Get more out of your experience at the International Builders Show with the IBS Mobile App. The FREE mobile application includes an interactive show floor plan with GPS tracking, so you won’t get lost between booths! You can browse and choose classes (like the great ones offered by the mRELEVANCE team) and stay in the know with show alerts. It is the perfect way to organize your show schedule!
Here are the features of the App:
Get 24-hour access to unique on-the-go information, maps and networking
Organize your Schedule
Navigate using the interactive show floor plan with GPS tracking
Download exhibitor and product information
Stay in-the-know with show alerts and event schedules
Follow and join in the IBS 2011 Twitter feed
Enjoy searchable host-city attractions
Connect using the friends feature
Get the app now — downloading it is free and easy!
For iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad users:
- From your phone, go to the iTunes App Store and search for “IBS 2011″ and click on the “free” button to take you to the install screen.
- Download the IBS 2011 app as you would any iPhone application.
For Blackberry, Android and all other phone type users:
- Point your mobile browser to:
m.core-apps.com/IBS2011
- There you will be directed to the proper app download for your device.
Generations have their own hallmarks – distinct features that set them apart. Are you prepared to sell your new homes to the new generation of home buyers, or manage them in the work force? If you are going to the International Builders Show in January, you’ll want to be sure to attend “Dealing With Gen Y: The Next Generation of Builders, Buyers, Colleagues and Employees.”
During this session, Mitch Levinson, managing partner of mRELEVANCE will be your tour guide to Gen Y along with Steve Lewkowitz of Pivotal Corp and Joe Stoddard of Mountain Consulting Group, LLC.
This session will focus on the types of homes the newest generation of buyers wants to purchase to fit the lifestyles they want to lead. You’ll also learn about the technology they expect to use and the work environment you’ll need to create to attract the best and brightest of this dynamic generation.
You’ll see real-world examples of builders that have adapted their marketing strategies and online presence to serve this new generation of buyers. You’ll also learn how companies are transforming policies and advertising to appeal to the Gen Y job seekers.
This session is offered Thursday, Jan. 13 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Visit the IBS 2011 website to register for this conference and see all of the other classes offered. Visit this session’s page to add it to your show planner and see the bios of these engaging speakers.
When you’re figuring out your schedule for the International Builders Show in 2011, be sure to block out some time to meet an expert. NAHB has scheduled several times for you to “Meet the Experts” and learn more about hot industry topics as part of the Custom Builder Symposium Central.
Mitch Levinson, managing partner of mRELEVANCE, will lead a round table talking about one of the topics he knows best: social media. His session, “The Power of Social Media – The Tools of the Trade,” will help builders and real estate marketers understand the best way to harness and use social media for ultimate results. He’ll address what social media tools are the most effective, how you can use the power of social media to be found in search engines and how you can drive qualified traffic to your website to in turn generate leads that convert to sales.
This “Meet the Experts” session won’t just be another lecture. Mitch wants you to bring all of your questions! He’ll keep things lively and interactive while giving you the information you need to get started or become more efficient in using social media.
Be sure to mark Mitch’s “Meet the Expert” session on your calendar for IBS. He will be in Room 309 A-B on Level 3 in the West Concourse on Friday, Jan. 14 from 3 to 3:35 p.m.
Consumers, Realtors and other influencers continue to flock to social networks to promote homes, communities, products and brands. If you haven’t started a social media program, or if you launched your online profiles but never completed or learned how to use them, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. If this sounds like you, it’s time to stop feeling overwhelmed and start discovering the basics of social networking.
This year at IBS, Carol Flammer, Kelly Fink and Linda Hebert will present,
“Friend, Fan, Follow or Fail: Discover the Basics of Social Networking” on Friday, Jan. 14 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. From account setup on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to understanding the fine points of each site, this program is designed to help you blossom from a novice into an “A” student.
Moderated by Tammie Smoot, this program is presented by Professional Women in Building and promises several learning outcomes including:
- The top 10 Do’s and Don’ts for using LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook
- Easy-to-follow tips for setting up your presence on basic social networking sites and how to use them to generate business
- The free, powerful tools social networking sites provide for targeting relevant audiences
- Valuable tips for simplifying social media management
This IBS education session is available on a first-come, first served basis to Full Registrants and those who purchase a One-day or Two-day Education with Exhibits Registration.
For more information, visit the IBS website.
If you’re promoting your homes, communities, products or brands in today’s environment, you probably have found that marketing is a moving target that changes almost by the hour. Although Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are among today’s most popular and effective communication tools, you may be wondering if they will last or even what will come next.
To help you muddle through the complex world of marketing, this year’s IBS education sessions will include, “The 11 Hottest Marketing Commodities of 2011” on Thursday, Jan. 13 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by mRELEVANCE managing partner, Mitch Levinson, Jim Adams of New Homes Directory and Kevin Mack with MI Homes.
In this session, you’ll learn today’s coolest new technology and tools for driving traffic and promoting sales as well as what to keep a look-out for in the upcoming year.
This session has learning outcomes that will help you stay on the cutting edge of marketing including:
- Which tools and technology should be part of your marketing program
- How to differentiate between the new, cool marketing tools and other programs that are only hype
- How to effectively build and use new social media, Internet marketing and online tools to build relationships and bring buyers to your door
- How to identify effective Internet advertising options
This IBS education session is available on a first-come, first served basis to Full Registrants and those who purchase a one-day or two-day Education with Exhibits Registration.
For more information, visit the IBS website.
mRELEVANCE swept the social media categories at the 2010 OBIE Awards Gala held at the Intercontinental Hotel. This goes to show that strategic Internet marketing campaigns can produce effective results! The Internet marketing firm won both Gold and Silver OBIEs for Best Social Media Campaign. The awards were for work done on behalf of Bowen Family Homes and Circle 75 Townhomes.
mRELEVANCE won Gold for Best Social Media Campaign for the second year in a row for Bowen Family Homes. The two-and-a-half month long Penny Power Promotion, which utilized only social media and online marketing, generated 998 new leads, increased traffic by 40% and produced 51 sales valued at $10.7 million. People are still asking, “Where’s Penny?”
mRELEVANCE won Silver for Best Social Media Campaign for Circle 75 Townhomes. This Cobb County community sold 48 units in eight months. Through the effective use of search engine optimization and content marketing, overall website traffic increased during the campaign by 469%.
“These awards demonstrate the effectiveness of the online marketing programs built by mRELEVANCE,” said Mitch Levinson, managing partner. “mRELEVANCE is recognized as the leader in the new home marketing social media space. It is rewarding to know that our efforts have been recognized by both our peers and the home building industry.”
This is the third consecutive year that mRELEVANCE has won OBIEs for award-winning Internet marketing. In 2008 the agency won Best E-Marketing – Best Interactive Application for its Heron Bay Golf and Country Club campaign. The agency was recognized in 2009 for Best Interactive Application for Atlanta’s favorite news blog, www.AtlantaRealEstateForum.com.
The Sales and Marketing Council of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association presents its annual OBIE Awards every November. The OBIE Awards began in 1980 and have grown consistently, now featuring more than 100 building, remodeling, marketing and personal achievement categories. The awards are the highest honor given in the Atlanta housing industry.
mRELEVANCE builds premium blogs, which we deliver with all search engine optimization tools and plug-ins expertly configured so clients can begin writing posts with ease. Often, clients ask our team of experienced writers to populate their blogs with meaningful content that incorporates key search terms for maximum search engine optimization. Let us know how we can help you with your home builder marketing or other online marketing, contact mRELEVANCE.
Tired of hearing that you need a Facebook page for business, but just not knowing where to start? Then THIS is the class for you. On November 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Housing Center, you can immerse yourself in Facebook Boot Camp, a hands-on workshop designed to train professionals how to effectively use social media to enhance their professional reputation, reach existing customers and build relationships with target audiences.
This three hour Facebook Boot Camp covers the “how to basics.” Get started with a Facebook page and strategy with tips and insight from social media expert, Carol M. Flammer, MIRM. The author of “Social Media For Home Builders: It’s Easier Than You Think.”
Facebook – create a Fan page and learn how to promote your business to friends and customers — don’t miss this online cocktail party.
Class Supplies List – you’ll get more out of this hands-on class if you bring a few supplies with you.
• Laptop with ability to connect to a wireless network
• Corporate logo
• Corporate bio or company description 75 – 100 words
• List of website and other social media URLs
• Collateral and promotional materials
• Copies of eflyers
• Photos sized for the internet – 72 dpi and saved as jpegs
This class is designed for remodelers, home builders and others in the home building industry. Visit the Atlanta HBA website to sign up!
The Atlanta 50+ Housing Council has teamed up with 50+ Councils from around the country to present 50+ University Day. More than 20 guest speakers will serve as the instructors and panelists on Thursday, Oct. 14 at the Cobb Galleria Center.
mRELEVANCE founder, Carol Flammer will present a 3 hour seminar on “How to Use Social Media as a Marketing Tool.” GREC credits are available for this course. Learn how social media can help your business reach existing customers AND build relationships with new ones.
Social Media as a Marketing Tool will cover the “how to” basics for promoting your business through social networking and blogging. Learn how to create an effective integrated strategy for your business and save time online. Bring your laptop and come prepared to set up sites and get questions answered.
The cost of the conference is $80 for 50+ council members and $125 for non-council members. If you’re looking to take advantage of additional savings, non-council members can increase their value by simultaneously becoming a member of the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council and registering for the conference for only $150. That’s a savings of $75.
Space is limited, so act fast to take advantage of this offer. For more information about 50+ University Day, including online registration and class schedule, visit the website.
You are invited to attend the Southeast’s premier event for all in the home building industry, the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference. The conference is scheduled Sept. 15 through 17 with the expo hall open the 16th and 17th. These three days of game-changing information will take place at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C.
The conference will consist of general session seminars that feature nationally-recognized speakers discussing some of the hottest topics and trends in home building, such as incorporating social media into your company’s day-to-day business. Carol Flammer, author of “Social Media for Home Builders: It’s Easier than You Think,” along with business partner Mitch Levinson will hold the session, “Social Media for Home Builders.” Carol is also teaming up with Tammie Smoot to teach, “Selling to Women through the Social Media Grapevine.” These seminars will help take the mystery out of social media so that you may grow your business through this hot method of internet marketing.
The conference is also a great way to get you on your way to achieve a professional designation. You can take courses through the North Carolina Builder Institute for designations recognized by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. Visit the website for pricing information.
In between seminars make sure to visit the Expo floor where you’ll find 200 exhibits displaying the latest products and services for the home building industry.
Register as a full delegate to gain unlimited access to the general session seminars. The cost of registration is $75 before Sept. 14 and $100 after Sept. 14. Or, you may register for the Expo floor only by Sept. 14 and visit the all of the exhibits for free. If registering for the Expo floor only after Sept. 14, the fee is $25. All fees include Expo floor access and conference lunch on Thursday and Friday.
The registration deadline is quickly approaching. Don’t miss your chance to learn from the industry’s best. For more information about the 21st Century Building Expo and Conference, visit the website.
BuilderBooks will kick off Free Book Friday this Friday by giving away copies of Carol Flammer’s book, “Social Media for Home Builders: It’s Easier Than You Think.” The BuilderBooks program will offer multiple free book giveaways. To participate, make sure you are following BuilderBooks on Twitter. Beginning this Friday, September 10 at 2:00 p.m. (eastern time) the first giveaway book title will be announced and simple instructions for claiming the books will be provided.
Today more than ever, builders and remodelers must equip themselves with the necessary resources to enable their businesses not only to survive, but to thrive. BuilderBooks develops products and publications that help builders and remodelers expand their businesses by
* streamlining daily operations
* building and selling more homes
* serving existing customers and cultivating new ones
* safeguarding the jobsite
The Free Book Friday program will be kicked off with the timely and relevant, best-seller Social Media for Home Builders: It’s Easier Than You Think. Other best-selling resources such as Accounting and Financial Management, Fifth Edition and Estimating with Microsoft® Excel are also among the titles that will be given away every Friday.
Dates: Fridays: September 10 thru November 12, 2010
Time: 2:00 pm every Friday
Where: www.twitter.com/builderbooks