This was originally presented as a webinar, part 3 of 3 in the TruliaPro Presentation Boot Camp for Power Agents.

The session was given by Catherine Carr, VP of Marketing for Haiku Deck (http://www.haikudeck.com). Although it does touch on and demonstrate Haiku Deck (a free presentation app for iPad), the strategies can be applied no matter what presentation tool you're using.

Be sure to check the calendar for upcoming training sessions:

http://pro.truliablog.com/calendar/

Slides from session 1 available here:
http://www.haikudeck.com/p/R8h5Q2ctNf/3-keys-to-presentations-that-wow

Slides from session 2 available here:
http://www.haikudeck.com/p/izy4tcSnd5/12-ways-to-transform-your-real-estate...

In session 1 we talked about the Haiku Deck philosophy, which is all about making presentations simple, beautiful, and fun. More about that here:

http://www.haikudeck.com/about

In session 2 we went deeper on creative marketing ideas and inspiration.

You can find the five power templates (along with some others) here:
http://pinterest.com/haikudeck/templates/

You are the brand, and your slides should express that in a way that's both authentic and memorable!

We often go with a set formula (whether that's a corporate template or a traditional headline/bullet method of communicating) and accept that it has to be that way, but why not create something that feels like it's really you?

One of my favorite TED talks is Simon Sinek's "Start with Why," and I rewatch it regularly to remind myself how important it is to focus on the why, rather than the what. You can watch it here:

http://bit.ly/dcDsbx

One thing I noticed when I reviewed a few listing presentations was how much "what" there was, and how little "why." For example, why did you choose to do this for your career? Why does this statistic or number matter? Why should someone choose you over someone else?

It's really tempting to want to create one version of your presentation and use it for every occasion, but this approach can backfire. Does one size really fit all? The needs and mindset of each potential client is going to be really different depending on the situation, so make sure the information you're sharing with each one is relevant and appropriately tailored.

It's great to say what you'll do, but it's even better to back that up with evidence of what you've done, whether it's your track record, your agency's track record, or glowing testimonials from past clients.

Also, remember to make a habit of asking for recommendations as you close each transaction--LinkedIn is an easy way to do this.

(If you'd like to read our LinkedIn recommendations, or write us one, check out them out here: http://linkd.in/XrIBSB)

We chose iPad for our first platform because to us it represents how people work and create today---flexible, portable, spontaneous. We also like the experience of presenting 1:1 right from the iPad, over coffee, or at a conference table. It just feels slick.

And when you can use your tools (whatever they are) to make your potential client's life easier---by emailing them a link to slides instead of a bulky file attachment or a big pile of paper, that makes a great impression, as well.

Rather than packing your slides with tons of data, try isolating points to be sure they are clear. You can use year-over-year data to tell a story about important trends.

Here's another example of comparing and contrasting the kinds of data you have at your fingertips on Trulia.

You can find these stats (and more like them) on Trulia:
http://bit.ly/10ekpB8

If you're meeting with someone selling a 1BR, the year-over-year change is even more dramatic, so it would be important to highlight that specifically.

But, of course, if the potential client is hoping to sell a 4BR home, that data wouldn't be relevant. Choose only the data that matters most to your audience.

Here's an example of a data point that needs more context. Your potential client might get pretty excited abou this average listing price in the Steamboat Springs area....

...until you point out the average number of days on the market in the area.

Here's another way of telling the same story: What percentage of houses currently on the market have undergone price reductions?

Now that you've established the right context, you'll want to present well-chosen comps that most closely match the specs of the property you're talking about.

John James used slides very much like these to land a $1.4M listing in Steamboat Springs. You can read the full case study and see his Haiku Deck here:
http://bit.ly/10va3N5

You can also personalize your data to demonstrate your own track record--for example, how many sales you have closed compared to local and national averages.

In the session we looked at some "before" and "after" examples of slides, applying some of these concepts. You can view the renovations here:

http://www.haikudeck.com/p/Zbfv9CZEsW/renovation-1

http://www.haikudeck.com/p/l7emGap8G8/renovation-2

Learn more about Haiku Deck here:
http://www.haikudeck.com

You can download the free iPad app here:
http://bit.ly/ScJc5m

You can also join our creative community on these social networks:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/haikudeck
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/haikudeck
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/haikudeck
Google+: http://bit.ly/ZaDD7g
LinkedIn: http://linkd.in/XS4RUU

Feel free to email me with questions or feedback, too: catherine@haikudeck.com