(This one is long, but you may be glad you read the whole thing)
Over the next couple of months, I will be embarking on a project here at ActiveRain. Some of my time will be spent helping introduce our network, and the real estate industry to a new product. When Jon first approached me about doing this, my first response was...."I am not going to push a product on our members that sucks" (I'm pretty forward with Jon, I may have used a more choice word than "sucks"). Jon also reminded me that I'm not pushing it, I'm simply putting it in our members hands and asking for open and honest feedback.
I've been through Growth Leader and ladies and Gentlemen, it doesn't suck. In fact, just the opposite. It's very powerful.
So what is Growth Leader? (Here's the official version, I'll give you my version in the next paragraphs)
Growth Leader enables real estate agents seeking a competitive edge to generate a steady stream of prospects, and provides them with a powerful contact management solution that helps convert these prospects into clients.
- Integrated response-generating website that is search engine optimized with direct MLS integration.
- Powerful combination of TV, search engine & other real estate advertising to help you attract prospects looking for homes and real estate info in your area.
- Industry leading contact management solution with lead notification, automated follow-up, email, mobile access.
- Prospect monitoring tools that allow you to know what your prospects are thinking every step of the process, showing which ones are most active: how often they visit and which properties, prices and neighborhoods they're interested in.
Sounds like the next best thing since sliced bread, right? Well as Brian Brady would say, there is no 'magic purple pill', but Growth Leader is a powerful way to generate prospects and convert them to clients, and that folks, is the name of the game.
Growth leader has two parts. The first part is the integrated website and contact management solution called Vision. The second part is an advertising component that drives traffic to your site. Depending on your market, the cost of driving traffic will vary, but the traffic is exclusive to you and you control how much traffic you want your site to get.
Vision is powerful. The corporate speak above is not B.S.. The back-end monitoring of your prospect's and client's behavior gives you great insight into where they are at in the process. Every agent should have something like this on the back end of their home search site.
OK, enough about the product for right now, just believe me that it's great.......why would you believe me? Because Market Leader is going to let selected members demo the product in exchange for their feedback on the product.
This is where I come in. I'll be selecting and working with many of our members over the next 6 months and engaging them to use the product, give feedback, help develop best practices and CLOSE TRANSACTIONS (remember folks, that's the name of the game).
We have started the project and are in the beginning stages. Some members are up and running and some are in the provisioning stage getting ready to start. I want to get this product in the hands of members who will use it and implement it in their business plan, this will be the first criteria when selecting participants. I also want it in the hands of people who are going to write about it so that the word spreads. In order to achieve this, I will be selecting members that have consistently blogged on our network for an extended period of time. Since we are asking participants to write about the product once a week, I need to know that the members testing it are dedicated bloggers. A third component will be how many subscribers a member has. If all you do is blog about your listings and no one ever reads, sorry, but that isn't going to help spread the word.
Right now it's available in about 25 markets. There will be more coming and when they launch, I'll update this post. If you are interested in participating, please see if your market is below and leave a comment or respond to me directly via email (bob at activerain dot com). I will apologize in advance, because not everyone will be able to participate. If you are selected, I will send you additional information about what you will agree to do for me in order to get your hands on this great product for free for a few months.
Markets:
- Miami, FL - Southeast FL Regional MLS and Miami-Dade
- Phoenix, AZ - ARMLS
- Tallahassee, FL - Tallahassee Area MLS
- Atlanta, GA - Georgia MLS
- Boston, MA - MLS PIN (aka Bay State MLS)
- Houston, TX - Houston Assoc. of Realtors
- Portland, OR - RMLS
- San Diego, CA - Sandicor MLS
- Tampa, FL - Mid-Florida Regional
- Dallas, TX - North Texas R.E. Info Sys
- Jacksonville, FL - NE Florida MLS
- Orlando, FL - Mid-Florida Regional MLS
- Washington, DC - MRIS
- Austin, TX - ACTRIS - Austin BOR
- Fort Meyers, FL - Punta Gorda MLS (Now Mid-Florida MLS)
- Los Angeles, CA - Southern California MLS and Multi-Regional MLS
- Seattle, WA - NWMLS
- West Palm Beach, FL - RMLS Florida Regional
- Baltimore, MD - MRIS
- Chicago, IL - Midwest Real Estate Data
Please note that just because your specific city doesn't show up, doesn't mean you wouldn't be able to participate. If your MLS is represented, there's a pretty good chance you will be able to participate. Also, if your market is there, but you use a different MLS, contact me directly as there are some additional MLS's coming on board.
Make sure to check the box to receive updates if you comment as I will update the markets on this post as they come online and you will be notified that I have updated the post.
(this button below will direct you to a Market Leader Account Rep, not raise your hand to show interest in our marketing program)
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What about up here in Canada Bob? :)
Oh Bob...I'd love to be your test dummy! Can't ya talk the guys into doing Raleigh/Durham? I'd market the heck outta that bad boy...and tell the whole world just how great it is.
I went and checked the list again...and Raleigh/Durham did not magically appear when I clicked my heels together three times. Dangit! I must not have been holding my mouth just right. ::TRYING AGAIN:: Still nuttin'.
Help me out, Big Bob! ;-) GBU~~
So you like my tagline... "For a competitive edge..." While that's intended to communicate to buyers and sellers what I'll do for them, it sounds like this product just might be the ticket for giving US the competitive edge! I'd be happy to participate, if you think I meet your qualifications.
Bob, at first I thought Elizabeth said, " I'd be glad to test your dummy"... lol So I am tired and I had to re-read it.
On another note... hey, Philadelphia isn't listed, but then again, maybe it's just a sports market and a cheese steak market. Besides, this is just for realtors. I know this is a real estate sight, but what about us mortgage people? Without mortgages, 95% of all homes don't sell. hhhmmm... I might be onto something... ;o)
Bob - For once, I concur with Belonger. What about us lowly Mortgage Folks?
anther very interesting addition for the AR crew... Parked, watching ...
I think HouseValues bought Realty Generator, which I did a test drive of last year. They weren't in Salem but if this product is anything like that one is, I'd be all over it if they decide to do so smaller markets.
No Love for NJ, drat! I suppose with my whopping 11 subscribers (thanks Mom & Dad) I might have a tough time qualifying for this program.
On a side note, to what Jeff and Jason alluded to: have they thought of a "shared" type program whereby a realtor and mortgage rep could go in on something together...might be too respa sensitive?!
Visited the site, Bob - and it looks very interesting...too bad Tucson isn't part of the demo yet!
I'd like to know what happens to the leads we generate here.... you know, those consumers who comment on our blogs, and want to buy something, but don't leave US their contact info. They are under the impression that someone will get back to them, because they left their contact info. Are they totally dissappointed? Does someone reach out to them?
Bob, I'd certainly be happy to participate in the Washington D.C. metro area if you have availability for a slot over here.
Bob,
I would be interested in the demo/feedback of Growth Leader, however, I don't believe I have enough subscribers...you're call...I'm interested.
Bob - I too would have love to participate except my market is not represented. It sounds exciting and if NY every makes it I'm in.
Two things... GMLS sucks here in Atlanta. FMLS is better... not incredible, but better. And secondly, they might remember my name from before they changed theirs.
Matt - "On a side note, to what Jeff and Jason alluded to: have they thought of a "shared" type program whereby a realtor and mortgage rep could go in on something together...might be too respa sensitive?!" I hope to the high heavens that isn't how my comment came off. And I haven't thought about a "shared" type of program where me and anybody would do this together. I thought this was about lead generation and testing. I was just wondering if the AR folks would evolve into the Mortgage side of things.
I'll put it this way... I won't pay your cell phone bill, Matt. I won't pay anything to do business with you. Your business will do better if I'm doing business with you. I'm not a big fan of 'Perks'...
As usual, LA gets no love :( I've used House Values in the past - it will be interesting to see how this new product compares both in effectiveness and pricing.
Hi Bob - I'd be willing to do a test run when they have availability in the Las Vegas market. Have they developed any comparison chart on how their product compares with Top Producer or 1 Parkplace?
Hi Bob,
This sounds like a great opportunity! I would be interested in participating, MLS PIN is on the list but Boston is not my market...more like South Eastern, MA? :)
Bob,
Sounds great.
The problem is, you guys choose people to use on the beta that are internet guru's. What you should do is select people who have limited skills in one pool, and advanced skills in another, then use both to make the site usuable to all. This has been something I have said all along. You need to be working with the people with the least experience, not those with the most IT training. This is the downfall with this site...you are playing to the top few that have internet skills, not to the majority 95% of those that are member's here...that's where you are loosing your members and where there are intimidated and don't participate.
Think simpler, if you can't...contact some new members or blog for new members...this is really why, you have limited participation...Most adults and I'm guessing middle thirties and over...are not trained in computer skills...unless they majored it in college...you guys are computer geeks...most of us are not. You choose those who you know can do what you want...that's a select few...make it simple and more member's will participate...those are the ones you should use for the beta...JMHO.
Hi Bob...I would also be very interested if Northern New England (NNEREN) participates. They cover most of New England
Bob
Does Growth Leader work in areas in which Market leader doesn't connect or have an established relationship with the MLS such as WFRMLS in Utah? I asked this question on MMF and I think someone is looking into it.
Bob, I also would throw my hat in for the southeast LA. when you get down this way.
My market wasnt there but if Columbia SC becomes a place that you want to try I will take a looka t it as well.
I would love to be part of your team .... I'm off to read more about Growth Leader. ...
I would be in the MLSPIN (Boston)area
Bob, just looked at the demo - looks interesting - Like the fact that it's designed to work well with a mobile device - I'm in if you think I match your criteria...
Hi Bob, I would love to be a tester for the Washington, DC Metro area if there is an availability.
Hi Bob,
Erick Blackwelder my partner write individual blogs for our team, leads are good, and we would be excited to learn more on what the Growth Leader Marketing Plan is all about. We were one of the first to test Realty Generator in Northern VA . We understand it and would like to see how this compares.
Bob - Speaking up from the "Right Coast' and the TRend MLS for Pennsylvania and New Jersey :-) This looks very interesting. I'm coming over to subscribe to you Matt!
Bob,
I might be interested in testing for the Atlanta area. I agree with Lane Baileys comment that GaMLS sucks. But it does cover probably 80-90% of the listings in my area so it should work OK.
I previously subscribed to HouseValues and I kept the marketleader contact manager long after I quit the leads program. It did everything that I wanted it to do and it was easy to use. Still a little pricey but Id like to see how the new program compares.
good looking site -- i will be watching -- great idea -- great post -- JE
Hi Bob,
If they decide to add the Oakville/Burlington/Mississauga area of Ontario, Canada to the market list, please count me in. I'm in the process of moving there and will be changing all of my AR location info over within the next week and a half. I would very much like to be a part of this.
Jo
It will be interesting to read the weekly blog articles from those that are participating. Wish it was in my area now, I'd raise my hand to volunteer.
Bob - I am very interestedi n participating. I am in Orange County and a member of the SoCal MLS. I hope I qualify . . . thanks in advance!
Bob - Sounds very interesting. We are always interested in tryiing new things to improve our business and to grow our business. If something opens in Philadelphia, please let us know. My only question would be what is the start-up time and learning curve to get up and running ? Obviously, since we do a lot of volume, it is hard to devote time to something unless we are confident that the return will be well worth the effort. ~ Chris Somers
This sounds like something I would love playing with...unfortunately, Myrtle Beach, SC isn't on the list. Oh well!
Bob, I checked out the site a few days ago (before reading your post). It all sounds very interesting. When do you think they'll extend their services to smaller markets eg. VCRDS MLS?
Bob, I took the tour and it certainly appears to have an IDX solution with added features toward communicating back with the Realtor as to what the client is looking at rather than the Realtor having to go in and check the reports for each client. Seems like a viable solution that would enhance our current IDX.
Don't see Sacramento listed, however.
Another great opportunity from AR. I am in a smaller market but I will check it out and see if it is viable for my area.
Bob - I would love to work with you in the Washington DC area if you need someone. Thanks!
Bob,
What a great program....I don't see anything offered for South Carolina yet:(..Please keep me in mind when it comes our way.
Hi Bob, As a former HouseValues/JustListed user I would really like to see the improvements. Sounds very exciting !
I think this is very interesting. I will stay tuned for further information
Thanks
Don
This sounds like a wonderful product. Too bad my board or city is not mentioned there. Would have loved to give it a try!!
Bob if you can't get anyone in Washington DC to participate in this demo product,I would love to participate. Thank you very much for letting us know about it. Have a great weekend.
Hi Bob - I'm part of Houston Association of Realtors and I would love to participate in this. Thank you for your consideration!
Pippa
Sounds interesting.
Thanks
And by clicking the button on your blog, doesn't HV give you a referral fee? If so, you should also mention that when you say the program does not suck.
Yes, I am super interested!
Bob,
I am extremely interested in this new program for the Southern NJ area. Please let me know when it will be available.
Bob, would the program work for an Managing Broker? If it does I would be interested in the Se FLorida Area
Houston Texas (more specifically KATY TX, suburb of Houston)...I'd like to see what the fuss is about!
I am new at blogging and Active Rain. I would love to participate. I am in Columbus Georgia.
Thanks,
Bob,
As a long, long time user of Market Leader here in San Diego, California, I reaped the benefits of that technology and to this day use it as my contact management system.
I was called several months ago and ask my opinion of Growth Leader/Vision. I understand what it is because I was part of it when the old owners had it. I, and my team, would be extremely happy to "test drive" it for you.
Give me a call anytime!! Better yet, tell me who to call.
Hey - I am in Austin, Tx and would love to participate!! Sounds exciting. I think it would be perfect to intergrate into my current and long term business plan.
too bad you dont have something for LO's in Vegas!
Bob,
I would like the opportunity to be part of the program in the Phoenix area.
I sent you an email and would love to test this for the Boston Area - MLSpin. I also have access to the Cape Cod and Islands MLS.
I'm a newbie Blogger but have lots of online experience working with out of town buyers, I work the coastal areas of SW Florida and belong to both the mid Florida and Fort Myers MLS systems. My market areas include Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Cape Coral and many other coastal communities. I would like to be a test agent if you think I qualify.
Bob, I didn't see Huntsville, Alabama on the list...Convince them to add us and I"M IN! I used Househunt for 5 years in Nashville and loved it. Had great success actually. Hated to give it up when I relocated. Please please please have them look at the Huntsville market :) (I know you absolutely have nothing better to do, right?)
May I participate? Please, please, please! We use the North Texas REIS for the greater DFW metroplex and the market share is pretty large.
I would love to participate, however I stand with what I said above...then again Fort Lauderdale is not on the list...Miami is....so???
My MLS stinks so I can't participate. I'm sorry.
Tina in Virginia
Is Portland taken? I would write more - I promise. I just need something to write about :)
Bob,
I do not know if I would qualify or not but if and when the St. Louis market area comes available I would like to participate.
Don Rogers
Hi Bob!
Hey, I'm interested! I have not been so active recently, but I am coming out of the dry spell....and the pump is primed!
~Deborah
Bob, I hope this is a great program months after the rollout. I would like to hear from the guinea pigs how successful it is. Keep us all posted.
Bob, I'm interested, not listed but would like to here how it is working! Small town with alot of change. Let me know and sign me of for more info. Thank you Jane
If New Jersey, comes up, especiallt the Jersey Shore area, I would be glad to do it.
I am always interested in increasing my business. My concern is House Values in the past has been a lot of marginal leads that suck up your time and get very little business in our area. Do they have a new system or have they just renamed the old systems? It doesn't look like they are coming to the Grand Rapids area soon so I can watch the other markets and see how they perform.
Hi Bob,
I have also used HouseValues in the past and was not particularly impressed but reading your post has me very curious.
My Market place is on the list above and I too, am willing to be a Genuine Pig.
Patrick
Hi Bob,
I have also used HouseValues in the past and was not particularly impressed but reading your post has me very curious.
My Market place is on the list above and I too, am willing to be a Genuine Pig.
Patrick
Hi BOB,
Reading your post has me very curious.
My Market place is Louisville, Ky. and I too, am willing to be a Genuine Pig.
Warmest Regards,
Fred
Bob,
You have LA listed. I am in Orange County. However, I am part of So Cal MLS. If that works; I am very interested. I have used Market Leader, Just Listed and House Values previously.
Hi Bob,
I'd love to participate if you bring this to Tucson, AZ (TARMLS). I blog here on Active Rain and also on my own blog, www.RobinsRendition.com. I'd be willing to agree to post in both places weekly. Also, could send it out to my peeps on Twitter.
Hi Bob, If MRMLS for the LA area is still open, I would be interested in taking it for a test drive. It may be my chance to finally kick TP8i to the curve.
Bob, I hope all is well. If Dallas is still open, I'd be more than happy to test drive. I look forward to hearing back from you :)
I had contacted growth leader before I saw this blog and will be trying it any way. My market is not indicated in the list, but if you ever add milwaukee, I would be interested.
This is the "next generation" in the here and now. I contacted you directly to see if my brokerage could be included....this would definitely be one of the most powerful tools in our arsenal. I read Jason's blog about it this morning. I can't wait for updates.
I agree with my associate. She sent this over, and it seems like a no-brainer. We work tirelessly for our clients and really love to work our net leads. We would be honored to be selected if you move into this market for testing.
I am very interested in being a part of the testing and I would be more than happy to make the committment to blog about it on Active Rain. My market area, however, does not seem to be represented. I am a member of the Triangle Multiple Listing Service (TMLS) in North Carolina. My market area is Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh. Let me know when I can jump on board.
Jodi Bakst, Jodi@TeamJodi.com, www.TeamJodi.com, 919-697-5014
I'll give it a spin here in the Northwest Suburban Chicago Area for ya! Pick me, pick me!
Pretty please!
Aw come on Bob...
Chicago isn't the only city in the midwest....Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Cedar Rapids, Grand Rapids....we aren't as pricey as either coast....but we don't have lowest of lows or the highest of highs....we volunteer !
I already use Realtor.com Market Snapshot and I am able to do pretty much the same thing. Then I set up an automatic notification of properties for them so the customer receives this in their email inbox. You can then do an email drip campaign and I even email these customers to inquire about their criteria and motivation.
So far, so good. I feel I would be only duplicating what I already do.
Thanks anyhow. I'd love to hear the feedback of those who use the market leader system.
If you want to use me as part of your test, I'd be happy to participate to see what or if the difference could be.
Best to all,
Linda
I would love the opportunity to give this a try. My area is not listed but it is MLS of Central Oregon.
WidowMaker...
I'm not volunteering...This is gonna be one of the times I stand on the side lines :)
TLW...ROAR!
@ Matt.... first off, I never suggested that it be a realtor and a loan officer together. I was talking about doing things just for loan officers also. On a side note, I don't see how it would relate to RESPA anyhow, if a loan officer and a realtor both participated in something together... this is coming from a 3rd party. just my opinion..
If you ever get around to including the Northwest Louisiana MLS, I'm raring to go!
I have been a subsriber to JustListed.com for a while and had been a HouseValues member several years ago. I am very interested in this program and how it might serve the market and lucky me! MRED is on the list!! I would love to be a part of this.
I have been a subsriber to JustListed.com for a while and had been a HouseValues member several years ago. I am very interested in this program and how it might serve the market and lucky me! MRED is on the list!! I would love to be a part of this.
Hi Bob,
I'd love to try this marketing product and blog about it! I love learning new skills and perfecting them. I'm an American living in beautiful Canada and I live in a growing energy sector City of Saint John, New Brunswick. My question is: "Is this available in Canada?" If so, please, please count me in! I would love to be the first Royal LePage REALTOR® to use this marketing program...
Thanks!!!
;>)
Hi Bob - I'm sure you will have no problem getting 'qualified' volunteers for this program. Have a good night :)
looks like you are covered in the greater phoenix area, but let me know if there is anything I can do to contribute or participate
Okay, I see why you haven't called me now! I cannot believe that one of the best markets in the country is not on the list!!! Hopefully they'll find a way to add us! I'm going to inquire. Thanks for the explanation and keeping us abreast of all of the fabulous things that you guys do!
Bob - This is very exciting! Would love to know more about this. It was great to finally meet you at the AR party! What a blast!
Okay -- this looks intriging. I am sitting here in New Hampshire -= this looks like a great project for the winter when the snow is falling! (lol)
Bob are you still looking for a real estate agent in Washington DC? I am interested in the product but I have to find out first if it works before I decide to go ahead and become a member of Growth Leader. I had a horrible experience with another company and I am dont want to ever experience that again. But a demo will be a great way for me to gauge this product and see if it works. Have a safe and great Happy Thanksgiving. Great post.
Bob - looks pretty cool. Would love to test it out.
Jeff
Bob,
Hey count me in as well. I was approached by one of the sales reps when I called about my market leader account. It looks interesting and I know from speakng with the sales rep that CTMLS is included. How about a trial here in CT! I'm always happy to blog!
Gilian
Dear Bob,
This sounds great! I'm in!
Betina
I would be very interested in trying GrowthLeader. Salt Lake City, Utah. We are not on the list but would like to see how it works.
Hi Bob. I emailed you on Dec. 31, 2008 and had hoped to be able to participate in the program in Miami, Fl. Then I heard from Market Leader directly and it got me thinking again. I would be very interested in program for the South Miami-Dade Market. I'm new to blogging but think I'm getting better at it. Thanks.
NE Ohio is last in everything. We have 2 MLS's which are combining on January 25 into NEOHREX, now they are CRIS in Akron-Canton and NORMLS in Cleveland.
I have been following the people trying out Market Leader and I would love to be the agent who has the opportunity to test it out here in Orlando. :)
Bob - I too would have love to participate except my market is not represented. Im in Lewisburg WV.
Bob, I would love to test the Charlotte/Lake Norman area but I was told a few months ago that our area is not up yet.. Please keep me in mind if they are going to add this area..
Thank you!
Bob, I haven't seen any updates. Is the program closed to new participants?
Hey Bob,
I have sputtered on blogging, I would promise to blog consistently about an opportunity like this.
I'm located on the panhandle of Florida. NWF is a great microcosm for this to be tested.
Bob- I would like to participate in this experiment and see the Greater Albuquerque Area on the list. I actually like doing experiments to test my hypotheses and find out what works.
Oaky, I missed this post. Is it too late? I work in the Walnut Creek CA area.
I am very interested in participating in the Northern Nevada area (NNRMLS). I am a friend of George Tallabas and he called me tonight and told me about the program. I am so enthused I could burst with excitement. I would LOVE to be considered for this program! :-)
Hello a bit late. i am in York County PA and want to see about using this growth Leader!!!
bob,Probably too late, but i just joined this month and just now saw this information. I'm from Chicago , IL ? any possibility that I can still participate ? Thanks
Hi Bob, If you're still looking for Beta testers. I've officially stopped using TP8i, and I am in the process of building a new webpage. I am with Citrus Valley Association of Realtors (CVAR) Multi-Regional MLS (MRMLS). I'd be willing to dedicate the time, and drive this site like I stole it ;)
Member of Tallahassee, FL MLS and would love to test it here in our area.
Lot's of interest in the system!
Your endorsement goes a long way in having favorable thoughts about the product.
Phil