Title Princess

Powerful Online Videos changing our World

stewsue — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 07:40:46 +0000

I took a few months off and now I am back and excited to re-engage with the blogosphere. A lot has happened! The past few months, I have seen or heard a lot of talk about video and the internet. The power of a video isn’t quite understood by most people. But for those who do understand this, they are seeing unheard of changes in their personal lives, businesses, and their brand impact online.

YouTube is leading the way with online video sharing and exposure. YouTube just hit its five-year anniversary this year. And in that time, here is where the traffic has grown. . .

“People are watching two billion videos a day on YouTube and uploading hundreds of thousands of videos daily. In fact, every minute, 24 hours of video is uploaded to YouTube. Our user base is broad in age range, 18-55, evenly divided between males and females, and spanning all geographies. Fifty-one percent of our users go to YouTube weekly or more often, and 52 percent of 18-34 year-olds share videos often with friends and colleagues.”

The stories and successes from posting on YouTube are constantly occurring. There is nothing like the pandemonium of the WorldCup winning game for the USA, check this out!

From Justin Bieber, Black Eyed Peas, and Lady Gaga- all have revolutionized the entertainment impact throughout YouTube. This one of the Black Eyed Peas is definitely a favorite:

The discovery of new talent or a new business brand happens so often on YouTube, it would be hard to list them all. However, I have started a list of the most powerful, life-changing, market trend shifts or stories that have impacted our world via YouTube. Please check out my list, “YouTube Rockstars!” in my haps box, and add your favorites too. . .

So, finally, in celebration of YouTube’s 5th Anniversary, let’s watch ‘The Evolution of Dance’ – the most viewed video of all time, one more time: Enjoy!

What is all the Tweeting Buzz about??

stewsue — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 03:30:50 +0000

Social Media, otherwise known as Web 2.0, is rapidly overtaking our culture and business world. This is a dramatic trend shift that is reshaping the way we communicate, do business, and build relationships. It’s a tough concept to understand- how a computer can do all this and have such power in our lives. Whatever your perception and taste for this new online world, its definitely not going away. If you want to survive consider this direction of thought, why don’t you be the leader in your environment and learn all you can so that you keep that competitive edge over your competitors. This could prove to be one of the best strategic practices you could ever make.

Social media isn’t without its frustrations or drawbacks. Try to learn all you can and listen to the experts. This will save you a lot of time and headache, because trust me, the experts have already made most of these. Here are my top 5 things to remember to stay focused, driven, and purposeful when taking that leap into this abyss.

1. Don’t try to do them all. The top 5 to use: Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, WordPress, Google analytics/RSS/Adwords

2. Use a focused strategy, that will integrate social media marketing strategies into your traditional marketing strategies

3. Listen and learn the etiquette for each site and engage accordingly

4. Enjoy, laugh, and most importantly Be Real

5. 20 minutes a day is all it takes!

Every business and facet of our world is engaging in social media. You need to be too.

National Fondue Day!!!

stewsue — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 04:30:40 +0000

For all those fondue lovers out there, listen up! Sunday April 11th, is the National Fondue Day!! Talk about the most genius day ever!!!

It has always cracked me up with how there seems to be a club, a group, association, or a national day set aside, for anything and everything under the sun. Lucy from Charlie Brown coined it best when sitting at her psychiatrist booth with Charlie, “Let’s figure out what you are feeling, so that we can label it.” Isn’t that how we tend to be here in America?

I must concede, however, and admit that this day is one that is truly genius! Nothing is better than fresh strawberries and chocolate fondue, right? So in honor of this day, I would like to post two of my favorite fondue recipes. For those cooking challenged, I’d like to also point out that these are simple and delicious! So, be daring and spontaneous and bake up a fondue storm . . .

Chocolate Caramel Fondue

2 cups baking chocolate (I use a bag of milk chocolate chips)

1/3 cup evaporated milk

2/3 cup caramel sauce

*place all ingredients in ceramic fondue pot, or bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave another 30 seconds, stir, continue until chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Pour into fondue pot with fire lite underneath. Makes 2 cups.

Spinach Artichoke Cheese Fondue

8 ounces cheese, cut into cubes

1 Tablespoon flour

1 (8oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1/3 cup chopped spinach

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

* melt cheese and flour 30 seconds. Stir. Continue heating until cheese completely melted. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into lite fondue pot and enjoy.

Fondue is fabulous! And we all know we could use a sweet excuse like this to relax, laugh, and enjoy our weekend! Bon Apetit!

Leaders set the pace!

stewsue — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:12:46 +0000

Life is good. It’s been a tough year and a touch winter, but the spring and summer is here!!

In the world of sales, or small businesses we are constantly surrounded by a myriad of people. Many lately, have nothing but negatively to spew on everyone they come in contact with. Yes, its been a tough year and a tough winter, but let’s put it into perspective.

I have been listening to the Success Magazine Symposium speakers from last years event. What some amazing leaders! I was especially intrigued by some of the stories John Addison told. He talks about leaders -vs- “ExcuseAholics.” We need to lead those around us through these tough times. Things will get better! He relays a story from a biography about Andrew Jackson.

When Andrew Jackson was President, there was the 1837 Banking Crisis that hit America. The Louisiana Purchase just went through and there were a lot of people out west speculating in land. Many deals and flips were taking place. Well, this caused the banks to go broke. One newspapers headline was, “The End of Banking in America…”

Well, a lot of great things have happened since then. Let’s start dreaming, innovating and looking to what we can do and those lives we can change and be the leader in your world and with everyone you come in contact with on a daily basis. Like The Beautiful Mind say, “Feed your Dreams and Starve your Nightmares!” Learn to Dream again and laugh and inspire. These are my goals for 2010, what are yours?

So, this video is a toast to a happy, healthier, inspired you! Enjoy!

The Complete package for Realtors Website Dilema

stewsue — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:09:14 +0000

I have spent the last two years teaching and consulting with Realtors about how to use Social Media for their business. The discussions and questions are always vibrant and engaging. Many people are struggling with the how and why with social media, and more specifically they ask these types of questions when we address blogging and WordPress section. Most agents want to understand and see how this will all work with their website and all their traditional forms of marketing that they already have in place.

One question that always comes up is “so if websites are stagnant and we are supposed to start using WordPress and blogging to be more engaging and effective, than how do we integrate all of our website tools, including our listings feed?” Well I am so excited to say that now there is an answer! Todd Carpenter, the Social Media Manager for the National Association of Realtors, announced on his WordCamp blog a few weeks ago about a company doing just that- an IDXPress plugin for your WordPress blog.

“Diverse Solutions has released their new IDXPress plugin to the public, and from the input I’ve received from some of the beta testers, this affordable and simple to set up plugin is going to allow the same sort of Google-Lovin’-Indexing that was considered an unfair advantage less than a year ago. If you’re hoping to grow organic SERPs from listing based Google queries, experimenting with a plugin like this is a no-brainer. It won’t be long before this sort of tool is required simply to keep up with everyone else.”

So another step forward in the real estate industry’s social media dominance. To compete in business, knowledge is power. And without knowledge of technology and the online business world, you won’t survive. Trust me, if you don’t take that first step to creating your online footprint today, than you will be lost in a few short years. Now is the time to come join that party, social media is waiting!!

Foreclosure or Short Sale?

stewsue — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 03:34:21 +0000

Many people are feeling the impacts of the shrinking economy. This is translating to many Americans as losing their homes. As real estate professionals, we need to educate and consult with our clients into understanding their options and opportunities to remedy a seemingly destitute situation.

So, the question is then, do we Short Sale or Foreclosure? Short Sales are a lot of work and a long process, but the end result from there is an easier path for people to move forward and possibly own a home again. Foreclosure is much more destructive and mentally damaging long-term. Take for example, Terry Hoskins from Moscow Ohio, who decided rather than let the bank foreclose on his home, he decided to bulldoze it down completely . . .

“Frustrated Owner Bulldozes Home Ahead Of Foreclosure – Man Says Actions Intended To Send Message To Banks.” WLWT channel 5 news in Cincinnatti reported this story. “Like many people, Terry Hoskins has had troubles with his bank. But his solution to foreclosure might be unique. ‘When I see I owe $160,000 on a home valued at $350,000, and someone decides they want to take it – no, I wasn’t going to stand for that, so I took it down,’ Hoskins said.” (Read entire story)

I think that a lot of times, consumers don’t really know or understand the options they have today. The real estate industry is constantly changing and all the programs and regulations associated with homeownership is in constant flux as well. Bringing knowledge and help to our neighbors is what we do best in real estate, and most rewarding.

Many national sources are showing signs of improvement of real estate sales. Banks and mortgage providers are also showing some signs of softening or at least a light at the end of the tunnel.

The Los Angeles Times reported, “Short sales grow as a cheaper alternative to foreclosure. Banks’ resistance to the tricky transactions is softening as the number of distressed properties increases. With more Americans losing jobs and missing mortgage payments, banks and investors increasingly are agreeing to short sales as a less costly alternative to foreclosure.

Short sales approved by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which own 57% of U.S. mortgages, nearly quadrupled in the first nine months of 2009 compared with the same period in 2008. At the nation’s largest mortgage servicers, short sales soared 165% to 74,513 in the first nine months of 2009 from the year-earlier period.” (Read More)

Real Estate Professionals have such an opportunity right now to help their neighbors and communities. Giving people hope and peace of mind in a world of such turmoil and uncertainty is a blessing. Realtors, remember how valuable you are and take that knowledge and bring it to your friends and clients.

American Idol in Denver

stewsue — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:37:06 +0000

So, I’ve never been a huge idol fan, but I must say that the

captured by local realtor Joan Cox

Denver auditions were pretty fun to watch! And Denver was well represented! What a city we are lucky enough to live in! There were many highlights… I particularly loved Shauna Moroney’s recap account of the show the best! (check out her entire article here.)

As usual there were the typical less talented that the show featured, but they did hand out to 26 lucky contestants a ticket to hollywood. Stay tuned to see if any of our Coloradoan’s make it to the top 10!

Title Princess “Techie Talk”

stewsue — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:21:03 +0000

I am launching my Title Princess ~ “Techie Talk” this year. With the goal of helping my clients and followers optimize their social media marketing footprint. Information overload is so common these days in our business world, so my job is to help you sift through all this information quicker and more efficiently. I hope to find and post the best tips and tools of the trade that I think will be useful to you in your business. We are moving at the speed of light in our new business world, so grab on, hold on, and enjoy the ride!!

This month who better to start our year off with valuable social media tips than Mashable. I don’t know what it is about the number 10, but we seem to listen when ever we see “Top Ten” lists… so here is another one to ponder. “The 10 Stages of Social Media Business Integration.”

1. Observe & Report
2. Setting the Stage + Dress Rehearsal
3. Socializing Media
4. Finding a Voice and a Sense of Purpose
5. Finding a Voice and a Sense of Purpose
6. Humanizing the Brand and Defining the Experience
7. Community
8. Social Darwinism
9. The Socialization of Business Processes
10. Business Performance Metrics

(read more here)

A New Year…A New You!

stewsue — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 06:05:52 +0000

With all the talk of the new year and making new year’s resolutions, my thoughts have been swimming through all the typicals: you know them. Lose weight, Get in Shape, Eliminate your debt, yadda…yadda…yadda. The web has endless possibilities to consider, to name a few . . . take Goals Guy’s Top Ten:

1. Lose Weight and Get in Better Physical Shape ~ 2. Stick to a Budget ~ 3. Debt Reduction ~ 4. Enjoy More Quality Time with Family & Friends ~ 5. Find My Soul Mate ~ 6. Quit Smoking ~ 7. Find a Better Job ~ 8. Learn Something New ~ 9. Volunteer and Help Others ~ 10. Get Organized

Nothing new here to consider. I need something a little more real. With all my passion and excitement in the world of social media, I then discovered another Top ten List. Aliza Sherman’s “10 Golden Rules of Social Media,” now this was getting much warmer! These tips are awesome! Here they are in a nutshell. . .

1. Respect the Spirit of the ‘Net 2. Listen 3. Add Value 4. Respond 5. Do Good Things 6. Share the Wealth 7. Give Kudos 8. Don’t Spam 9. Be Real 10. Collaborate

So, here are my suggestions and my own personal “Top Ten” things to accomplish in 2010:

1. To Live Every Day with Passion!

2. To have special days with my family. What this means is Monday – is family night, Tuesday – is game night, Wednesday – is learn to cook night, Thursday – is sports night, Friday – is movie night.

3. Discipline!! To Time-block better. Meaning work while I’m at work and turn off my computer and phone when I am at home. I don’t know if any of you feel the same, but it seems harder and harder in life to set limits and disconnect from technology and work when you should and be home when you should.

4. To learn or grow one talent. For me this means to take on a sport, rock climbing, that I have always enjoyed and turn it into a strong passion. To learn all I can about the sport and practice it until I become an expert. Every adult needs one thing that is theirs. We are too inundated with life sometimes that these escapes are critical to our survival. Women are especially guilty on not doing this; we tend to nurture everyone else and everything in our lives except ourselves.

5. To Vacation or camp in 3 new places. My girls love nothing better than to go on an adventure in the pop-up camper and spend the weekend motorcycing by day and roasting marshmallows by night. The simple moments seem to always be the most memorable.

6. To buy my first Real Estate Investment Property. I have always wanted to be a true real estate investor. This is a scary, yet exciting thing to undertake. I need to finally stop “hoping” for that goal, but to put my dreams into action and start the real journey to actually invest.

7. To Pay off One Big Debt. You always here the cliche goal of “I want to get out of debt”, but my thoughts are be specific. Take it one thing at a time and slowly this general statement will be come a reality. Six more months and my Beemer will finally be paid off!!

8. To Write One Page a week. I have a dream of writing my first book. I love teaching and consulting others in social media and would love to be able to write about those experiences. To be able to share my knowledge with others is one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. But when I think about writing a book, I easily get overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin. So, once again, I need to keep it simple and take it one day at a time.

9. Work out differently. Working out and staying in shape can become so mundane. That is why we fall of the wagon so quickly and easily. Take on a new class at the gym that you have never tried before, like Zamba (is that what its called.) Or start the cycle class once a week and meet new people.

10. Reconnect with Spiritual things. Life is so fast-paced and overwhelming at times. We live in information overload society. How do we keep up. I need to establish some habits of prayer and meditation that help me reconnect with God and my purpose in life. This makes everything else make sense.

These are my goals and dreams for 2010. I hope they inspire you to seriously think about yours and write them down. Post them where you can read them everyday, and before you know it your dreams will quickly become a reality.

One of my favorite quote so elegantly sums it up… “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined” (Thoreau)

Thanksgiving Traditions?? . . .

stewsue — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:25:51 +0000

Thanksgiving is Here! Another year is nearly gone already. I haven’t been as diligent as I should in keeping up my blogging activity. So this week as I wrap up the month, I began to ponder a bit about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday next week. For many the holiday this year may be stressful, or melancholy, for others full of tradition, family and lots of Turkey! For me. . . not quite sure yet. But one thing I am sure of, is that no matter how hard life may seem at times, I know that I have an amazing life and a lot to be thankful for!

The Denver post had a great blog posting regarding this upcoming day… I can’t think of our family traditions? It seems to be more of just a classic day that is our tradition, I guess. It goes something like this….. I try to sleep in until atleast eight a.m., if I am lucky. Then, the cooking begins, as well as the constant snacking and nibbling all morning too. Of course, we watch the ‘Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.” Making pies with my sweet Grandma, setting the table with turkey place settings, and a house full of family. Then the actual feast commences, with all the immediate family and cousins and friends. Everyone takes a turn to share what they are thankful for. Now too full to even walk, I roll onto the couch and resign to watching football with my brothers, fall asleep, wake up to family cards, then do absolutely nothing the rest of the day. So is this whole day considered a tradition? Does anyone of this sound familiar?

So the Denver Post forum regarding Thanksgiving traditions really struck a cord this year. Some of the traditions shared were pretty funny, and some gave me some great ideas to try to inaugurate into my family traditions for the holiday.

“I am the Queen of Traditions except for Thanksgiving. We usually go for a hike on the Turkey Trot trail and saying something for which we are thankful at the dinner table. Otherwise, our holiday seems to fall a little flat. What Thanksgiving traditions do you have in your family? (posted by ‘crazy canuk.) We do a turkey bowl every year (as in go bowling). I have also been wanting to expand our traditions and found this great list on Ezinearticles . . . (more….)

I like the “Turkey Bowl” idea as well as idea #8 the best: “Show your gratitude to an unsung hero. Get together with your family and decide on a person or a group in your community who could use an extra pat on the back, ie. firefighters, soldiers, police officers, volunteers. Put together a special plate of goodies and deliver it (or pack it up for shipping) as a family.” I think I might just add some of these ideas to my own family traditions this year.

Happy Thanksgiving to all and thank you for all you do! And don’t forget to enjoy a little classic Charlie Brown!