The 7 Things We Learned At RE Barcamp and Nardigras
We just returned home from a great experience at RE Barcamp New Orleans and Nardigras, the National Association of Realtors annual convention. We observed, interacted and met a lot of fantastic industry professionals throughout the week, who shared invaluable insights and ideas... so we present our list of the top 7 things we learned:
1. New Orleans is...
...AMAZING! The sheer stamina and soul of New Orleans' people is inspiring! If you have been, go again! If you've never been, go immediately!
2. Acme Oyster House...
...is lined up around the corner and impossible to get in to. Go right across the street to Felix. Extraordinary oysters, and service... half the price.
3. The beignets and coffee at Cafe Du Mond...
...are as good as everyone says if not better. I brought back some beignet mix and will be making about 3 dozen later this aft for our entire office.
4. Realtors are...
...some of the nicest and most engaging people I have ever met. Each and every person we spoke with cared about what we were saying, spoke genuinely and had a friendly story or two to tell and shared insight wherever they could.
5. RE Barcamps are...
...Fantastic! The format, knowledge sharing, networking and engagement are invaluable. If you have one coming to your hometown attendance is mandatory.
6. QR Codes are hotter than...
...Tobasco! Tech Savvy Agent kicked off RE Barcamp with the "Top 30 Apps Realtors Need To Pursue." QR Codes were #1. When we got on the plane and looked at the cover of the US Air Magazine there was a QR Code. There was a QR Code in the Window of the Hurricane Katrina Museum. There were QR Codes scattered throughout Jackson Square (thanks to the Clikbrix Scavenger Hunt ;) and of course their were QR Codes everywhere at the Nardigras Trade Expo. If you don't believe this technology will catch on for Real Estate marketing, do yourself a favor and keep an eye on your competitors over the next 3 months.
7. QR Codes: It's all about the...
Mobile Website. Although there were a ton of QR Codes around the events, the main point was often missed. QR Codes MUST resolve to a mobile website. This does not mean a mobilized version of your current "Desktop" website. It means, creating a mobile website that fits the needs of the mobile user. Only the most important information needs to be shown, small files ensure quick download times and don't eat up too much bandwidth, limited copy, limited imagery, etc, etc.
We had a ton of fun. I want to thank the RE Barcamp team for allowing us to sponsor such a wonderful event, in such a wonderful place with such wonderful people. See you all in New York in January!
