend that you contact your anti-virus software provider for assistance in adjusting the software settings to allow your Point2 Agent site to function properly.**

If you are still experiencing difficulties uploading photos to your website, please contact our Customer Care team at customercare@point2agent.com or call them at toll free 1-866-977-1777.

Have You Met Third Level Domains?

These days it's all about presentation.  Let's start with a quick example:  Which domain looks more appealing?

 YourNewHome.SaskatoonListings.com
                      or
SaskatoonLisintgs.com/listings/new/index/dfboawir7y24fh9787oohf8

(Now of course, I just made up those domain names but it gets the idea across)

Third Level Domains are usually overlooked and not well known.   Third Level Domains allow you to send a good looking link to your clients that will take them to a certain page on your website or a specific listing you want to send them.  Looking at the two domain names above, which one would you rather send to a client, advertise on a billboard, or display on a park bench?

Creating unique third level domain names for your pages or listings can give you that eye catching edge over your competition.  Third Level Domains are free to create when you are a Professional or Premium Point2 Agent member that can be used in all your marketing material.  They allow you to be creative and send out your listings in a professional fashion to gain more leads.

To learn more about Third Level Domains, click here and search "Third Level Domains"

Or watch our Training Video on Third Level Domains here!

Further Observations from My Road Trip

While attending the Bon Jovi concert was definitely the highlight of the trip, there were other crazy, sometimes strange, things that happened to our little contingency.

Our end destination was Minot, which takes us through Estevan, SK where we drove past The White House.  I am not making this up.  Check out the photo!  Just over the entry are the words "The White House"!  After a good laugh, we headed for the border. 

Usually when I cross the border I am in a plane, so driving across was interesting.  I've heard some horror stories of strip searches, but luckily we avoided the rubber gloves and continued on to Minot.

Our trip happened to coincide with the North Dakota State Fair, which had me quite excited.  I've heard a lot about American state fairs, although I was surprised to find it very similar to the annual Exhibition we have here in Saskatoon.  There were the usual craft competitions, rides, food stands, and rodeo competitions.  What differed were the grandstand bands.  We definitely don't have KISS or Brooks and Dunn at our Ex!  We also don't have that many cowboys wandering around!

The comment was made that perhaps due to the close proximity between Saskatoon and Minot, the fairs are similar.  I've been reassured that the ones in Texas are much bigger...although everything is supposedly bigger in Texas!  Next year's road trip?  :)

Regardless of the similarities, the fair was a good time, especially when the torrential downpour happened.  It is always amusing to see people scramble for cover, especially those who wore special outfits and three inch heels for the concert.  Definitely not rain wear!  Despite being completely soaked by the time we got back to the truck, we all still had our grins on!

Another interesting thing we encountered in Minot were the horse statues.  Wherever we went, there were decorated horses.  A few years ago, Saskatoon had this in the form of pigs.  Horses are a much more engaging animal to me, so seeing the paintings on them was rather intriguing.  The one in our hotel had scenes from blockbuster movies.  Other horses had visuals of cowboys, paintings of landscapes, or a ton of rhinestones. 

We also did a ton of shopping.  Let me tell you, our contingency has some serious shoppers!  We hit almost every store that was open during the days we were in Minot.  Here was one of the disappointing aspects of the trip, as I was hoping to find some interesting clothes and gifts, although didn't seem to find what I was wanting.  My fellow travellers, though, had more success.  You win some, you lose some.

Likely one of the highlights of Minot were the people.  Due to the fair, there were people from all walks of life and all areas of North Dakota, as well as the neighboring states.  I've never seen so many different license plates! 

At Kmart we walked by one truck that had an actual crocodile head on the dash!  The owner looked at me like I just grew a second head, but was fine with me taking a picture of it, on the condition the photo didn't include him! 

We befriended some cowboys at Applebee's and hung out with them one night, and it was interesting to hear about their childhoods in Montana, their current jobs on the oil rigs, and the one's previous job in Alberta, our neighboring province.  Montana sounds like a great place, and it is definitely on the list of places to see in the near future! 

After several days of very little sleep, a ton of shopping, and a plethora of laughs, it was time to head home.  I love travelling, seeing things, and meeting new people, but sometimes being home is the best feeling of all.  It was with great excitement that we pulled up to my house.  I could almost hear my pajamas calling my name!

A good time was had by all, and we've already started planning our trip for next year.  Minot again?  Montana?  Texas?  Somewhere else?  I can't wait to find out!

Tanya

~ Tanya Spilchak, Education Coordinator

Quick Update: The Bon Jovi Concert Was Awesome!

Okay, so I know this update is a tad late, but things have been utter chaos since we last spoke!

We made it to Regina with plenty of time to get to the hotel, meet a bunch of fellow Bon Jovi fans, and jump on the buses to take us to the show.  Based on the sheer number of people who were going to attend the concert, it was definitely smarter to take the bus rather than drive.  Plus, it also gave us the opportunity to make some new friends!

Kid Rock was the opening act, and although I am not a fan, he did a good job of getting the majority of the crowd excited for the evening.  The rest of us were just hanging out and waiting for the main event to start. ;)

It was finally time for the boys to take the stage (and for some reason I say "the boys" like I know them or something!) and rock out.  Now, some people there commented afterwards that the opening song wasn't exciting enough, that too many of the newer songs were played, and that Jon seemed a tad tired.  I don't think they were at the same concert I was attending, as the first song was a goodie from the "New Jersey" album (wore out my Mom's record listening to it!), the concert was supposed to highlight their new album (hence the name of the tour!), and I might remind everyone that only a few weeks ago Jon injured himself onstage.  You'd hardly know to see him running around and interacting with the very-excited crowd.

One of the highlights of the concert was the fact that they played so many of their fan favorites.  Hits like "Bad Medicine" and "Livin' On a Prayer" are always on the setlist because they are the songs that made the band famous.  To hear "Keep the Faith" or "Someday I'll Be Saturday Night" was a treat.  Or, the song that has become my motto lately (as I type this update at 3:15am), "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead".  That delicate mixture of old and new made the concert fresh and almost seem like two in one.

Mix the great music with the playful banter and cheeky grin that Jon always includes, and you not only have a great concert, but you also have a lot of flutteing female hearts!  Tell you what guys, play "I'll Be There for You" or "In My Arms" for any woman and we'll be swooning, no matter how tough we are!

If there is one complaint I have, albeit a minor one, is that there were a few ballads left off the playlist.  I would have loved to hear "Superman Tonight" live and hear "Always" and "Bed of Roses" live again.  Other than that, I had a great time, enjoyed the energy between the boys, the excitement of the crowd, danced and sang my heart out, and was left wondering when they were coming back again...

Incidentally, Jon alluded to a new album coming out at the end of the year and I've heard wind of a Greatest Hits package to end all GH packages.  Guess what's on my holiday wish list already? ;)

More road trip goodies to come!

Tanya

~ Tanya Spilchak, Education Coordinator

August Education Sessions Are Ready For You!

The Education Sessions for August are now accepting registration!  Want to find out how to reach more prospects and gain more leads?  

Thinking your website needs some touching up?  Or maybe your new to Point2 Agent and you need to know the basics on what to do and how to get started.  You can learn all this and much more by attending any of our free Education Sessions!  

We're Off!

The bags are packed, the truck loaded, and the ladies pumped.  We're off to the Bon Jovi concert!  YAY!

Not sure why I felt compelled to post this, other than the fact that I am lame and crazy excited to be finally heading to the concert (I bought the tickets nine months ago!).  Stay tuned later, as I hope to be able to post a few pics afterwards. :)

Tanya

~ Tanya Spilchak, Education Coordinator