No, the series isn't wrapping up...  But there are a few things that I have wanted to say that were too short for their own post, but didn't fit neatly in other posts... 

Community... 

Active Rain is a social network, at least as much as FaceBook, and certainly more that Twitter (for most users).  What I mean by this is that there are amny things happening here, just like a community.  There are groups of people with similar interests, just like a community.  And there are lots of opportunities to get together and meet others... just like a community. 

The people inside your computer that share incredible information, annoy you, make you think about how you live or do business and that you get to know through a conversation of blogging and commenting are REAL people.  Some of them are local, others are very NOT local.  Some are real estate professionals, others are vendors, still others defy description.  But they are all real.  If met quite a few people from Active Rain... and I am richer for it. 

Just like the community you live in, the more you give, the more you get back out of it.  Paying it forward works incredibly well here. 

Bigger Picture...

Blogging in general (and Active Rain is no different) isn't a stand alone strategy.  It is part of a campaign.  I have long referred to blogging as the centerpiece of social network marketing.  It provides the content to base other media on (like Twitter, FaceBook Pages, YouTube videos, etc.) as well as providing a destination to send those veiwers/readers after seeing the "bait" on other networks.  The other social networks are great ways to pull in new prospects/readers/viewers and at the same time they are great tools to use to keep them up to date on what is going on with... your blog.

A blog without a networking plan or a networking plan without a blog is like a sandwich without bread or without the meat (or without the peanut butter and jelly). 

Also, remember that blog posts are the start of a conversation.  Don't write it and then walk away... that isn't participating.  Nothing like wandering through a blog post and seeing commentors ask questions and the original poster NEVER coming back to answer them. 

Have your Tools...

I might have a blog post out of this one yet...  What kind of GarageGuy would I be if I didn't mention some tools... 

• Camera - You should have one almost all of the time.  You don't need to drag out the Hasselblad (and yes, I have one...) but you SHOULD have a small digital camera available when you are out and about.  You NEVER know what you might see. 
  
• Blog Log - I mentioned this the other day.  Get a little notebook or learn how to write notes on your smartphone.  I think that the notebook might be faster...  But you can write down blog post ideas, thoughts and even "notes". 
  
• Open Mind - I learn EVERY day.  I now look for lessons in other businesses... and even from watching kids on the playground. 
  
• Google - Search for information on your niche, whether geo-targeted or lifestyle.  Set up Google Alerts for appropriate keywords. 

There are other tools that will be appropriate to some.  Feel free to add some of your own thought below.  I look forward to hearing from you.