Long and Winding Road

 25,000 points ago I hit the coveted 50,000 points. I hid under the radar, since I am not one to bring attention to myself. A few weeks ago, Neal found me out and sent me an invitation to the bronze "Hall of Fame". Knowing Neal is the Real Deal, and someone I highly respect here on AR, I joined. The mission now, is to write about what it means to me and the journey which brought me here.

I discovered AR last year and thought, " this looks like a great place to add my info", besides you can't have enough outlets on the internet advertising your services. I knew I would be transferring in a few short months, so waited until I had made the move and signed up. A while later, I went back to add to my profile and discovered this AR thing was so much more. I must have read for hours, maybe days, thinking I could never approach the level of blogging skills these people have. And Blogging, what is that? Does it make a difference? I had so many questions. That was the start of many lost hours of sleep as I learned about blogging.

Starting with simple posts about neighborhoods, local parks, adding some pictures and market data, I started to see my website ranking creep up a bit. I read, joined groups, commented on other's posts, learning a little more each day, still wondering if I had anything relevant to voice my opinion on.

I made my share of mistakes, yep, once entered a contest, which explicitedly said to use pictures of your own home. OOPS!

I have been misunderstood and wrote personal apologies to those who I offended.

I was kicked down and got back up, knowing I could do this thing. This is when I met Maggie Dokic. who by the way, just changed her picture. Great Picture Maggie! If you don't know Maggie, you should. Back then, I wondered if I would ever find a voice people would want to read and Maggie sent me a very kind e-mail........and I am still here today. Thank You , Maggie!

Several months ago, I signed up for a group test to see if we, as a group, could make a difference in our website rankings. It worked. and it also worked to agitate many here on AR. The group has since disbanded, but the effects remain, as well as the friendships. Thanks Karen George! and all who participated.

There are so many people to thank along the way, whose posts, encouragemnet and advice have helped me. Some have no idea who I am, others have become great friends:

Cyndee Haydon: Always there with a helping hand and heart, ready to learn and share.

Thesa Chambers: Thanks for the late night conversations and convinciing me to keep all three blogs going. Don't know how you do it!

WooHoo Sally: Sally has a way of making this whole experience just downright fun..........WooHoo! Always an encouragement.

Laurie Mindich:  Laurie just tells it like it is in a fun refreshing manner which always makes for a good read. She is wicked funny as only Laurie can be. Check her out!

Missy Caulk: Missy has willingly shared many of her ideas and successess with me. Go TigerLeads!

Ann Cummings: Ann writes the best Localism posts around and she backs them up with those beautiful coastal pictures. She has also promised me a lobster dinner when I make it out her way, which I will.

Jeff Turner: Where would we be without the tool guy..........and Real Estate Shows. Thanks Jeff!

To all who have made this journey like a "road trip" where the next turn finds you a bit more knowledgeable, a few more friends and a whole lot of fun THANKS!

I look forward to many more miles, I mean points, together.

There are many more I have learned from and read daily; I'll catch them next time!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Paula Henry is an Indianapolis Realtor with Red Door Real Estate, serving the needs of homeowners in Indianapolis, Speedway, Hendricks County, Zionsville, CarmelFishers and Eagle Creek. When you're ready to buy or sell your home, you want an agent with a plan for helping you attain your dreams and goals. Contact Paula for your Indianapolis real estate needs.

Paula Henry

Red DoorReal Estate

 
Post is included in group: The Activerain Bronze Star Hall of Fame

45 Comments on The Long and Winding Road to 50,000 Points

AUG
30
2007
140,360 Points 14 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Paula, how did I miss out on that experiment- HOW PRODUCTIVE AND FUN!  I have to tell you that, in addition to your website, I enjoy all of your AR participation, as well- what a nice group of people I've met and value.  Holding one another up- that's how I see you.  How lucky am I?  THANK YOU.
7:25pm • #1
301,495 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Paula,

What a wonderful post and congratulations on your accomplishments! It's so nice of you to recognize those who helped along your journey. You're doing such a great job!

7:31pm • #2
417,667 Points 21 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Paula, Congrats on 50,000 oops I mean 75,000 points.  I have enjoyed getting to know you along the way! 
7:33pm • #3
408,703 Points 74 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Paula,

Thanks for the mention and congrats as you deserve it...you just keep going!

7:42pm • #4
5 Featured Posts
Paula, a delayed congratulations!  I am still plugging my way there and you got  there eons ago!  You write some great posts and have taught lots of people all kinds of things here on AR, myself included!  Thanks so much for all your help and advice.
7:58pm • #5
191,254 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Paula, Thanks to this community we have all learned and shared. I love reading your post and look forward to reading many more.
8:01pm • #6
Good job.  Someday I'll be there too.  See you in the rain and here's to the next 25,000.
8:03pm • #7
261,319 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog
My pleasure - I am usually pretty lonely in the evenings so a call always makes my night a lot better.  congrats - way to go girl
8:16pm • #8
1 Featured Post

Paula,

Congratulations.  I enjoy reading your posts; even the ones on parks and local things in Indianapolis because they give me ideas for my own area.  I never knew how much time blogging would occupy either but it is a fun way to reach out to potential clients.  Keep posting - I hope it continues to bring you business!

8:16pm • #9
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Laurie - The experiment was months ago - I'm not sure I knew you then! Thank you for the kind words! AR Is a community which supports and holds one another up. I am always amazed how I can find the answer to a question here. We are lucky to have this site and one another!
8:32pm • #10
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Thanks Lynda  - There are so many more who will have a post of their own. I didn't think they would give me a whole page.
8:33pm • #11
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Thanks Neal - onward I move! :)
8:34pm • #12
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Marchel - Hard to believe almost 75,000 points. I don't even want to think about how many hours that might me. It was well worthe the effort - I have friends like you.
8:36pm • #13
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Joanne It was a delayed entry! I stayed hidden for awhile. The great thing about this community is we are all learning from one another and I definately kearn more than I give!. Thanks for the kind words and congrats on your top place on Posh'd.
8:41pm • #14
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Mana: Thank You - I truly enjoy everyone's posts and always try to pick up a bit of wisdom and knowledge.
8:42pm • #15
167,826 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Congratulations!!  MANY MANY Congratulations!!  Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed!!  I love to read your masterpieces as well as your local pieces!! 
9:11pm • #16
269,422 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog

friends make the journey specialPaula - C-O-N-G-R-A-T-U-L-A-T-I-O-N-S to Indy's Best Realtor!!

Thank you for the kind words - you have taught me so much too and most of all I value our friendship that continues to grow as we share this journey called blogging. :-)

When I think of all we've learned and shared over the last few months it makes be excited to think of the next 6, 12, 24. It's only getting better! 

If I haven't told you lately - I think you're absolutely terrific!!!!   

9:13pm • #17
120,976 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Congrats!  Keep up the great work and service. I hope to get back on the road to recovery, but it'll be a while.  You have to provide the rain for our area. 
9:43pm • #18
197,658 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Hi Paula,  Congratulations!!!  I love how you laid it out on the steps taken as an AR member.  Great analogy and Here's to another 75,000 points!!
10:21pm • #19
601,489 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
 It's people such as you that have stuck by even me throughout this great blogging experience. (I tend to think that us a little older women are pretty darn unreal in this new world...woohoo!) and it sure is the long and winding road....Thanks for your bunch of encouraging words for all of us on your list and more than you know...your presence on my blog means more than you know. Thank you and Congratulations! (you blogaholic you)
11:06pm • #20
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Susie - Thanks for continuing to support me by subscribing to and reading my posts. That is exactly what I mean by friends.
11:06pm • #21
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Ray: I will see you in the rain and celebrate your next 25,000. Thanks for stopping by!

11:07pm • #22
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Thesa: Thanks........I may have to light up the phone lines one night soon. I hear you are busy and am so happy for you! :)
11:42pm • #23
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Rita: Thanks - it is a compliment to think you have reaped some benefit from my posts! No worries, here. I keep posting! :)
11:44pm • #24
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Sally: We are unreal - WooHoo!!! I so enjoy everything you write and your perfectly positive attitude. Yep, I am a blogoholic and loving it!
11:52pm • #25
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Cyndee: Coming from you, what a compliment. I did get the very best friends in the AR community and the real estate industry here on AR. Thank you for being such an important part of my success. Ohmy, where will we be in 6-24 months! It is a great thing to ponder! :)
11:54pm • #26
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Cynthia: Thank you! I do hope you are feeling better soon - I will keep the rain going for you! for us!
11:56pm • #27
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Stephanie:  It has been a ride! The only place to start was at the beginning and now, that seems so long ago. Each day is an adventure and I am feeling more comfortable. On to the next 75! Thanks for being part of the rain and sgaring all your knowledge about green!

My graphic is lime - how's that for green!:)

11:59pm • #28
AUG
31
2007
248,206 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Paula, what a nice tribute to our AR peers!!  As you already know, I wrote one about Thesa (and had to sneak in some appreciation for Ashley & Jennifer, too)...but I hadn't read this one of yours yet!

Great job - well written, nicely put.   

12:41am • #29
1 Featured Post
Your post, or more like your location reminds me of a great few days I spent in Indianapolis (1989).  I was a mere 21 and lost.  Exactly a year before I lost my grandmother to pancreatic cancer.  She spent her last year in California (relocating from New York) in my parents home.  For awhile after that I was lost and did many things on a whim.  For example, I joined a Frat (TKE), I took random road trips, including the 33 days out with a TKE Alumnus on a mission to tour the states and visit every Civil War Battlefield he could find.  Well I met some great people in Indy as the bi-anual conclave was held there. Thousands of Tekes! I also knew my best friends grandmother lived minutes away.  I called and took the car myself and paid her a visit.  What 21 year old visits a friends grandma in the midst of party central? I did!  Later I was told it made her so happy.  My friend thanks me to this day as she passed just a short time after.  It was the trip that helped me out from being so lost.  So I will fondly  remember my summer in Indianapolis.  Just thought I'd share that with you. 
12:42am • #30
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Karen:  AR is about peers, friendships and helping each other find business through this venue of bloggging. I am really enjoying your posts. Thanks for the vote! I need to go visit Jennifers Blog more. Thanks for reminding me!
12:48am • #31
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Hi Andrew - Looks like you live in my old stomping grounds. I originally recieved my Real Estate license in California. I have great memories of SoCal and am happy to hear you have some great memories of my hometown. The two are very different. Thanks for sharing your story! I am glad Indy played a role in the passing of your "lost" period. we all have a time like that in our lives. Nice to meet you!
12:52am • #32
226,109 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Paula, congratulations on your milestone!  Thank you for the kind mention.  I had a feeling about you when I first read you that told me you were a keeper.  =)  Your contributions to the Rain are many.  Here's to the next 75K points!
5:15am • #33
317,298 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hey Paula!!  What a really nice post this is, and I loved reading about your AR journey!  You laid this out so nicely, and that picture fits perfectly!

I'm so honored to be included in this group of great folks, and you bet we'll have that lobster dinner when you get out here!  My thanks to YOU for being part of my road trip here on AR - love finding your comments on my posts.  And here's to the road trip continuing for all of us with lots of fun and friendships!

Congrats on 75,000 points - here's to the NEXT 75,000!!!    ;-)

                                             lobster dinner

6:48am • #34
577,499 Points 95 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Paula, thanks for the mention. It has been a great journey. Best of success with Tiger Leads. I am so happy and all my Team is so busy.

The friendships will last forever. Congratualations on your 75,000 mark. That is a ton of work and you represent Indy so well. Hard to believe you have only been there less than a year. Just goes to show, you can start over anywhere. Now if I just had the courage to get myself to TN.

7:27am • #35
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Maggie: Thanks Maggie! Seriously, your e-mail, long ago, kept me keeping on. and on and on til the next 75,000.

Hey, I forgot to tell you one of my daughters friends brought some lychees over and shared. They are good!

9:31am • #36
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Ann - I could no way leave you out - your localism posts inspire me - as does your great attitude! And of course, there is the lobster dinner.............:)
10:12am • #37
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Missy: It has been a great journey and it is the friendships which make it all worth the effort. That and the business we get along the way!:)

We are still not up yet on TigerLeads, will be soon and am excited.

This is the third state I have been licensed in - the other two were preparation for returning home. I have kept close contact with Indianapolis, so working here was a natural. Anyone can start over!

10:17am • #38
317,298 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Wow Paula - I'm thinking someone just spammed you from the Gulf Coast.  That's pretty bad, pretty pics, but a lousy way to market. 

Ann

11:27am • #39
589,017 Points 34 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Tinsley hit Jim Crawford, too...

Paula, congrats on the 50k.  I'm over 30k now and plugging away.  I never thought I would go this far.   

11:44am • #40
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Ann:  I was amazed when i saw this - she was not even signed in. She is new and I will give her a break by asking her to remove her very bold advertising. :)
12:07pm • #41
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Lane: Thanks........keep plugging away - 50,000 will be here before you know it, then 100, 150 and the sky is the limit. I'm over to check out your blog.
12:09pm • #42
SEP
01
2007
114,577 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Wow Paula...63540 points ago, when you had only 12031 points, did you ever imagine that you would be only 32098 points away from lucky number 107669?  Keep it up! ;)
1:24am • #43
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Joey: Now that is some math I did not even contemplate! :) Thanks for stopping by!

12:09pm • #44
SEP
02
2007
104,745 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Tinsley - I have deleted your massive ad display. This is a huge no-no for Active Rain. If you sign in before you post, your name and a link will appear, so we all know how to find you.

Active Rain is an excellent tool for gaining exposure in your area. It is up to you to use it, learn some SEO and yes, it does pay off. Good Luck!

9:42am • #45

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Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry

Avon, IN

More about me…

Red Door Real Estate

Office Phone: (317) 733-3667

Cell Phone: (317) 605-4174

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Providing you with relevant information about the Indianapolis area real estate market. Have a question? You can get answers here about Indianapolis and the surrounding area.



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