If Realtors Learn One Thing From Xplode Dallas, It's That They Can't Afford To Ignore The Internet

There are dozens of agents in Dallas that have been in this business for decades, relying on word-of-mouth and referrals to bring in clients and new revenue, completely ignoring the free resources that the Internet provides.

But according to Exit Realty technology and media strategist Jeff Lobb, they can’t afford to ignore it anymore.

I am sure that most of the agents in the audience at Xplode Dallas today are wondering when exactly will they have the time to implement all of these strategies that Lobb, Jim Marks, Steve Pacinelli, and Matt Fagioli are sharing. For the guys putting on the conference, they are driving the point home to the packed-in crowd at the Marriott City Center that you can’t afford not to.

According to one presenter, people are accessing the Internet from mobile devices 70 percent of the time, with laptops and desktops falling far behind. If Realtors were in doubt before, Jim Marks’ presentation rid them of it, assuring the audience that we now exist in a “mobile-first world.”

Lobb, who actually started out with Verizon, overseeing one of the first-ever smartphone projects, was rather aghast at how many Realtors aren’t taking advantage of the unique marketing opportunities that mobile devices offer.

“They have these devices, but they’re not using them to their potential, or using them to retain or gain new customers,” Lobb said. “And they’re not taking advantage of the three major websites — Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com.”

And as far as social media goes, Lobb feels that agents and brokers who attempt to hire out social media accounts could be making a grave mistake, as this is the best opportunity for Realtors to open a dialogue with potential clients. “No one can be social for you,” Lobb said. “I engage with my audience, and that’s what you have to do.”

This morning, Lobb, Marks, and Pacinelli shared tons of free and low-cost apps and sites that can help Realtors make the most of client interaction, and that was just the start of the day. There are three more hours of action-packed, technology fueled workshops until the blessed cocktail hour, at which time hundreds of Realtors’ brains will turn into mush. I suggest you try to elbow your way in before that!

And if we didn’t see you today at Xplode, look for me (Jo!) or Candy at the Texas Realtors Conference this weekend!