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My Body of Work--Check me out on ActiveRain!!!!

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Topkins & Bevans-etopkins@topbev.com

We all make choices. I have chosen ActiveRain. What does that mean?

Among other things, I do not work on my Facebook page very much. A few pictures of my dog, Maxwell. Some responses to long-long connections whom have found me, and want to re-connect. Not much else, and I am resigned to the fact that this is the way it will stay. Ditto Twitter, Linked-In and Plaxo. I have nothing against these social networking platforms. They are just not the sandboxes I devote a lot of time or effort to.

ActiveRain works for me. It has given me a chance to connect with real estate professionals across the country. I am now starting to get referrals through ActiveRain. It is tangible, and it is "right" fior me.

So, I have now started to tell peole who are trying to send me business to tell the prospect to "check me out on ActiveRain". This arena is what I have committed to for the past 16 months. I have written many posts, on many topics. I am in the process of establishing facts about Massachusetts real estate law with many people who may not have known how important the real estate attorney is in Massachusetts residential transactions. They now know that I work for Buyers and Sellers on purchase and sale agreements. They now know that my firm does the title research and writes the title insurance policies. That is important to me, and it has driven business to me. AS I have said "the Massachusetts rules are just different"

I try to keep my profile current and relevant. I tweak it every now and again. I have changed my AR picture from a man with a bow tie to a man who enjoys the outdoors. I sometimes update favorable quotes from letters or emails I have received. I am okay with people looking at my profile and finding out who I am. According to the AR records, over 6,000 people have looked at my profile. No problem if a few more take a look.

I am sure I am not the only person in AR Nation who takes this approach. I just wanted to tell all of you that it is working for me. The way I see it, ActiveRain is becoming a standard for our industry. I wonder if the people who started ActiveRain ever, in their wildest dreams, thought that this would happen!!!

 

Comments (27)

Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation

You said it so well... this truly is THE place for real estate people to network.  The referrals and new business are a terrific bonus, but the networking is priceless.  So much to learn... so many people to meet...  Signing on to AR is something I look forward to do, and it's kinda like my own little personal refuge from the world - into a world full of friends and positive thinking.

Aug 04, 2010 12:35 AM
Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

I'm glad there are others who are just on the periphery of Facebook and Twitter and have chosen Active Rain the THE social media for their profiles.  I also tell potential clients to read my blog - it has much more relevant content than the others could possibly have.

Aug 04, 2010 03:11 AM
Elliott S. Topkins
Topkins & Bevans-etopkins@topbev.com - Boston, MA
Massachusetts Real Estate and Title Atty

Thanks to all of you who commented. In a way, this sort of realization that I had is more obvious than revolutionary. It just makes more sense for me to concentrate on building myself on ActiveRain than the other areas. It is so much more focused, and there is so much less trivia.

Aug 04, 2010 03:28 AM
Bob Hertzog
Summit Home Consultants - Phoenix, AZ
Designated Broker

Right there with you Elliott.  I can't figure out the whole "Facebook/Twitter/Social Networking" thing, nor do I have the time to dedicate myself to learning it.  I've kept busy just blogging on AR, revising my website, etc., and I have no complaints.  Thanks for posting!

Aug 04, 2010 08:03 PM
Kathryn Maguire
GreatNorfolkHomes.com (757) 560-0881 - Chesapeake, VA
Serving Chesapeake, Norfolk, VA Beach

I think that the value of Active Rain will bear out over time.  You can't argue with the success found here every day.  And the connections are invaluable!

Aug 04, 2010 10:49 PM
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

Hi Elliott, I spend more time here than on the others also. But I like to write a fun piece here and there on Active Rain and then paste the url into my Facebook page with a fun intro. Sometimes you want to say something lengthier on Facebook, like tell a story or write a tribute, so this is win win. You get them to your blog and you have a means to tell a longer story. Then you get the  Facebook comments knowing it worked.

Aug 04, 2010 11:16 PM
Claudette Millette
The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA
Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Elliott:

You have placed yourself very well here on Active Rain (although I did like the bow tie.) This is the place to connect and to be seen by the public.

And, Massachusetts real estate law IS different than the rest of the country.  Keep up the great information.

 

Aug 04, 2010 11:24 PM
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I don't play Farmville ! I don't play Mafia Wars ! I don't collect hearts! I'm into AR !!!!!!!!!!!! *L*

Aug 04, 2010 11:56 PM
Jean Hedren
Gordon, WI
Northwest Wisconsin

Every day I find bits from wonderful, intelligent, thoughtful people like you. AR gives me great inspiration. I'm with you. This is where I feel most comfortable and get the most from. You can find me on FB and all the other social media, but this is where I like to hang.

Aug 05, 2010 12:42 AM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Elliott, I feel the same way you do about ActiveRain. I am also on the other site, but I put most of my effort into ActiveRain.

Aug 05, 2010 01:24 AM
Stephanie Curd-Goulette
Livin' the Dream Real Estate, LLC - Morrison, CO

Elliott, you are so right about ActiveRain!  I still have all the other accounts too, but they are setup to notify me so I know if there are changes.  ActiveRain has been such a find and a blessing to those in real estate - so much great information!

Aug 05, 2010 01:34 AM
Home Loan Search.Online
Home Loan Search Online - Newnan, GA

For me it is Active Rain #1, Facebook #2, and then the others. One simple thing to do for Facebook is set up your page with a Networked Blog or Social RSS Feed so that your Active Rain blog will show up on your Facebook page.

Darrell Walters, Newnan Mortgage

Aug 05, 2010 01:41 AM
J. Philip Faranda
Howard Hanna Rand Realty - Yorktown Heights, NY
Associate Broker / Office Manager

Frankly I kind of miss the bow tie. I hope you bring it back. I tend to be a wise guy so let me piggyback with Claudette in that sentiment. 

There are a lot of informal profile photos here, but not many bow ties. It set you apart. 

Aug 05, 2010 01:41 AM
Maureen McCabe
HER Realtors - Columbus, OH
Columbus Ohio Real Estate

I liked the bow tie too...

ActiveRain works for me...  I think it is important to know what works for you.  The Tech Committee at our board spent a couple of years trying to dictate to people what is good social media and what is bad social media.  That has to be confusing to people because everything does not work the same for every individual.  IMHO exposing members  to choices and letting them decide is better... but ActiveRain is definitely real estate and definitely has a lot of pluses for those in the industry. 

I am enjoying Facebook more than I used to...  I am not a natural at Facebook.  To me ActiveRain and blogging is like falling off a log.

Aug 05, 2010 03:30 AM
The 1410 Group of Benchmark Realty, LLC
Benchmark Realty - Franklin, TN

When it comes to anything Real Estate related, AR dominates FB when it comes to effectiveness 

nashville twitter nashville facebook nashville short sales nashville mls search nashville homes for sale

Aug 05, 2010 04:20 AM
Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin
C2 Financial - San Diego, CA
C2 Financial

Elliott, Yup, me too.  I just can't get into the "snippet" aspect of FaceBook.  I want substance and interaction.......ActiveRain provides both outlet for thoughts and inlet for information and relationships.  Gee, I never saw the bow tie, so I guess I missed out!

Aug 05, 2010 04:35 AM
Elliott S. Topkins
Topkins & Bevans-etopkins@topbev.com - Boston, MA
Massachusetts Real Estate and Title Atty

By popular request, the bow tie will reapper. Just not my son's wedding photo, which is  years old.

Aug 05, 2010 06:01 AM
Morgan Evans
Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

A bow tie picture is entertaining, but I think whats nice is to see a picture that more resembles who somebody is when they meet you.

Aug 05, 2010 06:32 AM
Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

I enjoy Facebook and Twitter, but for business and relationships I come here. You can't do them all so you have to choose which is the places you feel most comfortable.

Aug 05, 2010 06:44 AM
Bill Burchard
3B Realty: 951-347-3818, CA - Murrieta, CA
Broker, Realtor, Representing Buyers and Sellers

I’ve only been on AR for a month, Elliott, and just registered with Facebook and Twitter (only a couple of days ago). I joined Facebook and Twitter because… well, others have and they suggested I should, too. But I’m not interested in spending time on them (yet, anyway), because AR is so… fulfilling. I love connecting with others in my real estate industry. To me, AR is like being in a highly successful office FILLED with experienced mentors who are willing to share their knowledge, encouragement, and energy. In contrast, Facebook and Twitter (as best as I can determine), are ‘friends-and-family’ places, designed to keep others aware of my personal life’s events.

I completely understand the benefit of using Facebook and Twitter to expand my sphere of contacts and connections. But if I’m going to pick a single place to spend my online time and energy, ActiveRain is it. 

Aug 05, 2010 01:26 PM