Just about 3 years ago, I decided to write a blog post. Within a month, I stumbled upon Active Rain and signed up.  I had absolutely NO idea how much that simple decision would change my life and career.

Yesterday, 2 extraordinary events intersected together in 1 day aka 1,440 Minutes. During the Annual Broker Meeting of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors®, I was nominated by Pat Vredevoodg, 2007 NAR President for the position of President-Elect (2009) & elected by the board of Brokers of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors®.

It was a moment ripe with symbolism on a variety of levels.  Pat captured a unique essence during her brief nomination speech which she termed as a 'tweet' about why the Brokers present should cast their vote in favor of the nomination.

Here's Pat's insightful Twitter nomination: Vote for Lola Audu because she is "Smart, Caring, Cutting Edge, Daring, Forward & Clear Thinking, Humble, Funny, RE Pro, Motivator, Responsible, Experienced, Mom, Inspiration"

Later that afternoon, I picked up a direct message on Twitter from Todd Carpenter, NAR's Social Media Manager who asked me to check my in-box for a message from President-Elect of NAR, Vickie Cox Golder. Here are excerpts from the e-mail which showed up this morning,

Dear Lola,

Congratulations!  You have been identified as an influencer in progressive ideas about real estate and, as a result, we invite you to participate in a new pilot program for the National Association of Realtors ®.  NAR's leadership would like to include your voice in our governance system in 2010 and have selected a national NAR committee for you to join. .....

By serving on a national NAR committee, you will have the opportunity to bring your ideas about today's competitive and evolving marketplace to the industry's leaders and you will be in a position to spark change within the business......

NAR has made a commitment to elevating the voice of young professionals and early adopter of social media in the real estate business, and we want to hear from you.....you were recommended to serve on the Housing Opportunity Committee.

What an opportunity!  I'm so grateful to God that the tapestry which He weaves in our lives through our experiences is never conventional nor is He ever limited by pre-conceived limitations about who we are or can become.

Relationship Marketing is not a new concept, however the rapid emergence of social media as a dominant tool for online communication has rendered new significance to the term.  

You may not have heard the term before, but you're most certainly aware of sites such as Twitter, Facebook & Youtube.  These constitute the new frontiers of Relationship Marketing where the fight for turf doesn't revolve around simply attracting 'eyeballs' but rather has moved into a more holistic approach to building client relationships.

Lola Audu, CRS, GRI, e-Pro will be giving an educational seminar about Relational Marketing to the Grand Rapids, Mi chapter of the Womens Council of Realtors ®  entitled "How to Expand the Groundswell in Your Business" on October 15, 2009.  The venue is the Wild Fire Grille - 1144 East Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.  Lunch will be served at noon with the session commencing shortly thereafter.  The cost is $20 for Members and $25 for Non-Members.

RSVP: RSVP to pamela.manus@lmcu.org

There are a number of metrics which one can use to get a handle on the current housing market in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  However, the one which captures my attention as we head into what is traditionally the busiest season in real estate is the Spring Parade of Homes. Here's what I wrote about the tour last year...

It’s a spring time ritual in Grand Rapids, Mi.  For residents like myself and many others who love to peek into gorgeous homes and pick up the latest tips for home decor and furnishings, the Spring Parade of Homes Tour is an event which is highly anticipated.

However, this year, the Parade of Homes will feature a tour with significantly fewer offerings than in recent years.  In 2006, there were 200 homes featured in the Parade of Homes, last year (2007) the number was 133.  This year, 83 homes will make their debuts in the Parade…far fewer entries than just 24 months ago. (click here to continue reading)

This year, the Parade of homes will feature less than 1/2 of the homes entered in the 2008 year.  The 2009 Parade debuts with 42 homes as it marks 50 years.  A search for the nucleus of this story traces back to the number of building permits issued in Kent County in 2009.  A number which has been declining for the past several consecutive months to just 25 for the entire county in March of 2009; down from 61 in the same month of the previous year 2008 according to data obtained from the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors®.  

For the first quarter of the year, permits are being issued at about 1/2 the rate of last year 2008...which was already a less than stellar year for new home construction.

But, West Michigan has always been a resilient community which prizes innovation and creativity.  This year, the Parade of Homes will feature six Green Homes, a Brand New offering.  Not only will the public be able to view quality built, affordable, environmentally sustainable home construction, there will be classes available for those who would like to learn more.

Last year, I visited a green built home in my neighborhood.  I thoroughly enjoyed talking with the builder and learned a lot about how smart investments can save a future homeowner money and increase the enjoyment and comfort of the residence.  If you'd like to tour a Parade home, look for the signs which mark each home or visit this site for additional tour information including scheduling for the Green Homes which are open on Thursdays.

Visit www.auduhomes.com to view NEW home construction in all price ranges!

Copyright 2009 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved

Copyright 2009  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved 

You are welcome to attend Lola Audu's course on Blogging Ethics & Social Media for Business Professionals!  Lola is a Michigan Continuing Instructor and a graduate of the Bill Gove Training Institute for Keynote Speakers.

This will be a great learning experience for those who want to enhance their business model through the use of blogging & social technology. Social technology is here to stay and now is the time to get ahead of the curve.  

Lola will demonstrate how social media can play a significant role in growing your business by taking it to the next highest level online. Please see the instructions below on how to register for this awesome class!

You can resigister by going to www.auduhomes.com and click on the "Education" link. This will take you to your registration options. You can also register online or print out a download-able form and fax it over to AUDU Real Estate @ 616.791.0535. First come first serve as spaces are limited.

Please confirm your registration by 5pm on Tuesday, April 14^th

Date, Time, & Place:

Friday, April 17th 2009

9am-12:45pm

Country Inn & Suites~East

3251 Deposit DR NE 

Grand Rapids, MI 49546

 Payment:

The cost is $50 for 2 courses. $65 for walk-in. You can pay in advance via credit card or check. You can also pay by cash,credit, or check at the door, however you must still confirm your registration by submitting your registration form by the April 14^th deadline.

Important Note: It is recommended to bring a laptop if you have one. Wireless access will be provided. If you do not have a laptop, you may follow along with the instructor.

Blogging Ethics for Real Estate Professionals ~ Continuing Education ~ 2 Credits ~ K1062  Sponsor Code K355

Social Media for Real Estate Professionals ~ Workshop ~ Not Continuing Ed.

Please email Takara Taylor at Takara@grar.com  for questions or concerns or call 616.541.2312.

Related Post:

Why Real Estate Blogging is Like A Peanut Butter Sandwich...

************************************************************************************************

Snacks & Beverages will be provided! Course Agenda is listed below! This workshop is not limited to Real Estate Professionals. This course is considered to be a viable resource for many other professions.