Active Brads Blog

How To Use ScribeFire to Enhance Your ActiveRain Blog Posts

2009-11-24T16:26:58Z

How To Use ScribeFire to Enhance Your ActiveRain Blog Posts

Scribefire.com is a great 3rd party add-on to the Mozilla Firefox Browser. Lately, the emails and calls have been coming in about how to setup AR Blogs, get API's, and how to use Scribefire with ActiveRain Blog posts. First off, the reason I mention Scribefire is that it is one of the few third party apps I have found that works well and doesn't conflict with the AR Network HTML format.

Really Important

Some members on AR use MS Word, Publisher, Front Page and other sources which often times (but not always) has hidden HTML codes, tables, and formatting that is incompatible with ActiveRain. You've seen them, you know the ones, these are the posts that show funky looking codes, push the sidebar half way down the page, and make Blogs look like "you know what" when they load on your computer screen.

Why Use Scribefire?

Though the AR Blog Post editor may seem somewhat simplified and to some, a bit archaic, it still does a great job for creating great text content, adding images, photos and links, and producing search engine friendly creations. However there are many who want to customize and create larger fonts, add color to their fonts, use a different style of font etc. This is where Scribefire does a great job and works well with AR.

THE MAIN REASON FOR POSTING THIS

Where most of our members get hung up is when downloading Scribefire as their Firefox add-on. Somewhere in the process, Scribefire asks for your Blog URL, API, and other information that IS NOT NECESSARY to begin using the Scribefire tools on ActiveRain. The requested and "perceived as required" information is ONLY for use on Blogging Platforms where you plan to use ScribeFire as the total replacement tool for creating your Blog posts. IE: Wordpress, Blogger, Self-Hosted Blogs etc. NOT ON ACTIVERAIN.

Here's the Scoop on How It Works

Go to Scribefire.com, download it and add to your Firefox Browser. BYPASS all the additional questions and other stuff they want you to enter. (unless you are using scribefire on another blogging platform) To begin using the Scribefire tools and options, just press the "hotkeys" FUNCTION + F8 while in the edit mode of a Blog post, and the Scribefire Window (shown below) will open up in the lower section of your computer screen. Now you will have two areas to work in, your AR Blog post, and the Scribefire editing window.

Create your text, change your font color, select a larger sized font, use a variety of different style fonts, have a field day, and when you're done, just highlight the section you've created in the Scribefire window, copy it (CTRL+C) and then paste it into your AR Blog post body (CTRL+V) You can do this using the ActiveRain WYSIWYG tab. Save your post in "draft" mode to be sure everything looks just as you want it, then make the necessary changes you want before making your post public.

DISCLAIMER.. I mean Warning.. NO... A QUICK TIP!

One thing to be careful of is that you don't go CRAZY with Font Colors and sizes. Sometimes the colored fonts and multiple sized text can make your Blog Post hard to read and unpleasing to the eye. Yellow font colors are difficult to read, Big Fonts can take away from the message in the little fonts, and multi-colored Blog post (for some) can and will cause nausea. (IMO)

SUMMARY and PURPOSE

The Scribefire add-on tools will allow you to enhance your AR Blog posts to your liking, give you a bit more versatility, and keep the AR network and your Blog clean of those Hidden and incompatible HTML codes. Many of these outside third party apps can and will make Blogs on AR look like "you know what" and frustrate AR members beyond your wildest imagination. I'm not kidding, you should see and hear some of the emails and calls I get. lol~ NOT!! :-)

Scribefire

For my next trick, we'll look at how to insert iFrames and tables into your Blog post without completely blowing out your Blog. This is one of the more common errors I see on ActiveRain by members that not only affects your AR Blog, but does even worse things to your Localism and Outside Blogs.

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Google Chrome Evolves - A Computer Operating System?

2009-11-21T10:14:28Z

Google Chrome Evolves - A Computer Operating System ...and it makes a whole lotta sense!!

It's been an adventure watching Internet Browsers evolve into what they are today. I started with Internet Explorer, then realized that Mozilla Firefox was much faster and more forgiving, now I am seriously checking out Google Chrome. I will still use the others, but just like this video explains, the world, and the computers in it are changing rapidly.

Can a browser really make a difference in the time it saves you or the frustration it can create? What about your computer operating system? Google felt strongly enough that yes, it can, so much so, that they have created and are now introducing an entire new operating system for computers. This video was released on November 18th, 2009 and makes some very interesting points about how we use the Internet today and why they've jumped into this arena.

Once you've watched it, you'll most likely agree that Google is really honing in on "What The Internet Consumer" needs, and how they can deliver the tools and products to make life on the Internet simpler, faster and more efficient. Now they're going to try and do the same with your computer operating system. The Google Browser and Operating System may very well be the dominating tools of the Internet and PC's in the very near future. I'm just sayin....

For the MAC users like myself, Google Chrome is still in development, and the operating system will probably not be a replacement for the MAC OS anytime soon. My MAC is already "screamin" fast!

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RainCamp™ - "Because The Way We Do Business Online Has Changed!"

What Is RainCamp™

2009-11-19T20:06:36Z

What Is Real Estate RainCamp™

Real Estate RainCamp™ is a full day Conference/Seminar that is packed with valuable content, presentations, and some of the most useful and applicable ideas and processes that you can implement immediately into your Social Media, Networking, Blogging Strategy, and Business Plan. RainCamp™ was created and developed for anyone in the Real Estate Industry looking for successful methods and tools to maximize and grow their online business in today's Modern Day Real Estate Market. RainCamp™ is a National Event now touring the Country.

Modern Day Real Estate Marketing

How do you stack up in the modern Real Estate Market

Find out where you rank before we kick off the day. How does your social profile rate against your neighbor? How can you expand that presence and create connections that are meaningful in a professional manner? Understanding where you are is the only way to figure out where you need to go.

Search Engine Marketing

Learn how to target consumers that are MUCH closer to buying than an average Internet lead

Advertising is undergoing a radical transformation. As advertising dollars make an exodus from print to online marketing, do you know how to position your advertising budget to get the most impact out of each dollar? As most of your potential clients go online to make purchase decisions, knowing how to target them in the places they reside will be instrumental in ensuring they do business with you.

Converting Leads Into Closings

"Ten Days of Pain" lead conversion method - allows you to convert Internet leads efficiently

Understand Pay-Per-Click advertising and how you can get leads cheap and effectively. It's one thing to learn how to drive traffic to your site, it's entirely different to actually convert that traffic into a commission. Learn the regiment required to get industry leading conversions with the prospects on your website. There is no reason the leads on your site should be treated like the rest of the industry treats theirs. Resolve to do something different.

Social Media Networking and Marketing

Discover what works and what doesn't work using the New Social Media Movement

Learn how to use Social Media to obtain a competitive edge in your market place. Gain an understanding of sites like FaceBook, Twitter, and others, and how you can incorporate them into your business plan to connect with and earn more clients.

Real World Social Media Success Stories - LOCAL PANEL

Listen to pros that are utilizing what they preach and have outstanding success doing it

Listen to real agents on the street who are using Social media to enhance their business. Let them tell you how they did it. Not every story is the same but the critical component is this: They took the leap and the rewards are well worth the effort.

30 Technologies You Don't Know About But Should

Discover 30 technology tools that can be seamlessly integrated into your business

Does this really need an explanation? Yes it does, so you'll need to come and hear it.

Becoming the Online Mayor of Your Community

Understand what it means to be the "Online Mayor of your Community"

The end game of all real estate social media strategies. Learn how to put yourself at the online center of your real community. This is market area "farming" and done by the cutting edge elite. Take full advantage of the resources available and create a plan to put yourself in the middle of the flow of information in your market.

Hyper-local Blogging for Business and SEO

Learn how to use Hyper-Local Blogging to land you on the first page of GOOGLE

What is Hyper-local? Why does it matter? How does focusing on hyper-local content give you more qualified leads that are ready to act quicker? Find out how to target your next client by providing the information they are looking for when they are really getting close to buying. Learn the methodology of a newer agent who has leveraged the Internet to become a Mega Producer.

RainCamp™ - "Because the way we do Business has changed!"

About The Speakers:

Ben Kinney, Mega Producer, Keller Williams

Featured: 2008 Realtor Magazines annual "30 under 30", RIS Media "Power Team" report, WCAR Realtor of the Year and Quarter

Bob Stewart, Director of Social Media Strategy, ActiveRain

Bob is responsible for growing and maintaining ActiveRain's vibrant community of real estate professionals. He has been actively involved as a member of ActiveRain from inception. Prior to ActiveRain, Bob was COO of Brio Realty and during his tenure he increased sales volume from zero to over $100 million a year.

Brad Andersohn, Community Manager, ActiveRain

Brad is the all around tech and member support services guru. His focus and goal is to make sure members are getting the most out of the network and community. He spends a great deal of time introducing new products, tools, and services with explanations and tutorials on how to best apply them to your business plans and growth strategies.

Special Guest Speakers, to be announced at each local event.

"You'll walk away from RainCamp™ with successfully tested tools and concepts that you can apply and put into action immediately to increase your business!"

Upcoming RainCamps™

San Francisco - New York

Platinum RainCamp™ Sponsor: Market Leader

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RainCamp™ - "Because The Way We Do Business Online Has Changed!"

The Best of NAR 2009 Expo - Real Estate Technology

2009-11-16T22:23:59Z

The Best of NAR 2009 Expo - Real Estate Technology

NAR each year is always packed with great sessions, speakers, topics and presenters. There's no way to see and do it all! One of my favorite parts of the Convention is walking around, meeting people in the hallways, hugging old friends and shaking hands with new ones. This year, William Shatner was one of the special guests at NAR, but unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to sign him up on ActiveRain.

My absolute favorite is "cruisin" the EXPO and seeing all the "NEW" stuff that's being displayed. Many of the tools and services presented will have an affect and impact on the ways business will get done now, and in the future.

To See the more than 375 Booths and vendors that were there, here's an interactive floor-plan you can visit.

NAR always brings back some of the same vendors you see year after year, but I still like to stop by and see them, and how their products have changed or improved. Then there's all the new technology stuff I haven't seen or heard of yet. When I found a booth or vendor with a name I didn't recognize, or if they that had something I hadn't heard of, I'd ask them, "In a sentence, tell me who you are, what you do, and what does your company provide?"

So if you were unable to make it to NAR 2009 in San Diego this year, I hope you'll take a moment to let me be your eyes, your ears, and your feet at NAR, and enjoy this condensed version of "A Day with Brad at the NAR EXPO" and see a few of the "highlights" that I thought were some of the "Best of the NAR Expo."

Fujitsu.com * PreListing.com * AlaMode.com * AgentOfficeHQ.com * Txt2Look.com * RealtyPilot.com * TheBoom.com * RealBiz360.com * MarketLeader.com * HomeOnTheTube.com * IDXBroker.com * VisualTour.com * PlanetRE.com * LoneWolf.com * PostYourListings.com * AdWriter.com * ListHub.net * GoPaperless.com * Closing.com * PreviewFirst.com * ForeclosureRadar.com * RealtyLog.com * RealAgile.com * LoopNet.com * HillsideSoftware.com * Boopsie.com

THE NAR 2009 "RAINCAMP" DRAWING WINNER!

We collected Business Cards and had a drawing at NAR for 2 RainCamp tickets and $100.00 American Express Card and the winner was....drumroll...Tamara Dorris from Sacramento, CA. Congratulations Tamara, we're looking forward to seeing you at RainCamp.

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RainCamp™ - "Because The Way We Do Business Online Has Changed!"

Are You Coming To NAR This Weekend?

2009-11-11T12:28:19Z

If you're coming to NAR in San Diego, I hope you'll stop by and see us. Traditionally in the past, ActiveRain hasn't had a booth on display where we've shared our goods and promoted the Network. This year will be no different, except we will have our own small section of Real Estate at the convention. Sound confusing?

Good, then you'll read on.....

Our friends over at MarketLeader have graciously offered to share their "Large Acreage" lounge with us, and I get to come be the AR mascot for two whole days. Jon and Bob are finally letting me out! lol~ I'll have my laptop with me, so If you don't come by and see me, and I see you, it's likely that I'll be offended and remove points from your ActiveRain account. (just kidding..lol) Seriously, stop by and see us. It will be an informal, comfortable lounge type setting, where you can relax, rest your weary feet, and just chill with us.

We'll be giving away some really cool stuff, answering some questions if you have to ask them, but mostly we'll be there to support NAR and all the wonderful members that we're hoping to see this weekend. We are also going to be doing a joint drawing: Two RainCamp tickets and a $100 American Express card giveaway for some lucky winner to enjoy dinner during a RainCamp event of their choice during the 2010 tour. We'll be there all day Saturday and Sunday. The drawing will occur on Sunday at the end of the show.

MarketLeader will be giving away a 10 day cruise, so you might want to stop by and see what that's all about too? I'm Looking forward to getting out of the office for a couple days, learning a few new things, mingling with some old and new friends, and most of all, creating some great memories in Sunny Southern California. (it will be sunny right?)

So just drop by, say hi, leave us your card, chat for a bit, and we'll do the rest! If you want access to the entire NAR event on your cell phone, you can download the "NAR 2009" app on to your cell phone here How cool is that?

Until then, travel safe, and "Be All You Can Be" you can and DO make a difference in the world! :-)

Our Lounge Booth is #2425 on the main aisle

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ActiveRain Channels - Real Estate Technology and Tools

2009-11-10T09:07:20Z

ActiveRain Channels - Technology and Tools - It's A "Discovery Channel"

Everyone knows how excited I get about all the new, cool, and useful technology that's available here and out on the web. Turns out, and it's no surprise, that I'm not the only one who loves to share tech tips and tools with others. Many of us create posts on AR, sharing our findings and information with others in hopes that it will be helpful to them in their business. We add them to channel, give them a topic, submit them to our Blog, then we go on about our day.

Today I saw a post by member Jim Lee sharing Wordle, a cloud tagging tool that was very interesting. Then I saw he added his post to the Technology and Tools Channel on ActiveRain. Curiosity always gets the better of me, so I clicked on the Channel and was "Blown Away" at all the members who had written posts about various Technologies and tools they had discovered too. Want some Tech and Tools?

Here's what I discovered, there is a ton of content covering...

Technology | Twitter | Google | Websites | Photography
Video | Facebook | Social Networking | SEO

Each of these links within the Channel will take you even deeper where you'll find even more focused content on each subject matter. There is an alphabetically sorted "Topic" index at the bottom of the Channel that you can search through in detail. There's even a "Most Popular Topics" index on the right hand side of the Channel page. As you click on specific topics, you'll notice a "Top Contributor" section within that Sub-Channel. This Channel Navigation structure applies to EVERY ActiveRain Channel. Did you know this?

Holy Cow! I work here everyday and didn't even realize how much the Channels have grown. It's awesome!!

Just out of curiosity... again, I used the search tool on AR and searched for "TIPS and TOOLS." WOW! More than 800 posts have been written just using these two keywords. For me personally, this will save me a ton of time looking for exactly the kind of stuff I love and that I'm always searching for. Talk about discovering a goldmine, I'm feeling like a 49er today!! lol~

There are so many areas to find great content on ActiveRain: The feature board, the Blogrolls, inside the groups, subscribed bloggers etc., just don't forget to grab your remote control once in a while and skip through some of the ActiveRain Channels. It's just like your television, you never know what you'll discover until you start flipping through some of the channels. Also, make sure that you're adding your content to the proper channels so you'll get additional exposure to those looking for your specific topics.

The Technology and Tools Channel IS My new "Discovery Channel!"

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ActiveRain Statistics - Comments, Views, and Clicks

2009-11-09T00:21:40Z

ActiveRain Statistics - Comments, Views, and Clicks:
Your ActiveRain Statistics page shows an overview of ALL your Blog posts and the activity they are getting. This is a great tool to gage what is happening with each of your Blog posts in real-time.

The first column is the Title and Link to your Blog posts, there's no definition or description needed here.

The Second column is comments. Many members and consumers may be reading your posts but not commenting. Those that do comment are accounted for and shown as a total on your stats page. Don't think for one second that just because you're not getting mega comments that people aren't reading your posts. Out of the more than 1.3 plus million posts on AR, there's not a single post here has not been seen, read, or at least viewed, or clicked by somebody.

The third column is views. This shows how many times your post was viewed in a Blogroll. This includes any Blogroll on ActiveRain. A Blogroll is any place on ActiveRain where a list (called Blogroll) of posts are shown. Click on the "Blogs" link at the top of any AR page to see a sample of a Blogroll. A Blogroll includes groups, subscriptions, and even the feature board. A view simply means that your post appeared on someones computer screen as they were scrolling through the list and looking for a title to click on and read.

The fourth column is Clicks. This is when someone actually clicks on the title of your post, and loads it as the solo post on their computer screen to read. Clicks are accumulated not only within ActiveRain, but outside of the network too. Many clicks on your stats page are coming from Google searches and direct hits by consumers. The longer your post is out there, the more all of these numbers will increase.

Your comments will always be less than your clicks, and your clicks will always be less than your views. I'll explain. When a post first gets written, it shows up in the Blogrolls of all the groups you've added it to. It also shows on the Main Blogroll, and the "Subscribed" Blogroll meaning those who subscribe to you will see your new post on their "Subscribers" Blogroll. With the hundreds of posts that go up daily, in a very short time, your blog posts will roll off the end of the Blogrolls and into the B.P.C.A. (Blog Post Cyber Archives), only to be found again by someone searching through your Blog, or Google for your specific content.

Focus on "Building Your Blog Library" with quality content. You can always go back and send folks links to your posts. This will create more views, clicks, and comments in the future, and this activity can and will continue for as long as your posts shall live. In the chart below, I wanted to demonstrate how over time, the views and clicks will increase. This is a 30 day graph from oldest to most recent post.

How important is your Blog Post Title? Look at the differentiation between "views" and "clicks" to determine that.

The most important thing to remember. Any Clicks you get on your post after the first couple weeks or so are most likely coming from consumer searches and others that are searching your Blog. Comments, Views, and Clicks stats are a really great way to determine what your readers are liking, what consumers are finding, and what other members like to comment on.

This tool is not meant to be a replacement for a good stats widget or stats tracker, but it is an excellent way to start viewing what's going on with your Blog posts and content now. It will also help and assist you with creating more of "what's working" content in the future. Now don't just view it, you clicked it, so comment. lol~ Have a great week, I hope to see you all at NAR! :-))

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RainCamp is Coming To San Francisco

2009-11-04T07:23:12Z

RainCamp is Coming To San Francisco

The ActiveRain RainCamp Tour is Official! Our first ever RainCamp in Seattle was sold out in just two weeks. Now there's a demand by many of our members and non members to bring RainCamp to cities all across the Country. As you can imagine, this is a huge undertaking for our staff and team. There are so many details that go into setting up this event, but our members and guests are not only worth it, they deserve it.

The "Rainergy" and "Buzz" that comes from a RainCamp is like no other event I've ever experienced. You have to witness it for yourself to understand and grasp the full value and impact it will have on you, your Business, your relationships in your community, and the industry. Here's what a few of the folks from RainCamp Seattle had to say:

RainCamp is coming to San Francisco on December 2nd, 2009 for a full day packed with great content, presentations, and some of the most useful and applicable ideas and processes that you can implement immediately into your Social Media, Networking, and Blogging Business Strategy and Plan. The Location and Venue we've selected is once again a "Top Notch" off the hook spot.

MarketLeader will be our official Platinum Sponsor for the next 6 RainCamps on the tour schedule.

WHAT IS RAINCAMP™

How is RainCamp different from other Conferences?

Assess how you stack up in the modern market.
Listen to people that are practicing what they preach, and having outstanding success doing it.
Learn the methodology of a newer agent who has leveraged the Internet to become a 'Mega Producer'.
Walk away with executables you can put into action immediately.
Hard core real estate technology education. This is not a fluff event!!

What Do You Get?

An Action Packed Day: At a State-of-the-art conference and meeting room is just the beginning of our package at Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF. They have Gorgeous meeting rooms with City and Bay views. Great layout with plenty of seating, wireless Internet Access, and much more. All the comforts and ammenities of a 5-Star Resort. "This is one of San Francisco's only full-service conference facilities."

San Francisco

Date: December 2nd, 2009

Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
(registration 8:00am)

Location: Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF
1675 Owens Street, Suite 251, San Francisco 94143
GOOGLE MAP | Yahoo Map | Mapquest Map | Microsoft Map

Facility: Wireless Internet Access and Power Available

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW!

There will be approximately 140 seats setup classroom style (with tables) reserved for attendees with laptops. It is all open seating so those seats are first come first serve the day of event. We are limited to only 500 seats max capacity, so register right away. There will be On-site paid parking available, street parking and/or complimentary shuttles from the BART and Caltrain stations. If you're wanting overnight accommodations, here's the Unique Venues Site.

Platinum RainCamp™ Sponsor: Market Leader

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The ActiveRain Point System

2009-11-02T19:35:25Z

The ActiveRain Point System

ActiveRain awards members points based on participation and their individual involvement within the network and community. While there is a much more complicated and technical explanation of how the point system works, this post is to provide you a general overview of how points are earned and distributed that to ALL ActiveRain members.

ActiveRain points are earned based on a members individual activities and efforts. Points are accumulated over the duration of the Calendar week which "Starts Monday morning at 12:00am Central Time, and Ends Sunday night at 11:59pm Central Time."

The following are some ways you can earn points and move up the "Featured Member" ladder in your Local Area.

200 Points for each Blog Post
(Max 10 per Week) (50 Word Minimum Required)
25 Additional Points when Post is added to Channels with a Topic
400 Points for Featured Post on ActiveRain.com
(Excludes Posts Featured in ActiveRain Groups)
25 Points For Each Comment
(Max 10 Per Day) (Comments on Your Own Posts Excluded)
25 Points for Each Reblogged Post
(Max 10 Per Week - These do not Include Your Own Posts)
ActiveRain Profile Points
(Building Your AR Profile will Build points)
Received Comments on Blog Posts
(No Blog Post to exceed 475 pts.)
100 Points - Logging In To ActiveRain Each Day
(This applies 7 days a week)
250 Points When Someone Accepts Your AR Invitation
(Must Sign Up under Members Invite Code)
10% of Total Points Earned By New Members Invited By You
(IE: Invited Member Earns 1000 pts. - You Earn 100 Pts.)
ActiveRain and Member Approved Contests - Points Will Vary
(These show up as Bonus Points in your Point Summary)
Staff Awarded Bonus Points - These are issued by the AR staff
(Member Humanitarian, Paying It Forward, Helping Others etc.)

Weekly Point Scenario: The potential of points available per week, per member would be as follows: 1750 for max comments, 2000 for max Blog posts, 700 for logging in daily, 250 for adding to Channels/Topics, and 250 for max ReBlogged posts. The Weekly potential of points would be 4950 (this does not include featured posts, comments received, invitation and percentage points, contests, and staff awarded bonus points.)

Point Disclaimer: The Points System created by the ActiveRain Network was developed and implemented to motivate, inspire, and reward members for their participation and involvement within the community. These points are subject to change at the discretion of the ActiveRain Mgmt. Team, with or without cause, warning, or notice.

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Building, Managing, and Protecting Your Online Reputation

2009-10-31T14:16:33Z

How Do You Manage And Protect Your Online Reputation?

A few weeks ago I was reading an article about "BIG Corporate Companies" that were missing the boat by not getting involved in Social Media. "They are missing out on the ability to track and manage their brands, their names, their business and reputations" or something to that effect. It got me thinking about how important it is to connect on-line and know what's going on around you at all times, or at least as much as possible.

"The On-line world is also the Off-line World making them both one in the same. What happens Off-line ends up online, and what happens On-line gets spread quickly Off-line and visa versa. It's known as "viral" in both worlds.

How do you manage and protect your reputation in the off-line world? In order to build, protect, or manage your brand or reputation, you have to interact so you can hear the chatter, the rumors, the buzz, the testimonials, or even the whisper when someones talking about you or your company? No matter what, whether it's good or bad, people do talk. In the social media world, even more-so. Good news travels fast, and often times, bad news travels even faster.

How do you know when someone is talking about you, your company, or your business in the on-line world? What are people saying or whispering on LinkedIn, Twitter, MySpace or FaceBook? What about your past or current clients, your sphere of influence, or even your competitors? Would you even know? I think many of the Larger Companies and Businesses DO know the power of Social Media Marketing and the importance of Networking. I see it more and more, they are wanting to stay close and connected to what's being said about their products, their services, their company and business, or even them as individuals.

Managing and Protecting your online reputation isn't just for the Big Corporate Companies....

...it should also be important to you.

Here's some ideas and suggestions that can help you in the new on-line social media and off-line networking world. Let's start with the simplest and basic of all tools. When was the last time you ran your name or Company using Google? Google Search. This is typically the first thing we learn and try to do regularly to see what shows up in the search engine results. This is a great and basic way to find out how about your online Internet presence. What shows up? I still do this on a weekly basis.

Next, there are some free and simple tools available to help you get a better handle on what's being said across the WEB. Start with Google Alerts, it's an easy way to setup specific keyword searches. Once those specific words or terms are found and indexed, notifications are emailed directly to you. Setup alerts for your name, your company, employees, your brand etc. Some even setup Google Alerts for their competition or other specific business topics or "interesting" terms and phrases. This is a good start to keeping yourself connected and informed.

Many of you will remember the "viral" video "United Breaks Guitars!?!" I wonder how long before United knew they were famous on Youtube? I bet they have multiple alerts setup now... maybe not... :-O

United Breaks Guitars

www.youtube.com

Full Story: www.davecarrollmusic.com - In the spring ...

Now you can stop reading right here of course, unless you'd like to go a little deeper....

Ok, you're still reading so you must want more. You should consider what happens and what gets said on sites like Twitter and Facebook. Let's be honest here, if someone wants everyone else in the world to know something, they post it on Twitter and Facebook. It's the fastest way to gather and spread information, but at the same time, it's the fastest and easiest way to build or destroy a name or reputation. Look what happened to Wal-Mart and Target last Christmas. A classic example of the "Thrill of Victory" and the "Agony of Defeat."

Search.Twitter.com is a tried and true method of finding out who is talking about you and what they are saying. Twittergrader, and Facebookgrader are a couple of other products you can check out from Hubspot. If you're looking for more of that "visual" display of your online presence, then check out spezify. This one is not only informative, it's fun and entertaining at the same time. Addictomatic is another one you should visit, you'll love the compilation of content it will pull up using various resources to do all the work for you. I always suggest starting with your name or company when visiting and trying these sites. You will be surprised at some of the things you'll find.

Now let's dig really deep for gold! Measuring your online presence and influence. Klout.com and OnlineIDcalculator.com each have devised their own internal way for determining your influential impact in the on-line world. SocialMention which is a similar service will “grade” your results based on your participation in a variety of places. The last site I'll mention is StepRep, this is one I use daily. You can receive daily email updates on the results Steprep finds, and the social networking aspect of it certainly can't hurt when building a positive reputation.

We've all seen what can happen to a company or individual via the Social Networks albeit from a single tweet, a note on a FB wall, a Video on Youtube, a photo on Flickr, or even a Blog post or article on a website. There is great power in the hands of those millions of consumer messages that get transmitted over the cyber-lines each and everyday. No one can protect your good name or business but you. That was until now... there is online help. Sleep better at night knowing you have done your best to manage and protect your business and reputation.

Don't forget your ReBlogged posts, it's good to keep up with what others are saying and adding to them.

These may not be the catch-all, fix-all, but it's a start to "managing and protecting your online reputation."

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The Google Story - A Video Story Book

2009-10-29T16:10:41Z

The Google Story - A Video Story Book

This just came out and was put together by the folks over at Google. A two minute video that I expect will go viral shortly. Takes you back from the beginning before Google, in 1995, when two mathematicians meet for the first time at Stanford. Then you're fast forwarded onto the present "Google Wave!" It's Creative, It's Brilliant... It's Google. :-)

"It's already had over 100 views!!"

Get ready, I think they might be about to "Turn The Page!"

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Top 40 Resources for Information and Education

2009-10-26T16:38:02Z

These are my Top 40 Resources for Real Estate Industry Information and Education

Most of my reading hours are spent right here on ActiveRain. Your Blogs and Posts. Let's face it, one could sit at their computer ALL DAY everyday, and never run out of great material to read and learn from AR members. There is more information, education, inspiration, and entertainment here than you could consume in a lifetime. However, from time to time, I like to head out onto the Blogosphere SUPER-HIGHWAY and explore what else is out there.

When I first started working here at AR, I was reading folks like Seth Godin, The Scobelizer, Chris Brogan, and Guy Kawasaki. Then I discovered other great sites and resources like GeekEstateBlog, where I soon became a contributing author. The list kept growing over time. Now it has grown so large that I barely have enough hours in the day (or night) to try and keep up with all the great content that's available out there. I still try, but my efforts seem futile.

In the spirit of "Paying It Forward" I'm sharing some of these great writers, Blogs, and sites with all of you. The information and education available out there is very powerful and useful if you know where to find it, learn how to use it, and then apply it.

Here are my TOP 40 Favorite Blogs, Sites, Writers and Resources:

ActiveRain - TechCrunch - Mashable - Social Media Today - ProBlogger Blog Tips - ChrisBrogan - Blog World Expo - Social Media Marketing Strategy, Tactics, and Tools - Social Media Marketing - Daily Blog Tips - RE Tech Source - SEOmoz Daily SEO - SEO Book - Learn. Rank. Dominate - Matt Cutts - Transparent Real Estate - Google Official Blog - GeekEstate Blog - 1000Watt Consulting - The Real Estate Bloggers - Rain City Guide - Sellsius Real Estate Marketing - The Real Estate Tomato - RE Tech World - MyTechOpinion - 360Digest - Real Estate Opinion MAG - AgentGenius - About.com Real Estate Business - The Phoenix Real Estate Guy - Future of Real Estate Marketing - Inman News Blog - Realty Times - Copyblogger - Guy Kawasaki - Seth Godin - BloggingTips - BloggingPro - TechKnowBabble - The Scobleizer - Buzz Networker - OnLine Marketing - Realtor.com Blog - SEO Scoop

I'd be thrilled to make this a "Top 100" list, so if I missed any you think should be added, just let me know.

Top 40 Resources For Information & Education

I'm sharing this to try and "Pay it forward" to these sites and writers for all the information and education they've continued to provide me over the years. And to "you" for all that you have shared and contributed here as well. That's what it's all about, people Paying-It-Forward, so thank you. I've created my ALLTOP, where these sites and authors can be accessed from a single page. You can also create your own ALLTOP FAVS page to be shared.

So for those of you who ask me all the time, "Brad, Do You ever sleep" and "Where do you come up with all this stuff?" Well now my secrets have been revealed. Yes I do, and now you know. :-) The key is time management...and of course... a little speed reading. lol~

Hope you Enjoy, I sure have!

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How To Get Your Blog Posts "Viral" Exposure on Twitter and Facebook

2009-10-24T10:29:32Z

How To Get Your Blog Posts Viral Exposure on Twitter and Facebook

As important as Location, Location, Location is to Real Estate, so is the importance of Exposure, Exposure, Exposure to Bloggers. Some Bloggers offer their subscribers, readers, and visitors the ability to "share" their content with others via Twitter or Facebook. ActiveRain has the ReBlog Option, just like Wordpress and Blogger are doing now, but that only works for other AR members. Here's a way to help get your "Voice Heard" and your "Posts Seen" on two of the other Largest Social Networks in the World, and here's how others can help you do it.

"Tweets" and "ReTweets" are quite popular as is "Sharing on FaceBook." I've just discovered a way that you can now do both. I think you're going to like this. It's simple. Just create and add a "Tweet" button, or a custom "Share" graphic, then create a link to it just like you would any other photo or image. You can even use text with a hyper-link. Here's the secret: you just need to replace the "BOLD" URL below with your page that you want shared. You will need to keep the underlined portion of the code below for each button to work.

Tweet Code: http://twitter.com/home?status=http://PlaceYourPageURLHere

For A ReTweet Code: http://twitter.com/home?status=RT%20http://PutYourPageURLHere

Share on FaceBook Code:http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http://AddYourPageURLHere

Now some of you may be thinking, why not just use the "Sharethis" or "AddThis" widget? Well you still can, and they do have more options, but the millions of Social Networking consumers out there are probably more use to seeing the Tweet, ReTweet, and Share on FaceBook buttons. Familairity may play more of a role here than we think. Not to mention, using this method is quick, easy, and only "one click" away from accomplishing the readers goal. To Share!

So starting right now, you can begin letting the 100 million members that logon to Facebook each day, and the 14,590,000 Twitter accounts (guesstimation) share your great content with others on Facebook and Twitter. Word of Caution: This will not work for "Members Only" and "Associates Only" posts on AR. It will work on any "Public" Blog, Post, or Website.

Taking the idea one step further. If you have an AR Outside Blog, make sure that the Link you provide to your "Tweet" and "Share on FaceBook" buttons go to the post on your AR Outside Blog and not to your Internal AR Blog. This will help increase exposure and traffic to your Outside Blogs. All your "outbound" links should always go to your Outside Blog posts. Getting SEO and traffic to your Blogs is a great thing, but letting others share, and making it easy for them may be just as powerful.

Now let's talk about the 35 million members on LinkedIn?!? :-O

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How To Use Your "Existing" Domain Names on AR Outside Blogs

2009-10-22T08:10:43Z

How To Use Your Own "Pre-Purchased" Domain Name on the ActiveRain Outside Blogs
This applies to members with Outside Blogs that want to use an existing domain name purchased elsewhere.

"Each new ActiveRain Outside Blog comes with a free custom domain name. But what if you've already purchased a domain name? Using your own domain with your new blog doesn't have to be a nightmare. Just follow your registrar's instructions for updating your domain's name servers. You'll need to point them at ActiveRain."

Here's a tutorial on how to setup your Outside Blog with your own Domain Name or URL in 5 easy steps. Keep in mind that when using your own previously purchased domain names, there can be nothing attached to it. No information currently residing on it. So for example, I just purchased my AR Outside Blog, I own a domain name BradAndersohn.com, (with nothing on it) and I want this to be the URL for my AR Outside Blog.

In this tutorial, I'll be using the GoDaddy Site since they are one of the Largest Domain Name providers in the world. The process in doing this with your registrar (if other than GoDaddy) should be the same or similar.

STEP 1:

Go to "GoDaddy.com" and Log-in to your GoDaddy Account:

STEP 2:

A list of your Domain names and sites will appear on the main page, click on the "Advanced Details" Link:

STEP 3:

In the GoDaddy Domain Manager, you will need to click on the "Manage" link located in the Nameservers section
(See Highlighted Area Below)

STEP 4:

Now you need to check the button "I host my domains with another provider" and also change the Nameserver settings to "NS1.AGENTSPACES.COM" & "NS2.AGENTSPACES.COM" then click on the "OK" button. (see below)

STEP 5:

Go to your AR Outside Blog and click on the "Domain" link located in the top toolbar. In the Domain Box, enter in the URL or Domain name and click on the "update domain" button. (TIP: Don't add http, or WWW, no spaces, no CAPS, no symbols etc. and include the .com)

You'll be able to access your blog at its new URL in as little as 5 minutes!
(on a bad day, it could take 24-48 hours)

ActiveRain provides you a "Custom Domain" name with ALL your New Outside Blogs if you don't already have one, and it IS included. There is no additional fee or charge for creating your own custom Domain names on AR Outside Blogs. To see what domain names might be available, just go to your Outside Blog, click on the "Domain" link located on the top toolbar, then enter your desired name in box #1. (IE: activebobstewart.com) Then click on the "Check Availability" link to see if your custom domain name is available. If it is, the "Claim Domain" button will become enabled, and you can claim your new Outside Blog domain name right then and there.

THE FINAL STEP:

If any of these steps cause or give you nausea, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, or any other out of the ordinary daily blogging symptoms, then disconnect from your computer immediately, put your feet up on a lazy boy recliner, take two aspirin, and then call me in the morning. I'd be happy to help you through it if you need! To get your own personalized and customizable Outside Blogs, CLICK HERE. :-))

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NY Daily News Reports From ActiveRain - A BIG Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-21T19:09:44Z

Photo Credit and Source: NYDailyNews.com

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Social Media Buttons and Icons - Is Someone Pushing Your Buttons?

2009-10-19T12:30:45Z

Social Media Buttons and Icons - Is Someone Pushing Your Buttons?

During these past few weeks, since adding the "Signature" option to ActiveRain posts, I've received so many requests, calls, and emails regarding how to add "Social Media Buttons and Icons" to the footers of Blog Posts. You've probably seen many of the various types and styles other members are using on their Blogs which poses the question, "Where Are They Getting These?" Here's some sites I've found that offer you these custom buttons for FREE. This includes for personal and commercial use according to their terms and guidelines.

Here are some Links to Literally Thousands of Buttons and Icons:

My Social Buttons

Royalty FREE Icons and Clip-art

WebTreats - 2000+ Buttons

Brian Brumpton "RainDrops"

DivaGeekDesigns - An Icon Overdose

The Value of A Twitter Search

Open Source Hunter

Instructions For Adding Buttons and Icons to the Signature or Footer of Posts:

Once you've downloaded the Social Media Buttons or Icons of your choice, you can add them to your AR Signature Page (including the appropriate links) by going to your "My Home" page on AR, then select the "Settings" link on the left hand sidebar. Just upload the button or icon into the "Signature" section of the page, add the appropriate link to your image, then click "update" to save. That's it!

One tip I would suggest is to be careful which Icons you select for some of the Social Networking Sites. If the Icon or Button isn't a familiar looking one, then visitors might be less likely to click on it. For example, the cow face, what Social Network or site does that one belong to? Maybe visitors would click on it just to find out? (LOL~) With all these Buttons and Icon styles available, one thing for certain is that your signature can be unique. So have FUN!!

This should give you plenty of options and creative ways to stand out from the rest of the crowd. :-)

Social Media Buttons and Icons - "The Buttons You Want People To Push!"

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Apture - The All In One Tool For Social Media Content

2009-10-14T12:04:45Z

Apture - The All In One Tool For Social Media Content

Apture is a pretty nifty tool that allows you to select and control the start and stop times of Youtube Videos, Embed a real-time Twitter feed of a user or search phrase, Embed Interactive Google Street View Maps, and make your Blog posts and websites come alive with a single player and embed code that includes all the above and more. Apture now has a free online service (Builder) that will allow you to search and capture selected content, then place it into a single window that consolidates space on your Blog or site, and lets users select what they want to see.

In just a few minutes, you can select content from various sources to be displayed in the player, and Apture does the search within their custom builder. Many of my Blog posts are longer than I'd like them to be since I add video, RSS feeds, snippets, podcasts, and photos that take up a lot of space. It also takes me time to place each item in the post correctly so they look somewhat cosmetically attractive. I can see many useful ways Apture could be used for creating and posting Hyper-Local content, Listings and Community information, adding relative multi-media and more without taking up all the space on your Blog post.

Here's a sample of the Apture embed tool using various topics and links. As you explore the content options by clicking on the various windows, you'll see what I mean about saving space, time, and consolidating larger amounts of content into a single resource tool. Once you try Apture yourself, you'll see how easy it is and will most likely want to try it with your own topics, searches, and content. Just imagine how long this post would have been if I had included all these items individually.

Why embed only 1 video or slide show when you can include up to 7 items in a single player?

To see how Apture is best utilized, click on any of the images in the lower area of the window above. Each one will open a new window without leaving your Blog or Website. There will be a link to each item if your visitors want to see more. You can also use a variety of multiple content and topics from various sources. If you want to add custom or specific URLs to Apture, you'll just need to sign up for their FREE membership to do so. For more tips and tricks using Apture, see their Blog HERE.

CEO and Co-Founder of Apture demonstrates (using this tool) how to "Go Inside Congress" and create transparency by connecting tidbits of news, video, articles and information into links embedded into his Blog. Yet another great way to use Apture to create exciting Blog posts loaded with rich and useful multi-media content.

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My 14th Anniversary Surprise from ActiveBrad

2009-10-11T19:13:33Z

Hi everyone, this is Debra Andersohn, Brad's wife. I wanted to sneak into his Blog to write this while he's away. A few weeks ago, Brad told me that he had a surprise for me for our anniversary and asked me to take off three days from work. I was planning on surprising him, but I was happy to just go with it. We left early Tuesday morning and headed for what I thought was Monterey which is our spot where we usually go. Little did I know what an amazing and creative imagination my husband really has.

As we drove, I realized we were not going to Monterey and I couldn't figure out where we might be going. We passed the exit to the airport so we weren't going on an airplane (at least I thought). A couple of exits down the road, we get off the freeway and drive around for a bit then ultimately turned into the park and fly next to the airport. I said to Brad, "Oh my Gosh, we are NOT flying are we?" He said chuckling, "I am tired of the traffic, lets take a plane."

We entered the airport and he went up to the kiosk by himself to get the tickets to keep it a surprise. We went through security, then had a bite to eat. We didn't go up to the actual gate (once AGAIN keep it a surprise) but sat down somewhere nearby. Brad excused himself for a few minutes, then returned only to be called to the gate by name, "Brad and Debra Andersohn, please report to Gate 6." WOW! We walked to the gate and the lady greeted us with "Happy Anniversary."

She pre-boarded us even before the pre-board. We walked onto the plane with another warm greeting from the flight attendant who sat us in the First Class section that we were upgraded to by Alaskan Air. I was completely blown away. She handed us a couple mimosas and said, "Do you have any idea where we are going?" "No" I said. She just winked at Brad. ;-)

The flight attendant and pilot were in on the whole thing. At every announcement, our destination was never divulged. As we flew, it became clear to me that we were headed north, maybe Oregon since out my window I could see the coast and snow capped mountains on the right. Very beautiful. I never knew where we were or going until we got to the rental car, and I saw the signs saying Welcome to Seattle.

The drive to our hotel was wonderful and when we pulled up to the Fairmont Hotel. I was not only speechless, I was stunned. WOW! This is over the top I thought. The complete rock-star, red carpet treatment all the way.

Our room was amazing and already had Champagne, 12 long stem roses, and chocolate covered berries when we walked in!!

Brad then told me that Jon and Bob needed him to be at the AR RainCamp function and that I would be able to spend some time alone the next day and that we would go out to dinner later that night. I was really excited at the prospect of window shopping, enjoying the hotel gym and spa etc.

That night we went to a great sushi dinner at a place called WASABI BISTRO...OH YUMMMMMMMMM!

The next day, Brad took off very early in the morning and told me to be ready about 4:00pm. So, I took the day and started off at the gym. Then I went to the Pike Place Market and window shopped. After that was Borders Book Store where I bought a book and then went to the indoor pool area for some reading. I treated myself to a nice lunch at a French cafe' called Belle Epicurean located in the Faimont downstairs. The day was so very relaxing and peaceful, it was just what I needed. Thanks Sweetheart!!

That afternoon, Brad took me to the "Black Bottle" where a lot of his Active rain friends met for a social. Before going inside, he showed me a video that he had taken at the RainCamp meeting. He said the members had a special message for me. He also said it would make me cry, and it did. (see video below) I met some really great people and was warmly welcomed by all. Some of them even addressing me as "PRINCESS." What great friends and colleagues my husband has the honor of working with!

After the AR social gathering, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. Brad surprised me and had us picked up in a Lincoln Town-car and taken to a Restaurant called THE PALASADE. Amazing and unbelievable atmosphere, seafood and wine. What a great way to end our 14th Anniversary Celebration Day. Then there was the Hot Tub...and then... (not for public knowledge...hehe) The entire time, my husband spoiled me rotten. Made me truly feel like a Princess. He is a very romantic man, a trait that some men do not possess anymore from what I hear. I've heard his buddies say to him, "THANKS ALOT BRAD" as if he was setting the standard too high! lol. Everywhere we went, I would hear the women say to him, "Can you talk to my boyfriend/husband?" I think ActiveBrad should give seminars on how to romance a woman.

I love my husband with all of my heart and hope he knows how much I appreciate his love for me, and his attention to detail.

I never did have a chance to really do anything for Brad for our anniversary this year because he said no presents, lets just go away together. He stole me away and took care of everything. I decided I would plan next year, and we agreed that we would take turns from now on every year.

I think I had better start planning now!!!! Any ideas? Help!

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ActiveRain RainCamp - Better Than SummerCamp For Kids!

2009-10-09T16:10:44Z

Kids of ALL ages, It's Time To Send Your Parents To RainCamp!

That's right kids, if your Mom or Dad is in the Real Estate Industry, just hanging around the House or Office pouting, pacing, misbehaving, biting their nails, or cussing while sitting at their computers, it's time to send them to Camp. RAINCAMP! We can help your folks become more productive, attentive, and obedient if you send them to us. We'll even bring the "CAMP" close to you! (Watch for RainCamp Calendar Coming Soon!)

If you want to help make life normal again, and see your parents come home with smiles on their faces and doing the Happy Dance, then RainCamp is the answer. Just look at what these kids parents had to say who were among the first to ever attend "The RainCamp!"

Parents Responses Prior To RainCamp:

JoSoss: @BrettTousley raises hand and jumps up and down! Me me me - going to #raincamp

rfleroy: Signed up to RainCamp in Seattle http://raincamp.eventbrite.com Wishing it was called SunCamp or HappyCamp...or better yet, BeerCamp!

BitsyKalkbruner: If you think you're at the cutting edge of real estate technology now, you WILL BE for sure after you attend raincamp.com

JoSoss: hahaha @campingworld is now following me -must be all my tweets about RainCamp! I am not a camper- lol! But I am attending RainCamp #raincamp

todderific: fully aware that my lack of recent tweets will make me a target at #raincamp tomorrow.

benkinney: Packing up for raincamp.com tomorrow in Seattle. I am ready, swine flu, and all.

alltechmortgage: Heading to Raincamp.com tomorrow....Hopefully learning new skills. Can they still teach old dog's new tricks...

JohnPayson: Looking forward to Raincamp today!

Parents Reactions During RainCamp:

mallinawilson: sitting in an active raincamp in Seattle! I should come out brilliant!

victoriarealtor: @CoachKaterina Wish you where Here :O)) Brad and Bob are awesome #raincamp

activebob: @bradandersohn never has a camera more than one foot from his reach #raincamp

pmcmortgages: At Active Rain's Rain Camp-lots of excitement! #raincamp

chrispenner: #raincamp just getting going here with Ben Kinney and Active Rains first ever raincamp. Rock on guys.

DuaneHopper: Sitting in Active Rain "RainCamp" Seattle Bell Harbor Conference center. http://post.ly/7c9v

JordanCoxRE: Just got picked to video RainCamp #raincamp

juliannahind: I accidentally entered the men's bathroom when I went on a much needed break at raincamp!

tara_camp: 67% of peeps are more likely to respond to Twitter, facebook, & linkedin than a email #raincamp via @benkinney

Lizmoras: Sitting at active rains first RAINCAMP in Seattle - with bob Kiney - bob stewart - brad andersohn - hey and scott leaf - amazing!

pmcmortgages: Ben Kinney is on stage-this guy understands social networking! #raincamp

victoriarealtor: Top 10 keywords are 19.8 % of all your search terms http://hittail.com twitter#raincamp

findrebecca: Go for the less commonly searched phrases for your targets to get the 80% of your clients that are not using most seared phrases. #raincamp

depmodechick: Wow, these fancy Aeron chairs at Bell Harbor conference center in Seattle are amazing! :) #raincamp #activerain

victoriarealtor: Wow...250 Realtors are at Rain Camp today!!!

mikelovesrobots: At #raincamp. This place is packed! Also, I've never watched an agent use Activerain before live! #spy http://twitpic.com/km8sv

JohnPayson: http://twitpic.com/kml4j - Panelist at #raincamp

elaineAcook: in the most fantastic workshop...Active Rain, raincamp! Ben is doing great! Fabulous information!

findrebecca: Listening to the Social Media panel with Jim Reppond, Rhonda Porter, Courtney Cooper and JO Soss #raincamp 2009 Seattle.

concentriconlyn: #raincamp Do you promote your blog posts on any social bookmark services such as stumbleupon or del.icio.us?

RealtorSandyN: @BradAndersohn sharing his wealth of knowledge at @ActiveRainCorp #RainCamp.

KitsapAgent: @jososs is one of the better examples of what you can do with social media tools. Her quality content dominates our local market #raincamp

clockhours: #raincamp showing Social media video.. fad or revolution.. always give me goosebumps!

RebeccaChandler: http://bit.ly/OIIs2 (expand) @danielrmccarthy embracing social media to increase consumer engagement - a new way of sharing #activerain #raincamp

jimreppond: Find what's happening at the moment right around you on Twitter with your iPhone using "Buzzd" app. #raincamp

urownlo: listening to @activebob about twitter. #raincamp twitter helps get out my information i enjoy to share

GabeSEO: Twitter TweedDeck tip: Use the filter button in columns to only display Tweets with "?". Result, only question related Tweets. #RainCamp

Design29: Very moving video. Ben Kinney talking about sharing with others, amazing stuff!! #raincamp

Parents Testimonies After Attending RainCamp:

pmcmortgages: Wrapping up the first ever Active Rain raincamp. It was invaluable! Thanks to all! #raincamp

ChristineandCo: Loving what i am learning at #raincamp

victoriarealtor: Brad...Sharing is a good and positive thing ...Thanks for Coming and sharing! :O)) #raincamp

dalekreiser: Great turnout at Seattle #raincamp. Good info to boot! http://twitpic.com/km1eo

Pamstages: The information here at Rain Camp is great, not just for Realtors I think it's for any small business #raincamp

chrispenner: @BradAndersohn Hey Brad thanks so much to you and your team for ripping up the #raincamp yesterday, just super.

DuaneHopper: @clockhours yep, another great show by #activerain at #raincamp. See you at the after hours for a video ;-)

victoriarealtor: Thanks to our Panel at Rain Camp Jim Repond, Rhonda Porter, Courtney Copper and Jo Soss with Active Brad #raincamp

clockhours: @DuaneHopper Hey Duane.. so you are in this crowd.. awesome conference, huh?! #raincamp

cheridiehl: #raincamp Looking forward to using what I've learned to sell Long Beach WA real estate

urownlo: i have so many great ideas from #raincamp that i will be implementing asap

jimreppond: @mortgageporter more like "getting charged" :-) #raincamp

RealtorSandyN: @benkinney The 10 Days of Pain for internet lead generation! You really missed a ton of info if you didn't attend #raincamp

eComprehend: #raincamp thanks for an awesome day of learning!

RollandJLS: Had a great time at raincamp, awesome to see so many positive good people there! #raincamp

kimcripe: #raincamp What a fantastic day! Thanks for making geeky sexy again....

RentonHomeFinde: #raincamp in Seattle social media and how do we sell Renton homes great stuff for our clients and business

depmodechick: My brain is percolating truckloads of ideas, thanks to the first ever Rain Camp in Seattle (put on by Active Rain). Thank you #raincamp !!!

JoSoss: No matter what level blogger you R- #raincamp has to be a must! I picked up lots of stuff Thx @activebrad @activebob @JonWashburn @BenKinney

Ricklie: Fantastic day of learning at Active Rain's Rain Camp. Thanks to all the planners & contributors for an inspiring six hours! #raincamp

JoSoss: Just posted on ActiveRain: ActiveRain- RainCamp - Thanks the Behind the Scenes AR Crew http://activerain.com/t/1274811

renefabre: #raincamp 1 Seattle... thanks Ben Kinney, Bob Stewart, and Brad Andersohn... AWESOME JOB! ActiveRain team, you're fabulous!

Dinah Lee Griffey Allyn - "I have seldom in my career been as inspired as I was today [at RainCamp]." http://bit.ly/luWJJ

skynnard: Most amazing day of learning and sharing. Thanks #ActiveRain for making #RainCamp possible. Well done everyone. Can't wait for the next one.

BrettTousley: Had a good time at Active Rain's #raincamp today. Great speakers and a lot of useful info. Catch it if it rolls through your town.

DaleKreiser - @JonWashburn It was good to finally meet you last night. Thanks for putting on such a great event yesterday #raincamp Cheers!

JonWashburn: I am gushing with happiness after seeing such a positive twitter response to #raincamp - http://bit.ly/4qqssZ

So as you can see kids, getting your parents to one of these RainCamp events is worth while, and will literally change their life. A Happy Parent is a productive, Socially connected and educated Parent. If you're still not sure about "RainCamp" or if it's right for your folks, just listen and watch this video below. Hopefully, you'll be convinced why you "MUST" get your parents to an ActiveRain RainCamp in your area.

We promise to take good care of them, and are committed to making sure that each parent who attends a RainCamp, will come out of it renewed, refreshed, energized and educated. They will never be the same parent again. :-)) Looking forward to seeing your folks at the next Summer Camp RainCamp for Parents. C'mon Kids, it's really all about them!

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RainCamp™ - "Because The Way We Do Business Online Has Changed!"

FREE Online Technology Tools and Services for Your Business - 2009

2009-10-04T13:28:19Z

Top FREE Online Technology Tools and Services for Your Business - 2009

Last year around this time, I created a Blog post with links to the "Top 200+ FREE Sites and Tools" for your Business. Hard to believe that was a year ago. This year is focused on some sites and tools I actually use more frequently, and think you might too. There are so many great sites that offer some fantastic services, it's a challenge to keep up with all of them, and try to tell you which ones are the best. You could spend more time learning and playing on the computer than actually getting your work done. (so be careful if you check out my top 200 from last year..)

With that in mind, I tried to focus these "Top Sites" on things you can actually use and apply to your business. For every site and service I mention here, there are probably 4 or 5 others that offer the same type of tools or service, and that's not to say they aren't fantastic, these are just my selected choices to share. The slide-show below (using slideshare.net) has the name of the site, a quick overview of each one, then a link to their site using their logo. Some of these you will have heard of, and might even be using already.

Top FREE Real Estate Tools 2009

View more presentations from Brad Andersohn.

You can download a copy of this from Box.net, a great site to store and share files with others. If you've come across some great sites, on-line tools, or FREE services yourself this year, and you'd like to share them here, feel free to do so. On many occasions, I have found some of the best stuff by just reading Blog comments on others posts.

In these tighter economic times, I hope some of these sites and tools will help save you some money, time, and contribute to improving your Blogs, Websites, and Service to your clients. Enjoy! :-)

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RainCamp™ - "Because The Way We Do Business Online Has Changed!"

MLS TECH FAIR 2009 - New York

2009-09-30T01:47:34Z

MLS TECH FAIR 2009 - New York

I am really excited that ActiveRain and the MLS of Long Island have invited me to be a guest speaker and part of their 8th Annual MLS Tech Fair this year. The days schedule will be filled with great speakers, topics, breakout sessions, and an exhibit hall full of new and exciting products from some of the Top Industry Service Providers.

The list of Sponsors for this event is nothing short of impressive. If you happen to be anywhere near Long Island, NY this week, you should take a day out and spend it with us. Once you see their site and all that is being offered, I think you'll agree that this is the Grand Daddy "Tech Fair" of ALL Tech Fairs. Come join us if you can, I'd love to see you there.

"Discover Innovative Ways To Recharge And Grow Your Real Estate Business!"

Some of the topics and panels I'll have the pleasure of participating on include:

Plaza Room: 11 to 11:15

How to Use ActiveRain
Start networking with the largest online gathering of real estate professionals in the world.
Speaker: Brad Andersohn, ActiveRain

Blogging Tips and Strategies: Dirty Secrets Experts Know

Starlight Room: 1:45 to 2:15

There may be a lot of real estate bloggers, but are there a lot of GOOD ones? Hear from the experts what defines an effective blog. Learn how a commitment to frequent, newsworthy and content rich blog posts can expand your sphere of influence, generate trusting clients and transform your business. Get a chance to ask the experts your blogging questions.

Panelists: Dan Green, Bring The Blog
Brad Andersohn, ActiveRain
Marc Davison, Partner with 1000Watt Consulting

Leveraging the Power of Social Networking

Plaza Room: 3:15 to 4:00

Session highlights the strengths of the various social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs, real estate community sites and real estate search/valuation sites and helps you choose what’s right for you and where you should focus your energies. Learn how social media sites enable you to reach large numbers of consumers in a powerful & interactive way. Hear the importance of managing your time, difference between networking & selling & how effective social networking today will plant the seeds for a successful future harvest. We’ll save time for Q&A with you.

Moderator: Brad Andersohn, ActiveRain
Panelists: Kelly Roark, FrontDoor.com
Sara Bonert, Zillow.com
Diallo Stevens,CRS,GRI,SRES, RECS,e-PRO – Century 21 Best
Rudy Bacharaty, Trulia

A very special thanks goes out to Jenny Natale and Katie Windham for helping put all this together and for getting me to New York in "style!" They are a couple of "first class" ladies that I'm really looking forward to meeting this week. Also thanks to Jon and Bob for letting me take a little break, and even though I'll still be working, you can bet I'll be having some fun too!

If you want to follow us and participate from where ever you are, the twitter hashtag is #MLSTF. There will be plenty of twitter updates I'm sure. I'll be using that hashtag to solicit questions from our audience and any other followers during the last session. (3:15 to 4:00pm) Anything you'd like to know or ask our panel regarding "Leveraging The Power of Social Networking? We'd love to hear from you. :-)

For more information, please email them at info@mlstechfair.com or call 631-661-4800 ext. 11.
Here's Directions To The MLSTechFair

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RainCamp™ - "Because The Way We Do Business Online Has Changed!"

Real Estate Blogging - The Steps & Cycle For Success

2009-09-28T19:27:22Z

Real Estate Blogging - The Steps & Cycle For Success

Are you a REALTOR or BROKER Blogging? Why are you Blogging? Who is your audience? What are you Blogging about? What are your ultimate intentions? What are your goals and desired results? Do you have a plan in place for success? Of course you do, or you wouldn't be here.

Here's a simplified concept that may help give a better understanding about the steps and process of Blogging. There is nothing worse than doing something for your business and not understanding the full process, or missing certain key steps, elements, and components that would ensure your efforts are worth while and justified. This is just one concept of many, that could help take your blog to the next level and add to your "Cycle of Success!"

1. Writing Your Best Blog Posts:

Writing your Blog posts to be discovered by search engines and consumers (intended audience) is the first step.
How To Write a Blog post for Search Engines and Consumers.

2. Getting Found vs Getting Clicked:

SEO is great, and being on the first page of Google is key, but it's not the end all be all. Getting found on the search engines by consumers and having them actually click on and read your post is the goal. Using a simple strategy listed in the post referenced above will help.

3. You've got Their Attention and Interest:

When visitors find your posts, they like you, your content, your experience and your area. Or Do They? Only they can decide this. You should write and be transparent. Just be yourself. Let them decide. The wider variety of content you supply consistently, the greater of an audience you will potentially reach.

4. Connecting and Establishing a Reputation and Rapport:

Now they are on your Blog or profile and decide to search for homes in your area. At this point you have no connection or way of tracking or contacting them unless they comment, email, or call you. This is where the importance of understanding the Blogging process comes into play. If you can get traffic and visitors up to this point, then you're already half way there...The virtual "Handshake" takes place.

5. Where do you take them from here:

If Consumers do a search for homes on your Blog posts or Profile, where do they land? Have you setup your Hit Router to direct visitors to your MLS, IDX, or Listings in your area? Are you maximizing the potential for exposure on where consumers are searching for homes on ActiveRain? 100,000 homes were searched in a single month here. If your audience is the selling and buying consumer, this step is very important. There are many folk's who miss this key ingredient and component on their Blogs. Having the right tools in place helps if you want to capture valuable traffic and leads.

6. Does your IDX Have the Proper Tools in Place to be Effective:

As consumers land on your designated Hit Router pages and IDX, are they setup properly? Make sure your traffic and visitors land on a site with the information they are asking for. This would not be a Blog, or a website, or an "about you" page. Those pages will get closed immediately. If they search for homes in Houston Texas, the next landing page should be just that. All the homes for Sale in Houston Texas. Period. To be sure, Do the searches yourself and use the correct URLs for your Hit Router and IDX linking. Don't make them try to figure out how to use your site and do the searches by themselves.

7. How Many Clicks Does it Take to get to the Center of a Lead:
(The world may never know...)

So now you have a great lead capture system and IDX setup using Hit Router but now what? Is it one, two, three, five, or seven clicks before you solicit their contact information for follow-up? This is a question that only YOU can answer. There is no right or wrong answer. Whatever you believe will work for you and your prospects, that is the best way to go. The problem is, some haven't setup their IDX lead capture and have nothing in place. Some IDX sites out there don't even offer or have the capability of creating a lead capture form. More importantly, some IDX sites won't let you setup direct landing pages to listings that are being searched for in specified areas. Ouch!

8. Once you Have the Lead Captured, do you Have an Effective Follow-up Plan:

Making sure you have the proper tools in place and follow-up programs are important. Now that you have them in your store, are you effective in taking your leads to the next level? Do you have a program or tools that will assist you in the follow-up process over the necessary period of time it will take to convert them to closings? If not, then what is the point in all the rest of the efforts that you're making to try and capture them as a lead or client anyway? Everyone knows that the key to any successes in any business is always based on the follow-up.

9. Converting Leads to Closings:

Once you have completed the transaction and closing, what do you do next? Using the many social media platforms to connect to clients, friends of friends, and SOI's is what it's all about. Have you researched all the ways you can use many of these sites to tap into new friends and potential clients? This is Social Media Networking and Marketing at its finest. What better way to grow your sphere of influence than by doing it through your past and future clients? Followers on Twitter? Friends on FaceBook? Associates on LinkedIn etc. All great resources for growth and expansion. Remember, I know 100 people that you don't, and you know 100 people that I don't. Let's both know 200 people!?!?

10. Clients for Life and Building Referrals:

Most clients and friends are for life. Having a good CRM and using your "Blog Library" of content is the best way to keep the cycle going and successful. Asking for referrals from the point of contract and tapping into others SOI will keep the pipeline refilling and the success cycle going. There is no better way to get in front of 100's, 1000's, maybe millions, than with your Great Blog and Social Networking skills.

Each of these Steps and this Cycle for Success are dependent upon each item and how efficiently you apply them to your Blogging and Business. As you continue to Blog, you will learn and inevitably grow in each area. You don't have to be an expert with the technical side of things, but understanding the steps and this cycle for success will really help. This is just one "Blogging" concept that I hope will help you in determining what you need to enhance or incorporate into your "Steps and Cycles for Success!"

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Syndicate Your ActiveRain Blogs

2009-09-28T09:41:10Z

Syndicate Your ActiveRain Blogs with RSS

What is syndication and why should you "Syndicate Your ActiveRain Blogs?" Driving traffic and exposure to your Blog is the primary reason. RSS - Really Simple Syndication is a great way to connect your ActiveRain Blog to other Blogs and websites. Members on ActiveRain have an RSS feed button located on the sidebar of their Blog. Click on it to see your options and how it can be used to expand your reach to a larger audience via other sites and locations on the web.

Adding an RSS feed to your ActiveRain Blog on your ActiveRain Blog is nice, but no where near the value and benefit of having an RSS feed in other locations. Do you have a website? Do you use an email signature? Are you utilizing online marketing? Take advantage of this tiny little tool so you can get BIG results. That's why it's here. If you're not familiar with RSS Feeds, Readers, and tools etc., here's a really good post that will give you more details and an explanation.

RSS is a great way to syndicate your Blog posts and get them out there and in front of a larger potential audience. Using RSS feeds is also a great way to have information and great content delivered back to you without having to go out and look for it. This will save you valuable time browsing the web for content and information that you might be interested in.

Personally, I use Google Reader for all my RSS feeds to the sites I like to get updates and new information from. This allows me the ability to scroll through hundreds of articles from various sites and blogs easily and conveniently without having to go to each site and see what's newly published. You can also share certain posts and articles with others that you follow, and they can share with you.

If you're looking for some ways to get back-links and Web Traffic, I just watched THIS VIDEO that explains how to do this using FeedAgg.com. You can see how many other RE professionals have done this already by Clicking Here. You can search their site for various Real Estate type RSS feeds that have already been added to the site. Why not add yours while you're there. It's just one more way to syndicate your ActiveRain Blog.

Teaching your clients how to subscribe to your Blog via RSS is a valuable tool, both for them, and for you.

DON'T FORGET TO DO THIS WITH THE RSS FROM YOUR ACTIVERAIN OUTSIDE BLOGS TOO.

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High Speed Social Media Networking - Better Fasten Your SeatBelts

2009-09-28T09:30:47Z

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RainCamp™ - "Because The Way We Do Business Online Has Changed!"

RainCamp - Our New Training Program - Starts In Seattle, WA

2009-09-21T15:15:10Z

ActiveRain RainCamp - Our New Training Program - Starts In Seattle and you're Invited!

This has to be one of the most exciting announcements I've ever had the privilege to post on AR. I remember signing up that "rainy" day back in February of 2007. My first question was, "Where Do I find the Owners Manual for this place?" My next thought was, "How do I get the most out of Social Networking and Blogging here? Does this stuff really work?" OMG! My Journey began that day, and would turn out to be way more than I ever anticipated or expected. We have all watched the AR community grow in more ways than just our membership and business growth, we have seen it change peoples lives and impact the Real Estate Industry.

It's time to take the Network and Community on the Road. We are going to "Rain" in cities all over the Country. It's New, it's Exciting, it's Awesome, and it's called RainCamp. The first one will start in our Corporate backyard, the beautiful City of Seattle. This is a huge turning point for ActiveRain, and also for our members and those who attend.

RainCamp.com - "Because the way we do business has changed!"

Who: Join Seattle's most forward thinking real estate professionals to master the nuances of modern real estate marketing.

What: Six hours of cutting edge real estate technology and social media training.

When: October 7th, 2009 (Registration is @8:00am)

Where: Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle, WA

Why: Learn how to use the latest innovations to exploit this ever changing environment, and redefine your position as an industry expert and leader. Because you are a pioneer and because you refuse to be left behind.

What Do You Get?

The Venue: This is a High-end, High-Tech facility with stadium seating and comfy Aeron Chairs with plenty of elbow room. All the comforts you'd expect at the Taj Mahal. The setting is a top-notch environment where you can relax, learn and enjoy the day and program we have planned for you.

A single-track conference with quality content
Wi-Fi, professionally managed (Bring your laptop.)
Business networking opportunities
Conversations and experiences of a lifetime!

How is RainCamp different from other Conferences?

Assess how you stack up in the modern market.
Listen to people that are practicing what they preach, and having outstanding success doing it.
Learn the methodology of a newer agent who has leveraged the Internet to become a 'Mega Producer'.
Walk away with executables you can put into action immediately.
Hard core real estate technology education. This is not a fluff event!!

The "RainCamp" Schedule

Modern Day Real Estate Marketing (9:00a - 9:30a)

Find out where you rank before we kick off the day. How does your social profile rate against your neighbor? How can you expand that presence and create connections that are meaningful in a professional manner? Understanding where we are is the only way to figure out where we need to go.

Meet the Speaker: Bob Stewart

Search Engine Marketing (9:30a - 10:30a)

Meet the Speaker: Ben Kinney

Break (10:15a - 10:30a)

Converting Leads Into Closings (10:30a - 11:30a)

It's one thing to learn how to drive traffic to your site, it's entirely different to actually convert that traffic into a commission. Learn the regiment required to get industry leading conversions with the prospects on your website. There is no reason the leads on your site should be treated like the rest of the industry treats theirs. Resolve to do something different.

Meet the Speaker: Ben Kinney & Bob Stewart

Lunch (11:30a - 12:30p)

Real World Social Media Success Stories - PANEL (12:30p - 1:15p)

Panel Moderator: Brad Andersohn

30 Technologies You Don't Know But Should (1:15p - 1:30p)

Does this really need an explanation? Yes it does, so you'll need to come and hear it.

Meet the Speaker: Ben Kinney

Becoming the Online Mayor of Your Community (1:30p - 2:00p)

Meet the Speaker: Brad Andersohn & Ben Kinney

Break (2:30p - 2:45p)

Hyper-local Blogging for Business (2:45p - 4:00p)

Meet the Speaker: Bob Stewart & Ben Kinney

About The Speakers:

Ben Kinney, Mega Producer, Keller Williams

Featured: 2008 Realtor Magazines annual "30 under 30", RIS Media "Power Team" report, WCAR Realtor of the Year and Quarter

Bob Stewart, Director of Social Media Strategy, ActiveRain

Brad Andersohn, Community Manager, ActiveRain

We're looking forward to your attending and participating in our newest endeavor. We're taking ActiveRain RainCamp on the road so you can take your Business to the next level. Check RainCamp.com for details regarding this and other RainCamps sprouting around the Country.

Register For RainCamp Below, but Hurry, these seats won't last.

Picture of Bell Harbor Conference Center courtesy of Josh Hallett

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RainCamp™ - "Because The Way We Do Business Online Has Changed!"

Active Brads Blog

How To Use ScribeFire to Enhance Your ActiveRain Blog Posts

Google Chrome Evolves - A Computer Operating System?

What Is RainCamp™

Platinum RainCamp™ Sponsor: Market Leader

The Best of NAR 2009 Expo - Real Estate Technology

Are You Coming To NAR This Weekend?

ActiveRain Channels - Real Estate Technology and Tools

Technology | Twitter | Google | Websites | Photography Video | Facebook | Social Networking | SEO

ActiveRain Statistics - Comments, Views, and Clicks

RainCamp is Coming To San Francisco

Platinum RainCamp™ Sponsor: Market Leader

The ActiveRain Point System

Building, Managing, and Protecting Your Online Reputation

The Google Story - A Video Story Book

Top 40 Resources for Information and Education

How To Get Your Blog Posts "Viral" Exposure on Twitter and Facebook

How To Use Your "Existing" Domain Names on AR Outside Blogs

NY Daily News Reports From ActiveRain - A BIG Wordless Wednesday

Social Media Buttons and Icons - Is Someone Pushing Your Buttons?

Apture - The All In One Tool For Social Media Content

My 14th Anniversary Surprise from ActiveBrad

ActiveRain RainCamp - Better Than SummerCamp For Kids!

FREE Online Technology Tools and Services for Your Business - 2009

MLS TECH FAIR 2009 - New York

"Discover Innovative Ways To Recharge And Grow Your Real Estate Business!"

Real Estate Blogging - The Steps & Cycle For Success

Syndicate Your ActiveRain Blogs

High Speed Social Media Networking - Better Fasten Your SeatBelts

RainCamp - Our New Training Program - Starts In Seattle, WA

Technology | Twitter | Google | Websites | Photography
Video | Facebook | Social Networking | SEO