FALL into Blogging as FALL approaches
For those of you that have realized that blogging is a great source of business, that it's a great way to get your name out there, and just a great way to network and share opinions.... here is a great way for those that are new to either Active Rain or to blogging, to show case some of your talents.
Ah, you say you don't have any blogging talents? Not to worry or fear... you have to start some where, right? You may 'fall' at first, but it's not failing. If I look back at my first 15 to 20 blogs, they weren't very good, nothing compared to what and how I write now. Some of it was just building my confidence up and in other cases, picking the brains of those that worked their way up. Keeping in mind that some are just good at writing, but quality content is king.
PS... even if you aren't signed up to blog, you can still write your blogs as 'members only' and still participate in this contest. The rules are below...
What is a Rainmaker? Someone that is a full member of Active Rain, who has full access to all that AR has to offer. That is to include blogging to the public. Active Rain has made it affordable for those to try it the first month. Active Rain Rainmaker - first month $5.000 -
When you have full access to Active Rain, you become a Rainmaker and are given this badge. FYI - I just came across a profile that is not a Rainmaker, so the only blogs they can post are 'members only' blogs. Yet, each of his blogs are listings. People, the only people able to see these are the members of AR. The public can't view these nor can Google index and search your blogs. Another great reason to join Active Rain.
Here is what I feel about Active Rain, about blogging, and what contests like this allow....
It's a chance for new members to show their talent. If anything, a chance to possibly find your blogging voice.
And keep in mind...The great thing about this community, in regards to AR, there are people willing to help you and help you grow.
So, you are new to Active Rain and possibly very new to blogging. You are afraid to jump out there and expose yourself. Here is a chance to be yourself, just put something out there, and to get new business, referrals, and to make new friends.
Do you know that 80% of the consumers out there shop online when looking for a home, mortgage services, or possibly the services of a stagger. That these consumers come to the internet looking for information and hoping to be educated on certain services. Have you read the many success stories here on Active Rain, proving that blogging works? Check them out here : Active Rain Block Party
We Want You !!!! With so many new ways in regards to technology, blogging has been a great way to market yourself and your business. But how can I blog? What can I write about? What about my presentation or style of writing? It takes time and for many of us, it didn't happen over night. You must be patient.... But what a great place to try and learn how to blog other than writing on Active Rain.
Within this contest, just be yourself. Judging will be based on original content and creativity. It won't be limited to just writing, meaning that you can use videos in your blog, graphics, and or pictures. If you want some great tips, Brad Andersohn is a great resource for tech stuff, blogging tips, and so much more. Subscribe to Brad Andersohn It can be on anything that you want it to be, any topic. What we want is for you to capture our interest. And keep in mind, lay-out and readability is important also, just as staging a home.... presentation.
And think of this contest as a way to prime yourself for your what you do, if you are a realtor, loan officer, title clerk, appraiser, etc, etc. Sheldon Neal wrote about this, What makes you different? Stand out from the crowd? This is a must read...
First prize will be awarded 1000 points and be Featured on ActiveRain and in the Active Rain Newbie group.
Second Prize will be awarded 750 points
Third Prize will be awarded 500 points
*200 additional points for all that enter this contest*
You can view the entries here..... Fall into Blogging as Fall Approaches
CONTEST RULES:
1. Who is eligible? Anyone on this site less than 6 months (please read below about this ) and who has never had a feature. Yes, if you have been on here for less than 6 months, but have received a feature, you can't enter. For some of you that don't know, a feature is that little Gold Star that you get at the bottom of your post and your blog is placed on the main page of Active Rain. Those blogs being featured in the AR groups don't count as an AR feature. UPDATE : even if you have been on here for a few months longer than 6 months, please read this comment : Additon to the contest rules comment # 14
2. Number of entrees per person will be limited to (2) and it must be completely original and authored by you. Any plagiarism found will be deleted and may be posted on Rich Jacobson's "wanted for plagiarism" post.
3. Submit your post to these 4 groups : An Active Rain Newbie Contest - Fall into blogging as Fall Approaches - 09/26/09, Dedicated Bloggers, Bloggers Choice Selections, Positive Attitude for the Weary Soul. The 5th & last group can be your group of choice.
4. Make sure that the title of your blog has this in it some where - "An Active Rain Newbie Contest - Fall into Blogging as Fall Approaches".
5. You must include the following in your Tag words below : "An Active Rain Newbie Contest - Fall into Blogging as Fall Approaches". If you don't, you won't qualify. (what is a tag? Tags & Tag words)
6. DEADLINE for submitting entries is Sunday, October 4th at midnight.
7. Winners will be announced Tuesday, October 6th, 2009.
8. Only 200 points will be awarded per PERSON regardless of the number of entries submitted - with the exception of the Winners.
PS.... please, also link your entry in this post, in your comment......
PPS... as the founder of this contest, not working directly for Active Rain... please don't get upset if you aren't awarded points right away. Give me and AR at least 7 to 10 days. I have a real job)
Lastly, bribing the judges can and will be optional. But nothing under 2,000 rubles. Hence why the judges won't be mentioned until the contest ends at midnight on October 4th.
Anyone wanting to judge, please e-mail me at jbelonger@ihmci.com
Here are the previous Newbie contests and contest winners :
GOOD LUCK TO ALL !!!!!
To follow comments in the original contest blog, please click this link – An Active Rain Newbie Contest – Fall into blogging as Fall Approaches