Special offer

Just Do It.... What's Your Story?

By
Industry Observer

How many times have you been planning to post your story and never did it? Then one day somebody posted it...

 

I admit I only read posts that are featured. That's why my dream is to have my first post being featured. I waited and waited till I have a good story and experience to tell that I think would be worth  featured, but guess what?  That story never came. In my mind, the story I thought about is not good enough. Then one day somebody wrote the same thought and experience that I had and got featured.... and then all I can do is comment and say "it happens to me too".

 

As a newbie in real estate, I am also a newbie in Active Rain. Although I've been reading blogs and comments for more than 6 months now to gain knowledge and information, I never signed up. One time I read Larry Bettag's post titled "Writing the Perfect Post". I felt like he was talking to me directly. Then next was Loreena Yeo's "Flap your wings even if it means just above your nest". I realized that I needed to start somewhere, I needed to start blogging, commenting, practicing my skills to become an effective blogger. My boss said it well in regards to cold calling, "You can practice your script, but if you are worried so much about the delivery it will never be good enough, you will never pick-up the phone and start calling".

 

But the greatest motivation for me to get started blogging is Lenn Harley's "Just what is it about social networking that you like? confession of a googlephile!". After reading the post and the comments, I finally realized that it is time for me  to do it. So I finally signed up with AR and this, is my first blog. I told myself- featured or not, it doesn't matter, I will just do it. How about you? What's your story? Let's hear about it...

 

Gina Chirico
Lattimer Realty - Fairfield, NJ
Real Estate Agent - Essex County, New Jersey

Reynold,

Welcome to AR and on the feature.  I'll admit when I first joined AR, I only read the features too.  Not because I thought they were the only posts worthy of reading but because I didn't know how to find posts that weren't featured since AR email only lists features and the AR homepage to left only had features. 

Once I realized how to read blogs that weren't featured, I also found other quality posts, that didn't make the featured post they all had a wealth of information in them.  By reading the other posts, you also have a chance to call some shots of the posts you think should be featured.

I wrote many posts on AR before I was featured but I don't write to be featured, I write to share my thoughts with fellow ActiveRainers and for business.

 

Aug 01, 2010 01:33 AM
Pat & Wayne Harriman
Harriman Real Estate, LLC (203) 672-4499 - Wallingford, CT
Broker/Owners, Wallingford CT Real Estate

If you don't have time to read all of the unfeatured posts, just subscribe to Pat Kennedy's blog and watch for her "This Week in Active Rain" posts. They highlight some of the "best of the rest" of the posts that AR didn't feature, and she find s some real jewels. Welcome to AR and congrats on your first feature!

Aug 01, 2010 02:32 AM
Anonymous
Von

I've written several blogs and none of them have been featured yet. I would love  to have a featured post, and I'm sure I eventually will when the time is right. You never know though. Maybe just writing about something that happened during your day that wasn't much of anything to you will be a big deal to a lot of other people. Also, by reading blogs other than just the featured, you will absorb a plethera of information that is really good information, maybe just not "featured post" worthy. Good luck

Aug 01, 2010 02:43 AM
#15
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Reynold, welcome to ActiveRain! Looks like this post was the right time. Congratulations on the feature.

Aug 01, 2010 02:48 AM
Matt Stigliano
Kimberly Howell Properties (210) 646-HOME - San Antonio, TX
I give the same advice to everyone that asks (and some that don't). Dive in and start. Go read my first few blog posts. Absolute rubbish. Ask anyone you think is an excellent blogger about their first posts and they'll more than likely tell you the same. I know all the bloggers I looked up to in a when-I-grow-up-I-want-to-be-just-like-you kind if way shared the same stories with me. Write for yourself with a consumer mindset and it will come. Don't overthink the early days, just write. Quality will come to you. You're off to a good start now you just have to stick to it.
Aug 01, 2010 03:58 AM
Elizabeth Bolton
RE/MAX Destiny Real Estate Cambridge, MA - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge MA Realtor

Hi Reynold ~ Congrats on your first post and your first feature!  I hope you read all the comments and advice and venture off the featured post list.  I don't think I really looked at the features for months when I first found ActiveRain.  I just read and read and read.  Click on the "Professional" tab - that will weed out the listings and other posts that are meant for the consumers.  There is so much here - you'll learn so much and meet so many people - it would be a shame not to dive in.

Liz

Aug 01, 2010 04:01 AM
Bill Burchard
3B Realty: 951-347-3818, CA - Murrieta, CA
Broker, Realtor, Representing Buyers and Sellers

Congratulations on your first post, Reynold... and for being featured!

Aug 01, 2010 04:37 AM
Patricia Aulson
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate - Exeter, NH
Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes

Bully for you....a first post and a featured on at that.

 

Patricia/seacoast NH

Aug 01, 2010 05:30 AM
Reynold Bascos
Irvine, CA
Filipino Blogger

Joetta, thanks for the instructions on how to link posts, I appreciate it.  It's truly helpful.

Catherine and Deborah, thanks for the advice.  As a newbie, every new learning counts.

Also looking forward to getting to know you Margaret, I'm so happy I am getting a lot of advice, it's very inspiring!

Thank you Gary, Larry and Sheila for relating with me.  Looking forward to being part of the community and yes, I'll keep blogging.

Thanks for the inspiring words Fernando and yes, I'll keep writing!

Gina, it's a relief to know that many of you share my thoughts, thanks for the advice!

Pat and Wayne, I'll remember to subscribe to Pat Kennedy's blog. Thanks for the warm welcoming!

Thanks Von, I understand what you mean!

Thank you very much Michael, Matt, Liz and Bill!  I appreciate all the advice and warm welcoming! I am very happy not only because my post was featured but more so because I am learning a lot from all your advice.

 

Aug 01, 2010 05:42 AM
Jenna Dixon
Momentum Real Estate Group LLC - Marietta, GA
55 & Over | New Constructions | Horse Farms

Congratulations on jumping into the fray.  Find lots of blogs to read off the featured pages, there is way more out there than what is on page one.

Aug 01, 2010 07:19 AM
Cara Marcelle Mancuso
Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes - Tucson, AZ
Call a Marana neighbor, I'm THERE!

I post a lot of information to Localism, because the goal of my blogging is to become a local resource.  As a newbie of almost 2 months, I've been "lucky" enough to receive three featured posts - but none of these were in pursuit of my "goal". They were about a book report, google, and buyers wanting "deals".

They were a huge adreniline rush and I was thrilled to be recognized on Active Rain, but again, I remind myself that my GOAL is to inform consumers about my beautiful surroundings in Tucson, AZ.  I've noticed that those aren't the particular style likely to be "featured" but my ultimate goal is to promote Tucson.  You've got some amazing comments above.  I hope that the feature, and the comments, help to drive you to your own professional goals.  AR is a wealth of information, but if it's your desire, YOU can add to the wealth of information yourself.  Good luck and KEEP blogging!

Aug 01, 2010 07:41 AM
Reynold Bascos
Irvine, CA
Filipino Blogger

Thank you Patricia! I am exremely overwhelmed! 

Wishes do come true, thank you Erica! 

I will surely do that Jenna, as a matter of fact, I am reading just about everything else now not only featured posts.  Thank you for the advice!

I agree with you Cara, I also need to focus on localism.  It is very important to be well versed with your own community.  Thanks very much and congratulations on your 3 featured posts!

Aug 01, 2010 09:57 AM
Leslie Ebersole
Swanepoel T3 Group - Saint Charles, IL
I help brokers build businesses they love.

I find that learning from a variety of voices and opinions is the most important benefit of Active Rain. You might want to subscribe to 20 or 30 bloggers who seem interesting or entertaining and follow them for a while. You'll see that many have a strategy that far exceeds the occasional featured post. I've had 4 in 7 months, and I appreciate them (actually, I really really appreciate them), but my blog posts represent my marketing communication strategy, such as it is.

But congratulations and good luck on your new journey in real estate.

Aug 01, 2010 02:14 PM
Susan Gaieski
Water Pointe Realty Group - Jupiter, FL
Director for Social Media & Technology

Hi Reynold

I'm sort of a newbie too, I guess I can qualify as one, just this year.  I've been stumped on how to get a featured post.  I've been trying to write frequently and on a variety of topics.  I realized it's not important to get featured.  It's important that I found a great network of people in AR, and an avenue to teach and be taught.  Congratulations on your first blog.  I think you've helped me understand - being featured is easy - just follow in your footsteps.  Thanks again. Good Luck.

Aug 01, 2010 02:49 PM
Kathy Kenney
Keller Williams, Princeton, NJ - Robbinsville, NJ
Realtor - Princeton & Central NJ Homes for Sale

Congrats on your first post, and featured too! 

Aug 01, 2010 02:59 PM
Reynold Bascos
Irvine, CA
Filipino Blogger

Thank you very much Leslie, Susan and Kathy!  I appreciate all your wonderful advice!  I will defnitely apply them.

Aug 01, 2010 04:55 PM
Letitia Stevenson
BHHS Fox & Roach | www.DelawareValleyRE.com - Greenville, DE
Listing Agent DE/PA/MD, Digital Marketer & Coach

Reynold, Welcome to Your New Career in Real Estate and to Active Rain! Also, Congrats on Your First Blog and on Being Featured!

Active Rain is a great place to make valuable contributions, as well as network and learn so much from the vast pool of talent already onboard.

Welcome Aboard and Much Success!

Aug 03, 2010 11:39 AM
Reynold Bascos
Irvine, CA
Filipino Blogger

Letitia, Thanks.. I can't agree more, Active Rain sure is a good network and a place to learn..

Aug 04, 2010 04:21 PM
Rick Sterling
Pointe East Realty - Virginia Beach, VA
Coastal Virginia Homes for Sale

Reynold …. great job on the post … it's just like selling real estate … just do it!

Sep 18, 2010 07:16 AM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Reynold, congratulations on the Gold Star on your first post and welcome to the Rain! If you subscribe to the bloggers you like, like Leslie said, and read them regularly, you will begin to see what strategy they and you can incorporate it into your plan. Also by writing you will find your voice! (sage words from TLW early on in my blogging)

Sep 18, 2010 09:16 AM