At the VAR convention
September 26, 2008 | Leave a Comment
What’s black and white and read all over?
September 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The Zebra, of course! 
(you had to see that one coming, eventually)
One of the interesting things about being a blogger is that it occasionally leads to opportunities to be interviewed by the “real” media. I like conversation and sharing my opinions, so I make a pretty decent interview subject.
I was recently interviewed by a local weekly newspaper, the C-Ville Weekly. I have done some interviews for them before (even had them over to my house). They did a story highlighting the crop of local real-estate related blogs, and were kind enough to highlight me, along with Jim Duncan and the anonymous contributors of Real C’ville, our very own local bubble blog.
I was also quoted in an article about branding by real estate news provider, RISMedia, as a result of the podcast I did a few weeks ago with Rory, Steve, and Dave.
I like writing here at the blog, but I also enjoy the opportunities I have to interact with members of the media, who give me a chance to expose my voice to folks who might not otherwise get to hear it. I hope I get to do more of that in the future.
Heading to RE BlogWorld for some real-life social networking
September 16, 2008 | 4 Comments
I’m leaving this afternoon for Las Vegas and RE Blogworld. I’ll be part of a presentation about using video on Friday. It should be a lot of fun.
People always ask what the benefit of going to events like this is. That’s a fair question. For me, one of the reasons to go is to do some real-life social networking. I took some video to give you an example of what I mean. The video is from Beer With Bloggers at Inman Connect San Francisco. The sound ain’t all that great, and the video is a little dark in the end (hey, it’s an underground bar, gimme a break), but you’ll get the idea.
I’ll be blogging from RE Blogworld and the Blogworld Expo, so stay tuned!
Jimmy Buffet might help you sell more real estate
September 3, 2008 | 8 Comments
I spent most of my Labor Day with the Parrot Heads at a Jimmy Buffet concert at the Nissan Pavilion. Kari and I aren’t huge Buffet fans (with the exception of a few songs) but my Mother-in-Law, Patsy, is a Parrot Head. We got the tickets for Mother’s day, and Jimmy Buffet on a holiday weekend ain’t such a bad thing.
I had never been to a Jimmy Buffet concert before, and I have to say, I was quite impressed. I wasn’t impressed so much with the music, Jimmy isn’t the best singer or guitar player, but the atmosphere is great. Jimmy Buffet is in his 60’s, and the guy sells out wherever he goes. Everybody is there to hear the same 4-5 songs, the rest is just filler. But still, the place was PACKED. I’ve been to shows at Nissan Pavilion before, and I have never seen that many people.
How does Jimmy do it?
How does he do it? How has Jimmy managed to sell out everywhere he goes, for decades, singing pretty much the same songs. People travel the world to see him, and people are fanatical about it.
Being at the concert made it obvious. Jimmy Buffet isn’t selling music. Jimmy Buffet is selling a lifestyle.
Sure, his songs are all kinda the same, and his best ones were written decades ago, but it doesn’t matter. People don’t listen to Jimmy Buffet for the songs, they listen to Jimmy Buffet songs because it takes them someplace they want to go. It helps them escape their daily lives, it puts them in a state of mind that they wish they could hold on to forever.
More power to ya, Jimmy.
Why selling lifestyle is important to you
Here’s the thing. You and your business can benefit from selling lifestyle, too. As agents, sometimes we get very wrapped up in selling the features of a home, the location of a home, the number of bedrooms, the upgraded kitchen, the great value it represents. . .
Sometimes we forget, however, that people aren’t just buying a structure. They are buying a home. The difference between a house and a home is the lifestyle that goes with it. Sure, they want a great location, but that is because that location allows them to live a certain lifestyle. Sure, they want a great kitchen, but that it because it enables them to live a certain lifestyle.
If you can sell the lifestyle that comes with a house, then it makes it that much easier to sell the features that make it all possible.
Maybe you have a listing or two that aren’t the fanciest homes on the block. Maybe they don’t have all the bells and whistles. Well, maybe you can focus on the lifestyle that those homes will provide for their new owners. Focus on what that home will be like when it is filled with family and friends, what it has to offer the new owners aside from appliances, bathrooms and bedrooms. There is value there for people, you just have to show it to them.
(the post image comes from jahdakinebrah, and is a photographic representation of famous Jimmy Buffet songs and lyrics. All of them are tagged here)
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Disclaimer
My name is Daniel Rothamel. I am a licensed real estate agent in the Commonwealth of Virginia and a member of the National Association of REALTORS. As such, I adhere to a strict code of ethics and all laws with regard to equal housing, which is reflected in the content of this blog. My broker is Strong Team REALTORS, 86 Joshua Lane, Palmyra, VA 22963; (434) 589-5800. My VA Real Estate License number is 0225 077325. All of the opinions in this blog are mine, unless otherwise noted.
