This post hurls me over the threshold of 100,000 points. First of all I'd like to say that it's not about the points... Ok, maybe a little. Everyone loves a little friendly competition and if you don't want to be #1 then there is just something wrong with you - I'm kidding... really, it's not about the points.
I started reading The Rain City Guide in the spring of last year, I knew I was on to something but thought that I could never write like "those people" and was certain that I wasn't a "blogger". I found my way to Active Rain last summer and read Broker Bryant for the first time and was certain that I would never join. I finally got up enough courage to write my first post on October 28, 2007... It was short, but I did it. I've been featured 7 times... which is 7 more times that I thought I would be and each time was better than Christmas, everyone needs that pat on the back and that gold star gave me the strength to go on.
The last 12 months has been very a very exciting time (even though the market isn't moving in the direction that I want it to). I truly think that some of the greatest minds in the industry are right here on Active Rain... All the new information that I'm learning and applying is so much that sometimes I think that my head will explode. The open forum of information and sharing of knowledge is truly what the social networking movement is all about... and it is a movement that is going to change the way that business is done in the years to come and it's not just real estate... It's everything.
The relationships and contacts that I've made on Active Rain are real. I recently retained Dakno Marketing to build a custom website and blog... why, because I read Bobby & Brad's posts and got to know them through their blogs and I knew that I wanted to work with them, I could see they were the right fit for me. They made a conection with me through their words, just like each and everyone one of us hopes to do. Is blogging working for them... You Bet, will it work for you, Hell Heck Yeah (sorry mom).
During the past 12 months I found my voice, even though I don't like the way it sounds on the eyejot videos that I now send to customers courtesy of a comment that Jeff Turner left on a post on MyTechOpinions.com, a blog that everyone here should be reading. Which leads me to another world altogether. I currently subscribe to about 25 blogs from bloodhounds to wine, and I can't even drink - I'm allergic to alcohol.
Why does this matter? I'm learning how to use this new crazy medium to advance my business, provide my customers with leading edge marketing strategies and I love it - I've discovered my inner GEEK.
Does being a BLOGGER make me a better REALTOR... There is no question that it does..
Hurry, I'm already on my way to my next 100K!
Licensed Real Estate Professional, ALHS, e-PRO @ 407.758.1020 or Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com
Changing the way you see Real Estate!
Wow. Beautiful post. Congrats. Love the new picture!
Ken
Debbie,
It looks like we read a lot of the same people and I recently signed on with Dakno Marketing for their SwiftSite/SwiftBlog package for the MD Suburbs of DC. It's not full custom but has a lot of nice features for a real nice value. They do good work and they're repsonsive which is why I like them. I also like Jeff Turner. The man's on the cutting edge. And I met a great referral partner on AR in the person on Pat Kennedy in DC. We've both made money knowing each other and I've had the pleasure of enjoying her hospitality at her home, too.
So, you're right. It not all about the points. It's about a lot more.
Congrats on your 100,000
I also am impressed with that little RSS feed thingy in the corner. I am learning so much too!
I need to check out that Dakno marketing.
Ken
Debbie, You are doing so great. I am so happy for you, congratulations. I love your new photo and to think I am going to click over to the other sites you mentioned. It is so much to take in all at one time. LOL at your inner Geek. You are the best!
Ken - Thank you... I'm having way too much fun with the web cam.
Ken M - Congratulations on making a great choice with Dakno... I'm counting the minutes until we launch. You really sound like you've embraced all that Active Rain can bring to your business. I'm happy to have a new friend in Maryland.
Debbie - Does blogging work? YES! We appreciate your partnership and your kind words.
Ken Tracy- I agree... You do need to check out Dakno. Now is the time to invest in yourself and your tools.
Congratulations on your hurtle over 100K also, took a minute to recognize you with the new photo, nice... ps: thanks for reading over at my blog too.
Audrey - Thank you for the kind words... I think I've always been a geek... but now I'm a lot more comfortable with it.
Debbie- I'm so proud of you! I agree with you Blogging with sincerity and a desire to give back to the community does indeed make you a better Realtor and there's proof of it some people walk the walk but you got to talk the talk. Can't wait to read your next 200k milestone. I just reached my first milestone. 50 posts!
Way to go. 100K goes pretty quick. Featured 7 times, wow!
Yeah Debbie, it was great to see you the other day in my drugged slumber :) Anyways congrats to you, you have truly found your voice and here is to another 100,000 more and continued success. I love Jeff's blogs as well and congrats on the new site. Mine wont be ready til January but I cant wait.
Mary - I'm "Pink" for the month! Thank you for stopping by and I always look forward to reading your posts.
Bobby- Thank you for stopping by... I hope that you are enjoying your R & R... Can't wait to get the new site active... I truly value my partnership with DAKNO... you guys are the best.
Greg - Congratulations on reaching the first 50... I'm going to be stopping to by to check them out shortly.
debbie - once again, congrats on the milestone. I hope you hit your goals and reach for the stars in your blogging pursuits.
your friend
chris the implementer
So very cool... Congrats on the milestone! And so glad Rain City Guide could offer some inspiration for you! ;)
Hey Chris - Thank you for the support... I have big plans for the blog.
Dustin - Thank you so much for stopping by... I'm a HUGE FAN of RAIN CITY GUIDE and 4Realz.net (I subscribe to both)... I still think that I'm in my "toddler" stage of blogging... but with the help of folks like you I'll be on my way to next stage before I know it.
Debbie-Congratulations. Blogging is fun. I never pictured myself blogging either, but once you start you become addictive. Good post.
Debbie - congratulations on reaching the 100,000 ... The Activerain Silver Star Hall of Fame level ... consistancy and activity here in the rain has its rewards ... the sky is the limit
Laura - I am addicted... but I wouldn't want it any other way. I'm more excited about the business of real estate than I have ever been in my career... It's an exciting time if you are willing to see the future in this new light.
Deb~Deb...YOU GO GIRL! I want to be like you when I grow up! Thanks for inviting me into the Rain...now if I could get to 50,000 points, I'd be 1/2 as good as you are! Thanks for the inspiration as it's been a hard year personally and with business...I'm back now and look forward to catching up to you!
BTW...LOVE the new photo!! You look so HOT!!
Specatcular job on the 100K Debbie! Give me a "D!". Glad you joined! KM
Kathy - I've gotten so much out of this forum over the past year... Thank you for your support.
Debbie-Congrats on your 100 K, it is a great milestone, I bet you will be at 200 K real soon.
Joe Federico
"Not Your Average Joe"
LaShawn... I'm sending much love your way. I'm so glad that you wanted to come out and play in the rain with me. I know that will be a great year for you, hell... the rest of 2008 will be too.
Thanks for the "Hot" comment... Crazy things can happen with a girl and her web cam...
Congratulations Debbie! Well the secret is out...you might be a blogger and it all happened in Lake Mary. I agree, blogging does make us better Realtors! Thank for sharing and Greetings from Paradise.
"Not Your Average Joe"- OMG... I love that! Thank you for the comment and that is the best tag line I've seen all year!!!!!
Debbie: At best, we're all still at the toddler stage in blogging! :)
Congratulations, Debbie! All milestones are great to achieve, but I think this is the BEST! 'Proud to be one of your subscribers.
Debbie,
Me too; I just passed 100K and was invited to this group. The points are important.