Scott Leaf - Vancouver Suburbs Realtor

The ActiveRain Point System

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:59:46 -0600

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):

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.

"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here and Get New Member Discount

Hyde Creek Salmon Festival in Port Coquitlam November 15

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:46:27 -0600

It is November and time again for the return of the Salmon to Port Coquitlam Real Estate. Whether it is the beautiful Coquitlam River winding its way through River Springs or Hyde Creek meandering through the north side of PoCo the salmon are coming home!

Time again for the Hyde Creek Salmon Festival on Sunday November 15 between 11 am and 3 pm at the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre. Bring down the kids to see the miracle that is the 4th year return of the Pacific Salmon to their birthplace.

Lots of fun family events, BBQ and great educational events for the kids that won't make them feel like they are in school!

Olympic Flame Arrives in Canada for Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:27:28 -0600

Vancouver Mayor, Gregor Robertson disembarks with the miner's lantern containing the Olympic Flame for it's first touchdown on Canadian soil at British Columbia's capital city, Victoria.

The most ambitious Olympic torch relay ever assembled will see the flame carried for 106 days across all 10 Provinces and 3 Territories, being carried in a canoe, on a surfboard, a logging truck and even coming within 900 km of the North Pole while visiting the most northern point of land in Canada on Ellesmere island. 12,000 people will participate in the torch relay with the torch arriving for the opening ceremonies in Vancouver on February 12, 2010.

It is an exciting time for British Columbian's as we eagerly await the start of Canada's Games!

Video of Deer Paying Visit to Upper Jackson, Albion, Maple Ridge, BC

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:56:14 -0600

Maple Ridge real estate was host to two young deer making a Fall visit to the Upper Jackson property in Albion, Maple Ridge. This site should be enjoyed as this beautiful farm pasture has been approved for development, contrary to the Official Community plan and all recomendations by Mape Ridge District planning staff.

The developers, who made financial contributions to the campaigns of most of the town concillors and Mayor, are expected to build 112 homes minimum on this field.

The only hope to save this field rests with the Metro Vancouver board of directors and is expected to be heard by that body early 2010 but possibly sooner.

Urban Sprawl brought to you by the District of Maple Ridge, ignoring residents and catering to Land Developers since time in memorium .

Thanks for the Click!

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:17:42 -0500

Get a Real Estate Market Snapshot for your neighborhood or the one you want to move to:

http://www.whatismyhomesvalue.ca/

Scott Leaf Real Estate Marketing & Associates:

http://www.scottleaf.com/

Our team serves the entire Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley areas with pleasure. We don't just talk the talk, we use the latest technology and marketing strategies to find you athe home you want or sell the one you already have!

You know you work in a fun office when...

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:50:49 -0500

Keller Williams Elite Realty, work hard, play hard and have lots of fun. Family first!

The fastest growing brokerage in the area, here's a reason why...

Keller Williams Elite Realty is located in Port Coquitlam, BC and serves the Tri-Cities

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows and surrounding areas.

The New Keg Coquitlam Restaurant about to Open Fall/Winter 2009

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:28:02 -0500

The Original Coquitlam Keg was destroyed October 28, 2006 in a very serious fire on a night where a suspected serial arsonist set 4 major fires in the area.

Flash forward to late October 2009 and the highly anticipated NEW Coquitlam Keg will be opening in a new location with a beautiful new Westcoast Contemporary building.

Located beside Best Buy & Save On Foods by Coquitlam Centre Mall, the new Restaurant is sure to be a popular attraction this Winter.

Workers are busily putting the finishing touches on this structure and it won't be long before we will be able to say "Let the Good Time Roll" again at the Keg Steakhouse.

Welcome back Coquitlam Keg, we've missed you!

Greater Vancouver Real Estate Market Video Update Fall 2009

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:42:53 -0500

Here are the latest stats from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver presented in a much cooler way then you are probably used to courtesy of Scott Leaf Real Estate Marketing & Associates, Keller Williams Elite Realty. If you are considering selling, the listing count is low and Buyers have fewer options, give me a call to detail whats happening in your particular neighborhood.

Gaby Davis Foundation Movie Night, November 13, 2009 in River Springs

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:04:17 -0500

The Gaby Davis Foundation will be hosting a Movie Night Fundraiser at the Coquitlam River Elementary School, located the Coquitlam real estate neighborhood of River Springs.

What: Disney/Pixar's move "UP"

When: Firday November 13, 2009

Where: 4250 Shaugnessy Street, Coquitlam River Elementary School gymnasium

Time: Doors open at 6:30pm, movie starts at 7:30pm sharp.

Tickets: $5.00

Limited tickets available. call 604-464-4229 to reserve or purchase at the door on movie night OR drop by any time at Play Paradise. 2020 Oxford COnnector, Port Coquitlam.

Bring your blankets, pillows, air mattresses, PJ's & teddy bears for a night of fun!

All proceeds to help families affected by chldhood cancer.

Mission / Silverdale Subdividable Lot with Large Home For Sale

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:40:40 -0500

This Mission, BC neighborhood of Silverdale charmer features a nicely kept farmhouse with a modern all permitted addition built in 2004. Large 2.65 acre lot with Subdivision potential into two lots 0.88 acre minimum as per consultation with District of Mission. The acreage has a potential second building envelope on the lower western half of the lot which takes into consideration all current setbacks. Official Community Plan designation is Suburban Residential. The existing home is serviced by a newer septic system installed in 2004 and a furnace installed in 1999. The unfinished basement could be used for a large workshop and there is also room for another bedroom. Live in this home while you build your dream home below.

Bruce's Market Apple Festival 2009 in Albion - Video Blog

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:50:21 -0500

Although this year's Apple Festival was diminshed by the passing of Bruce's Country Market founder Bruce McEachern who died this year at the age of 89, his family has grasped the torch and ensured that this important little corner in Albion will remain bustlling and vibrant for years to come.

This years Apple Festival was well attended and to my surprise featured my favortite heirloom varietal, the Golden Russet. The Russet has a freckled appearance and is not the prettiest apple in the world but it's firm flesh makes it an amazing pie making apple and I'm rather fond of it's flavour. I can remember visiting my grandfather, Thomas Leaf's homestead, on 272nd street in Whonnock in the late Summer and Fall. Getting out the ladder and picking apples from the Golden Russet tree he had and many of the other varities he had strewn all over the property.

If you did not bring the kids down this year you missed having them try some of the amazing heirloom varities that may not have the shiny, waxy, ultra-sweet flavour that the Supermarkets sell but have a flavour and connection to this land and our ancestors like no others.

I hope you enjoy this video blog of the 2009 Bruce's Country Market Apple Fest

Bruce's Market Apple Festival 2009 in Albion, Maple Ridge, BC

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:16:23 -0500

Today is the last day of the Annual Apple Festival at Bruces Market located at 240th st and Lougheed Hwy in the Albion real estate neighborhood of Maple Ridge.

Apple Fest in the Albion Real Estate Neighborhood of Maple Ridge

Celebrate Bruce's annual Apple Fest. This celebration takes place every year on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Unusual Apple varieties and Giant Pumpkins.

During the weeks prior to the festival, Bruce's Market scours the province for new and exciting varieties of apples, as well as heirloom and organic apples. Then dozens and dozens of different apple varieties are gathered together in the apple tent and the fun begins.

You may sample and buy any of the apples on display, as well as benefit from the great deals in their apple case lot sale. They also feature apple crisp and ice cream for $1.00 (prices subject to change without notice) and other yummy apple products such as pies, crisps and strudels at unbelievable prices.

At Apple Fest they feature one of the most exciting contests - the Apple ID Contest. Guess the names of the chosen apples and win a beautiful prize.

Come and join the fun for a delicious day of flavours and fun at Bruce's Country Market!!

A Virtual Trip Over the new Pitt River Bridge

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:27:02 -0500

Here is the single greatest investment in local infrastructure to increase the land values in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge Real Estate in my lifetime. The new Pitt River Bridge project, although not fully completed, has already drasticly improved the daily commute from Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows to the Mary Hill By-pass on the other side of the Pitt River in Port Coquitlam.

Maple Ridge British Columbia's Gravity defying Magnetic Hill

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:13:34 -0500

Located just East of Albion on Thornhill in Whonnock is our very own Magnetic Hill. Drive a little south of 100th ave on 256th street in the Maple Ridge Real Estate neighborhood Whonnock. There is a little dip just past the school, go to the bottom, stop, then put it in neutral! Amaze your kids

Maple Ridge's Pumpkin Patch - The October Tradition

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:42:31 -0500

School Tours RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Monday October 5th - Friday October 30th
Please call (604) 467-4302 For Reservations
Individual Class Tours
$5.00 per Child (tour, tractor ride, juice, pick a pumpkin from the Charlie Brown Pumpkin Patch) One driver per student – No charge for tour
ADDITIONAL FAMILY MEMBERS
Adults - $3.00 (Tour)
Siblings 2 years and over - $5.00 (tour, tractor ride, juice, pick a pumpkin from the Charlie Brown Pumpkin Patch)
Public Hours of Operation (Weather Permitting)
Saturday, October 3rd – Saturday – October 31st
Admission - Adults - $3.00 per person Children 2 years and over - $3.00
Pumpkins $2.00 and up
Monday - Friday 1:30pm - 5:00pm Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 9:30am - 5:00pm
Concession open daily.
Sorry no birthday parties.
No pets allowed.

Laity Pumpkin Patch - 21145 128th avenue, Maple Ridge, BC

Brad Andersohn's Real Estate Web Site Tools for 2009 at Rain Camp Seattle

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:12:47 -0500

Brad's Seattle Rain Camp List of Must Check out Web Sites you can use in your business!

www.openoffice.org - Free office programs. Why buy MS Office?

www.primopdf.com - Free version of Adobe Acrobat, convert all your documents to PDF's for free.

www.screenr.com Record up to 5 minutes of screenshots to make a demo for your clients.

www.picnik.com Powerful free editing tool for your pictures. Custom graphics and cool effects. Free

www.slide.com Lets you take shots and create a slide show like a movie, custom animations and them embed them in your web site. Free

www.bannerfans.com Make a custom banner for your Blog or Web Site banner. Free

www.feedmingle.com Mingle all your RSS feeds into one to produce a combined RSS, Atom, JSON and a widget for your blogs. Free

www.steprep.com gives you a daily email with all content on the entire web for the topic you give it. Free

www.issuu.com create an online magaziine or share other peoples publications. Free

www.box.net Online storage of all your stuff, podcasts, files, pdf's, etc.

www.drop.io simple real-time sharing, collaboration and presentation. Free

www.freeconferencecall.com Up to 20 people on a conference call and you can record it. Free

www.yugma.com Free Web conferencing, up to 15 people.

www.calendars.net Display and edit your own calendars publicly or privately and let multiple people contribute to them Free

www.eventbrite.com Create registration for events, sell tickets.

www.walkscore,com

www.shoutem.com Create your own micro blogging community.

www.jimdo.com Create a free web site

www.feedblitz.com Integrated RSS and Email Marketing.

www.retagr.com a central location for your personal info, and a gateway to all your online profiles and networks

Selling your Pitt Lake Cabin or Lot, Freehold or Leasehold

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:29:08 -0500

I recently marketed a cabin at Debeck Creek on Pitt Lake, while using technology to market this property it became clear to me from the massive response that the old ways of marketing properties used by other Realtors were not getting the job done.

Due the remoteness of the area and the difficulty others have had with such things as mapping properties is it any wonder the buyers were not coming. As of late I have been inundated with Buyers asking me for the list of currently for sale properties, a list which is very small in deed right now.

If you have been thinking of selling your cabin or lot property on Pitt Lake let me market your recreational property to the large audience your special property deserves using the latest Internet technology that others have yet to discover let alone master. Whether your property is at Cozen Point, Williams Landing, Debeck Creek, Defrauder Creek, Osprey Creek, McPhaden Bay or one of the many other little jewels on Pitt Lake let me market your recreational property to the biggest audience possible which is extremely important when you are already limited to a select type of buyer who is comfortable with Water Access Only property!

Various inernet sources suggest that between 80%-90% start their search for property on the Internet but having a Web Site isn't good enough if no one can find it, my listed properties get found through co-marketing and placement on multiple web sites and platforms across North America.

I love Pitt Lake and it would be my honor to market your Pitt Lake Waterfront property! Call today.

Accidental deletion of Posts - My Apologies

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:28:58 -0500

I just made a boo boo!

I was trying to un-feature some old posts that were no longer topical, not delete them. So sorry please take no offense! :)

Scott

New Port Coquitlam Condos for sale - Station Hill Condos, Port Coquitlam

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:09:51 -0500

New Port Coquitlam Condos For Sale

2228 Welcher Avenue, Port Coquitlam - A place you can be proud to call home.

Brand New 1 & 2 Bedroom Condos priced starting from $204,900

Standard for every Station Hill unit

24 x 24 polished solid body porcelain tile in Kitchens
12 x 24 solid body porcelain tile in entry and bathrooms
Coordinating tile back splash in kitchen
Granite counter tops throughout
Engineered wood flooring
2 colour schemes to choose from
Custom upgrades available

Brand New STATION HILL - Port Coquitlam Real Estate's premier address. High end finishings throughout this quality built condo development at very affordable prices making for exceptional value! Central location is walking distance to shopping, the West Coast Express train station, Parks, Schools & Buses. Each unit is unique & features Engineered Hardwood floors, Granite Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances, Designer Colors, & much more. Covered by a 2/5/10 new home warranty

Ready for Occupancy October 1!

Call Scott Leaf at 604-839-8239 for a VIP showing at Port Coquitlam Station Hill. Buy now to avoid the HST!

Real Estate Proudly Marketed by Keller Williams Elite Realty

The New Pitt River Bridge to partially open later this week!

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:54:06 -0500

The new Pitt River Bridge is ready to partially open to 3 lanes of traffic later this week. Rob Ahola, project director of the Pitt River Bridge, said only three lanes will be running on the new span until December.

"What we're going to end up with is one lane heading east and two lanes heading west on the bridge," he said. Aholalater explained that there's no need to worry as the existing Pitt bridge will remain open to traffic to create at least six open lanes until the replacement is complete.

The light at the end of the tunnel is clearly visble now and the horror that has been the commute from Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows will soon be over. The new bridge won't be open in full in October because the Mary Hill Interchange has to be finished, upon completion of the new Pitt River Bridge project the old spans will be demolished later in 2010.

Nike Sponsors Dog Fighter Michael Vick - Just do it!

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:50:53 -0500

There is no justice in the world on this one, wheelbarrows full of cash for his Mea Culpe. What a great example for the youth of this world. I think Nike made a big boo boo on this one, Photoshop hasn't been this busy since George Bush left office. I am disgusted with Nike's complete lack of concern for the image they are portraying. I guess Nike wants to increase it's market share in the up and coming consumer nation of Afghanistan where dog fighting is a national past time.

The Biggest Sale I Ever Made

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:59:17 -0500

Its not about the money:

Via Kate Wheeler CCIM Murphy NC Real Estate for Sale (Country Homes and Land Murphy NC Realtor ):

Recently I received an email that touched my heart - and brought back memories of some very special clients.

A few years ago, I spent 5 days in the fall showing property to a young married couple who wanted to buy a vacation home in our mountains.   On Saturday morning I faced every working mother's worst nightmare - a conflict left me with no babysitter for my daughter Dani, then 7 years old, and a full schedule of properties to view. I had never taken one of my children along on an appointment before but I wasn't comfortable leaving a child that age home alone for several hours, so I made her PROMISE to behave herself and not say a word and off we went.

I met the couple at my office, introduced my daughter and apologized for the situation. They were very understanding and we headed off to look at houses with my daughter sitting in the backseat with the wife while I sat up front with the husband. The first house on our list had been vacant for several months. I unlocked the door, ushered everyone inside...and my daughter immediately wrinkled up her nose and said "Whew! This place STINKS!"

After a moment of shocked silence we all burst out laughing. After all, how could I chastise my daughter for speaking the truth? That broke the ice and we had a delightful few hours together, as Dani entertained the couple, who were childless, with her stories of day to day life in our family.

Eventually my husband met us and took my daughter home but the rest of the day the couple had more questions about my daughter than about any of the houses we saw. Dani spent the first 4 ½ years of her life speaking Mandarin Chinese living in a state-run orphanage with over 100 other little girls in Hainan, China. They asked if I'd be willing to talk about the circumstances that led to her becoming a part of our family.

I told the story that still brings tears to my eyes, how I'd learned of the little girls in China, how my daughter's soul had called to mine at 3 AM for a solid month afterwards, about the adoption process and our journey to China with our youngest son to bring home a little sister for him. I talked about how difficult it was for her to come to a strange place with strange people at her age, how hard it was for her to learn to accept and then to trust us...and, finally, about the day that she reached in and touched my heart.

The next day, they never showed up at the office and I found out they had checked out of their hotel. I wondered if I had overstepped the bounds by sharing so much of my personal life with a client and somehow offended them.

Late in the day, I got a message from the wife. She thanked me for the time I spent with them and said they had decided against buying a vacation home. She explained that she was unable to have children and always wanted to adopt. Her husband had been married before and his only child died at an early age. The grief he and his first wife faced led to their divorce. He had been unwilling to adopt because he didn't think he could accept a child that wasn't "his."

But on the way home, he told his wife that after seeing how my daughter interacted with all of us, and hearing our story, he was ready to consider adoption. They decided to take the money they planned to use for a vacation house and adopt a little girl instead.

Not long ago, I got an email from them, thanking me for changing their lives and telling me of their happiness with little Mia. All I could think of was that commercial -

1 commission lost - $$$

3 lives made happier - Priceless

Here's my beautiful daughter Danielle





Looking for your dream getaway in the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina? Visit the country homes and land website to see all the latest listings.

Enjoy a preview of our scenic mountains in the YouTube video Murphy Mountain Nights

Station Hill Condominiums - Port Coquitlam Real Estates Newest Address

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:47:23 -0500

2228 Welcher Avenue, Port Coquitlam - A place you can be proud to call home.

Brand New 1 & 2 Bedroom Condos priced starting from $204,900

Standard for every Station Hill unit

24 x 24 polished solid body porcelain tile in Kitchens
12 x 24 solid body porcelain tile in entry and bathrooms
Coordinating tile back splash in kitchen
Granite counter tops throughout
Engineered wood flooring
2 colour schemes to choose from
Custom upgrades available

Ready for Occupancy October 1!

Call Scott Leaf at 604-839-8239 for a VIP showing at Port Coquitlam Station Hill. Buy now to avoid the HST!

Real Estate Proudly Marketed by Keller Williams Elite Realty

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

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:48:38 -0500

Liz Moras & I are going down, anyone else want to join us from BC?

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):

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.)

Your own electrical outlet for power* (Really, 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)

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.

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)

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.

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)

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.

Meet the Speaker: Brad Andersohn & Ben Kinney

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

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

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.

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

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.

We are very excited about the birth of RainCamp and are even more passionate about helping the industry survive and thrive. We have 100 tickets available at the asking price of $69.00, but If you are financially challenged at this time and need us to help cover some of your costs, pay whatever you feel is comfortable and financially within your budget right now. You can always pay-it-forward later once you start benefiting from what you'll come away with and learn at RainCamp.

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



"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here and Get New Member Discount

Write Posts for Blog Traffic not Members Comments

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:05:25 -0500

I was reading an excellent blog post by Jim Frimmer: Worried about comments on your blog posts? Worry about statistics instead. In the post he talks about viewing statistics being more important then the numbers of comments.

I totally agree! I have been blogging now for a couple of years and have yet to be featured on Activerain. I stopped coveting a Feature too when I discovered the true power of blogging and even more so when I found a way to attract hundreds and thousands of viewings from my target area from a blog post!

It's really not rocket science, I'm not sure why more people dont do it but those that do are cashing in on the success of piggybacking popular local newspaper articles and topics of immediate popular interest

Almost anything on the front page of the newspaper is the topic du jour in your town so why not write about it and its implications for "Maple Ridge Real Estate" (<---insert your town here).

Most local papers are weekly or bi-weekly so sometimes you can even get the jump on the local rags by blogging about something before it hits the paper this way all those Google searches come to your Blog for sure, as long as you use the logical terms that people would search with, its that easy.

In the list you see above, Jackson Farm, New Westminster Credit Union, 240th St Bridge, Whonnock United Curch, BC HST, Albion Ferry, & Heatwave were all newspaper-like topics of the day. This list accounted for over 9000 views and 872 clicks. Not bad for stuff that mostly took just a few minutes to write and posted with a quick picture I took from my car window while driving around on other business.

Do I like it when fellow AR members comment on my posts, sure I do. Are AR members my demographic of choice, heck no! I might get the odd referral from Florida but I get tons o' business from the old home town folk doing Google searches and finding little ol' me. (Pretty folksy huh?)