It's been said , "You are judged by the company you keep."
If that is true, then I am in the right place here on Active Rain. Last week I was very fortunate to recieve a lead because of my participation on Active Rain and directly from my "ASSOCIATION" with Karla Davis, a home staging professional.
My new customer's sister, who lives in the Seattle Area was on Active Rain reading staging blogs and clicked on Karla's associations tab and found me, she read my posts and told her brother who lives in Deltona, Florida to call me about selling his home. The rest is history.
I've read and commented on plenty of "featured" posts about Active Rain Success, always wanting to one day be one those people who receive business through their blog. Now that I've had a small taste of blogging success, I'm completely exhilirated as to how social networking can bring the Power of Association to life.
In today's ever changing world of real estate, you have to move beyond "conventional" marketing and find ways to differentiate yourself from everyone else, I fully believe that blogging can be the vehicle that takes you there.
The last 10 months I have learned more about how to use social networking to build my business than I ever imagined I would the day I created my profile on Active Rain. I've met new friends through Active Rain and I've gained a competitive edge over much of the competition, with innovative marketing ideas and techniques I've learned right here on the pages of Active Rain.
Thank you Active Rain! My thank you includes each an every member who has made this place... THE PLACE to be in real estate.
My new goal is to add a MEMBER TO MY ASSOCIATION ROSTER each week and really get to know them, participate in their blog and increase my power through my ASSOCIATION with them...
How about you?
Licensed Real Estate Professional, ALHS, e-PRO @ 407.758.1020 or Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com
Debbie is your resource for all things real estate in Central Florida, Seminole County, Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Oviedo, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Detona and Orlando.
That is powerful Debbie. Thanks for the ideas I am taking notes from you.
Mike - AR is so powerful... Thanks for taking a moment to comment!
Debbie, the power of association is an amazing thing and congrats on receiving your new lead. I often blog about how important it is for realtors to think out of the box when it comes to marketing and networking and often ask them what they are doing to differentiate themselves. Like you, I have vowed every week to meet new people here, join some groups, and add associates. It has allowed me to meet some great and talented people that I might not have otherwise met and my hope is that I might be a vehicle in helping them grow and succeed in business. Wishing you much success! ~ Anne Marie
Anne Marie- I'm taking a walk over to your blog right now to check you out! Thank you for taking the time to write such an AWESOME comment... I wish you all the best too!
THanks for that post, Debbie. My husband keeps asking me, but what's the point? How is this going to bring you business? It's nice to read a positive story about a direct benefit, a true lead. I'm new to this, but hope to eventually get connected enough to attract new business.
EVA - One of my favorite movies is "Field of Dreams" and I truly believe that "If you build it, they will come."... It will happen for you too! You can make the difference in your business!
I have received many clients from from association with Active Rain and am always grateful for the support.
Indeed we are judged by the company that we keep. It makes alot of sense to me.
Birds of a feather, flock together!
Kathy - I'm looking forward to the day that I can say many...
Being new to blogging, I find myself asking myself "What's the point" although I really do know what the point is. I just have to keep on keepin' on until the results kick in. thanks for sharing!
Debbie, I am so excited for you. How wonderful, you deserve it for sure. It is really fun when some one comes across us here at AR. When it happens to me, it puts an extra pep in my step that day!!
DEBBIE - Congratulations on your business success. You have done a great job branding yourself as a Lake Mary, FL agent through your blog. I'm not surprised at all that it has resulted in business for you.
Hi Debbie, what a great positive post. I wish we had more posts like yours. I am very happy for you especially in these difficult times it is nice to get a referral. Hope I can post simmilar success stories soon.
Mott - Love the visual... The best in the business can be found on Active Rain!
Janna- Trust me, it took me soooo long... but, it's worth it!
Audrey - Thank you for your continued support, you were one of my first associations and still one of the best!
Adam - Thank you for the kind words... I've learned so much by reading your posts!
Endre - I hope to read about your successes soon... It will happen!
Debbie - Awesome ... I knew it would come soon! Keep up the good work!
Featured @ Club Chaos
I love this post! Thanks Debbie!!!
Its good to get to know people on here. Its a great way to grow.
i wish that i could say someday that i got actual jobs doing House Portraits thru Activerain. www.joeldavidabramson.com
Debbie, it feels good to know all the time and work we've put in is being noticed isn't it? And in case anyone doesn't get it, it take time and it's work! (but alot of fun too!)
Great post - positive and it's so great to meet people in the Rain! Thanks for sharing your positive story:-)
You just got your first glass of 'Google Juice'! It's YUMMY, huh?
CONGRATULATIONS & GBU, Debbie!
Congratulations! AR is awesome...and networking is so powerful. It took me awhile to figure it all it out but it's worth it!!!
Hmmmmm I was wondering why I had a few new associates this week! Haha ;)
It is such a great feeling, to be a part of this community. It still amazes me;the loads of information, the opportunity to vent and share if I need to, and expecialy the prospects that come my way... You are absolutely right, this is powerfull!
Thanks for sharing something positive. Its a breathe of fresh air from all the negative stuff.
Debbie - I just learned today how to create associations! I know others have associated with me - and I am so happy to now know how to do it. Congratulations to you!
Congratulations Debbie! I googled "Lake Mary Florida Real Estate" and you are top of the tops. - Michael.
That's awesome, I've wondered if that would bring some leads.
that is awesome! I can't wait for the day I can say I got a lead from AR...congrats!
Debbie,
I'm surprised it took this long for you but happy that it happened! AR is pretty awesome, isn't it?
Debbie
Congrats. AR is an amazing tool. the good news, it is just the tip of the iceberg... if you havent created an independent blog yet.... oh my.... you haven't even seen the beginning! =0)
Chris the implementer
Debbie, that's wonderful. Yet another reason to associate with other Rainers. It does pay off. ;-)
Debbie - this is a wonderful post. Congratulations on the new client. I love your idea of a new associate each week, and I'm going to implement that myself. Thank you for sharing!
So true... now that is a great story... I'm so happy for you.
Great testimonial, Deb on what blogging on AR can do for your business.
Debbie, Thanks for sharing. I'm sharing your post with some other members of our team who are new to blogging and still trying to justify the time spent. Our brokerage is heavily geared toward application of new technologies, networking techniques and Web 2.0 marketing. I'm new to blogging but definitely see the benefits down the road. I'm also adding you as an associate. Hope to be reading some more success stories soon. Check out our Florida agents for Diamond Dwellings Realty - Dave Tipton and Rick Frissell in Brandon, FL (Tampa area).
Hey Debbie, that is great news! That is great advice and thanks for sharing! Thanks again for stopping by our open house in Tuskawilla Trace a while back! I hope you and Cas are doing well!
Debbie,
I love your story. It is very inspiring. I still learn how to navigate and learn all different ways to be active in Active Rain. Posts like yours are very timely and helpful.
Debbie, inspiring story! I need someone to show me how to do this whole AR thing. Still being new to real estate, I don't know what blogging advice I have to offer.?
Pippa - I've never been able to say without doubt that AR was the source of a lead... I'm so glad that I can finally say... I got one!
Carolyn - Thank you for the feature in Club Chaos!
Mel - Thank you... I'm so glad I found you in the rain.
Shane - There are so many OUTSTANDING folks on AR, I'm lucking I fell into the rain when I did.
Colleen - Gary Vee says... PHCC (Patience, Hustle, Content & Community) it takes it all!
Shannon - It's a gift to share what has worked, so that others can have the same success!
Being fairly new here... I can't wait to show your story to my staff of agents. I'm the boss and the owner. My best agent has been selling real estate since I was 4 years old and your story may just make her be more open to blogging. Everyone who works for me is old enough to be my parent and they are tiptoeing into web presence.
Thanks for sharing.
I have been receiving several great Buyers and Sellers from my posts.
Thanks for the inspiration and practical encouragement to those of us that are new to Active Rain. I often wonder, "why" and "when" and "how" am I going to truly utilize blogging. I feel like a voyeur reading and reading, and learning from the many fine professionals I have come in contact in this fabulous network for our industry. Thanks Debbie for sharing your enthusaism and encouragement.
Doreen Johan, RE/MAX Sunset Coast, selling SouthWestern Michigan one house at a time
www.johanrealestate.com
Debbie - congrats on the business, thanks for sharing. I have tried sharing the benefits of social networking here but only about 4 others out of 1200 agents take advantage of it.
Debbie, I am not surprised at the success you are seeing, your blogs are fun to read and informative. Great Job! I think most see that AR helps those who are willing to be creative and orginal get rewarded by more than just the points.
Debbie ~ That is wonderful. I guess that it pays to hang out in the cool crowd.
Thats great, you keep doing good things and it pays off.
Richard
Every time I read an AR Success Story I get excited (for them) and for me because I am gearing up to write my first blog. I love reading them (as many as I can) and replying to them and I look forward to having my blogs replied to as well. Now if I can just get started... Thank you for your great blogs, Debbie.
It is pretty simple. Hang around those whom your business will flow. Hang around loser agents, and you flow with them. Hang around millionaires and you will flow with them. Hang around mobile home parks and you will flow with them...........
Hello Debbie, yes indeed it is very gratifying to be able to both send referrals to great associates across the country and be on the receiving end as well! I know in marketing we are told to fish where there are lot's of big fish. Sometimes we know where the right place to fish is by seeing all the great fishers with their lines in the water there -- aka Active Rain! John
My new goal is to add a MEMBER TO MY ASSOCIATION ROSTER each week and really get to know them, participate in their blog and increase my power through my ASSOCIATION with them...
Hi Debbie,
That's an excellent goal you've set. Thanks for posting your success story.
Cordially,
Bruce