Last week I was in Atlanta, privileged once again to speak at the Real Estate Tech South conference, affectionately dubbed (and pretty much renamed) RETSO. Â It was a long week (I drove down Wednesday and back on Saturday), and I’m still worn out, but it’s a good tired. Â It’s hard to describe how energized I am.
“Each year, I strive for ‘different’ Â instead of ‘better’…better each year is tough to do,” said founder Brad Nix as we chatted Friday evening. I’d argue that because each year is different, it *does* get better. This year was no exception. The one thing that doesn’t change, though, is the community of people that make up this conference. Noticeably devoid of egos and agendas, RETSO gives attendees the chance to listen and learn without distraction. Speakers are readily accessible to attendees, and happy to answer questions.
I taught one classroom session and participated in two panels on the main stage. I’m humbled that I had the chance to take the stage with some truly brilliant people: Todd Carpenter, who just announced he’s departing as NAR’s Director of Digital Engagement for a new opportunity at Trulia (and is kind of a big deal); Jay Thompson, an innovative blogger and broker who recently joined Zillow’s ranks; Matthew Shadbolt, the very bright Director of Interactive Product & Marketing for the Corcoran Group; and Ginger Wilcox, the pioneering Head of Industry Marketing at Trulia.  I was there to discuss how I cultivate my relationships with my readers (that would be you guys!) and also my take on how mobile is affecting how agents do business. However, I was learning from my peers even while I was onstage. And the conversations in the hallways brought me ideas and energy…today, I’m scribbling down everything I can remember in true brain dump style.
Daniel Rothamel, RETSO’s new community manager, ended the conference with a rousing commentary about how this community of d0-ers, who refuse to accept the culture of mediocrity in real estate, will carry the flame forward, committing to making the industry better. I’m proud to be part of that community.
The conference tshirt, which I’m wearing today, reads: There is no try.
Indeed.
I am RETSO.
Cheers,
Heather
P.S. Sending a thank you to Inna Hardison for the photo above. 🙂
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I just wrote “There is No Try” on my mirror. Seriously.
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The flame burns bright here: http://t.co/K33K3vxB Thank you, @bnix @MikePennington @drothamel @retsoben @retsobot …I am RETSO. Are you?
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Noticeably devoid of egos and agendas… it’s what I love most.
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So wishing I could have heard it all. Sounds awesome.
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One of the best things about social media is that it gave me the opportunity to meet and form meaningful relationships with people like you. I can still remember first meeting you at VA BlogCon. 🙂
Keep doing.
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It was.
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Laura, you have the RETSO spirit in your heart already. Next year, baby!
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Truly an inspiring event. The focus on improving the industry and customer experience was truly welcome.
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I love that you are exhausted. It’s how we should feel after doing amazing work. And to that end… we should strive to either succeed or fail. “Tried hard” is an excuse not to learn or get better. Yoda was right 😉
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Team Altos went to RE Tech South last week in Atlanta. If you haven’t stopped by, it’s not just for people in the… http://t.co/n42Zsw5M
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You are #retso. You are a #doer. And I love this website. Both functionality and content. :))
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Some people just want to make the world and themselves better. That is what I think of when I think of #RETSO and you my dear. Great recap and so glad I got to see you in the GA!