Real Estate Blog - The Road to 300,000 Points: 5 Benefits to Playing in the Rain

Home : Blogs : Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate : Schuylkill County Real Estate Information - Your Guide to Homes in Pottsville & The Region

The Road to 300,000 Points: 5 Benefits to Playing in the Rain

This week I hit a milestone: 300,000+ points on ActiveRain. Woo hoo!

I've been blogging here since July 2007, but I had kind of a slow start. I did what many new ActiveRainers do: logged in, filled out my profile, read a few posts, then forgot about ActiveRain for a while. I had just started my own brokerage firm in June 2007. so that was a busy summer for me. When I re-discovered this site, it was because I was looking for answers to a question and I remembered the folks at AR and thought someone could help me.

I blogged off and on that fall, posting about my part of Pennsylvania, and writing information pieces about Schuylkill County, PA.

I posted an occasional question or answer to someone else's post. It wasn't until spring of 2008 that I found my voice, and started blogging regularly.

A year after that original introduction to AR I hit my stride, and was starting every morning reading the newest featurerd posts, replying and commenting on others' posts, and blogging almost every day.

Along the way, I've discovered many benefits to this daily ritual / habit / addiction.

1. EDUCATION. I have learned so much here from reading the posts of other agents. If you want to learn something new, log on here every day and spend 30 minutes daily reading posts. Really, it's as good as any classroom experience. If you are new and don't know where to start, here's a list of some of my favorite bloggers who write EDUCATIONAL posts:

- Lenn Harley - the grand dame of copyright, web marketing, successful internet promotion of yourself, and so much more. (Love the new photo Lenn.)

- Katerina Gasset - Coach, trainer, and web guru. Want to know how to make your posts better, read Katerina's blog.

- Active Brad - Everything you could possibly want to know about ActiveRain is on Active Brad's blog.

2. CAMERADERIE. The AR gang is like the Cheers bar--where everyone knows your name! True you don't become "Norm!" in week one. It takes some time to get to know the others in the room. But if you sign on and hang out here regularly, you'll soon get the feel for the place. Read posts and learn who the "players" are, start commenting on other people's blog posts. Subscribe to a few bloggers and get to know them as people. In the beginning it may be daunting, but if you hang in there and start communicating back and forth, you'll soon become "one of the gang."

3. TRUE FRIENDSHIP. Building on 2, friendship comes naturally. I have made some truly great friends on this site... and it's not just online! When you do pick up the phone to call another Rainer, you have an instant rapport with them. When you meet in person, it's even better! I swear I know a few people on here better than my own neighbors. Anyone else feel that way? Write some posts here, and don't be surprised if someone reaches out to you someday and picks up the phone to ask for your advice, or just to chat. We help each other here, and are there for each other in good times and bad. I've had Rainers call me with tears of frustration, or anger .... and good calls to celebrate a victory. A BIG THANKS to many of the Rainers I consider true friends: Loreena, Fran, Jennifer, Wendy, and so many more.

4. A SYMPATHETIC EAR. When you are having a bad day, or need to vent ... it's okay to vent here (just please make your post MEMBERS ONLY--we don't need members of the public reading our dirty laundry). Is your husband tired of hearing your complaints about that co-broke agent or your broker? Best friend unsympathetic because she doesn't understand our business? Post it here. Rant and rave to us, and then sit back and read the replies. Maybe we'll have you laughing at the situation in the end.

5. FUN! What would a place to hang out be without FUN? We have C Tann to thank for that, and her Club Chaos. If you are really new and have never been rainjacked, watch out. Between C Tann and TLW, you're toast. And you'll be ROTFL pretty quickly. Or TLW will pull out her shotgun and make you laugh. TLW even has her own CHANNEL for god's sake. That's big time here on AR.

If you're new here, welcome to ActiveRain. Hang out here and hang on tight! You might learn something, make some friends, and have fun in the process.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

Posted by Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate on 10/24/2009 04:30 PM

Comments (129)

Points and Milestones in the ActiveRain Channel

Post is included in group: HAPPY AT ACTIVERAIN
Post is included in group: Club Chaos
Post is included in group: The Ninety-ninth Percentile
Post is included in group: The Lounge at Active Rain
Post is included in group: Realtors®

129 Comments on The Road to 300,000 Points: 5 Benefits to Playing in the Rain

OCT

Wow! I am trying to reach my own milestone of 30,000. Blogging daily definitely becomes easier over time as it becomes almost habitual. Congrats to your persistence.

Cogratulations on the milestone. I'm fairly new here but I already recognize all of the Rainmakers you mentioned so I must be keeping good company.

Thanks for sharing you successes and friendships on Active Rain. Good lesson learned today.

Congrats on you success with AR it seems you have the top 5 all listed wish you many more points and learning with AR.

Congrats. I agree with the sentiment about this site. I have enjoyed "getting to know" you here as well.

Thanks Erica for the kind words.

Consistancy is important and don't forget those Localisms for the consumer. It's great to write for AR members, but that doesn't put a check in my PO box.

The synergy between AR and my web sites is amazing.

Erica!!

Congratulations, kudos to you, you have arrived!! I laughed when I read the following line:

Along the way, I've discovered many benefits to this daily ritual / habit / addiction.

AR is truly an addiction...but a good one!! I began getting serious about posting, commenting, reading 8-10 posts/day back on September 1st of this year. I joined June of 2008...so I could totally relate to your post. No turning back now!

I have found that it makes marketing meetings and state and national events much more interesting. Going to NAR is almost like going to a high school reunion where you can link up with your AR friends.

Points have no meaning at all unless they bring direct traffic and quiality leads to your sales website.

If they do great, if they don't use more SEO and key word targeting with your AR blogging.

Erica - congratulations on reaching that milestone. What a wonderful journey it has been for you. I enjoy your writing, even if I dont always comment. I think what you said pretty much echoes what so many of us feel about being here - a truly remarkable and wonderful place.

Jeff

Erica

Congratulations on your milestone.

Thanks everyone.

I do rotate my posts and have several TYPES of posts I write in my blog, and on localism.

Some are for CONNECTING with people here, and others are for CONSUMERS.

My outside blog does indeed bring me business. I have listed / Sold some very good properties thanks to AR and my blog bringing in consumers to my site.

Well done Erica. The 300,00+ club is very small. It takes a lot of dedication to get there. Now keep at it!!

By the way I agree with all of your points (in the post....not the 300,000)

Erica...I brought up the cheers bar in a recent post, regarding this great A/R platform. We are a lucky group of musketeers...and its all for one and one for all. Much to learn and much to willingly teach.

Erica - If this is a version of Cheers, color me an athletic version of Norm. I'd play Woody but the "Natural Born Killers" thing hits to close to home. I'd play Sam, but I've never been a true slut. I'd play Diane, however I'd never really sleep with Ted Danson.

Congrats on an impressive number, Erica. You laid out some of the best and most relevant reasons for not only sticking around, but being ACTIVE around these parts. It can not only grow your business, but it can grow YOU.

Nice work.

Erica, ★ Congratulations on the feature ☺ and congratulations on reaching 300k points. Like BB said, it takes a lot of blogging and dedication to reach the plateau that many have not reached...

It's a lot of dedication and hard work. But your posts are interesting, and fun to read. Congratulations! The trip of 300,000 blogs begins with the first post!

Erica - Congratulations on the milestone and feature. It looks as if you fully understand the benefits of AR.

Congrats, I am on my way to a third of you! So you must therefore know at least three times as much as me. Wow what an amazing place of learning.

Wow, I just hit 30,000 pts. today ! 300,000 seems wat out there ! Thanks for reminding us of the benefits.

Congrats on the 300k and the gold star!

VB ;o)

Bryant & Michael--Thanks!

Steve--Great minds think alike. Actually I probably read your post and that line was planted in my brain subliminally.

Sardi--Jenn would probably consider you SAM.

Carla--Thanks for reading

John -- I love AR!

Corinne & Michael--Keep on blogging. Don't give up.

Vegas Bob--300k plus a feature. Nice "bonus" there.

Hi Erica. This is a great reason to celebrate. I've met some really cool people at Active Rain. Picked up a few things too while benefiting from great SEO. Congratulations! ~ Lana

And I am:)

Erica - What a great way to describe the AR community - it's like the Cheers Bar. Ain't that the truth! I'm raising a glass to you as congratulations on your milestone. Hope to follow in your footsteps!

Erica, Congratulations on this HUGE milestone. Keep up the good work.

Erica - Congrats on the 300K milestone!!! Your 5 benefits are dead on too.

Hi Erica. I was just like you too. I logged on,creating a profile in April 2007 but left. Got serious around January last year. I am still learning here. And as long as I continue to spend a lot of time here learning from the great ones like yourself,I am going to be alright. Congratulations on reaching 300,000 points. Keep up the great work.

Erica, My hat goes off to you. 300,000 points of a HUGE accomplishment. I love Active Rain and I"m so thankful for all that I have learned, all of the wonderful friends I have met and of course, ya gotta love all the $$$ it sends our way. Getting paid to make friends, laugh and learn. Does it get any better?

Thanks for the great information on ActiveRain. I am new to ActiveRain and I have to agree, you are right on with all your points. I have learned a lot of great tips and advice from many of the posts. Congratulations... hope to get there someday too.

Erica -- Congratulations on your milestone. I can see your blogging has paid off personally and I am sure it has helped you professionally. I just love all the education I have been getting through AR. It's a great place to hang out.

Erica, it's official...you are an AR machine!! I try, I try....I'm still trying :-)

Congratulations on your milestone! I hope to hit 50,000 soon and I've already learned a lot here.

Congratulations on the 300K points. It takes alot of commitment to climb that far. I felt I've known you much longer than that. You're so sweet to have mentioned me.

You too, are my TRUE friend. You are a role model of a successful mom and business woman. You showed me the way that it can be done.

Erica that is a great achievement, I just passed 30000, watch out I'm coming!

Erica -

Congratulations. I so appreciate what these milestones mean personally and professionally. You are so right on target with the 5 Benefits!

Michael

ROTFL @ Sardi/Norm

It really is a Cheers kind of place, isn't it - very supportive and fun.

Featured @ Club Chaos

Erica...

Congratulations on this important milestone! Now on to 400K!

Sympathetic ear, education, and friendship are my top 3. You get to know people after a while

I am soooo addicted to my virtual family. I love this place. I can not imagine life without you guys in it. :-)

Congratulation to you and welcome to the 300K rainers club! People may say points don't matter, but the truth is that it does mark an great achievement... Can't wait to see you reach the next 300K :)

Erika! Congratulations! Somedays I don't think I'll ever reach the 300 level. But your post has inspired me to keep going!

I heard there might be a party going on around here, is that true? And Erika my friend you have found yourself another feature at one of my favorite groups .............

HAPPY AT ACTIVERAIN

VB ;o)

Hey big brother!!! Very true. Jane made me do it (LOL) ;-)

Erica, Congratulations..Way to go!

300,000 points.. not a very difficult milestone IF you are not listing, not selling, not closing any real estate transactions

..OR if you don't consider sleep somewhat important!

As I am embracing my older age and treachery in that I am believing I can overcome youth and vigor. Some how in this muted delivery I think you are pretty sharp. Cheers from the potential need of a hearing aid group. 300,00 is more than I could hope. Thankfully there are people like you to push us on Congratulations on an AR mile stone, May you reach 600,000

Congrats - Good stuff. AR is priceless to so many of us.

Erica - somehow in your 300,000 points, I have managed to not "subscribe" to you. That has been fixed now. Congrats.

I am with Steve. Priceless, indeed. :-)

Claude, sometimes I feel as if I have one foot in the house and the other out the door (LOL). That's why I'm in the gym, :-)

LOL @ Margaret. I love irony! Hahahahahaaaaa! ;-)

O.K. here I am. The DEVIL made me do it.

Ooooo... Alan. Very cool. :-)

Erica ~ That is a Huge milestone, CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am just a beginner just passed my 55,000 mark. Thanks to C for the heads up.

Congrats by the way Erica. That is indeed a great milestone.

And Alan, I don't see you subsribed to me either!!!

Hahahahahaaaaa! Hi Jane. The devil, eh? I think I've been called that twice now. I shall have to reverse that trend, or enhance the flavor. Hmm... (ROTFLMAO) ;-)

Where's the rest of this party, and why aren't you in bed C?

Hey June, keep on blogging, bay-bay. You've got it going on other there. Been lurking on your blog. I do that a lot. ;-)

Wow that's quite an accomplishment. I've got quite a ways to go but I'm up for the challenge.

Jane, I'm having a shred fest. My files are out of control and every so often I have to decide which ones stay and which ones go. Right now, killing our old bank and credit card statements. I may have to whack some of my college folders as well. No point in keeping my math homework, eh? (LOL)

Tammie W, that's the spirit. Keep on blogging. :-)

Erica: Big milestone. That is VERY admirable. If I plan to get anywhere near 300,000 points, I really need to get a wrist brace. Carpel tunnel is working its way into my right wrist and hand.

And you need to be doingt it at 11:45 at night?

Hey, Melissa, I know the feeling, but mine is in my neck.

You know my little friend Bernie has been watching Erica the whole time just waiting for her to break 300K and I captured him this evening hanging on a tree branch.

What a goof ball Bernie is ..............

VB ;o)

Melissa, sorry to hear that. It's a very painful inflammation... I had to wear braces for a while and stop typing at work. That's another reason why I work in 20 minute intervals on the computer. I don't want to aggravate it.

C - may everyone garnish the fun you project. We all need more smiles. Cheers to the poker and cheers to Erica ....the pokee

Jane, I've discovered I need to be doing stuff while the wee people are sleeping and can't "help" me (ROTFLMAO). They can add hours to a chore just by participating (LOL). I am a pushover. When my learning disabled kids actually want to learn something then I am soooo game to teach 'em. ;-)

VB, Bernie is mad cool. ;-)

LOL @ Claude.

Little Sister,

You would think with my 1456 posted blogs to Activerain you would do this some time for your "Big Brother"!

You know I love this stuff and how much I love the attention from my friends in "The Rain" :o)

Oops I am sorry these comments are for Erica!

I blogged 300,000 points and all I got was this lousy Tshirt

A big CONGRATS, what an accomplishment. I am trying to pick up the pace on blogging but wow, it is a challenge. So many of you out here I admire and have learned from. Thanks for your contribution!

Robert. You are overdue for a jacking... Hmm... I shall have to go lurk on your blog more often Big Brother (LOL). ;-)

Hahahahahaaaaa! Carla, I got a B-Switch tee from Kathy P. She had it custom made for me. What an awesome present (ROTFL). I wear that puppy in public too. Great conversation starter (LOL). We should make a spoof 300k shirt. Hmm... Wonder what it'll say... ;-)

Little Sister - Please do and try to jack one of my paranormal ones or the ones with the little green guys OK!

Hey Robert -- want to share those paranormal ones with us now?? I'm all up for little green men

Howdy there Erica

It sure is alot of fun to be active here in the community, and we sure get to meet and make some really good friends at ActiveRain.

To the 300,000 milestone, now on words and up words!

Baker Home Commercial Properties Inspections and Consulting AR Signature

I second Carla. Little green men, eh? Ooooo... I like the sound of that. :-)

Hi Erica. Well done on another points level. You always write great stuff and you hit a lot of the benefits of this place as well. Onward to the next plateau ; )

Carla - Take a look at my Paranormal Group, you will find it under my profile pic!

Congratulations....that's a great accomplishment, I'm getting close to half way there.....and it is fun to be on AR....that's the main thing! And as for the party on your post....well, all I can say is....what a goofy bunch of people, who all love you.

Dale, it most certainly is a lot of fun to be active here. :-)

Hi Gary! Very well said. :-)

CONGRATULATIONS Erica on your huge milestone in the rain !

Hi Karen! We adore you too, you know. :-)

CONGRATULATIONS Erica! What an achievement... YOU DID IT! Feels good doesn't it! Bask in it for a while.... then head over to the next one. Your post is encouraging to many!

Erica- Congrats on your milestone of 300,000 points, I know very well it is a hard road at times to stay on your blogging path. Not many people reach these ranks. It shows your dedication.

Thank you SO much for your kind words regarding me. I really appreciate it very much. Adding value is what it is all about. Katerina

Erica,

Congratulations! Thank you showing us the way! The links on your post are going to be very helpful... to someone who only has 32,000 points... lol...I want to learn so thanks again! I have enjoyed connecting with you on facebook and now I just connected with you on 2 of my Twitter accounts... Rock On Erica!

OCT

Erica,

Very cool.

I too have started finding really great friendships and techno-friends on AR.

you're one of the good ones.

By the way, you have a great face.

It reminds me of my cousin when we were younger. I can just look at her and I just start cracking up. Your smile looks like you have a very cool sense of humor.

Carolyn the Devil? I would never say that! Congratulations on 300k points. Here's to the next 300k!

Erica,

I agree with so much of what you wrote in this post. It took me awhile to hit my stride with AR, but now I've found what really works for me and I'm running with it. I love this venue and the power it has to spotlight my market. I live in a beautiful place that very few people know about, but all that's going to change with my blog.

Congratulations, Erica. I like the points and I love the 5 reasons. I couldn't agree more!

Wow, Erica...you rock! You are the Realty Executives Active Rain Hero. I have made great strides recently, but nothing like you have done. Keep up the great work!

Rich Rector

A big congratulations on a job well done! Your story is encouraging to us who have miles to go.

I just received my 100,000 badge, and it was a long road. I can't imagined the dedication (and love of what you're doing) it takes to reach 300,000. Mega congrats.

Erica, I am new to real estate and have enjoyed AR a lot. I have learned much and have helped my marketing processes while taking advice from more experienced agents. In nine months I have under contract or closed nine deals, and and have volume of $1.7 million.And it took three months before I did anything. I am having great fun in this business, and can't wait on a better market.

Erica:

Congratulations on your important milestone. I am just getting ready to hit 60,000. Continued success to you.

in a hurry Sorry I'm late to the party Erica, I ran into a little problem... But do want to send along my congrats! You've been a blast to get to know here in the rain... here's to the next 300K!

Pam

Pam, that witch going splat on a tree is a real hoot. Seriously... (LOL) ;-)

Geez--went to bed early last night and look what happened on my blog! A feature + a jacking. Thanks to everyone who commented.

Points are fun, but getting to know you all is the real payoff.

Congratulations, Erica. It does take a while to make Active Rain a part of your daily life. I like logging in early, so I can be inspired or educated by the experiences of great real estate agents.

Erica - CONGRATS on the 300K!! GREAT post, by the way....I always get so much out of reading yours. I've only been here 6 months but am TOTALLY wrapped up in it. THANKS for being such a special part of the Rain. :)

Hi Erica - Great job on hitting 300,000 points! That's quite an accomplishment. I'm amazed at those who still can't see the benefit. I think you're a great example of the positive impact of using Active Rain to it's fullest. Way to go!

Hi Erica, Congrats on your accomplishments ! Your well written post is a great roadmap for us all !

Love the witch photo! :-) Congrats on your huge accomplish. I just reached 35,000...I'm gaining on you.

Hey Norm! Sorry I missed the party but wanted to add my congrats on your acheivement as well as say thanks for being one of the ones I like 'hanging out' with here on AR!

C-O-N-G-R-A-T-U-L-A-T-I-O-N-S Erica on a well-deserved milestone! That is quite an accomplishment and here's to your next 300K!

Congrats keep up the great work. I am nowhere near where you are but am working everyday towards reaching this milestone and feel things to blog about come easier than before.

Thanks for posting, I found this very interesting- just kidding you are one of my heros hang in there. cw

I just joined ActiveRain and have found it so educational already....talking to the folks who are "in the trenches" with me everyday really helps.

Dear Erica,

Congratulations on the big milestone! I am not there yet, but hopefully one day I will join you there. You highlighted several of my favorite AR bloggers! Here are a few more that tickle my funny-bone that you might enjoy: Craig Rutman, Alan May, Gwen Banta, Lisa Hill, Russell Lewis, Ryan Shaughnesy, and last but not least Sheldon Neal. I hope you check these guys out, they are all worthy.

Wow, 300k is quite an accomplishment. I'm sure it has taken your business to the next level!

How fun is that Erica - 300,000, featured and jacked - YAHOO! Congrats and here's to your next 300,000. Right on post! I too have made some great friends here in the rain. When Bob and Brad came to Phx I had the chance to meet quite a few I had never met in person - it really was like we were old friend. Pretty Cool!

What a fantastic milestone. A huge congrats out to you for all your creative effort and consistency.

300,000 says a lot about you and your character. . not too many people have that, congratulations

Erica...

I'm so sorry I'm late. We have so much going on right now that I have to put time aside to breath much less blog :)

Congrats on this milestone. It took me three years to get to 300,000. Your dedication is admirable. I don't think I've ever seen you post crap for points :)

By the way, if blogging isn't fun, I fail to see the point, aside from the points that is :)

P.S. You're right. He does need a nickname. We're thinking on it :)

TLW...ROAR!

I have just six things to say:

ActiveRain rocks!
ActiveRain rolls!
ActiveRain rules!
Erica rocks!
Erica rolls!
Erica rules!

Well, I do have one more thing to say:

LOL at number 4. I have to spread out my "venting" among different friends. Wouldn't wanna wear out one of them! ROFL

OMG girl ...."Bully for you!" I'm heading toward 200,000 after a couple of years. It is amazing how the points add up when you are diligent about routinely going to AR each day.

Congrats!! from

Patricia/Seacoast NH

"The Live Free or Die State...NH"

I love being part of a Professional Real Estate Blogging community which offers it all. Congrats. on the big 300,000.

:-)

Erica Wow that is impressive. Congratulations to you! I joined in October of 2007 and look how far you have come I only have close to 83,000 points. I have not been blogging like I used to until this month. I love ActiveRain.

Erica:

300,000 points seems so daunting to me right now. I'm recovering from a dislocated shoulder and it still hurts to type. It's slowed me down but not for long. Thanks for the inspiration.

I'm going to say woo hoo when I hit 5000 points. Maybe I'll follow in your footsteps. I can say I'm having a banner year and I haven't reaped any potential benefits from AR. We'll see where this goes. Congrats!

Erica - Congratulations.

Like you, it took me awhile to really do anything here in the Rain after I joined, and I'm so glad I became active and began to participate and learn and grow.

From the desk of David Dee,

Erica, congrats on the great milestone! Very good points you've brought up in the post.

Congratulations Erica, I really enjoyed reading your blog, especially the 5 points summary. For now I am dreaming of 50.000.

OCT

Hi Erica! CONGRATULATIONS! As BB said, the above 300K crowd is so much smaller--as you've learned, lots of dedication and consistency get you there and it is SO well worth it! And, as Lenn said, posting 'how-tos' doesn't give you the ROI you're looking for--being well-rounded does. Give back to the community with your how-tos and give to YOUR community with market reports and local posts!

Congrats again! Have a great week...

WOW!

I'm just gettign to break 20,000.

I didn't even realize the 300,000 was possible.

Erica,

CONGRATULATIONS on the milestone! Who would have thought it way back when?! I've appreciated being your subscriber and reading your blog.

Mike in Tucson

Congratulations! It's a lot of work to try to get to 10,000, so I can well imagine how much time you have spent to reach your milestone. The benefits of being an AR member are huge. I too made the mistake of signing up with AR and then forgetting about it, but alas, I woke up one day and remembered why I signed up in the first place. Now, I'm addicted to the very valuable info I get from other AR members.

Erica - Congratulations on 300,000. You are a great resource to others, too, as well as a wise friend. Thank you!

This blog does not allow anonymous comments