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I Stepped Into The Fire of Blogging This Week and....

Well I can honestly say this week has been like no other. Long days and nights with a computer screen in my face and determination in my soul.

On a mission I was lucky, or unlucky depending on how you look at it, of not having any appointments this week. No homes to show or meetings to go to. A week of freedom per se. So I decided to chain myself to the computer to see just how much I could learn, accomplish or destroy in my quest to become better at 'blogging'.

My days would begin at dawn and go way past midnight as I researched and made tons of notes. I reread all my bookmarked posts here on the Rain and followed all the instructions to put to use. I googled the heck out of everything and anything that would help me on this quest of blogging knowledge and downloaded every available program that would make my life easier. I devised a schedule, decided on what I wanted to accomplish and organized a 'blogging' life.

I even dove into Facebook, LinkedIn, Plaxo and others (Twitter did not make my week.) I re-did my profiles and even figured out how to add a Fan page on Facebook though I still havent figured out how to get Fans there yet.

As the week progressed the few hours I would sleep I would dream about this 'blogging' stuff. Pajamas became my attire of choice as I played worked my fingers, eyes and mind into oblivion. I ate all the wrong things (if it had to be cooked it wasn't eaten) and combing my hair and looking presentable was not even a thought that crossed my mind. I jugged down enough coffee and sodas to sink a battleship. The mission was on and I was on the mission.

So how did I do? Well.....As I sit here bleary eyed and looking like I just got over a bad case of the flu I can honestly say I somehow still feel remarkably sane. 5 days of diving head first into the 'art' of getting better at 'blogging' and 'social media' and I survived.

Though I still have a long way to go I have learned one big thing.

The fire is never as hot as I always imagine it to be so......

Burn Baby Burn

Now I'm off to take a shower and find some real clothes to put on

Posted by Martha Brown Annapolis and Anne Arundel County RE on 11/06/2009 05:08 PM

Comments (70)

Social Media Networking in the ActiveRain Channel

social media learning

Post is included in group: The Optimist
Post is included in group: POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul
Post is included in group: NIGHT OWLS AT ACTIVERAIN
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Post is included in group: Diary of a Realtor

70 Comments on I Stepped Into The Fire of Blogging This Week and....

NOV

LOL Sounds like some of my social media days on Twitter/Facebook and my blog! It's very fun though. Something I thoroughly enjoy. You should add links to your twitter and Facebook on your signature for all of your blogs so we can follow and fan you. :)

Sincerely,

Kathleen

Darn Martha!!!! You are going to hurt yourself. There is so much to do when it comes to social media. I don't think i will ever see the end of my to do list.

I like your post.

Martha: I'll have to go find you on Facebook. I haven't implemented my business page since the REBar Camp, so I'll have to work on that sometime when I'm not behind the wheel.

Kathleen- I saw those links but have not used them yet but hey, I know tey are there!! LOL

Bryant- Me either. Even after a week of nothing but.... my list is a still a mile long but at least I know what some of it is now :0) thanks

Chris Ann- I will look for you too and once I figure out how to get Fans to my Fan Page I will let you know or you let me know! :0)

Hey Martha,

I think we are both reading from the same playbook. This week I have written three blogs and posted 10 comments per day. Blogging takes time and patience. But most of all, it is WORK. Thanks for sharing.

A whole week of nothing but reading on a computer screen, Martha? Whew! Now THAT'S work! Best advice for blogging? Just do it! :)

Hi Martha~ I have had some days like yours, determined to learn all I can about a particular subject. Just being in activerain some days, just totally wears me out!

Martha, Been there, done that. I'm not sure it has helped me as much as it seems to have helped you :) Twitter is my least favorite but when I have time I promise myself I'll get back in there and try it yet again.

Welcome back to the 'land of the living.' Now you'll be on all night answering comments :) Happy feature!

Hi Martha. Congratulations on your first post! I can relate! I've spent the week upgrading to Rainmaker status, taking in a Blogging Basics webinar, researching everything I can find about blogging and dipping my toe in the ActiveRain water. My next step is to write my inaugral blog - you've inspired me!!

Martha, I have done the same thing at different times in my blogging. I would love to "fan" your facebook fan page - just post the link and I am there!

Martha, Determination is key I think. I have had some "extra" time this week and I have spent it all in front of my computer. I created a FB fan page this week also and to invite people all you have to do is scroll down the left side underneath your picture and click on "suggest to friends" . After what you did this week this will be a piece of cake. I'll become a fan of yours if you become a fan of mine LOL

Hi Martha ~ My kind of vacation! I've been waiting for things to slow down so I can get to all the things on my huge online-things-to-do list. I think I need a month - not a week. Truth be told your let-everything-else-go approach sounds alarmingly like my MO since I got here. I have *no* idea how I'll get the house presentable for Thanksgiving - not while there's blogging to be done!

Liz

Martha!

You are hilarious girl--great piece of writing!! :) I need to give some time to developing my LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. accounts. They have been neglected compared to the time I give AR.

I'm rooting for you to get to your 100K Points Mark! It takes sheer determination to learn this stuff. I've forfeited my day off for many months just to dig in and try to absorb it all!

Martha, it's a damn sickness, I tell ya! I love the fast read on your mania.....I suffer from the same disease. If you feel like stepping it up a notch, have two computers...side by side. That's right. Take tutorials from the left screen as you apply them on the right. It was a moment of brilliance that came upon me one midnight hour.

Of course, I still have my notes stacked high, my lists everywhere, and my efforts waking me up in the wee hours of the morning with html dancing on the brain!

Great post...we are one:)

Martha,

Don't we have the best job in the world? We can work, study & do our research in the comfort of home wearing pjs! I have to say that I went through days like that, but never devoted an entire week to just stay home & "work" on the computer! I am sure that those long hours in front of the monitor will pay off in the long run...

Martha, I can see you now! So maybe after this week, at least your head isn't spinning, right? I read somewhere that after 300,000 points you 'get it.' You're well on your way!

I hope you posted this post to the Dedicated bloggers" group.

You are creeping up on 100,000 points and still there is much to learn. Isn't that awesome?

Where a link to your facebook fan page? I'd be happy to check it out.

Llyod- well it sure sounds like we have. It was work this week for sure but I enjoyed it even so. Thanks for stopping by and see you around the Rain

Heather- oh I am just doing it and have for awhile but I just decided it was time to step it up and learn more. My mind was open to the possibilities so.... well tye rest is history....now :0)

Vickie- So much to learn isnt there. Geeez how lucky are we?? Ha Ha!

Carole- Now that I have had a hot shower AND a hot meal I feel as if I am back in the land of the living for sure. As for the feature....it is a very pleasant surprise and most appreciated especially after a long week of cyber-living.:0)

Hi Jill- Welcome to Active Rain. This is not my first post but it is my first down and dirty learning as much as I can blogathon (Is that a word???LOL). Like Heather says just do it. Introduce yourself and surprisingly it gets easier from there. Best Wishes!!

Jo- Shall do and me yours!!

Barb- Bless you. Bless you. Sometimes I cant see whats right in front of my face because I am looking to darn hard. We willbe fans for sure!

Elizabeth- You know it was sort of a vacation. No other worries for a change as everything else ran on auto pilot. Thanksgiving??? Did you say Thanksgiving??? Oh my, I forgot about that. LOL!

Sonja- That was my problem too. I'm an AR girl and those other sites were being woefully neglected.

Cheryl- Why thank you. I am mighty close aren't I? Funny since you mentioned these little butterflies started fluttering around in my stomach. Maybe its that post that will put me over the mark! LOL

I really need to check out your fan page on facebook. This is my next big challenge.

Wow Martha, what a week you had. I think you may be addicted to Active Rain. There is a group for that!

Martha,

I think you are one very talented writer, loved your humor. And wow missy, are you one very directed person! Btw, I'm with BB, I'll never see the end of my list either. Just when I get something figured out and think I'm catching up with everyone else, I hear something new. Go figure...

Martha not only did you read and research you actually implemented some of the items. Blogging is something we have to continue to work at, and you know how to.

Yes, I agree. We all got a long way to go. So let's enjoy the trip!

Martha- I hear you. I'd be a happy camper if I could just carry a small laptop with me and comment, Twitter, FB, blog all day! I'd also reread all my bookmarked posts too.

I have given up...I do what I can do...and try not to worry about the rest. I think I will have less wrinkles that way.

Martha, congrats on the feature.

Martha,

That actually sounds like lots of fun. Keep at it and keep up the good work.

Brian

Martha - I am a blogaholic. I admit it. The bad part...I don't want to quit. I have actually had to pull myself away from AR to do the actual work of real estate. Your week at home sounds like absolute heaven to me. I usually check my AR blog first thing in the morning, but I'm going to have to make a new rule...no AR until I've showered and dressed, otherwise I look up and realize it's 2:00 in the afternoon. LOL

Jane- Oh my...where were you at the beginning of this week? LOL. I have 2 computers and you better believe your butter beans I will be doing that next. Thanks!

Monique- I agree. Our job is the best. As for the payoff...it already has. I have learned so much!

Sharon- well thats good news. That means I only have another 4 years to go if I keep up the same point accumilation rate I have done so far. LOL

Hi Rich- No I did not post to Dedicated Bloggers. I normally do but this time....must have been that bleary eyed thing going on. I will link you when I get back over there for sure!

Lisa- As soon as I figure it out for sure I will connect you to it. It took me awhile to figure out where it was once I set it up. LOL One of those late night oblivion things.

Sybil- You think???? LOL. Thank goodness that group is alive and well! :0)

Lynda- I'm with BB too. Just tonight on AR I found something new to add to my list. It is never ending so I am sure another week like this week will be part of my future :0)

Jennifer- Yes I did but not nearly as many things as I would have thought a week long blogathon would have accomplished. But hey, I am way ahead of where I was before :0)

Greg- I will have to check out that link and see what you are really talking about.

Kathy- Yep- give me a laptop and a comfy chair and I would be a happy camper too!

Hi Martha. Oh my. At least you got some work done. Sometimes surfing the net can be very time consuming though... That's why I try to limit my hours to later in the day. After I do my work :-) ~ Lana

Martha...

It's kind of fun too, isn't it? Good post.

Martha, I'm afraid that I will never have the type of week that will allow me to write so many blog posts and comments in a week that I really want to. Having a list of things to accomplish? I might as well hang that up. I'd never get it half started. But I'm glad you were able to discover some things while you were on your quest. Now, time to go get some sleep!

NOV

I can SO relate to everything . . . the jammies, lack of showering, night sweats over html . . .

It is TRULY work - enjoyable, but work all the same. Lately I have been focused on Twitter and my new web site design and have barely logged in to AR each day. I'll be glad if/when I have all my Social Networking caught up to my satisfaction and can figure out some type of schedule. Send tips my way!

Eat some healthy food and get some rest -- sounds like you have been to the war! all the best.

From the desk of David Dee,

Martha, it is addicting to be online. Looks like you had a productive week. Congrats on your upcoming 100k points!

If you had to do it all over again would you? I bet you would. I've always enjoyed your blog.

What fun reading your story & sounds like you had a great week.

A whole week? I've done it for a weekend. It's like a time warp or something. I did get a post featured though. I was so proud.

So, I'm not the only one who is overwhelmed... misery likes company. I just logged on here about a week ago and am consumed by what I don't know. I don't even understnad most of the comments here.

Blogging is interesting to me because you can always do more (like most social media) and as long as your consistent over time you see the benefits.

Welcome to the Blogosphere. Get ready to rack your brain for ideas, thoughts, and materials.

Indeed. Were it not for the trips to the Post Office and bank (hopefully), I would spend half my life in louning PJs.

So many things to blog about. So many photos to turn into videos. So many social media platforms to review. So many. . . . .

I could work at it for 6 months and never catch up.

Martha:

It is amazing how all-consuming this can be and how getting dressed, particularly in the mornings, takes a back stage. I hope you accomplished a lot in your week.

Welcome back to the land of the living! 'Looking forward to seeing you back in the office this week.

Congrats on giant strides made in your online marketing presence! Now put on some real clothes and go outside this weekend and have some fun!!!

Martha - If this post is an indication of your writing ability, where have you been!!! You are going to shine!

Martha - You Go Girl! I know your brain hurts. Diving in like that will wear you out. I'll go find you on facebook and be a fan! Then send you a link to my business page too. It's all about SEO and networking.

Nice way to spend your time while waiting for more activity in real estate.

Martha: Good for you! One of my favorites is an author named Michael Masterson. He recently wrote a book called "Ready, Fire, Aim." It sounds like you did this too. I wish you continued blogging success!

It is a CONSTANT thing!

My family will say, "Mom it's midnight. Are you still working??"

What Can I Say?

I'll write a blog... I'll read it.. I'll think about it.... back into draft mode.. changes made.. repost.. I'll read it... THEN I happen across the perfect photo or a thought in the middle of the night.. have had a lot of those lately.. out of bed... back to the computer.

We are DRIVEN by some silent force that says GET IT RIGHT and yet I am never happy with the final outcome.. I have so much to learn and get better at.

Isn't it crazy how addictive this stuff can be? I hear you, I have spent many nights dreaming about blogging, commenting, Facebooking, fan paging, twitting.....So much fun! Congratulations on your feature! Kepp up the good work!

Martha, I'm glad you got to do a little focused concentration in the blogging realm. With so many members nowadays and posts created by the minute I can sympathize with you with the bleary eyes. Good luck and keep learning. I'm there with you.

Is a new way of life. . I spend an hour per day on social media

lol....I hope you didn't get burned out! I am trying to do the slow and consitant approach. I think AR is a good thing for me and my business.

Martha I can so relate - and with two screens! I tell you it's bonkers and loads of fun, eh!! I just keep plugging away day by day and there is never an end - always someting new and interesting to learn. That's why it's so cool. I love this stuff. I want a week in pj's too! Glad you're feeling much better :)

I know of what you write as blogging is new for me, also. Keep at it and make it fun as it only gets better and easier to do as time goes by. All the best to you.

Good for you. In today's market, you need to do these things!

After a class on blogging and posting my first blog, my blogging friend/instructor directed to your blog--Oh my goodness! I had no idea what I had signed up for--but it's too late--I'm hooked. Thanks for allowing the reality wake-up of blogging, the fan page, tweeting, facebooking... I thought I might be the only one who was overwhelmed. Your vigor and stamina to technology interaction inspires me. Thanks for making it all real clear that I'm not the only one who feels their walking thru a techno maze.

Great job Martha!!! I've been on a real social media mission myself lately and after attending my first RE BarCamp on Friday, I am completely amped about it even more!!!!! I will need to assign a few friends to call at different intervals throughout the day to make sure I am eating here and there and going to bed at night. I can't seem to want to leave the computer...lol

Wow, I can only imagine how much you learned with that many hours committed to blogging this week. What a great use of time for a week otherwise without appointments.

Martha--The easiest way to get eyes to the Fan page are to pay for an ad. I do, and I gathered 150+ fans in about 2 months. It cost me a whopping $1-2/week.

PS--If you do pay facebook for an ad, you can LOCALIZE it so anyone who has Anne Arundel in their profile / contact info or searches the words Anne Arundel, will get your ad in their face. Cheap advertising yet very targeted. I find that my FANS are some of my own friends but a HUGE number are not! They are ex-schuylkill countians who check in regularly with home. And who knows when they want to move back, or need to sell mom's house?????

Martha - I love weeks of learning/working on bettering my business, PJ's & uncombed hair!

Martha:

Congratulations on the featured post. It looks like you are about to hit the 100,000 mark. I spent several weeks at home with a dislocated left shoulder and I'm left handed. I can use the remote with my right hand but it was awfully hard to type with my right hand. I wish I could have done what you did and accomplished what you did.

NOV

Martha Congrats on the featured post I now take the position I will do as much as I can without turning my life over to blogging I don't wake up thinking about it anymore

NOV

Martha, Congrats on passing the 100K points mark! I was rooting for you! Where do you get your cool clip art above?

NOV

Hey Martha, A great big congratulations on reaching 100,000 points.

But I can not believe you immersed yourself, intentionally, for five days. Have a feeling we all have done this but not with your deliberation and purpose. You are an amazing blogger and we could all learn from you.

NOV

Great job and congratulations on the feature. Sounds like you will want to go back to work so you can rest some.

NOV

Now featured on the Optimist Group. Good job!

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