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A Year in Reflection as I walked (in FEAR) over the Ben Franklin Bridge !

By
Real Estate Agent with The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia

A year in Reflection as I walked over the Ben Franklin Bridge !

It was about a year ago that I started blogging.  One of my first blogs was a post that I wrote "Overcoming the fear of Heights" (I enjoy looking at some of my old posts).  I was so scared that day walking over the Bridge.  I could not believe that I had gone from being a bold risk-taker as a skydiver and an adrenalin junkie to the point where I was terrified of heights and needed to hold my wife's hand to ease my fear as we walked over the bridge and back.  

We have done it a few times since then and we did it again today as it was such a beautiful day in Philadelphia.  Each time we have gone, it is a little less scary but my heart still beats hard and fast !

As I was walking I reflected how far Stephanie and I have come in that one year with our blog here on Active Rain as well as Philadelphia Real Estate Voice .  We have received a lot of business and notoriety (both locally and nationally) from our blogging.  Two of our blog entries during the year were picked up by RE/MAX Times:

  1. Featured in RE/MAX Times !
  2. Highlighted in RE/MAX Times Online !

In the last year, we have made countless connections here in Active Rain as well as many other real estate industry and web 2.0 contacts.  As a result, we went to the Inman Conference earlier in the year and Real Estate Bar Camp Philadelphia 2 weeks ago .  I was invited to speak at a Keller Williams Expert Panel a few months ago from being recognized as a leader in technology in the Philadelphia real estate market.   And in a few days, I will be speaking at the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors "Ask the Experts" Panel... again on technology.  I am already a bit nervous but excited about the opportunity ! 

I think my main point here is that great things happens once you cross your limits and overcome your fears.  I really believe just by diving right in to your industry and getting involved, being proactive and positive leads to results FAR beyond your expectations.  With us, we just dove into blogging and social media !  We still have a lot to learn but the beauty about it is that you can grow and build at your own pace.  The point is (not to sound too much like the Nike commercial) is to JUST DO IT !  You will be happy you did. 

And afterward, instead of feeling fearful and terrified like I did a year ago, I was smiling all day today !

Below is a photo from our walk today over the Ben Franklin Bridge.  Additional photos can be seen on our Facebook page .  Also, if you have not done so, please connect with us on Facebook (just click the link).  And while you are at it, please subscribe to our blog as well !  I think the next year is going to be even more exciting !

View from the Ben Franklin Bridge

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The Somers - Chris and Stephanie Somers

If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612 . You can connect with us on Facebook and Twitter .  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub !

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Areas of specialty include Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

Matt Stigliano
Kimberly Howell Properties (210) 646-HOME - San Antonio, TX

Chris - You're brave.  I used to feel kind of funny just driving over the Ben Franklin Bridge.  Maybe that's just because I knew I was going to end up in Camden.  Haha.

Jun 07, 2009 02:18 PM
Stephen Kappre
KW Hometown - Mantua, NJ
Helping You Home

Chris - You'll do great. Remember, you know more than 95% of them regarding technology, and the 5% that have a clue will realize that there is a bazillion things to keep track of.

Matt - So true.

Jun 07, 2009 10:47 PM
Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

Amazing how we can grow and learn in a year. You guys are doing great and that is some  great sucess you have posted on.

Activerain opened up a new world for me as well.

Jun 08, 2009 12:42 AM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

It really is cools how much exposure one can get by having a good online presence!

Jun 08, 2009 12:54 AM
Richard Stabile
Re/Max Real Estate Limited - Oradell, NJ
Bergen County New Homes Builder Realtor

Christopher and Stephanie:

Happy anniversery!  You know I always like your blogs. On top of which, your clip art is great.

I am happy your business is going well. Ours is better up here. You know I was screaming for this market to turn.

 

Richard

Jun 08, 2009 02:45 PM
The Somers Team
The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA
Delivering Real Estate Happiness

Matt - LOL, I hear you.  One of the photos we took was the Camden shore line which is where their prison is (on the north side).  We decided not to use that photo : )

Steve - True.  The ironic thing is that I am not a tech guy at all... I wish I was.  It is funny that being a blogger people think you are a tech wiz. 

Missy - You got that right.  Active Rain certainly can open new worlds and doors for many of us.  Is amazing !

Jun 08, 2009 10:44 PM
Cristal Drake
Prudential California Realty - Fullerton, CA
Realtor - Fullerton Real Estate

Oh what a difference a year makes! I remember when you crazy kids first started blogging! I love reading what is going on around Fishtown or Old Kensington and when Philadelphia comes to mind, you are the first people I think of!  I need to follow your lead and get back into my old habbits. Lots of changes and other Social Media is taking up so much of my time!

Jun 10, 2009 04:38 PM