Keverne Denahan is a Realtor and founder of KardZee, an application that connects real estate agents with valuable solutions to make deals and build relationships. Here’s what she had to say about her experience at this year’s Inman Connect New York.
What was your favorite part of being a startup at Connect, and why?
Aside from this one being in one of the most energetic cities in the world, the amount of C-Levels we meet face-to-face is like no other trade show we have done. Also, the curated Exhibitors make potential partnerships very easy. We spoke to several and many are in the works. It’s very exciting.
We’re not your typical real estate conference. How did this compare to others you’re used to?
While we launched at ICSF17 and had a great show, ICNY was better for us. I think this was because we had traction from the previous show in SF so we were able to reconnect with folks that we had met before and continued the conversation as it were.
In NY, there were many C-Levels that we were able to connect with that weren’t at the other show thus broadening our reach. We also launched our Automated Strategic Campaigns in NY which is timely. Re other shows, we feel Inman is a modern approach to Real Estate and addresses the issues that are happening during this disruption. The emphasis on Tech illustrates to Brokers and Agents how tech can also help you, not hurt you. We have done other shows but they don’t have the amount of C-Level Attendees or Exhibitors that Inman has. I appreciate the curation of all of it – exhibitors and targeted audience.
What was the most meaningful thing you took away from your time at Connect?
That we are on track. The message we heard repeatedly was “personal engagement”, “referrals”, “retention” and “tangible outreach” over and over and over again from the Speakers, companies, brokers, agents… For us, that’s what we do so it was not only validating but right place, right time and the perfect audience for us.
What surprised you the most about the attendees you spoke with?
We were shocked by two things. How many people either do nothing or send one card a year to former clients. Some only do a text or an email. Then there was the complete opposite, how many people spend hundreds and hundreds of hours on engagement that isn’t that effective and it’s too frequent. KardZee has positioned ourselves as a retention and referral marketing company with tangible, digital outreach plus social boost.
We think, and we use ourselves as mirrors, that it has been to be a combination of texting, social media, emails and a real, tangible card that is personalized and makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. A random shout-out gets lost in a sea of white noise.
What was your favorite experience during the week, outside of being at your booth?
Meeting the people that were on my list of people to meet! Having the one-on-one time with friends that we made at the last Inman, meeting new people at this show and enjoying a piece of the Big Apple with them.
For example, I and co-founder Amanda Bouza met Dan Smith and his wife Melody on the Inman App before Connect even started! Next thing you know we are all on the Subway heading to the “Seinfeld” diner for lunch. While the food was “meh,” the photo opp outside was worth the trip and we made some great friends that we connected with for the rest of the week and beyond. And one more — being approached by Brad Inman, the man himself, telling us we were all over the Inman App and great job! Two seconds later, our CSO is posing with him for the ultimate photo opp. We got A LOT out of the Inman App.
Want to connect with Keverne? Find her on Twitter, and LinkedIn.
