The Social Networking Phenomenon

July 02, 2009

Many builders are probably familiar with Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, recognizing them as social-networking Websites and the impact they are having on society today. But few take advantage of these applications in a business environment. Now is the time to learn about the differences and benefits of these social sites, as the technology has the potential to connect homebuilders to hundreds of buyers and partners.

Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube—while all under the umbrella social-networking technology—have very different applications. For example, YouTube allows you to watch and post online videos, and in the homebuilding community this means distributing model home tours to many prospective buyers through the Web. Facebook has expanded it footprint and now offers profiles specifically for businesses, giving homebuilders the ability to share content, photos, links, and videos with its ‘fans.’ Twitter, a message routing system made up of business and personal profiles where users can send ‘tweets’ to ‘followers,’ allows residential firms to send realtime messages to prospective buyers.

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Commercial - May

Volume 12 Number 05

Integrated Project Delivery

Technology provides the foundation for a more collaborative project model.

What is it about a recession that makes collaboration look so appealing? That’s not to say that collaboration is looked at negatively during strong market conditions; it’s just the fact that when the economy is strong and jobs are moving forward, it’s difficult for many AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) professionals to make certain technological transitions that are necessary to streamline the collaborative process.

Residential - April

Volume 12 Number 4

Tech Tips For Budget-Strapped Builders

Get more out of the software you already have in place.

If you were to spend one day observing all of your current business processes and practices, what would you expect to find?

Infrastructure - June

Volume 12 Number 06

Commentary

Stimulating Construction

I would have to say that construction is one of the most resilient industries I have ever experienced. I used to say that manufacturing was the most resilient, but watching those in the construction industry for the past 11 years, I admire the dedication and perseverance of the men and women who are so committed to the growing infrastructure of our nation. I have seen an industry that not only says what it means, but does what it says. I think many of you would attest that most contractors will do anything—drywall, electrical, plumbing, repairs, general labor—to keep yourselves working. In fact, hundreds of thousands of out-of-work construction workers around the country are committed to this industry and are willing to find ways to remain within the industry in which they have worked for so many years.

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Green Technology

New Computers Offer Energy Savings

From software to help companies minimize paper usage, to building automation, to fleet management, construction firms are finding ways to go green. Technology is at the source of most of these green initiatives.

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Economy

Pending Home Sales Rise

In recent months, there has been much speculation that renewed housing affordability and the first-time homebuyer tax credit might help boost home sales. With home affordability at record highs, pending home sales are also on the rise—for the fourth straight month.

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