I've posted about The PodCamp Community UnConference before, but now there's something even more relevant - RE BarCamp. Founded under the same principle as PodCamp (an event run by attendees for attendees), RE BarCamp is offering real estate training from the trenches.
It's Free To Attend
That's right - it's free. The venue and T-shirts (you get a free T-shirt just for attending) are paid for by sponsors each of whom put up a whole $250 to sponsor this volunteer-run event. It can be held for cheap since they're not paying for speakers (like me) to come out. Although, the smart ones (from my perspective) will come out anyway. I know that I plan to speak at RE BarCamp Boston. In fact, I'm hoping to give several presentations.
A History of RE BarCamp
I've left messages for both Andy Kaufman and Todd Carpenter (NAR's new social media director) to give me a history of the event and I'm waiting on calls back. If you follow this blog, you'll get this information when I update the blog after I hear back from them.
The RE BarCamp Name - Why BarCamp?
Todd Carpenter called me back and we spoke about the history of RE BarCamp. He tells me that in Northern CA there are camps that have come out of computer programming. It seems that when a programmer didn't know what to put in a piece of code, he would hold the space with the word FUBAR. This term resulted in the first tech-based camps being referred to as FUBAR Camps. (The idea being that you could camp out in the parking lot and chat.) Then that got shortened to BarCamps. Since they were borrowing from the idea, the one for real estate became RE BarCamp and the rest is history in the making.
Want To Know What To Expect From A RE BarCamp? Check Out The Video!.
You'll Never Believe Who Attends!
Sherry Chris, CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate (here's her presentation) and Dave Jenks, VP of Keller Williiams were bot seen in attendance at a recent RE BarCamp. You never know who is just going to show up!
Upcoming RE BarCamps
Phoenix - April 23, 2009 (so much for hitting them all - you'll have to choose)
San Francisco - August 4, 2009
Start An RE BarCamp In Your Area
Nothing above near you? Start your own. This post will tell you how.
Help Me Out
If you were (or will be) attending RE BarCamp Boston, what topics would you like me to speak about? I've listed a few ideas below, but I'm open to suggestions outside of these as well. What's important to you? What do you want to know? (BTW- this could be relevant to you even if you don't attend since many of the presentations will be filmed and put up on RE BarCamp Boston's website for free access, so ask for what you want!)
Topic Ideas
Internet Marketing Related
- How to Use Internet Marketing and Social Media To Grow Your Business (an Overview)
- Internet Cheats: How to Get More Done In Less Time
- Social Media Etiquette - To To Avoid Getting Barred from The Social Media Club for Bad Manners
- Blogging for Business - What to Write About and Where to Write It
- SEO for Agents - Get More Traffic to Your Site
- Turning Lurkers Into Leads - Make More of The Traffic You Already Have
- "I Know We've Never Met - But I Just Love You!" - Building Relationships On The Web
Real Estate and Sales
- Creating Instant Rapport
- Turning "Ring-Ring" into "Cha-Ching!" - Converting Floor Calls
- Down Market = High Opportunity: New Ways to Bring in Business by Building Specialty Niches
- Investing for Realtors
- The Energetics of Sales: Advanced People Skills for Experienced Agents
- Get a Life! Work-Life Balance for Busy Agents
- Coach Your Clients Home - Go Deeper, Close More
- Conscious Listening - Hearing the Subtext That Can Take You From So-So to Sold!
Or something else entirely (you tell me). Help me find the topic that will bring people to my presentation! Thanks! I appreciate your help!
Sounds like a plan! I already RSVP'd and can't wait. Sounds like it going to be very informative. See ya there
Hey what about us folks here in Virginia... sounds like it would be great...and free is always great
Kelle, I was discussing RE BarCamp just the other day coincidentally. We were talking of getting one going in Miami. Thanks for that link. I'll have to check it out. This is a great way for everyone to benefit.
Shucks we need one here closer by. I look at how to get one, maybe someone smarter here can do that.
Connie and Charles - IF you want something done, it is often easiest to do it yourself, especially if you want something NEW to happen. Be the change you seek in the world. Click on the link above and find out how to organize one yourself. If you're fairly connected in your community, it doesn't take much to get the sponsors together. I made two phone calls and arranged for sponsorship from a company that does cellular-based wifi hotspots and BlitzTime to do the pre and post-show promotions.
Maggie - If you want to partner with BlitzTime for your event, let me know and I'll get you in touch with the owners. Consider talking to colleges (especially those with real estate degrees) to host the event on a weekend day. They will often provide the space in exchange for sponsor status. I'm working with a friend on getting Podcamp sponsored at one of the local colleges that have marketing degrees associated with new media.
Winston - I'll look forward to seeing you there! Make sure you come up and say "Hi!"
Kelle - Glad to get the scoop on the RE BarCamp. Was not really sure what it was, but have read about lots of people attending. Also great to see that there is one coming up in Phoenix soon!
Troy - glad I could help. Get out and see what it's like - I'm sure you'll like it!
Kelle ~ Since you're giving me the chance to vote - and I will be attending in Boston and look forward to meeting you - I would opt for the internet marketing topics. They all look great and I guess that was the type of subject coverage I was expecting. For me, it's much more interesting right now than the more traditional topics. But that's just me and my one vote.
Liz