Technology - Are You Up To Speed?

We are in the heart of the Information Age, where innovation can take you to the top of your industry, where unique ideas are key and clever business plans can boost you above your competition. Business has become a challenging marketplace, and especially so for the hard economic times befalling the Real Estate market.

There is no “magic strategy” or “secrets to success” in this market - it is hard work, innovative ideas and putting the time into your business to reflect the revenue you want out of it. It really does not matter what other agents in your area are doing and what makes them successful - what matters is what makes you different in your field. What do you offer that other agents don’t? What services do you provide that other agents lack? What kind of guarantees do you offer for your services or products that bring comfort and security to your clients? Are you leveraging technology in your favor to get an edge on your competition?



Being successful in business is being able to take problems and turning them into opportunities. With technology rapidly changing, becoming more complex and niche out more focused markets, it is playing a vital part of business plans today. When you delay, you lose business. When you are the last on board with technologies that make your job more efficient either in the realms of money, time or procedure, you are lagging behind in the market. Working in the service industry we are in a world of increasing customer expectations and needs, if you are not able to satisfy these you are more than likely not going to be able to retain the clients and contacts that you manage to come across. Responding quickly to new products and services that better your customer experience can rocket you ahead in this hypercompetitive market.

Is your website up to speed? Do you currently partake in Search Engine Optimization (SEO)? Do you have dynamic contact forms? Do you partake in Social Media outlets? Do you have unique and completely custom content on your website that sets you apart from the standard template real estate agent of your competitive market? If not… you may be missing out on your slice of the market share.

“The amount of information available on the Internet more than doubles every year, and most of it is free.” - Business and Information Technology

What are you offering on the world wide web? Are you simply hoping that sticking property statistics on your website will bring a buyer? Are you offering information about your area? County? City? Subdivisions? Retirement Communities? Public Parks? National Parks? Recreation Areas? If you haven’t gotten into updating your website you’re behind your competition. Don’t have time for updating your website, your blog, or your Twitter account? Find someone who can. What are you doing to keep yourself ahead of the pack? What is even scarier to think about - what do you think your competition is doing?


One of the keys of success in any business is to leverage ingenuity and to enact on a future that is continually being built upon information technologies. Our world is constantly changing and if you do not have the ability or you flat out refuse to change with it - you will find yourself trying to live in a world that no longer exists. The “old school” way of performing real estate services is exactly where it should be - in the past. Are you stepping up to the plate of revolutionary change to perform better service than any other agent out there? To remain ignorant of today’s technologies is to put yourself behind the proverbial eight ball - don't be left behind. If you need help to get ahead, don't be afraid to ask for it!

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Quote from:
Business and Information Technology
Author: Efraim Turban, R. Kelly Rainer, Richard E. Potter
copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Are You Utilizing Your Website To Its Full Potential?

Your most powerful asset to your marketing strategy should be your website. It is your way to literally touch the world using the internet to a very wide client base. It is your face to your clients, your community and your associates. There are a few questions you have to ask yourself in your assessment of where you want to be with your brand and image:

Are you putting in the time and effort into not only making it the best website in the business but also keeping it that way?

Do you have skills it takes to create a comprehensive and attractive website?

Do you have the time to create unique content that your clients and associates will find valuable?

Do you have the time to stay in touch with your clients using social media outlets?



A lot of people find it hard to answer yes to all of these questions. The next very important step is to say “Okay - now what do I do about it?”

I have come across many people who badly want to bring their websites up to speed but have no idea to go about doing it. I like to think of a website as a home. There is a base cost to even have one (as in domain & hosting fees), there are maintenance fees (perhaps you pay for a website to host on your page from an outside source), you have to keep it clean & current every single day, there are fees for updating & upgrading & renovating, etc…

Now every homeowner will know, that if you do not have the ability to perform all of these tasks yourself, they hire a professional to take care of their investment. If you do not have time to clean, you hire a trusted housekeeper, if you have a broken pipe you hire a plumber, if your roof is leaking you hire a roofer, if you need a remodel or overhaul you hire a contractor. Specialists were created because we all cannot be perfect in all things - if websites & search engine optimization are not your strong points, if writing unique content has you with writer’s block and if social media is intimidating & confusing, it is perfectly logical to hire someone to assist you in these technical matters.

You specialize in what you do for a reason - to provide exceptional service to your clients. As your internet marketing specialist, I also offer to give you the same exceptional service for your website. You don’t have to be a writing expert or a social media whiz to provide valuable information to the world - you can keep on being your own professional and having your website support taken care of with confidence.



If you would like a website strategy plan particularly tailored to your business, needs, area & area of expertise, feel free to get in touch!

Email: TargetingPro@gmail.com
Blog: http://TargetingPro.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TargetingPro
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TargetingPro
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/TargetingPro

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Why Do I Need A Virtual Assistant?

Every business has room for growth, no matter what the budget or economy holds. If you are not adapting to the changing market you will find yourself trying to survive in a world that no longer exists. All businesses benefit from intelligent and well-planned growth. Whether you need assistance for 1 hour, 1 week or several months – a Virtual Assistant is your on-hire help with no long-term obligation. Search Engine Optimization is another aspect every business website cannot be without. What does Search Engine Optimization (SEO) mean? It means that your website is geared up for the best possible search engine rankings with relevant content to help boost your placement. The more potential clients that see you, the more sales you will make.



If web design, graphic creation, html coding, linking, social media, Twitter, Facebook and blogging have your head spinning – allow a Virtual Assistant to help take the technical burden off of you so that you can get back to what you do best: Running your business. On-going web maintenance can sometimes be a hassle for individuals who are not familiar with the latest technology or have the bigger fish to fry on a daily basis. Signing on a Virtual Assistant to help maintain your website, content, SEO and even shadow writing for your blog can be priceless additions to your web presence. Effective website create online presence – make your reputation online as good as it is in the field!

Email: TargetingPro@gmail.com
Blog: http://TargetingPro.blogspot.com/
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5 Simple Tasks To Boost Your Business in 2010

Gearing up for 2010 can be the best and also the scariest thing you can do - don't know where to begin? These five simple tips will help you on your way to kick-start your business!


1. Check Your Email Regularly – Your clients know we are living in a virtual world and responding to emails promptly has been as important as returning a phone call. If you do not have a mobile email service with your current phone company, check your emails often and respond to potential clients even if you have to research the information and get back to them later once you know the answer. Business does not wait!

2. Answer Your Phone With A Smile – Sounds simple, right? An old trick that works well to get you started is to hang a small mirror facing you where you receive most of your phone calls. Before you answer the phone – smile – the caller will hear it in your voice. Before you know it you will be trained to answer the phone like this all the time – a positive attitude can be priceless!

3. Focus On Accomplishing Tasks – Another simple one? It is so easy in today’s day and age to get distracted. Plain and simple – distractions take us away from our focus. Whether your task is to return all of your calls before 9am, to complete a load of laundry or to publish your blog post – remember this: You are only human and can only complete one task at a time. Even if you are a multitasker you will know that jumping from one subject to another causes you to break your concentration on what you are doing. Stay focused and complete one task (no matter how minor) before moving on to the next.

4. Set Goals – No matter how you want to do it, whether you want to write out a business plan for the year, post a white board, create a checklist or plug asks into your mobile calendar, set yourself up with reasonable goals. Achieving goals not only accomplishes work but it motivates us to take it to the next step. Break it down to small items that accomplish a large goal. Do you want more internet presence? Well then are you putting unique content on your website? Are you using search engine optimization strategies? Do you have a call to action on each page? Don’t overwhelm yourself with long-term goals, just break them down into more manageable ones and you will see your progress.

5. Social Media – You’ve heard it all over the web and you’ve watched it on the news – Social Media is the next big thing. NO it is not. IT IS THE BIGGEST THING. We are all becoming “plugged in” to the internet. We are finding our niches, our outlets, our interests, our coworkers and even our friends and family with the help of social media. Blogs, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn help you stay connected to the things you value most. Don’t miss out, be out of the loop or find yourself sitting on the sidelines – Take the plunge and dive right in!

Let's face it - every business could use a booster shot. If you are finding yourself running short on time or it is taking you away from your clients, think about the possibilities of hiring a Virtual Assistant (or VA) to help with your tasks. Hire for as long as you like - no long term commitments!

Email: TargetingPro@gmail.com
Blog: http://TargetingPro.blogspot.com/
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What is a Virtual Assistant?

A Virtual Assistant is a highly trained individual in various areas of expertise to help support your business in lieu of a full or part time employee. These business services are typically done via the internet, phone or fax to meet a client’s specific needs.

Hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) is much more cost effective in today’s economy considering wages, benefits, unemployment and the ability to keep an employee hired for the originally agreed upon hours once a project has been completed. You hire a VA for as long as you need them – with no worry of over-extending yourself or possibly having to lay off employees in the future.

A Virtual Assistant will typically have an appointment with you or supply you with a questionnaire to help solidify the type of work that you need. Once the needs of the client are established the client is given a rate of pay for the services they are requiring. If the pricing is acceptable a Virtual Assistant can then be hired on a contractual basis depending on the needs of the client.

If you would like to start the process of hiring a Virtual Assistant - I would be more than happy to figure out a plan that works for you!

Email: Info@TargetingPro.com
Homepage: www.TargetingPro.com
Blog: http://TargetingPro.blogspot.com/
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Thank Your Artist

I had an interesting revelation this week, so I thought I would do a write-up about it. Upon my vast amount of time on the internet, I stumbled upon a very interesting quote (some of you may have seen me quote it on my other social media sites).

The quote is as follows:

"An artist chooses his subjects: that is the way he praises,"

~ Friedrich Nietzsche ~

At first it struck me just as an appealing (and true) phrase. I mean…who would bother creating a piece of art for someone if they didn’t care about them or the subject manner?

Then I started to delve deeper into it.

I began thinking about all the previous artworks I had done. I began to think about all the subjects I included in them from my life.

This quote never began to ring so true. When you are included in on someone’s artistic works – may it be a drawing, painting, sculpture, poem, song or even a mix tape – it is because you inspired that person. Your influence in their life was so great that they found an artistic outlet to commemorate you.

I have never done a piece on someone that did not illicit some sort of strong emotion to me. Let’s face it – why would anyone create works they were not passionate about? Money can sometimes be a great motivator for someone to create custom art (don’t get me wrong) – but it is the soulful art that comes from deep within.

Looking back in my memory banks (and dusting off a few old files) I recalled one of the first things I did for my (now) husband back when we were friends – I wrote him a sonnet. Although the poem itself is unfortunately lost to time, I can still recall the subject – of building a mansion up in Heaven and how each room was not build with brick and mortar but with love and dreams. How each room was a memory added on over time. That was nearly 11 years ago.

When I received my very first digital pen – my very first subject was my youngest daughter. I sketched out a replication of a photo of her on her birthday and recolored it.

As a Christmas gift for my family I am designing a “Family Calendar” that has seasonal themes incorporated with pictures of each individual for their birthday month and accomplishes they have made in life.

One of the first drawings I ever did in school was one of my mother (which amazingly she still has) of her and I in front of our house (you know – triangle dresses and all!).

I also love fantasy creatures and often include them in my works. There is something about letting your imagination run in wild abandon that makes art more like fun and less like work. Again, to create that in which you love is a very pure form of praise.

May artists paint nature because of all the beautiful things the natural world brings to us - the joy and astonished wonderment that captivates our thoughts and expresses itself out through our pens and brushes (and mouse clicks).

Not a deeply informative post I know, more of a public service announcement. I remember when I was young when I sometimes didn’t have the ability to “purchase” a gift for a friend or family member I would “make” them something. I think a lot of folks may think that is cheaping out – a good way to get out of getting a worthy present or something of that nature. You’d get the raised eyebrow and a head nod with “that’s nice” but not a thank-you or a hug for hours of work you put into something. A piece of art is an extension of the soul – not something you can purchase in a department store window. It is not something anyone else has or ever will have – it is a unique and priceless gift unto itself. (I don’t know if macaroni pictures count for this…)

If anyone ever creates art of you or about – it is one of the deepest compliments one can give, be sure to thank them, as more than likely it came directly from the heart!

Email: Info@TargetingPro.com
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Twitter – Tweets, Tweeters, Twitterings, Twerps, Twalking and Twits, what does it all mean exactly?

-->What does Twitter do? Well its social networking in its simplest form!

I have a lot of questions from people asking me what the importance of Twitter is in a business sense. They have gone as far as to check out Twitter itself, other Twitter user’s pages and perhaps even create a profile – but have not taken the step of actually utilizing its power.

Targeting Pro Marketing on Twitter

“I don’t have time to read about people who are tweeting about insignificant things to me.” - That is the number one response I have when I tell people that if they have a business they need to be on Twitter. Here is the thing – what about the people who do? You don’t need to just have your children on there who tweet about every time they use the restroom – you can have business contacts, fellow partners, clients and vendors that offer vital information via the Twitter platform.

It is not all about updating every minute of our mundane lives – even though that is what some users have turned it into (okay and some spam hounds). I personally enjoy Twitter very much, it allows one to send and receive information about your personal life, business, industry, current projects, sales specials and news in very short, palatable quips of conversation. You no longer have to read through a ten page report to receive an update – it is done in 140 characters or less (including links and the updated feature of being able to add images to your Twitter posts).

So contrary to popular belief to those who feel they don’t have “time” for Twitter – Twitter is actually perfect for you! If you don’t want to spend a lot of time sifting through pages of news and updates on your industry, create your Twitter list to include those who are sharing information that is relevant to your interests or organizational goals.

Ready to take the Twitter plunge? There really isn’t anything to be afraid of! The first thing you have to do is setup your Twitter profile (or get help setting up your Twitter profile) – your tweeting face to the world. The site is very user friendly and you can accomplish this task rather quickly (or again, request help setting up your social media outlets). Be sure to include your homepage link and branding (both your user icon and background). You can also choose to receive updates on your mobile device, for either a particular fellow Twitter user. You may also setup email notices for follower notifications, direct text emails or newsletter updates.

Targeting Pro Marketing on Twitter

If you want to see how the dynamics of Twitter works, just do a search for people you already know using it. Once you are following them, you can see how they interact with one another. It is easy to pick up quickly on re-tweets or “RT’s” (if you like a post another user has made you “retweet” what they tweeted and give them credit by including their username so others can follow them as well if they like the information, it is a great way to share) and Follow Fridays “FF” (for the people you enjoy the most, you can do a “follow suggestion” on Friday to suggest your other Twitter followers, again another way to share information and great users). There are lots of other tips and tricks you can pick up along the way – let alone lifelong friends and associates you don’t know how you ever lived without.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start Tweeting! Please feel free to follow me, I would love to be a part of your Twitter Family! http://twitter.com/TargetingPro

If you need any assistance in setting up or maintaining your Twitter account, my services are available - feel free to send me a tweet! ;) Don't be shy!

Homepage: www.TargetingPro.com

Blog: http://TargetingPro.blogspot.com/
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