We know that not everything is as easy as it appears.  And we know that sometimes things are just downright frustrating.  Trust me on this.  Don’t tell anyone (because I work for a technology company and I’m supposed to be good at this stuff), but…do you have any idea how long it took me to figure out how to use Twitter?  In fact, I’m still not sure I know how to use it to its full potential.

Okay, I’m sure you get my drift.  But, the good news: gone are the days where we need to sit and stare blankly at a screen because it’s too hard to get help.  If the resources are there, why not get educated?  There’s literally a ton of features when it comes to using the software provided by Point2.  I’ll be the first to admit – some of them aren’t the easiest either.  Whether or not you have a full blown Point2 Agent account, or simply a free Syndication Dashboard, there’s plenty of help right at your fingertips…just in case you’re anything like me (and trust me, I need all the help I can get!).

We have a whole lot of neat stuff to help you get the most out of your account, and get the most ‘bang for your buck’.  It’s not a just a bunch of tedious 50 page articles on “How-To’s”…because let’s face it, none of us want to feel like we are in school again.  Unless, of course, reading is your thing – we have that too.  But in addition to that, we’ve also got a ton of videos, and live & interactive education sessions.  And the best part – it’s totally free.

So, with that being said – why not put some learning back into your life.  Our Education Specialists are pretty much waiting for you (literally, I was just down there and one of our ET’s, Ryan, was hitting the refresh button to see how many more registrants he has!).  There’s no need to be overwhelmed – we’re here to help.

Check out our training videos right here, and if you’re really gutsy and think you can put up with our Education Specialists, then sign up for a session right here.  (I’m just kidding…they are a pretty awesome group of people if I do say so myself! )

For a full list of sessions, check out the Education Site.  Simply click on the “Education Sessions” drop down and find the session that’s perfect for you.

I mean really, what have you got to lose?  Better yet, what have you got to gain?

Find out more about some cool widgets available to use in our article on the Education Team website.

- Tanya Spilchak, Point2 Education Coordinator

This launch is the result of much hard work by our very devoted staff.  One of the most noticeable things we changed was the layout from two columns to a three-column layout, which allows us more room for fun widgets.  Also, we’ve made each post more clearly distinguished, for easier readability.

We are now using a customized WordPress theme based on Corp 1.3.

Take a look at the old blog below and tell us what you think of our facelift.

In addition to the changes to the look and feel of the blog, we’ve also added a new contributor role to the blog –  our Point2 Agent Education Team.  Our Education Team has their own blog, where they post regularly, but they will also post on our Agent blog from time to time.  Stop by and read their first post here, or their many other posts on the Education blog.

Also, not to be overlooked is the addition of a blogroll which links to the other blogs that are maintained by different individuals and departments here at Point2 – from Heavy Equipment related topics to in-depth programmer musings in the Point2 Technology blog.

So, tell me…do you like it?

Oh yeah, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog feed.

I’m sure we’ve all been there: you need to create a blog post, but the words just won’t flow.  The blank white screen stares at you, mocking your efforts.  Grabbing a coffee or listening to an inspiring song doesn’t help.  The white goes on for miles and miles…

I understand.  I was there two minutes ago.

Then I realized that the very struggle I was going through would become my article!  “What to write when the words won’t come”, a practical list of tips and suggestions for helping others happen upon a topic that would result in a spark of creativity and yield content!

Here goes:

1.  Keep it simple

All too often in life we complicate what should be simple.  Blog posts don’t need to be feature-length articles.  They can be short and sweet tips that would be beneficial for your clients.  An example: When preparing the house for a showing, remove all personal photos, drawings, and effects from the rooms.  An elaboration as to why and how this benefits the seller would add to the topic, but you get the idea.  What is the one sentence point you wish to communicate?  Having that foundation may help the words flow.  Check out the Education Team blog for some examples.

2.  Create a list

As a self-confessed list-aholic, blog posts that offer lists for anything from renovating a kitchen to preparing a house for walk-throughs intrigues me.  Lists are so convenient!  Anybody can print it off and use it as a guide for their own reference.  Check out an article regarding blog posts that contains a list.

3.  Draw from other sources

Especially with blog posts, your content can be about something you just read or your reflections on something in the media or on television.  It might be wise to avoid topics that might be seen as offensive, but that’s your call.  It’s your blog and website, after all.  Sometimes what might be seen as a passing thought can be the basis for some interesting discussion.

4.  Share your struggles

Nobody is perfect…that is what makes us human!  Sharing your struggles with others is sometimes very therapeutic and helpful.  A few minutes ago, I indicated that I was struggling against a sea of white screen…suddenly it is full of text!

When all else fails, supplement your content with a big picture!  (but you didn’t hear that from me!)

>>Tanya Spilchak is Education Coordinator at Point2 Technologies, Inc.