By Deborah Ball, RE/MAX Times Online Associate Editor

When Matt Richling goes to real estate conferences, he usually collects a stack of business cards and goes home forgetting who was who. But at this year’s RE/MAX Fall Connect in Toronto, Ontario, the Sales Associate with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty in Ottawa decided to bring along his video camera and capture the action on tape.

Richling’s video, which he later edited to add people’s names and upbeat music, helped him relive the energy of the conference and remind him of all the RE/MAX Associates he met there. He posted the video on YouTube, and it’s getting plenty of rave reviews.

“I’m incorporating videos more and more into my marketing and daily activities so it came naturally to me to do a video of the conference,” Richling says. “It was so easy and quick, and it helped me step outside my comfort zone and meet new people. Everyone I taped loved being featured, and by including their names, it encouraged them to send it to other agents. It’s gone viral.”

5 clip tips
Here are some quick tips Richling gives for using video and social media to expand your network and show off your social-media savvy:

1. It’s not about the quality; it’s about content. The more videos you post, the better. The saying is that “Content is king.” So provide content first then worry about improving the quality later.

2. Your first video will be horrible, but you have to keep going. Do more of them to gain experience. Just remember to talk to people and think about content and your audience.

3. Do something that nobody else is doing. Doing the usual market update is fine, but dig deeper for better content. Think about what makes your town/city unique. Why do you live there? Tell people about it or find others who will convey the message you want to relay. If you’re not believable, you won’t convince anyone else.

4. Get online. Sign up on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and ActiveRain and become engaged in the social media movement. Post your videos on these sites, as well as your own Web site, to increase traffic and interest. Your clients (and referral sources) are there. You should be, too.

5. Above all, be yourself. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not. Let your personality come forth in your videos, and don’t be afraid to come as you are. Viewers – and ultimately clients – will see right through you if you try to alter your image.

© 2010 RE/MAX International, Inc. RE/MAX Affiliates may share this article, provided they do not charge for it and this notice is included. All other rights reserved.