Giving Back to the Active Rain Community

Giving Back to the Active Rain Community

 

Transitioning into a new career, no matter what avenue you take to make that transition, can be an arduous process.  Wrapping your arms and your mind around this new career and giving it your all, makes for a much smoother adjustment than simply flying by the seat of your pants!  The same thing goes for newcomers to the blogging community.  If you're anything like I was, I tippy-toed into the blogosphere--very cautiously, I might add!  How many times have we heard the negatives of blogging?  Well, let me tell you, the amount of positives TRUMPS those negatives exponentially.

 

 

 

 

 

Recently I was asked to help a new member, who is also a new agent, get her blog started and help her get her business going in a positive direction.  I realized that, not only do I love my 'real' job but, helping and watching others succeed here in the Rain is something that, simply put, makes me 'proud!'  

 

I have watched so many Active Rain members go from the 'newbie' phase to learning the ropes and taking full advantage of this amazing venue in no time at all.  A shining example of that would be Sheldon Neal--I wouldn't say he tippy-toed like I did, rather he dove right in!  He followed active members, showed that he actually READ the posts and was an active participant in discussions.  He then began blogging after learning just what a quality post is and now has a huge following.  My recommendation for newbies--wrap your mind and arms around Sheldon and hold on for the hilarious ride!

 

 

But, where did Sheldon learn just how to 'work' this system?  Well, let me just say, there are too many wonderful members to list here but, just a couple of examples will set you on your way to learning the ropes:

Subscribe to Jeremy Blanton's blog--if you need a tutorial on anything 'technology,' he's always on the cutting edge!  Brad Andersohn gives great tips for becoming a successful blogger here in the Rain.  His instructions are even good for those of us who have been around for awhile--there's ALWAYS something new to learn from Brad!

 

 

 

 

Broker Bryant is the 'resident' short sale expert!  His posts are chock full of information on how to list properties to how to negotiate them.  A little (or should I say BIG) injection of humor makes his posts a pleasure to read.  And, his lovely wife, TLW, has a huge spot in her heart for newbies--she shows newbies the ropes and even holds your hand if you're a bit shy.  The ammo-wielding, tough girl act is just that--TLW has a heart of GOLD!  (Can you tell I adore this woman?!)  And, watch out--she's the queen of serenading you with rock and roll embeds on your posts!

NOW, for you 'oldies':  Are you giving back to the community like these shining examples are doing?  Are you learning something and sharing your knowledge with the community? Do you have expert knowledge in something that you can teach to others?  

Lenn Harley is our resident expert on copyright infringement.  If you have questions about adding photos that you've snagged from the internet, check out Lenn's posts on this big NO-NO!  Bill Gassett is a great member to learn how to provide market reports for your consumers.  A good mix of professional tips, personal experiences, listing properties, local information, tutorials and good ole' humor can be found all over Active Rain.  Missy Caulk and Margaret Rome provide a good mix of fun, personal and professional information on their sites; and, you can learn a great deal about how a positive attitude can make or break your business from Sally Cheeseman.  

 

Jason Crouch is the epitomy of one who gives back to the community; he provides wonderful tips and advice to members, both old and new.  Margaret Woda , one of the most well-rounded bloggers, has a knack for 'presentation!'  Her blogs are always organized and appealing to the eye.  Margaret shares her knowledge in a way that even those of us who may be a bit technology-challanged, can understand.

And, one of my personal favorites, Marti Garaughty, who gives SO much to us--writing reveiws, highlighting some wonderful posts that we may have missed throughout the month, recommending technology and social media articles to us for our reading pleasure and even shareing his amazing creative abilities with blog headers, monthly calendars and so much more.

Are YOU giving back to the community?

My challange to you, as seasoned Active Rain members, is to create a post designed to help others--what have you just learned to do that took you hours to figure out?  What have you been dying to learn to do and finally learned how to do it?  What was the most beneficial tool you learned to use on your blog?  Has someone recently asked you how to do something and you told only that member?  Why not write a post about it?  After you've written a tutorial, come back and post your link--I'll compile a list for newbies on the most up-to-date tutorials.

We've all taken so much from the Rain, why not make a committment to give back as the members I mentioned (and SO many others) do?  It's refreshing and I think you'll feel that same sense of 'pride' in watching others grow that I do!