Charlie Harden has a post I wanted to leave a comment on.

“How I connected with customers on the Internet last night!”

My comment grew and grew and then ActiveRain wouldn’t allow my comment to post (is AR still wonky?).

We’ll let’s just make it a post then!

Charlie wrote:  Stuff on my AR drawing board (in no particular order)

1. Somehow link up e-mail signatures and all 'social sites'
2. Learn to send ActiveRain blogs to these sites automatically (Bill Gassett has some writings on this)
3. Learn to create audio/video presentations for listings and Localism material
4. Spend more time on Localism
5. Find good (free) HTML code to WYSIWYG (whatever that is) site that will convert one to the other
6. Blog weekly market reports
7. Learn to upload files to YouTube
8. Learn to put those neat gadgets and widgets down the right side of the blog page
9. Do it all in 2 hours or less a day. (Lotsa luck!)

My quick answers to these:

1. Retaggr
2. RSS
3. http://areweconnected.com/2008/11/how-to-use-windows-movie-maker/
4. Write quality local content
5. Windows Live Writer
but
6. OK – but please add your own interpretation of the data
7. TubeMogul
8. Easy with the correct html
9. I’m usually done by 8 AM daily, Inbox ZERO, Feed Reader ZERO, Comments and posts done!

                Are you following me on Twitter?

The Loan Officer Edition

As you may know I have a soft spot for Loan Originators, at least the honest and ethical ones.  I want to share what I think is one of the best ways an originator can use Twitter for business and do so effectively. 

I’ll use Rhonda Porter as an example. (It’s ok, I have her permission).

Just in case you didn’t know… Rhonda has been a loan originator in the state of WA since 2000. Prior to that she was working on the title side.  She’s one of the smartest mortgage people I’ve ever met, always does what is best for her clients, and is highly successful at it.  She blogs daily at MortgagePorter.com and has a regular spot on RainCityGuide,  Not only that but she also graciously shares her experiences with other loan officers on R-Team and The Mortgage Cicerone and others.

When it comes to using Twitter for Business, I think Rhonda is doing it right!

There are two ways you could show the world what you do using Twitter. 

1.  Broadcast tweets “For the BEST rates contact me!” or “Rates as low as __ %!!!!”  To a reader, you sound like a commercial or worse yet Spam.  Your message will not get through.  It will be discarded and ignored.
      or
2.  What is called Evidence of Success tweets. This is what Rhonda is using. 

Evidence of Success

Here’s an example:

“Quoting 5.375% at 0.5 pt for 30 year fixed rate/term refi $506k loan @69LTV 740+ credit (apr 5.468). 45 day lock.”

To the Real Estate Agent, I can see exactly what she’s doing.  She’s upfront with her points and fees.  She’s not going to take a client I send her to the cleaners.

If I was a potential client I can also see.  While the terms might not be exactly what I have or want, it’s also clear she’s not leaving anything out.  Rate, YSP, Term, Type, Loan Amount, Loan to Value, Credit Score, APR, and the Lock Period – all in less than 140 characters. 

When you only have 140 characters, you better make them all count! 

The Human Element

Another thing I like is that this isn’t all business.  She tweeted about her Son passing his driving test. That makes her human.  That makes her less of a commodity.  I’s a touch point, an instance where a potential contact can connect with you.  It may not be that particular tweet, it may be the one that talks about a great Pinot you had, or a great find at a Farmers Market.  Be human.  Remember, we chose to work with people we like. 

    Are you following me on Twitter?

Image by via CrunchBase

There are a couple of ways to add relevant content to Facebook and share that content with your friends.

This can be content you come across while surfing other sites, or it can be content you’ve written yourself an posted on your blog.

I’ll show you how to add from the RSS subscription, or the website itself.

Unfortunately AR may still be having issues with embedding video so if thevideo does NOT show below, you'll have to watch the video at

http://areweconnected.com/2008/11/how-to-adding-content-to-facebook/

or at

http://www.viddler.com/explore/mikemueller/videos/13/

If you have a blog and you want to share a post you’ve written you can use the Blogcast application within Facebook.

How simple is that?

                Are you following me on Twitter?

CAL vs. Stanford - The Big Game

I’ll be at the Big Game today. That would be CAL vs. Stanford .
It’s the Battle for The Axe .

It’s the 111 Big Game . Yeah, I said One Hundred and Eleventh !

You can find me pretty easy. I’ll be wearing my real CAL Ice Hockey Jersey (made specially for me by the team captain’s Mom).

I’ll be sitting in Sec EE, Row 30, Seat 1.

Just in case you haven’t heard or seen "The Play ", here it is.

Arguably the best finish in college football history….
November 20, 1982: Stanford has a 20-19 lead with 4 seconds left. Cal uses five lateral passes to return the ensuing kickoff for the winning TD…with the band on the field.

Stop by and say hi.  That is… Just as long as you are NOT wearing a RED shirt.

Go Bears!

What’s the fastest growing Social Media website?

Is it ActiveRain?  Facebook?  LinkedIn?  Flickr? How about Twitter?

Here’s a couple of interesting charts showing the number of Daily Unique Visitors for the last 12 months for each.

ActiveRain

Facebook

LinkedIn

Flickr

Twitter

For actual numbers of Daily Unique Visitors Facebook wins by a mile. 

For explosive growth it’s hard to ague with Twitter.

Source of charts: Google Trends

    Are you following me on Twitter?

So you finally went out and got the Flip Cam !    Congratulations!

You went out and shot some video?  Good for you!

You found out that you can upload directly from the camera to YouTube?  STOP!!

Before you do, want to make a better looking video?

Want to do it quick and for free ?  ( did I just say the magic word? )

Have a PC?    Ever hear of Windows Movie Maker ?

It’s video editing software, it’s free, and the best part?

It’s already on your computer!

Here’s how to use it!

Now go out and start using that Flip Cam!

* I did this originally for FNT but thought it would be great to share with ActiveRain as well.

Related articles by Zemanta

• How To Use Windows Movie Maker To Brand Your Videos?
• Good Video Editing Software for Beginners
• Windows Live Movie Maker Beta

What a nice surprise!

Capitola Beach Houses

Ally Martinez wrote at 10:16pm Happy Birthday !!! Hope you had a fantastic day Mike!

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John Novak wrote at 9:59pm Almost missed this with all of the football today. Happy Birthday, Mike!

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Renee Burrows wrote at 9:00pm Happy birthday!! Hope it was bueno!

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Kim McCurdy Wood wrote at 8:11pm I’m so late and I’m sorry BUT HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!! *mwa*

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Peter Maclennan wrote at 7:18pm Happy Birthday!

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Trisha Tomlinson Armstrong wrote at 6:47pm Happy, Happy Birthday!! Best wishes for a wonderful day!!!

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Pamela Williamson wrote at 6:47pm Happy Birthday!

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Lee McClelland wrote at 6:23pm Happy Birthday!

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Jay McGillicuddy wrote at 6:22pm Happy Birthday Mike hope you had a great day,

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Lesley Lambert wrote at 5:56pm Happy Birthday!

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Amy Cavender wrote at 5:48pm Happy Birthday!

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Naoma Doriguzzi recorded a new video. 5:47pm

Happy Birthday!

Marianne Snygg wrote at 5:26pm Happy Birthday…and yes, Capitola is fantastic! Glad you’re there. Are you going down to Carmel??? If you get a chance, do.

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Stephanie Edwards-Musa gave Mike a public gift. 5:16pm

Stephanie

Mike, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Morgan Brown wrote at 5:09pm happy birthday sir! hope you are having a great one!!

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Kristina Mosloski wrote at 4:40pm Happy birthday, Mike!

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Bob Southard wrote at 4:01pm Happy Birthday MIKE. Have a good one.

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Ygnacio Mutio wrote at 3:59pm Happy birthday Mike!

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Rhonda Porter wrote at 3:47pm Happy Birthday, MIKE! It was so nice to actually meet you in SF this year–I wish you all the best.

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Randy Randolph wrote at 3:42pm Happy Birthday Mike! Wishing you much joy, happiness and success in the coming year

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Paula Reno wrote at 3:17pm Happy Birthday Mike, I hope you have a great day.. God Bless

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Debbie Small wrote at 3:14pm Happy B-day

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Dave Peck wrote at 3:11pm Happy Birthday

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Sherry Baker wrote at 2:44pm Can’t think of a better person to have a birthday today! Happiest of Happy Birthdays, Mike! Hope your weekend has been fantastic and that your new year is worthy of you!

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Chris Rocks wrote at 2:18pm Too bad no one remembered your birthday today! Happy B-day…

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Jennifer Bragg wrote at 1:06pm Happy Birthday!!!!

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Susan Payton wrote at 1:00pm hope you’re having a great birthday!

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Kelly Kilpatrick wrote at 12:46pm Just wanted to join the social media masses in wishing you a wonderful birthday. Enjoy!

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Joan Lockwood wrote at 12:39pm Have a Happy Birthday Mike…enjoy it in this beautiful SF and surrounding area weather!

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Vito Delucchi wrote at 12:39pm Happy B-Day Mr. Mueller

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Ann Allen wrote at 12:25pm Hi Mike! Just noticed it is your birthday…..hope it is a great one!

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Lauren H. Herlich wrote at 11:48am Happy Birthday!

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A.J. Touchstone wrote at 11:38am I don’t really know you, but regardless, happy birthday.

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Tomislav Savov wrote at 11:06am Happy Birthday Mike!!! All your wishes coming true and more!!!

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Maria Hasty wrote at 11:03am Happy Birthday Mike! I hope all your birthday wishes come true Maria

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Linsey Planeta wrote at 10:29am Happy Birthday Mike!!

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Terri Hayley wrote at 10:02am Happy Birthday, Mike! Hope it’s great!

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Bill Ammermann wrote at 9:58am Mike, Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day, Bill

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Dione Sage wrote at 9:42am Happy Birthday Mike..Hope you have a great day!

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Wayne Harriman wrote at 9:36am Happy Birthday, Mike! Kick back, watch some football and OD on fun and family!

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Kathy C Burchfield wrote at 9:33am Have an absolutely FABULOUS day!

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Dale Chumbley wrote at 9:20am Hey Mike, I hope you have a marvelous birthday! Relax, kick back and have fun!

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Lisa Ludlow Archer sent a delicious Starbucks, Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino , to you using Send Starbucks. 9:16am

View this Starbucks | Send Starbucks to friends

Matt Wilkins wrote at 8:55am Happy Birthday Mike!

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Andrew M. Israel wrote at 8:47am happy b-day. its not a video— but its the thought that counts

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Joy Cluff wrote at 8:41am Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Mike, Happy Birthday to you!

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Sandi Lincoln wrote at 8:04am Happy Birthday, Michael, and have a glorious day!!

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Adorna Occhialini Carroll wrote at 7:54am Happy Birthday Mike - have a great day

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Teri Ellis wrote at 7:38am Happy Birthday Mike!!! How nice that FB reminds us….;-)

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Sarah Eubanks wrote at 7:31am Mike…I am not skilled enough to do a video or a Pee Wee impersonation. My good wishes for a happy birthday and year are just as heartfelt.

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Terrie Leighton wrote at 7:12am Happy Birthday and have a great day!!!

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Carlos Silva wrote at 7:08am Happy Birthday!

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Annette Ashley Smith wrote at 7:03am Happy Birthday Mike! Have a great day!

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Brad Hanks wrote at 6:59am Hey Mike, Happy Birthday! Hope you have a great one!

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Charlene Storozuk wrote at 6:39am Happy Birthday Mike! Hope you have an awesome day.

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Chantal Beaupre wrote at 6:38am Happy Birthday, Mike! May you be blessed with health, wealth and happiness! Have yourself a magical day! Cheers! Chantal

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Mara Hawks posted a photo. 6:27am

happy, happy bEARTHday Mike! May this day greet you with much joy and be filled with things you love to do and love to be…CELEBRATE!

Lisa Sanderson wrote at 6:21am Have an awesome birthday, Mike!!

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Maxine Phillips wrote at 6:16am Happy Birthday Mike!

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Jon Sigler wrote at 6:14am Hope you have a Happy Birthday Mike!

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Frances Flynn Thorsen wrote at 5:57am Hope you have a delicious birthday, Mike!!!!

Jacque Applegate wrote at 5:29am Happy Birthday Mike hope it’s a great one!

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Federico Brun wrote at 4:45am Happy Birthday Mike !

Wall-to-Wall

Luccia Perez wrote at 4:04am Happy Birthday Mike

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Colin Gorvett wrote at 3:20am Wishing you a great Birthday!

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Jacki Semerau wrote at 10:42pm Have a very Happy birthday!!! I wish you all the best on your special day and in the year to follow!

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Inna Ivhenko wrote at 10:14pm Happy Birthday Mike Wishing you joy, happiness, and success!

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Tony DeLuke wrote at 9:28pm Mike, Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day!!

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Maura Carey Neill wrote at 6:53pm Happy early birthday to you! I hope it’s a great day!

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Kathy C Burchfield wrote at 6:00pm Have a GREAT birthday, Mike!

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Steve Wilbur wrote at 5:17pm Happy Birthday!

Roy Kelley wrote at 3:23pm Best wishes for a very happy birthday and an outstanding year! Roy Kelley RE/MAX Realty Group Maryland Suburbs of Washington, DC roykelley@mris.com

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Akilah Bolden-Monifa wrote at 2:29pm Happy Birthday!

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Colleen Kulikowski wrote at 12:52pm Have a great birthday!

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Paula Pengelly posted a photo. 9:54am

Have a great birthday…

Brian Requarth wrote at 7:20am I stopped by a day early thinking I would be the first person to wish you happy birthday and several people beat me to it. Happy B-Day!

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Sherrie Puffer wrote at 5:55am Have an absolutely wonderful & very Happy Birthday!!

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Amir Shahkarami posted the video Soweto Gospel Choir Sing Happy Birthday To Nelson Mandela . 7:04pm

Soweto Gospel Choir Sing Happy Birthday To Nelson Mandela

Source: www.youtube.com

Play Video

The Soweto Gospel Choir sing Happy Birthday to Nelson Mandela for his 90th birthday on 18th July We are coming together to create the world’s biggest happy birthday message. Goto http://www.happybirthdayma ndela.com for more details. …

A friend of mine (Ann Cummings) put together a great collection of pictures of everyone she knows online.

She used a program called TouchGraph and it shows how one person is connected to many others and how they are connected to you.

Here’s the original picture (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1520415&view=all&subj=682007215&id=601871085&ref=mf)

I wanted to see what would happen when I clicked on my picture. Would it bring you to my Facebook Profile? My website?

Nope. It takes you to the last picture you were tagged in.

The last one happens to be a fun shot from REBlogWorld in Vegas!  That made me laugh.

TouchGraph can give you a very visual representation of who you are connected to and how.

The important part isn't the number of connections but more the quality of those connections.  But I didn't have to tell you that, did I?   

You couldn't either? Bummer.

But that's OK.

We can listen in on the conversations using Twitter and Hashtags!

Why wait for your favorite attendee to put up a drunken blog post later tonight recapping things that might have happened hours ago? 

We’re better than that.  We’re smarter.  We’ve got better technology.  We don’t have to wait around.

We can listen and even participate!  And we can do it all…

Right Now!

Looking to add a few ActiveRain Twits to your follow list?

Just click on their Twitter Name to open up a new window and add them to your follow list.

Click on the Search Button to refresh, or click on the "Older" link at the bottom.

(and NO, that will not link you to Older Twitter's like me )

    (Hey! Don't forget to follow me @MikeMueller)