One of the best parts of any national event, like the NAR Midyear Meeting in Washington, DC, last week, is getting together with people we don't see often enough during the year. Thursday afternoon my friend and first teacher, Anne Hruby, and I went to the trade show where we manned – or womaned – the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC) booth for a while. Along the way, we saw some friendly and familiar faces: The author and Rainmaker Dan Gooder Richard with his wife and partner, Synnove; and Allen Hainge, mastermind of the CyberStars® and fellow CyberStar Andy Norton; we all had fun playing with our new flip video cameras.
After an afternoon of walking the show we headed back to the WCR hotel, the Capital Hilton, to have dinner with a great group of friends from across the country. In addition to me and Anne from Baltimore, we enjoyed visiting with Joeann Fossland and Fran Thorsen from Arizona, Kristal Kraft and her husband, Larry McGee, from Denver, and my publisher, Peg Silloway, from Columbia, MD. Over a leisurely meal, the conversations ranged from real estate (of course!) to Joeann's coaching programs like No Blogger Left Behind and her teleconference series, Relax and Attract More. Of course, I had to talk a bit about my new book and debuted the cover design of Real Estate the Rome Way.
There was plenty of laughter and we proved that Anne was right when she told the restaurant hostess that we would be the noisy table. After several hours of talking and eating, we headed back to get ready for the next morning's panel. As a perfect ending, Joeann generously presented us with signed copies of her book, the 5th Anniversary Edition of Conversations on Success.
It just doesn't get any better than that.
Margaret - I wish I could have been there this year. Looks like you had some fun flipping with friends. I love my Flip!
Sam, Fun Flipping it was! Tell me more about how you use your Flip. Have you written a Flipping post yet?
Margaret - Using the Flip mainly to shoot personal interviews and 2 to 3 minutes talking head videos where I talk about buyings and selling homes in this market. It is so simple to use and for the web the resolution is very adequate.
Home Preparation Magic Eraser Video
Wise People Are Buying Homes Now Video
I can't believe I went to Washington and didn't get to see Andy Norton. I've known Andy since he was a minnow...
Great summary Margaret. I can't wait for that book to come out, where do we pre-order it? ;)
kk
It's the shared meals that really make conventions special and let us connect way beyond the real estate level. Thanks for the recap, and be sure to let us know when the book is available!
Sam, Great use of video to get your message across. Who is that adorable young lady using the magic eraser?
Kristal, I ran into Andy at the trade show along with Tim Kinsler who took the picture. Was Andy really a minnow? Click on Real Estate the Rome Way There is one reserved with your name on it already.
John, I agee that "breaking bread" makes for special conversations and deeper connections. Thanks for your interest in the book.
Margaret, nice ThemThem post to some fine people. Isn't it great Networking with friends you make in The Rain. The smiles on everyones faces shows a good time was had by all.
Duane,I really like the ThemThem group. it is great networking and making wonderful friendships. And thanks for noticing all those smiles.
Margaret, I'm glad you are enjoying the Group. It's always a breath of fresh air for me each time I read the posts in the Group. And to see the smiles in your photo's is what it's all about.
Thanks again and have a great day in The Rain,
Duane
Duane, I am going to read a bit more in the ThemThem group. Fresh air is good for all of us.
Margaret, I like your thinking, fresh air is the best! I think you will enjoy the great posts you will find by the Group members.
Margaret, looks like fun! I'm sure the laughter and ideas were just flowing!!!
Duane, Going to look at some of these posts now.
Chris, We had lots of fun and lots of sharing of ideas.
Margaret- I am looking forward to your book.
Dana, Thanks so much.
Margaret -Is your book out yet? I am definitely interested in checking it out. And I am going to have to check out Joeann Foseland's program No blogger left behind. Great post.
Lanre, Real Estate the Rome Way will be out in the Fall of 2008. Thanks for your interest.
Margaret, sounds as though it was not only productive but down right fun...looking forward to your book coming out.
Gena, You are so right, productive and a lot of fun! Thanks and I will let you know more about the book