REMAX Convention 2008 - Marnie Blanco - a visit

One of the coolest things about going to a RE/MAX Convention (and 2008 is no exception) is that you can meet up with friends from around the world of RE/MAX and talk shop. I want to introduce you to one of those friends:

Marnie Blanco

Marnie Blanco is "officially" the Vice President of E-business for RE/MAX International. (Bio is here). (Note to Marnie--I will add the photo that we took yesterday to this blog post later...been BUSY at the convention!-grin)

Marnie essentially runs ALL of the e-commerce for RE/MAX, but that is not why I am writing about her. What makes her notable is that despite the demands on her time, she has ALWAYS been approachable and friendly. I first met Marnie before REMAX.com as it is configured now, existed. (several years ago now.) Everytime we have met, she has always taken the time to kick around ideas, talk about the latest happenings and simply talk shop. This is NOT typical of other senior executives that I have met in other companies. Most are so often consumed with promoting THEIR vision that they don't have time for a "report from the frontlines".  In the 'post Cluetrain Manifesto" world of today, conversations are essential.

Thanks Marnie for the chat yesterday. (And on a personal note--congrats on kiddo #2 for your family!)

And for those who may be curious about what REMAX.com's LeadStreet has netted our office, I thought I'd share:

In this changing market and when buyers are at a PREMIUM, we have received just under 1,000 leads in the last year or so directly from REMAX.com and more importantly, our agents have been able to add dozens of closed sides as a result. Things aren't perfect yet, but this has been a valuable addition to our already strong broker web presence. This doesn't count the ability to list that comes from having a national presence fueled with traffic from TV, Radio, and print advertising that perfectly compliments our web presence (which drives traffic from online sources).

Much of that success is due to Marnie hanging tough (even when stuff ISN'T working right)and taking time with folks like me from the field. Sometimes the best way to do e-commerce is to have a team and hear their reports and work together to do great things. (Hmmm...where have we heard that recently...grin). Just like there are members of TeamEric helping propel our cause to the top, I am a member of Team RE/MAX (and Team Marnie)...that's NOT fan club - that's TEAM. Whoever thought that teamwork doesn't matter online or that relationships don't matter is ummm...misguided. I usually only chat with Marnie once a year or so, but those relationships matter now more than ever IMO.

Have a great 2008, Marnie!

More convention news coming up in a bit!

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