VIDEO - SoCal CRS Members Speak Out on REBarCamp Los Angeles (#REBCLA)

Here are some thoughts on the recent RE Bar Camp in Los Angeles (actually Pasadena) where about 300 folks gathered to share and learn about social media, blogging, video and technology in general.

RE Bar Camps are an excellent venue for learning and networking - GO to one if it takes place in your area or nearby, or start one yourself

Feel free to share the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA4L4nqnDgw&feature=channel_page

Tech Tips - Voice Cloud

Every now and then I come across a bit of technology that I really like, and want to share with other SoCalCRS members.

Voice Cloud is one such tech tool.

Voice Coud, as the name implies, is a tool that interfaces with your voice mail system. Voice Cloud will email you an MP3 recording of your voice mail so you don't have to check it but can listen in on your computer if you wish (and of course archive the recording).

Better yet, Voice Cloud will also transcribe your voice mail messsages (max of 1 minute will be transcribed) and email that to you as well. You NEVER have to check your voice mail, you get the email on your office/home PC or laptop OR - the big benefit for me - on your cell phone if you get email. There is nothing like reading a voice mailwith all the information you need and not having to pull over and stop, pull out a pen to take notes and write down a phone #. I have not checked my voice mail for 6 months now.

You can email lthe message (e.g., you get a call from escrow and want to share what they said with your buyers), archive it (Voice Cloud archives ALL transcribed message so you NEVER lose a message), put it in your transaction file for docuemntation puprposes, etc.

There are several different plans to choose from which are very affordable (I use the unlimited recordings and transcriptions level). Definitely worth chekcing out.

Can You Help With Technology

This is a call for action from any members of the Southern California Chapter of CRS who would like to help our chapter in the area of technology.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, there are going to be some exciting changes made in our website, and our overall use of technology in 2008. The process has already started with our first video but I am well on the way with some more thoughts on what we can do for members, prospects, and even consumers.

If any of you have some thoughts or would like to get involved this year and help me with this task, that would be great. In addition to being Treasurer for 2008, I am the chair of the Technology Committee and would love to get your thoughts and participation. It could be a great way to share your ideas, learn some new things, and contribute to our Chapter. And perhaps you will decide to get further involved on the board for next year. Emily Link, our Past President, will be part of the team, and we look forward to having others be involved, too!

Please feel free to call me (760) 840-1360 or email me if you are interested.

And certainly please share any thoughts you have on how our website could be improved.

Technology and Southern California CRS

• Our blog has been up and running for about a year and readership continues to grow - we are averaging about 100 readers per day now!
  
• We will soon have a link via widget from our home page to this blog.
  
• We have already added a video of the 2008 Officer Installation (if you have not seen the video on our site, you can visit it here)
• You can expect more use of technology tools in the future
• We are also hoping to add some e-learning experiences on a number of topics as well.
  
• The Chapter is actively seeking more members, and we believe that technology will enable us to attract, and appeal to, a broader spectrum of members