Originally posted to Posterous. I decided to move the comments over as well. It’s a good discusion. A tale of two quarterbacks: Mike was a solid high school quarterback, but considered undersized once he moved on to college. A hit from another player almost killed him and his career as a quarterback quickly came to [...]
February 19, 2013
Writing REALTOR® Magazine’s Cover Story
Originally published to Posterous. One of the best parts about my job at NAR is getting to work in the “Publications” department. For most of my career, I have worked with other sales professionals. It’s been great to work with people that have completely different skill sets. The folks at REALTOR@ Magazine approched me to [...]
February 18, 2013
It’s called, “listening to your customers,” and it’s not a new concept
In the wake of the energy crisis of the late seventies, Ford sought to update it’s iconic Mustang model with a more fuel efficient platform. The new car would be front-wheel-drive (instead of rear) and offer smaller 4 and 6 cylinder engines. When Mustang fans found out the changes, many were not happy. A letter [...]
January 21, 2013
Letter from a Birmingham Jail
It’s MLK day. You know, that day when you forget that the post office is closed. The unexpected three day weekend you go to the mountains for. That day when you catch up on laundry. The day that celebrates that guy who made that “I have a dream” speech. But do we really understand why [...]
December 9, 2012
Listing On Social Media
I’v received lots of positive feedback from my presentation to the Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee/Multiple Listing Service Forum at the REALTORS® Conference and Expo. Many of the forum attendees requested a copy of the presentation, so I am including it here. I’m sure there are several people who will disagree with my skepticism, [...]
July 23, 2012
Congratulations to Heather Elias, Nobu Hata, and NAR
The National Association of REALTORS® reaffirmed their commitment to social media today with two new hires. Nobu Hata begins today, serving as the Director of Digital Engagement. I was lucky enough to work with Nobu on several occasions in my time at NAR. He served with me as a fellow subject matter expert for the [...]
May 10, 2012
Anyone want my old job at NAR?
NAR is now accepting applications for my old position at NAR. Check it out here. Some thoughts for people who apply: You’re welcome to ask me for a recommendation. I might even say yes. But understand that a bunch of other people have asked and are asking. It’s not going to set you apart from the [...]
May 7, 2012
New look for Snap.TC
Last month, I did a presentation at RETSO about responsive web design and why it was so important. While working at NAR, a key feature of the realtor.org redesign was to make the site responsive. What is responsive web design? To quote StudioPress: When a website is responsive, the layout and/or content responds or adapts based [...]
April 12, 2012
I’m leaving NAR
My friends tell me there was a pool on how long I would last at NAR and that most of the action was around 18 months. Nobody thought it would be more than double that. Not even me. My first week in the Chicago office, NAR CEO Dale Stinton invited me to his office to [...]
February 1, 2012
How homebuyers use the Internet in their home search
I get this request all the time: @tcar can you link me to the # of buyers who started their search online in 2006? Thanks! — Chris Smith (@Chris_Smth) February 1, 2012 NAR creates a yearly Profile of Homebuyers & Sellers with this information. If you’ve ever heard an industry pundit saying something to the [...]