By Saul Klein

In July, the National Association of REALTORS® released its new and improved e-PRO Course, as well as an online course available to all REALTORS® that will make sense of Web 2.0 and the marketing and sales aspects of Social Media and Social Influence Marketing.

What is Web 2.0?
Web 2.0, the second generation of Web-based services and behaviors, includes social networking sites and communication tools which emphasize collaboration and sharing. Web 1.0 can be described as the “Static Web” and Web 2.0 can be described as the “Programmable Web.” Think of Web 1.0 as a digital newspaper. You can open it and read, but you cannot add, change or interact, except perhaps by sending an e-mail to the editor. Web 2.0 sites are dynamic, and change frequently with people adding, creating, and sharing information, plus socializing.

Today on the Internet, information about homes, neighborhoods, real estate professionals, the home buying and selling process, lending, you name it, are all available and searchable. Since the real estate business is really an information-based business, Web 2.0 will have a major impact on the conduct and process of real estate related objectives by consumers.

Social Networking and Social Media
Social networking technologies can expand the reach of your brand and connect it to existing and developing social groups.

* People – friends, connections, friends of friends
* Interests – common activities, hobbies, clubs

The rise of social media is creating a new form of marketing called Social Influence Marketing (SIM). SIM is about employing social media as part of the entire relationship lifecycle that begins before and extends beyond the Sale. It is no longer sufficient to be in the “center of the transaction”; REALTORS® must be in the “center of the conversation.” REALTORS® must employ social media, build social capital, and redefine their value proposition.

For many agents, embracing the collective power of connected Internet users means “letting go.” It feels risky, but properly connected users can reinforce your message and brand in ways you never could.

It is important to keep in mind that your goal as a REALTOR® is to remain in the center of the conversation about real estate. For most consumers, the role of the REALTOR® is to be that “Trusted Advisor” in all things related to real estate, and that includes being the community and neighborhood expert. Using Web 2.0 sites today will allow you to be that local area expert, to demonstrate knowledge of your area, and show your expertise, not only when it is time for your client to buy and sell real estate, but all of the time, as you remain in the center of the conversation.

Social Networks are virtual communities
Virtual communities give people with similar experiences and interests the opportunity to come together – freed from the restraints of time and space – to form beneficial relationships. An online community is a network of people sharing and collaborating with one another.

Major benefits for REALTORS® from participation in online communities include referrals from other real estate professionals, leads for listings and sales, a resource for information at your finger tips, and collective power with vendors.

With online communities, people are connected to people. This is a powerful force because “No one is as smart as everyone.” There is a world of online communities out there for you to discover, as your interest and time allows, using Websites like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and RealTown.

A large part of the job for any sales professional is prospecting and “working a territory” – be it geographical or a circle of friends and acquaintances – sometimes referred to as a sphere of influence. The Internet is a vast, relatively untouched territory, which can easily and effectively be reached with a modest marketing budget using Web 2.0 and social networking tools. The real estate professional who has the ability to gather, position, and distribute information in a cost-effective manner will be the big winner.

For more on the new e-PRO course and the Social Networking Course, go to http://eProNAR.com.

Original Article Here

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