Video Email...Anyone using and how

[RobM]

I have been evaluating video email lately and wanted to know if anyone is using it and if so how...and if not, what tech are you using...

[TalkFusion]

Every now and then a technology comes along that changes your life and you give up the old way of doing things. Karen Gant, a sales associate with Realty Associates Florida Properties, Inc. in Wellington, Florida, credits an inexpensive email tool called Talk Fusion with radically changing the way she does business. Via video-streaming software, Talk Fusion lets Ms. Gant create video e-mails and instantly send them to anyone in the world. Instead of writing a traditional email, Karen simply videos herself talking to the email recipient who then can watch a video instead of read an email.

The program helped Karen turn one sale into three sales. “An investor-client in California was interested in one of my listings, so I made a video and emailed it to him the same day,” she says. “I always say the date so they’ll know it’s fresh. The integrity of the process is improved 100 percent, because I highlight things they would notice if they were walking through [the property] with me. Instead of buying just one house, now he’s talking about possibly three purchases.”

There are several video e-mail providers from which to choose, but Ms. Gant was introduced to Talk Fusion (a Web-based program) when her husband starting offering its corporate version (Global Video Talk) to his marketing consulting clients (professionals and large companies). The product costs as little as $20 per month, depending upon which features the user wants and how many delivered vmails are sent out.

Here are five benefits Ms. Gant derives from video email:

1. Create That “Wow” Factor


Our society has become much more “visual,” and most people simply don’t have time to read text-intensive email messages, says Ms. Gant. “I have a huge database of people who emailed me in years past, and I’m responding to them and hearing back from them whereas before they really weren’t saying anything back,” she says. “Now, when people see and hear me in a video email, and all these extra senses are involved, they immediately say, ‘Oh, that’s really cool’.

“I have a [Web] camera that sits on my desk, I press record and [speak into the camera] and when I’m done I type in the email address where I want to send my video message.”

When a recipient opens one of Ms. Gant’s emails, he or she will see a short text message and see a message that reads: “Click here to view my video email.” All the recipient needs is an Internet connection (MAC or PC) and he or she can view Ms. Gant’s video in seconds. There are no downloads, so hard drive space isn’t used.

2. Enrich Marketing Efforts


According to Ms. Gant, Talk Fusion has helped her attract a global audience for pennies compared to the cost of traditional marketing. “I’m trying to get away from things that people throw in the trash,” she says. “Just look at sending out 2,000 postcards at $1 apiece. That’s $2,000 a month, and you never know who’s looking at them. For just $20 per month and a couple of mouse clicks I can send several thousand video emails. It’s not invasive, and I get email verification so I know my video was watched.”

Virtual tours also cost Ms. Gant next to nothing. “With most virtual tours you have to hire a camera crew and they have to edit the video. With Talk Fusion you take your camcorder to the home and do the tour, then upload it and publish it the same day. You can put music behind it too. It puts you in control.”

3. Broadcast Open Houses


For out-of-town clients who can’t be present during an open house, Karen uses her video camera to tape interviews with prospective buyers and other real estate agents to send to her clients. “They can be in New York,” she says, “and still see what people think about their house.”

Ms. Gant predicts that video email (Vmail) will be the “next big thing” for real estate. “It will revolutionize the way we communicate,” she says.

[RobM]

yes I know about Talk Fusion, it is head quartered here in Brandon and one of our agents wife works for the company. Although I like the idea of what Talk Fusion has done, I was craving more for the money.

All in all, nice concept

[TalkFusion]

What were you looking for? I own a marketing consulting company and I am very knowledgeable about how to use video email, as well as other forms of marketing.

[RobM]

I am just looking for ideas as to how people are using video email... No offense, but your response sounds more like an infomercial. I was looking for the individuals that are actually using it and what they were doing with it. Your response of Ms Gant, assuming you are related in some way, although sounds impressive, I guess I would have preferred it coming from her instead.

Are you affilliated with the company in some way?

[TalkFusion]

Sorry you couldn't get any ideas on how to use it from the response. She is too busy selling real estate to be answering posts.

Good luck with your research.

[4mysales]

We used to do audio-email. With video email, we kept running into spam blockers. After that we looked at Spot Runner. For now, I am focusing on the Redx and their expired listing service, I am also spending time learning about how to create viral videos to garner a little more attention for my real estate clients.

Regarding the audio email, I posted details on my 4MySales marketing blog some time ago

[carlam]

I do video email! It's easy, fun, and sets me apart from other agents. My contacts enjoy it and always make comments about it. One thing though is you always have to put on your best face.

[tina.anderson]

I just read an article about how video email can give you that personal feel and credibility that most agents do not have and it can really set you apart. I think clients would appreciate this type of thing, along with audio emails.

[Codythebest]

Sorry you couldn't get any ideas on how to use it from the response. She is too busy selling real estate to be answering posts.

Good luck with your research.

Wow...Looks like TalkFusion didn't sell a membership to RobM this time....:rolleyes:

[RobM]

Tell me about it...I'm the guy originally from Boston and I'm the one getting pounded by Talk Fusion. I just dont get it...move on already

[thedeallocator]

I have not yet tried the video email thing, but I would definitely try it. There are somany free web 2.0 properties out there, and I always a little bit weary when someone is selling stuff to uninformed Real Estate Agents. Does anyone know about a good FREE video email service a la Web 2.0?

[RobM]

I have not yet tried the video email thing, but I would definitely try it. There are somany free web 2.0 properties out there, and I always a little bit weary when someone is selling stuff to uninformed Real Estate Agents. Does anyone know about a good FREE video email service a la Web 2.0?

Someone mentioned this one to me and I tried it briefly...give it a shot it is free but I think that you have to deal with all the advertisements around it...which is why it is free

http://www.eyejot.com/

[carlam]

I am using Helloworld! Love it! Using it to email my family and friends, send a personal email to potential clients. My sellers love it! It is so easy to use.

[RobM]

Thanks...I will take a look at it to see what they have to offer. Thanks again

[jayess321]

I received on the other day. I was different, so I guess it was an attention getter. Down side is that I was working on a deal that had multiple offers. At least one other than mine was from an agent in my office. Not expecting video and audio I opened the email. Well, everyone in the office within ear-shot knew what I was up to!

[Portland Real Estate Guy]

Sounds good. I would send it on when they first register. Of course calling is good but the video in the email would be a nice touch. Thanks for the tip.

[riverviewrichie]

I have used Youtube but can be grainy. Does anyone else use YouTube?

[misch.chief]

interesting - not used here in the UK!

[Greg]

With all the spam blockers out there I am just glad most of my emails go through. Until video has a proven track record of making it through all the obstacles I am going to wait.

Plus most of our clients open emails at work and I wouldn't want to compromise their situation there and I certainly don't want them waiting until they get home to look at one of my emails.

[realestate360]

I don't think anyone would suggest switching completely to video email (after all, just like virtual tours, video can't be viewed by everyone as some folks have older computers, slower connections etc.). However, that's no reason to "wait" until it is proven to overcome obstacles. That mode of thinking is what causes professionals (particularly real estate agents) to fall behind the times.

Video email is a way to get much more personal with people, to help them move from being just a lead, to a prospect, and from a prospect to a client. I too use Helloworld which is fairly inexpensive (I think I paid $10 a month, but we upgraded to more robust services), and haven't had any issues with email "deliverability". I have had several clients express how they enjoy receiving my emails, because they are more interactive. I've noticed that sometimes people want info without having to read (perhaps they're tired after a long day of work, have a headache and don't feel like reading or they're checking their email on their lunch break and would like concentrate less on the email while still getting the info, and focus more on eating). Whatever the reason, it has proved quite successful in converting more prospects into clients in several industries. It's just a more personal way of delivering a message, just like some conversations are better left for a phone call than an email, or better in person than on the phone.

To answer another question from earlier (the main question, I think), I use video email primarily for relationship-building with my lists, in both of my businesses. For example, I use an auto-responder to cover more general topics, but I use video email specifically for addressing concerns or objections, or answering their specific questions. It can be hard to make a video email automated, so this shows that you care enough to give each person some personal attention (and that goes a long way). Especially when initial interaction happens online, it helps the prospect to be able to match a face and voice with a name or company, so that they feel they know you already when you finally meet in person. It can mean the difference between uncomfortable meetings and awkward silences, or free-flowing conversation and less anxiety during a meeting (the more comfortable a person is with you, the more willing they'll be to negotiate or buy). It's all about building trust, and video helps you to do that a lot faster than traditional text email.

I also use video email when I am launching a new product or service. That way, I can include a short demo of the product, or even some testimonials from those who've used it in its beta trial. This seems to be a great hit with current clients! In this case, it's all about visualization. For those who do business primarily online to start, visualization is key to helping potential buyers turn into actual customers!

When new technology comes along, those who openly embrace it in the beginning receive the most benefits. Not only do they help to shape and better this technology with their initial feedback (so you could have more of a say in how it is offered to customers, which will help you since YOU are also a customer), but they are viewed as leaders, innovative in their field or industry. Waiting until something becomes common knowledge means that you could lose the edge you would have had over your competition. For example, virtual tours are becoming more common today, though there are still some who think they aren't necessary. By the time those folks catch on, we'll all have moved on to something bigger and better. Being afraid of technology can be one of the worst things you could ever do for your business. If nothing else, incorporate a bit of both, and run your own little test to see which gets the better response. But whatever you do, I suggest jumping on this one while it's still fairly new, before it becomes old news (or worse, becomes the "standard").

[realestate360]

With all the spam blockers out there I am just glad most of my emails go through. Until video has a proven track record of making it through all the obstacles I am going to wait.

Plus most of our clients open emails at work and I wouldn't want to compromise their situation there and I certainly don't want them waiting until they get home to look at one of my emails.

I wouldn't suggest delivering the most important messages by email anyway, such as possible appointments, receipt of an offer, etc. Seems like something that important would be better suited for a phone call.

If the message isn't something you'd want them to wait to open, it probably deserves more than an email. However, there is little a client can do while at work anyway, other than making a few phone calls. So notification of new listings that match their needs, answers to general questions or maybe suggestions here and there (issues that aren't time-sensitive) could be handled using video email. I realize many work places don't allow the watching of video, or even have the necessary software to do so installed. So just knowing when and how to use this technology should solve those issues without compromising their jobs.

-Real Estate 360°

[Greg]

1. How do we know whose computer it will work on and whose computer it won't?

2. It works for you because you are selling technology to us so it is important for you to be on the cutting/bloody edge. I sell real estate and technology is just a tool to an end.

3. My first website went live in 1997. I was on the cutting edge of technology then and I still am. I currently have 15 lead generating real estate websites, my fax is online, my document storage is online, I have been using virtual tours for 4 years, I surf the web on my phone, I have websites for my listings, I have emails pushed to my phone, I send emails from my phone and I work out of a virtual office.

There is no need for an agent to be on the cutting/bleeding edge of every new technology that comes out. Not all new products work, some go away and they all get cheaper as time goes on. If I were to waste my time trying every new gizmo that comes out I would not have any time or money to put towards aspects of my business that I know make money.

Again, most of my clients receive emails at work. They could get in trouble if they open my email and my voice is heard by a superior. Most people are not supposed to be planning their next real estate deal at work including notifications of new listings. A large % of these notifications go to work addresses. I have 2 programs that send out auto notifiers and they are not compatible with video.

I am writing this in my pajamas, remember the cutting edge virtual office. If I start using video emails I would first have to shave and comb my hair. This is taking a step backwards to where we all get dressed up and go to the office before we start to work.

The beauty of email is we can utilize it from anywhere at anytime without have to worry about our appearance. I would be surprised to see video emails become the norm. Web cameras have been around for a long and they are no more popular now than they were when they first came out. I remember being told we would be using them on a regular basis in our business and that never happened. There's another cutting/bleeding edge piece of technology that I had to throw away.

[realestate360]

You're right, there is no reason for a real estate agent to use every piece of new technology that comes out. You may have little use for online collaboration platform for example, but to me this doesn't apply to marketing. Real estate agents, and any professionals that have to constantly handle their own marketing, need to at least be up on the newest things. Do you have a need for all of them? Probably not. But can you find ways to incorporate many of them and make your business better? Absolutely!

I have already said that I understand your point about clients being at work, and not having the freedom to open a video email. This isn't everyone though, especially with so many professionals telecommuting now. Not to mention, we're now able to do much more with video than we used to be able to. We can now access video on our cell phones and other portable devices like iPods. I have several clients who primarily use their cell phones to check their email during the day. They wouldn't have to worry about being penalized for opening a video email at work. I am seeing this more and more in the professional world.

The point of working from home or having a virtual office isn't just so you don't have to worry about your appearance. The point, really, was just to enjoy the freedom of being away from a formal office as a whole. For many who have home offices (and even for us), we wake up getting dressed and everything anyway, because we never know when a meeting will pop up. Why not use times like that, when you know you're going to have to gussy up anyway, to shoot a few quick videos? No one says you have to switch completely to this method, or make it the primary method, or even use it every day. It's just a nice touch to add to make your online interaction a bit more personal.

It doesn't matter whether you're selling technology or selling discount hotel memberships. Using technology wisely can give them impression that you really care about going the extra mile for your business (and thus, your clients' businesses). It can give you an advantage over your competition, which is something we're all after. But most importantly, it can help give your more exposure with the more Internet/Tech-savvy customers/clients. People are much more Web-savvy today than they were years ago. People are coming to expect things that they didn't before. Video is just becoming one of those things, regardless of what any of us do. Jumping on a tool like video email can help you stay ahead of those expectations and keep you in front of the more techy crowd.

Oh, and web cams actually are used quite often in your business, as well as many other industries. With programs like Skype, it's easier to have quick web conferences with clients or colleagues. It's also easy to get into video-blogging, and provide classes online (one of the most prominant real estate schools in our area offers online courses as well, and many of the instructors use web cams to record their classes and lectures, or demos from their computer screens to post on the web for students). Perhaps this is just my opinion, but the only reason technology proves not to be useful to someone is because they don't bother to think of all the ways it can be useful. After all, just a few years ago people never would have understood why cell phones would be so important, and now most of us have a cell phone before an actual land line (or at least, we use it more).

-Real Estate 360°

[realestate360]

Just a quick note. I found this while reading some of the results of the 2007 Profile of Home Buyers (http://www.realtor.org/prodser.nsf/products/186-45-07?OpenDocument) and (http://www.realtor.org/prodser.nsf/products/186-45-07?OpenDocument)Sellers (http://www.realtor.org/prodser.nsf/products/186-45-07?OpenDocument) from the NAR:


The influence of Baby Boomers on the burgeoning second-home market, the immediacy of new forms of communication such as instant and text messaging and the expectations it creates, and the continued growth of the Internet are all issues that impact today’s real estate professionals.

If this doesn't explain the point, I don't know what does. The abundance of communication methods and technological advancements, as well as Internet users becoming more Web-savvy, creates certain expectations in the minds of potential clients, and this directly affects your business. There was also this said about the industry:


Bernice Ross, CEO of RealEstateCoach, says “Realtors must be able to capitalize on immediacy and technological trends to better serve their clients by providing information and services home buyers and sellers want and need in real time,” said Ross. “You can make the most of this market by figuring out what it is your clients need and how to provide it.”

Regardless of whether you know if it will be the next big thing or not, new technologies that can improve or liven up communication should not be ignored. The truth is that none of us know in the beginning stages how a certain technology will affect our market or business, but that isn't enough reason to ride out the wave and wait for others to start utilizing it and gain the upper hand. The only thing we have to go on is current trends, and the current trend says that methods involving video are big right now. This is what marketing is all about. It is ever-changing, always evolving. Few things stay the same over several years. If you're not willing to evolve with it (whether it proves useful or not), your business will have a harder time keeping up with competition.

Mind you, I don't sell this technology, so I have nothing to gain from supporting it so adamantly. I'm just experiencing several situations in which real estate agents aren't willing to step out of the box or out of their comfort zones, and it doesn't make much sense to me. I would think with the state of the current market, trying something new would be a necessity, and possibly a way to succeed through the oncoming recession.

[housetubetv]

I am not in the real estate business...I am just speaking from the buyers' point of view.

I sure like to see the home and the real estate agents on the video first before I waste my time driving to the location.

Most videos are RSS to cell phones and it is becoming very popular.


"The influence of Baby Boomers on the burgeoning second-home market, the immediacy of new forms of communication such as instant and text messaging and the expectations it creates, and the continued growth of the Internet are all issues that impact today’s real estate professionals:
*****************************************
Agree!!! all those seniors will be in the nursing homes while the buyers are in the 20s and very technology savvy ( I am one of them!)

[realestate360]

The baby-boomers are a trend-setting generation, and though they are not your typical first-time home buyers, even they are becoming more Internet-savvy. With that comes their want and need for new things. Those who are willing to evolve and capitalize on that will find themselves well-placed in front of the generation that is driving the market right now. Those who aren't willing to evolve, will be left behind. Plain and simple.

1. How do we know whose computer it will work on and whose computer it won't?

We don't, but high-speed & Cable Internet connections and wireless Internet are becoming more and more accessible, even in rural areas. Not to mention the burst of Internet cafes all over the world, even in airports. It is now much easier for people to connect to the Internet than it used to be, even high-speed! No one I know personally is still using dial-up, not even my cousins in "the country." And like I said, the Internet via computer isn't the only way to get access to video and email.

[askbryce]

Using video in your marketing will be as common in two years as
virtual tours are now. The quicker you can master this skill and
feel comfortable with it, the better off you'll be. It's not
hard to do and the results will surprise you!!!

The industry is still new and you do get the WOW factor when
a client opens an email, clicks a link and you're speaking to them.

[housetubetv]

Works wonderful $$$$$ for me $$$


Traffic=Money

HouseVideos (http://www.housetubetv.com)
WineryVideos (http://www.WineryVideos.com)
WineInCalifornia (http://WineInCalifornia.com)

[askbryce]

I saw the craziest thing on Youtube. It was a company that sold software to track appoints for lawn care companies. (that's not the
crazy part!) Anyway, these guys do a video every two weeks and post
it on youtube. It lasts 10 minutes and covers things that lawn care
companies might be interested in.

The crazy part is the number of people who watch each episode! Their
views PER episode are between 40,000 and 50,000!!

Can you imagine that there are that many people who would be interested
in their subject?

There is no way they could afford to buy that much targeted traffice every
two weeks.

Bryce

[housetubetv]

I saw the craziest thing on Youtube. It was a company that sold software to track appoints for lawn care companies. (that's not the
crazy part!) Anyway, these guys do a video every two weeks and post
it on youtube. It lasts 10 minutes and covers things that lawn care
companies might be interested in.

The crazy part is the number of people who watch each episode! Their
views PER episode are between 40,000 and 50,000!!

Can you imagine that there are that many people who would be interested
in their subject?

There is no way they could afford to buy that much targeted traffice every
two weeks.

Bryce


Hey, whatever it takes to get traffic...the crazier the better

[vbcannon]

I am just looking for ideas as to how people are using video email... No offense, but your response sounds more like an infomercial. I was looking for the individuals that are actually using it and what they were doing with it. Your response of Ms Gant, assuming you are related in some way, although sounds impressive, I guess I would have preferred it coming from her instead.

Are you affilliated with the company in some way?

Of course the guy is affilliated, especially if his Username IS TalkFusion. When he responded "She is too busy selling real estate" that should have topped the cake.

[vbcannon]

I have used Youtube but can be grainy. Does anyone else use YouTube?

I use youtube as well. I really like it. I use it to embed it into my website. You can really get creative with it.

[housetubetv]

Of course the guy is affilliated, especially if his Username IS TalkFusion. When he responded "She is too busy selling real estate" that should have topped the cake.


Not me...I am not in the real estate business.
I sell wine!!!

Maybe when more real estate business is done on internet, then I might create a platform just like my house video site.

[vbcannon]

Not me...I am not in the real estate business.
I sell wine!!!

Maybe when more real estate business is done on internet, then I might create a platform just like my house video site.

No no! Im sorry, I was talking about the TalkFusion person. You post great helpful info

[Cisco]

I would use video email sparingly. I like the idea, but overused it could be very annoying.

It's like most things… used in moderation it's a great tool.

cisco

[HomeStomper]

awesome, there's some really great points in this thread. hopefully, i can add something to it...

i do a lot of email marketing for my clients and the more complicated you make the email (html, video) the more it's going to get scuttled by spam blockers. plus most email clients refuse images and coding by default, anyway. straight up text works best.

now, i also agree that video is a very powerful tool. simply use a text email to drive the reader to the video. services like audioacrobat.com can create a single page to host your video or audio that you can send traffic too. pretty cool, pretty easy-peasy.

i'll be the first to admit, i have a short attention span when it comes to video ("get to the point already!") but it does get the message through (keep it short, 3-10 minutes).

audio/video also adds more dimension to your message - folks take in information in different ways. this is another way to make sure your message gets across. text, sound, movement, even tactile (click the play button).

so, yeah, video does make a difference and adds to your marketing and brand... but, always keep things simple and still use good ol' text in email.