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A Lonely, Stupid REALTOR is Transformed - BEFORE ActiveRain and NOW

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty of California, Inc. CA DRE #01490977

My first thought was that this BEFORE ActiveRain and NOW contest would be a snap. Ha!!

ActiveRain logoOnce I started actually thinking about it I realized my memory was going to be significantly challenged (that happens often). Of course I joined AR in August 2006 so I'm old in blog years - those who are newer may easily recollect their before-AR personas. But let's give it a shot with the few neurons I still have.

AR has transformed me in so many ways BEFORE ACTIVERAIN I HAD NO FRIENDS.

Well, not quite - make that no real on-line friends. The shift from Internetless-friends to where I now have more than I would ever dare to try and list (not just the many casual connections but folks I call true friends) has been an amazing transformation, and one which I never would have anticipated.

And now I have personally met well over 100 AR folks from all over the country, many of them more than one time, and THAT, for me, is remarkable. Hmmm, I wonder if anyone is dating or even got married from having met via AR? Any spicy stories to share?

AR Gathering on the beach in Crystal Cove 5/07

 AR Gathering in Orange County CA 8/07

Two early AR gatherings of Friends in Southern California - Crystal Cove and Manhattan Beach 

 

Before ActiveRain I knew nothing...and Now I know everything.

Sometimes my brain feels fried from all the AR informationOk, that's writer's privilege here to exaggerate. I knew a fair amount about real estate and marketing before AR, but that knowledge has grown exponentially, with AR being the 24/7 on-line seminar that it is. In some ways I was a child embarking on an amazing journey of learning that continues today. I have learned more about on-line marketing, dealing with short sales and REOs, dressing up my website, social media, listing presentations, dealing with buyers and sellers, different types of technology and various gadgets, and endless other topics than in any series of classes, webinars or reading I have done. Truly AR is a remarkable brain trust. If you can't get an answer to a question from at least one of the 160,000+ members, well, then, perhaps there IS no answer. Imagine the power and influence we have with all that knowledge!!

 BEFORE ACTIVERAIN BLOG WAS A FOUR-LETTER WORD.

OK, blog is still a four letter word. But instead of being clueless, and fearful, about this four-letter word, thanks to AR I can actually write articles on a blog, talk with others about blogging, and even teach. AR has helped me know myself better- my likes and dislikes, my passions and interests, my values, my ethics, my emotions, my humor and sarcasm. I have a pretty good sense of my voice and what I like writing about, and discovered my creativity. Plus I think I have become more tolerant of other's perspectives, and, indeed, truly value the diversity that is ActiveRain. Nope, still don't like the bad behavior I see, which I ignore as best I can.

Carlsbad real estate market reportsActiveRain, and blogging in general, has helped me become a much better agent. I had barely lived in CA for a year when I started blogging and it has enabled me to become an area expert in many ways - housing, things to do, communities, restaurants, local happenings, to name a few - and to understand my market conditions by writing monthly market reports.

Being a source of information IS essential and I am now this in spades (so I'm told). Buyers and sellers find me on Google because of what I know and write about. How cool is that?

Relocating to CA was a challenge in many waysBefore ActiveRain my business was coming from some print advertising, a few referrals (several through my broker) and luck. Having only been in CA for a year in a rapidly declining market with a zillion agents and no network when I moved here was challenging. AR has changed all that. Apart from my CRS referrals and some past clients back East, my business now comes predominantly from my blogging, including referrals in and outbound (do you know a better referral network than ActiveRain?!).

There has been a growing awareness on my part of what consumers are looking for and need in their real estate transactions in a market that is unlike any other - this has come not only from my own personal growth in my blogging, but perhaps more so from the many others who form the greatest social media network in the world that I have learned so much from and who so freely and generously share their knowledge and expertise. ActiveRain is an unbelievable gift. 

ActiveRain has led to teaching at several local real estate boards, talks at several RE Bar Camps and the Women's Council of REALTORS, a panel at the recent C.A.R. convention, a Los Angeles Times article, an Agent Interview in "Thrive: How REALTORS Can Succeed in a Down Market (2009)," and interviews for several REALTOR magazines including the The Residential Specialist (CRS) for January/February 2010.

What lies ahead? A time of tremendous growth and change, an opportunity to learn from the greatest collection of brain power in real estate I can imagine, and the knowledge that where I am now is nothing like where I will be in the future.

And I look forward to more friendships around the country and beyond.

THAT is Before ActiveRain and Now.

Posted by

Jeff Dowler, CRS
Certified Residential Specialist / Realtor®


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Comments (36)

Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hannah - thank you so much for your kind words. The rewards of being part of AR are so far-reaching and I have had a fabulous journey. I learn so much from others and hope that will never change. It has beena real treat to meet so many folks in person - it really adds to the relationship. I try to seek out folks whenever I go to a meeting or are going to be in an area - I have never regretted it.

Diane - well I certainly hope WE will get to meet F2F someday. We have been connected for so long now, and I always enjoy chatting with you. Have fun in Raleigh - it will be a blast, no doubt. We have another RE Bar Camp in San Diego in a few weeks just before N.A.R.

Jeff

Oct 20, 2009 03:18 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

George - I love being an "old timer!" Hard to believe that much time has passed.

Terry - there will be a number of AR folks at N.A.R. I believe. Hope WE will at least be able to meet.

Jeff

Oct 20, 2009 03:25 AM
Susie Blackmon
Ocala, FL
Ocala, Horses, Western Wear, Horse Farms, Marketing

I hope we get to meet somewhere along this blogging path! It's always a pleasure to read your posts, and I especially enjoyed this one since it is about you. ;-)

Oct 20, 2009 12:47 PM
Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

Excellent journey...I guess I could ditto just about every point you made...as many of use could.

Good luck in the contest, Jeff.

Oct 20, 2009 11:47 PM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Jeff this really says it all. You have maximized your time here for sure and turned into a great business builder.

Oct 20, 2009 11:58 PM
Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation

Jeff, I think Activerain has been a life-changing experience for many of us and you've expressed very well exactly what my experience has been, as well.

Oct 21, 2009 12:27 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Nevin - it's pretty cool, huh? Meeting others in person, having folks call to buy and list? Hope we can meet up again.

Susie - I bet we will, some time. I don;t particularly like writing about myself, nor having my pic taken. AR has helped, to some extent, with both issues. LOL

Missy - thanks so much, It HAS been a journey, and one I know will continue. As for the contest, well, this was actually pretty fun regardless of the outcome. And good self-reflection.

Bill - still workin' it, still workin'!

Margaret - I appreciate the thought. I doubt there are many, at least those who have been here for a while, who have not had life-changing experiences. I look forward to the future.

Jeff

Oct 21, 2009 02:39 AM
Loreena and Michael Yeo
3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX
Real Estate Agents

Now Jeff - that's a beautiful story. You can put a pin here in the Frisco TX area coz I'm one!

BTW, I'm so impressed with my 1st CRS class and the networking session thereof that I too have decided that I want to be a part of the group!

Oct 21, 2009 10:11 AM
JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate

Before I came to AR, I had never encountered anyone online. I never used chat rooms or any other forums, but things have certainly changed since I became active here.

Oct 22, 2009 02:46 AM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

BRAAAAVO !!!!

... and some day I'll be another ActiveRainer to add to your 'met' list !

Cheers Jeff and Congrats on your contest recognition :o)

Oct 23, 2009 10:21 AM
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

Each of the contest winners have had an interesting point of view about the benefits of AR!

Oct 23, 2009 11:05 AM
Kathryn Gorham
Green Key Realty - Emerald Isle, NC
Emerald Isle NC Crystal Coast

Jeff, I like your style. Great going on your contest win. I love how you left us waiting for the sequel of what the future brings. Will this be like a Rocky movie?

Oct 23, 2009 11:05 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Loreena - and someday we WLL meet F2F. So glad to hear about your CRS class - I thought you would be impressed. GEtting involved with the Chapter can lead to more referrals. Good luck getting the designation. Let me know when you are finished!!

JL - as I said, I had the same experience. Interesting how different it can be, yet so commonplace now.

Sheldon - Thanks.  You bet - we WILL see each other sometime in person.

Cheryl - there are lots of differences as well as similarities.

Kathryn - well, perhaps it will be. I'm not completely sure where the future will lead but you can bet I will be here!

Jeff

Oct 23, 2009 11:06 AM
Andrea Swiedler
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

Jeff, what a great story, all of it believable to me, not so perhaps to those outside in the cold. Way to go, and what great things have happened to you as a result of your time spent here! Congratulations on the mention for the contest, this is really great!

Oct 23, 2009 11:45 AM
Martha Brown
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Annapolis MD 21403 - Annapolis, MD
Your Homes Around Annapolis Agent

Jeff- Such a great story. The rain has changed the lives of so many of us or should I say the people within have. People like you who thanks to AR I have had the pleasure of getting to know. Congrats on the mention in the PAWS contest. How cool is that!!

Oct 23, 2009 12:11 PM
Elizabeth Bolton
RE/MAX Destiny Real Estate Cambridge, MA - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge MA Realtor

Hi Jeff ~ If anybody was going to take this and run with it it would be you - I've always thought of you as an early adopter. How wonderful that your journey on ActiveRain coincided with your move to a new market. It's amazing how it gives you what's really a national stage - and a huge pool of friends. It's been a delight to reconnect with you here.  Super story - thanks for sharing it.

Liz

Oct 23, 2009 12:13 PM
Libby Offnick
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Mooresville, NC
ABR, e-PRO, SPS

Jeff....AR is a great tool for meeting people and connecting to see what a small world this is.  My first referral on AR was a young couple and now that we have connected and started the search for their first home we see how our lives connected through so many sources.

I have meet so many great people and enjoyed stories that others have had.....the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Hope to run into you on AR again.

Oct 23, 2009 12:51 PM
Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS
iTexas Realty Co. - San Antonio, TX

Hi Jeff-  I loved hearing how you have leveraged technology into a more fulfilling life and such job satisfaction.  There are so many facets to what we do. If the public only knew....  CONGRATULATIONS!  --Sara

Oct 23, 2009 06:58 PM
Russel Ray, San Diego Business & Marketing Consultant & Photographer
Russel Ray - San Diego State University, CA

I had come to ActiveRain in March 2007 when there were 22,515 members. I took a sabbatical until July 2008 when I came back permanently. The home inspection site where I had been playing for the previous 5½ years had become so negative due to the declining real estate market and the political season that I had to leave and look for something more positive. When I came over here in July 2008, I found a lot of political rantings and ravings, and disagreements, but for the most part everything was civilized, what I call the Five P's: Pleasant, Polite, Personable, Positive, and Professional. So ActiveRain currently is my Internet home.

Oct 23, 2009 09:19 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Jeff- yes, friends.  My circle of friends, real true friends has grown so much because of this medium.  And you are so right about the answers.  Questions are what brought me here and answers I found.

Oct 24, 2009 04:29 AM