The Fundamental Misconception of Social Media

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Unless you have been living under a rock, you’ve heard of this “social media” thing. But if pressed to define it, you — like the rest of us — would stammer out a few words about Twitter, Facebook, and blogs and then… realize that the term is more or less undefined. Well, here’s the Wikipedia … Read more

Lessons from Counterinsurgency #3: Petraeus on Unity

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(Part 1, Part 2) Petraeus on Unity Another major lesson from counterinsurgency is the importance of coordination and synchronization: It is also essential that we achieve unity of effort, that we coordinate and synchronize the actions of all ISAF and Afghan forces — and those of our Pakistani partners across the border — and that … Read more

It Would Be Nice to Have a Central Clearinghouse for RE Bar Camps

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[Because Teri Lussier hath commanded me to do this post, and her wish is my command.] RE Bar Camps are one of the fastest growing events in the real estate industry.  What the hell is a RE Bar Camp? Well, start here.  The first one was put together by Andy Kaufman, Brad Coy, Mike Price, … Read more

Be the Virus, Todd (Three Thoughts on NAR Social Media Manager)

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“Forward, the Light Brigade!” Was there a man dismay’d? Not tho’ the soldier knew Someone had blunder’d: Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die: Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. – Alfred Lord Tennyson, Charge of the Light Brigade Todd Carpenter (@tcar on … Read more

Lessons from Counterinsurgency, Part 2: Petraeus on Local

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In part 1 of this series, we discussed Information Operations and the importance of integrity in counterinsurgency strategy.  I took lessons from the U.S. Military, and the author of those doctrines Gen. David Petraeus, and applied them to the real estate industry.  In this installment, I’d like to take a look at another key principle … Read more

Lessons from Counterinsurgency Pt. 1: Petraeus on Integrity

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It may be completely inappropriate to compare the life-and-death work of our military in Afghanistan to the buying and selling of real estate ensconced in our safety… but I could not help but read this with interest: We also must strive to be first with the truth. We need to beat the insurgents and extremists … Read more

In Which I Defend Realogy, Yet Again (It IS Fun!)

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In the comments section of my post on Alex Perriello’s confidence in denying a bankruptcy for Realogy, a commenter by name of “Still Don’t Agree” raises several very interesting points.  And because SDA wasn’t a raving lunatic, but apparently a very smart, very logical, and a calm & measured commentator, I thought it worth using … Read more