Becoming effective on the Internet can seem at times to be a Herculean task. Time is money, and you want to maximize the returns of any Internet time investment. The Following are the top ten Internet business skills you as a REALTOR^® can use to your benefit.

1. Invest in a web site.
More than merely a place to showcase you and your properties, an effective REALTOR^® web site will provide the Internet community with needed resources such as school reports, city comparisons, and more. The more value you add, the more reasons potential buyers will have to remember your name.

2. Embrace the good points of email.
Email can be used to facilitate communications with clients, personalize a "Happy birthday" note, establish meetings and much much more. If you add your own personal signature that includes your business contact information, you are ensured that your recipients always know how to contact you.

3. Discard the bad points of e-mail.
Never never never never never never mass-mail business offerings to untargeted audiences! Resist the urge to buy "over 5 million email addresses for only $99!" Mass commercial email simply does not work because today's Internet surfer is already bombarded by dozens of SPAMMED messsages already. It bestows upon you a very negative impression.

4. Join a REALTORS^® mailing list.
With all the advances of technology, you would require seventy-three hours each day to absorb every bit of information. Instead, join an electronic mailing list of your peers! Many individuals enjoy helping out fellow professionals. You can find excellent lists at http://www.property.com/dm-tools.html and http://www.recyber.com/listserve.html.

5. Request a REALTORS^® newsletter.
Newsletters are generally put out by individuals who want to pass along pertinent information. Many exist, targeting sales, Internet, and other topics. They include Tony Martinez, Karen Stafani, and The Real Estate Law Newsletter.

6. Produce your own newsletter!
Who said anything about newsletters being just a passive form of communication? You can keep your name out in front of your audience by starting a newsletter and offering visitors the ability to subscribe. Do you want to keep your clients appraised of housing trends? Hot properties? Alan Hainge has a great overview of this important marketing device at http://www.afhseminars.com .

7. Email thank you cards! Have you recently received a great lead from a colleague or customer, remembered a friends' birthday, celebrated a landmark event? You can visit http://www.bluemountain.com and http://www.hallmarkconnections.com and email out free electronic cards.

8. Improve your website rankings in search engines.
Contrary to popular belief, you do NOT need to wear a beanie propeller cap to understand these beasties! http://www.virtualpromote.com/ provides great discussion forums on how to up those rankings.

9. Stay on top of daily real estate news.
You can subscribe to Real Times. This will ensure you receive the current important headlines about Real Estate every day.

10. Think outside the box.
The incredible opportunity the Internet offers is there is always more than one way to locate the resources you need or provide the services you want. If one thing doesn't work, don't get hung up! For example, if your web site isn't bringing in the busines you expected, don't be afraid to invest in a qualified consultant to analyze why. If you would like answers to important questions such as "What software should I use to track my web leads", join a REALTOR newsletter and ask! Take advantage of the bounty out there.

Published: September 16, 1998

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Barbara Ling only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.