Home : Blogs : Florida Real Estate Trainer | Daytona Beach After School Training | Midori : Florida- Midori Miller-Training The Professionals

An Active Rain Love Story...Pay It Forward!

Being a member of Activerain in the early stages was quite frustrating to me! I loved this new idea of blogging and placing my thoughts and ideas on-line. Yes, I always wanted to be writer but sometimes the skills do not come so naturally, for me that was the case.

See I have the imagination, I have the ideas but putting it all together to create a phenomenal read was what I needed help with. My thoughts and ideas were jumbled up and took away from the way I wanted to express myself! The way I wanted to present my message....To get my point across!

Then in 2007 after posting about the International Market, I received an e-mail from none other than the infamous Colleen Kulikowski. I thought how interesting, suggestions and I can actually call her and she would be there to help! Well I did make that phone call and am grateful that I did.

You see she spent about an hour or so back and forth with me trying to get my post in top condition, why because she wanted to feature it! And she did! But wait, that is not all. See there was a catch, something huge, something I wasn't sure I could live up to.

She wanted me to pay it forward! I thought WOW, I like how she thinks! Yes, I could do this, I just hope that I don't insult anyone in the process! I hope they understand when I send an e-mail or make that phone call they too would be receptive like I was.

MY thoughts about Colleen and what she did for me!......Eyes Wide Open

Colleen Kulikowski reminded us never to forget our humble roots! Do the right thing and pay it forward. Has someone taken the time to share something quite valuable to you that is so amazing you can't help but talk about it and share it, it's almost as if it is passed on from generation to generation? How about that person in your life who just needs that little shove that may lead them the way to greatness? What about you? Has someone in your life given you a second chance and you didn't expect it? How about a total stranger? Did you or would you pay it forward to someone who truly needs it? When was the last time you did a good deed to expect nothing in return except to keep the chain going and pay it forward?

In honor of Colleen's act of kindness and her reputation on Activerain (have you ever read my older posts?), I decided to go back and edit each one and provide a link to the original post!

My Activerain Love Affair Begins

So ever since those training lessons, blogging took on a new meaning for me! I LOVE IT! I really appreciate and love the network. OK, the people make the network, I know! Activerain has presented me with opportunity, friendships and many possibilities. I can't seem to get enough, I am addicted, I want more!

So if you are a struggling newbie or you receive an e-mail or phone call from me, don't be afraid, it's not a scam, I am simply sharing the love. I am doing what Colleen asked me to do that is to Paying it Forward.

Posted by Florida Real Estate Trainer | Daytona Beach After School Training | Midori on 05/23/2007 07:22 AM

Comments (42)

colleen kulikowski, activerain, international market, feature post, pay it forward, midori, midori miller, daytona beach florida real estate

42 Comments on An Active Rain Love Story...Pay It Forward!

MAY

2007

Thats too cute...

We should all try to pay forward... Great blog BTW

Kuddos for colleen as well...

Y'all is just great..such huge hearts.. I hope I can make someone's transition into the industry less lonely and less stressfuil as AR has made it for me...

You guys don't understand how much I rely on your expertise.. Great Community..can't say it enough

Great story and it is always amazing the contacts that a blog can muster up.

Networking at a all new level...

1-877-MattLocke

www.GeorgiaHomeInsurance.com

You have great writing and so does Colleen.....I think we all have something to contribute in our own way. I believe mine is to bring a smile to give some insight and help out where I can. Hmmm....great job Midori~!

MAY

2007

Colleen is the BOMB!!!!

No, Rich, that would be DA BOMB, "Colleen is DA Bomb!" Get with the program oldtimer =) lol

Midori, this is a great post. Your writing is from the heart. I love it. And I've read many a tale about Colleen's helpful ways. I know you're already paying it forward. =)

Collen,

Has payed it foward to me as you did for me. Keep it up...call me.

Wow! I got up this morning, was feeling a little blue, and I get on to review AR for a little bit and I find this! ActiveRain is an amazing place, and it is watching the members that I have helped, blossom here that is the greatest thing for me. The list is long and when I see my fellow moderators feature them, it is such a great thing!

The concept of paying it forward to other members came from those that helped me and encouraged me when I was just starting out. Kristal Kraft, Maureen Francis, Broker Bryant, Teri Isner and Margaret Rome. It is because of them that I started helping others. I was so incredibly touched that they would take time to share their experiences and willing to help me out.

Midori -- I look forward to meeting you at the Orlando get together!

Good story. It's great to pay it forward. The big thing that I fear is trying to help someone who doesn't want to be helped. How can you tell who is open to being helped? I have a fear that they would take any constructive advice as criticism and resent me for bringing it up. I see it with my kids all of the time. If I tell them, they get mad at me. But if I set a good example, they seem to find it themselves and are happier. It works better if I wait until they ask me for help or advice.

Wonderful post. There is so much help available here. I love it. I love that picture with the heart. That is so cute!

What a super post. We are addicted too.

Good morning Midori, Finally I remembered to put you on my subscription list so I don't miss you. And there you are my first post of the day. You can never go wrong by sharing and helping others and Colleen is a perfect example to follow. See, she helped you and you brightened her day today. Isn't that great?

great post. You have value in all of your posts...keep them coming. We learn from each one.

Tony

Midori - what a wonderful tribute to such a kind, caring and sharing person! Colleen is a terrific lady, continually helping others, and from what I can see and have read, so many here on AR have benefitted from her - in many ways.

Very nice post, and how awesome that you each made each other's day!
Ann

Cute blog Midori...It's nice to see some positive come out of AR :)

Scott

It is nice of you to point out an AR act of kindness. We have a great group of folks on here. I hope you don't cause Colleen to be overwhelmed with requests to help more bloggers. :)

Not sure why the cutting edge agents are the one's who are often the ones who want to help others become cutting edge as well. I like the kind of people AR has attracted

Come on folks......I know that Midori can be sweet...but it's early yet.....maybe I'm just an ole grouch!

Bob Mitchell

ValueList

Midori, Like you, I received one of those phone calls from Colleen. I do understand your sentiment. She had caught a blog of mine that needed help and help she did. Paying it forward is a tremendous idea. There have numerous other folks here that helped with comments on different questions that I have asked. It's a great place and Colleen is one of the finest.

Rate it a 5 and flagged..congrats

great post...

Colleen knows her stuff!

I've found several people who are constantly paying it to me and I pay it back and then on to the next!

Nattalie-thank you for your comments. Yes I do believe in pay it forward and Colleen has done just that. I have actually e-mailed people for them to believe it was a scam or they got insulted. My point is never to do that. Just lend a helping hand, as a trainer and as a human being it is just natural to me! Believe me there have been lots of people who have paid it forward to me and I have never forgotten!

Matt-I have made so many new friendships, friendships that would have never happened if it weren't for this great platform. Yes, the networking is awesome! I appreciate the comments!

Sally-Well my friend coming from you I take that as a HUGE compliment. I think everyone has a contribution to make and I learn from so many! Always Always a pleasure

Rich-Thank you for stopping by, yes I agree that Colleen is the bomb! You aren't so bad yourself! I always appreciate when you stop by and visit

Maggie-My friend, I have gotten so much from the network and from Colleen, I cannot wait to meet her and all the others. I plan on having a wonderful time! It's like we are family already!

Neal-Thank you and yes you are right, she is awesome! These are just pure kindessess from her heart! I have this belief she just wants people to be the best they can be. For me, that is all I want nothing more!

Colleen-It's so easy to write about a subject that is truly good! You are that subject, it's funny, we have never met face to face many of us but I do feel many are part of my family! I thank you for helping me to find my voice, I thank you for give me a little care when needed and I for one cannot wait to meet everyone in Orlando! As sappy as I am, I may even cry! Thank you Colleen....we all appreciate what you do!

Tim-Thank you for stopping by! Yes, if you noticed, I did write about sending an e-mail or calling! I have done just that and either got a no response or they think it is a scam. We can't help those who do not want to be helped! As a trainer, I know this and as a parent! I don't know who will be receptive. I am not a know it all and I do not always get featured but I will say that I am no longer embarrassed ever when I post! I am really ok, if someone does not want my help and for those that really do, I imagine they will contact me! I have had my fair share of calls and e-mails and the truth is I don't mind.

Christy-Thanks for stopping by and yes, I love the photo's that I choose and sometimes it takes longer to select the pic than write the blog! I have learned so much from the network! I use plenty for training our associates.

Tim and Pam-Yes my addiction is bad, I am sometimes in the dog house at home! We try to make deals when it comes to activerain, my hubby knows how important an online presence is but I think he does not understand the realtor community in general! Thank you for stopping by and comment! I really appreciate it!

Broker Bryant-It is always a pleasure when you stop by! Just like you I have added you on my subscriptions, I think I need a special alert for you posts! I really love them! The problem is sometimes 100 comments later, I am seeing double and in one post!! I have always been one to really show appreciation and the love, meaning once you help me or assist me you are in for life! Everything runs in full circle.... I cannot wait to meet you and Billie both....

Midori,

I actually got a phone call from an Active Rain member this morning who saw my profile and wanted to know more about making his blogs and profile work for him too.....

We spent the next 30 minutes or so talking about blog/profile/and website SEO......

Paying it forward....

=-)

I just want to add that Colleen pays it forward everyday in some way for our team too we are blessed to have her with us.

Tony-Thank you I take that as a huge compliment! I see so many great posts here so I am happy you like them. Thanks for stopping by.

Ann-Yes I feel the love and she shares it with a lot of people here. That is why I am a part of this network! It's the people. Thank you for stopping by....I really appreciate it!

Lysa-I am smiling right back at you!

Scott-In our world we have to look for the positive things in life. I tend to go that way! I appreciate you stopping by and commenting.

Randy-Yes we have ton's of talent here. My intent was to let people know that if I call or e-mail I am here to help and not criticize. I just hope if Colleen does contact them, they too will be receptive. Thanks for commenting my friend. I really appreciate it!

Lisa-I think it always goes back to values and usually the "STARS" only want people to be as good or better than themselves. I find it funny. I think also the star, care how the public looks at us and they are in it for the long haul! I will always do my part to help better someone else! For me, it makes our profession look better as a whole and I do get gratification! Thank You Lisa for your input and stopping by.

Oh Bob-You made me smile, you aren't an old grouch sometimes too much sugar in the morning just doesn't sit well. I kinda felt out of sorts today myself so I understand. One of our fellow rainers got the brunt of it, yes my dear friend Neal! Thank you for stopping by.........

Judi-To me I was mediocre, I don't know about you that is just not acceptable for me. I want to be great, I want to be read and I want to be heard! Colleen gave us both that! So here is to Colleen once again!

Neal-To me you are a fine example of why I love this network. Thank you for flagging and rating! I can always count on you, for the good, the bad and the ugly.

David-Yes she does! I have been assisted more than once from someone here on Activerain. I never forget my roots, my humble beginnings..........

Alex-Thanks for stopping by.....Yes I can see why someone would contact you and I am sure it would not be the first time. I love your stuff!

Teri-Thank you for stopping by!!!!! I think you are very lucky to have her as part of your team. I am sure she feels the same way! By the way! I think you have one of the best websites I have ever seen! I love it and it's fun but also professional.

Thanks everyone for stopping by, I had a very slow start this morning! I really appreciate all the kind words, the feedback and most of all kudo's to Colleen!

Everyone -- I have to thank all of your! What a wonderful thing to hear! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!!

THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!!

THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!

Have I said how much I appreciate each of you!

LOL @ Colleen...

I think we get it now. SVW (smiling very wide)

Okay Midori...It was very nice of you to acknowledge Colleen's kindness in this way. I see that the two of you are very much alike :)

Colleen is what I call a 'hot sh$t'. Ooops. Can I say that? Too late. I already did :)

Just so you know I spend a better part of the day helping new members. It's just something I enjoy doing. I do not do this for personal gain. I do it because I want to see everyone that joins AR to succeed in their blogging efforts.

I have a saying that you'll like...Success is at it's best when you bring other's along with you :)

TLW...ROAR!

What a lovely story to find! I'm sorry I didn't see this earlier in the day, it is SO wonderful that Colleen would take the time to CALL to help someone....What an inspiration and congratulations on your Feature!!

Midori,

Paying it forward is the way to go. AR is great in that. I've already learned a bunch and am trying to pay it forward as we go. We all have our own ways to do it, but so long as you share your knowledge, you're good.

Colleen- You're welcome....It's well deserved!

The Lovely Wife-Thank you for the nice compliment! I think that is why I am a trainer, I love when people do well and I contribute! I KNOW ABOUT YOU!!!! Kidding......... I can tell from your posts, your interaction and from your words you are contributing to Activerain in a big way! I know you have a huge heart....you have proved over and over again. Can't wait to meet you, I think Orlando is going to be fuuuuuuuuuuuuuunnnnnn!

Your saying.....again shows you in a beautifully true light! You are indeed The Lovely Wife!

Carole- Thank you....I say better late than ever! I have missed so many! I think we really have no idea what all these moderators do! She is one awesome lady! Thank you for your comments....

Esko-Thank you for stopping by. I too have learned so much from Activerain. You are right we all contribute to the network in our own unique way!

Thanks Midori, If I get a buzz from you I promise, I will be cool...and receptive!

Gwendolyn-Thanks for stopping by! I love it!! Good, don't be suprised if I e-mail you! But remember there is a catch you too have to pay it forward!

Awesome post Midori. This is the kind of stuff that makes AR so amazing for everyone!

MAY

2007

Love the post! Very cool that you have these relationships. I have a question for all of you. You are seamingly close to each other, and have been able to build these relationships. How do you do that? Do you subscribe to their blogs? Do you comment on all of their posts? I am trying to get more involved and want to build solid relationships, but am having trouble getting comments and participation from the crowd, and seem to get passed by. Any tips?

Thanks in advance!

Jon

Ryan-Thank You for stopping by! I always appreciate you stopping by! Yes I agree everyone can get something out of Activerain.

Jon-Hi, these relationships are here for the taking meaning. You have to build them. Build Rapport! I try and comment, I am working it, meaning building my sphere of influence. So comment, more than what the points offer! I subscribe to many! I will subcribe and comment! Consider what you are writing about. I will have to check it out today! Sometimes its the topic you choose or the way you express yourself. There are over 30,000 people on this network so there is plenty of friendships and networking to build. I will check out your posts and send you an e-mail. Don't give up....keep commenting and blogging.......

One other thing Jon, see you stopped by here and you are receptive to assistance, sometimes because there are so many members it is very hard to keep up with everyone. Just by you commenting today, it sent me to your post! Get the picture! Everything runs in full circle, so if you start commenting just a little bit more, you will find allies at the end! I will be in touch!

Midori,

I think I have always understood, but haven't yet realized how much commenting it takes. I have a hard time blogging let alone commenting as much as I should. I guess that is what I will have to work on!

Thanks for the encouragement Midori!

Jon

Jon-No worries, it will get easier! If you check my next post it will give you some pointers. I will be in touch with you!

AUG

2008

Hi Midori:

I stumbled across your post, and as you can tell by the name of my site, Agentspayingforward.com, I think the idea of paying it forward is great. My intention is to network for business with it (I have twice today), and also help as many charitable organizations as I can: everybody wins! I spoke with a couple of different people yesterday, and, without reservation, they paid it forward to help me work within Active Rain. Americans and Active Rain participants are always paying it forward - I think it's great that you are trying to share the stories.

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?