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How Active Rain Inspired Me to Stop Drinking the Cool-Aide

By
Real Estate Agent with Cardani Group, REALTORS® - Austin Texas

I am not afraid to admit, I have been drinking the corporate cool-aide since I began my real estate journey in 2006.  I have also been known to tell many of esteemed colleagues, I'd never leave the company I first joined because it was the BEST COMPANY EVER and they should join too... national presence, corporate trainers who actually practiced what they preached, offices in all 50 states + Canada (excellent referral opportunities) and a fabulous structure that no other company could touch.  This attitude towards my belief in my company changed after being a member of Active Rain for about 60 days - yes it only took me 60 days for the cool-aide to sour. 

My first 60 days on Active Rain validated the following for me

  1. I have the ability to network with and get to know personally the greatest group of agents - so when the opportunity arises, I am confident I'm sending my clients to an agent with a similar personality, business style and has intimate knowledge about their local market - in addition to extensive real estate experience.
  2. Why do I need a national company branding when I have the largest group of agents at my fingertips on Active Rain.
  3. The knowledge I've absorbed from being a member of Active Rain within 60 days, completely blows away any information obtained by a corporate trainer.  The information obtain by Active Rain blog posts are as cutting edge and as up to date as it gets.

With my new and clearly defined vision, I knew it was time to make a difficult decision and one that I was sure I would never be forced to make.  It was time to either obtain my brokers license and branch out on my own or partner with another group that has the same mindset as I do. 

The last thing I needed for my real estate future is to be drinking soured cool-aide again. 


After meeting with a respected colleague, my mind was completely made up.  I effortlessly made the decision to part ways with my broker and join Cardani Group REALTORS®.  We're a small firm, with incredibly high standards, and impeccable client relations. Our new clients become lifetime clients, and our lifetime clients continue to refer their friends and loved ones to us on a consistent basis. Our agents are leaders in the field and contribute both to the Real Estate and the Austin community in general.

I'm very proud and honored to be a part of the Cardani Group REALTORS®

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              a 
 REALTOR® licensed in the state of Texas | Cardani Group REALTORS®
(512) 743-9060 
 |  www.jenniferarchambeault.com   |   jennifer@jenniferarchambeault.com
proudly representing clients all over austin, texas
                                                                   

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Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

A very interesting post, and you went to the heart of the matter...what used to work doesn't anymore, and it's the post-internet/totally consumer centric business model that has changed the terrain.   Wish you well in your new venture.

Jun 14, 2010 05:58 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

Good Luck!!! I have found that smaller is usually better and the relationships you build will be with you for life.  You made the right choice.

Jun 14, 2010 06:11 AM
Melanie Hedrick
Elite Texas Properties, the best homes from McKinney to Dallas! - McKinney, TX
972-816-7205

Good luck with your new venture.  I have found Active Rain to be incredibly illuminating as well.  Looks like we started about the same time.

Jun 14, 2010 06:22 AM
Louis Snitkin
Halstead Property - Manhattan, NY
"Results That Will Move You"

In the end, it's all about you and your relationships.  Corporate affiliations only go so far; then the client has to feel that you are going to do the best job for them.  Good luck in your new venture.

Jun 14, 2010 06:56 AM
Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

Jennifer, no kidding.  Active Rain is THE place to learn all the advanced and most update technology knowledge for our business.  Members here are superb, knowledgeable, willing to teach and share.  I am like you, after branding myself on AR and put me on unaccountable Internet presence, I don't even worry if I am with a branded company or not.  I am set to go.

Jun 14, 2010 09:33 AM
Jennifer Archambeault
Cardani Group, REALTORS® - Austin Texas - Austin, TX
An Austin Texas Realtor

Li - what worked in 1986 typically doesn't work today... and it seems that what worked in 2006 needs to be revisited.

Gwen - I now 100% agree.

Melanie - this business is an eye opener ever single day.

Louis - bingo!

Rita - my only regret is not joining AR in 2006 - I thought why would I ever do that... now I know.

Jun 14, 2010 12:30 PM
Shelley Rowton
Move To Realty - Austin, TX
ABR, RSPS - (512) 507-5779 MoveToRealty of Austin

I think you've made a great move - hope it brings you nothing but success!

Jun 14, 2010 03:10 PM
Stanton Homes
Stanton Homes - New Home Builder - Raleigh, NC
Design/Build Custom Home Builder in North Carolina

Jennifer - technology is moving faster than ever, and ActiveRain is a great place to stay on top of the changes.

Jun 29, 2010 03:19 AM
Jennifer Archambeault
Cardani Group, REALTORS® - Austin Texas - Austin, TX
An Austin Texas Realtor

Shelley - Me too and I'm already seeing evidence of it. 

Penny - I couldn't agree more and I was just discussing this in a technology class yesterday.

Jun 30, 2010 04:29 AM