Social MediaI'm not sure what I was expecting out of RainCamp, but I can say for sure that it was much more than I was anticipating.  SOOOOOOO much more.

Even now, 24 hours later, I am still on intellectual overload - organizing my ideas, researching and refining my social media strategies, and reconsidering fundamental questions about how I reach clients. 

If nothing else - it took my blinders off and showed me the almost limitless possibilities that exist.  I learned more than I ever wanted to about integrating Twitter (still feels awkward to me to tweet), blogging, SEO, and Google rankings.  It was at once impressive, exciting and slightly daunting.

It's clear that if I want to reach the next level in my marketing efforts, I must create a comprehensive strategy that crosses the boundaries of my comfort zone, and I commit myself to succeed.  I need to let go of preconceived notions and prejudices and push myself to try different things (I'm tweeting, effective today) with a single purpose in mind.  I have to be willing to be just a little bit uncomfortable, to really move forward.

For much of the last 10 hours, I have been online reasearching many of the tools that so many of you seem to use with such style and ease (tweetdecks, hootsuite, etc). I am trying to figure out how to use my contact list to reach out to make new Facebook fans and Twitter followers (harder than I had hoped).  It's a frustrating stumbling slow start, but I'm a quick study and I am committed to this, so I WILL make it work.

I am sure I will make some mistakes and progress will be uneven at first, but the volume of information and community of support at the RainCamp has given me the kick in the pants and support network I need to move forward.  And I'm looking forward to hearing all the tips, tricks and advice my AR friends have to offer.

In short - do it.  If you are on the fence - just go.  If you are not sure it is for you - I promise you will take away more than your fair share of information, motivation, and new friends.  And if you have go down a couple of pints afterwards with the other RainCampers just to catch your breath, well - there's nothing wrong with that!!

Handwritten Signature

Philadelphia Home InspectionSherlock Homes Inspections 

Philadelphia's Top Rated Inspector

www.SherlockHI.com

Come on - be Social!! 

www.facebook.com/SherlockHomesInspectionsSherlock Homes Inspectons on Twitter

 
Post is included in group: Almost Anything Goes
Post is included in group: Rainmaking - Internet Marketing Strategies
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You
Post is included in group: "Whacked"!!!

60 Comments on RainCamp Made Me Uncomfortable

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

DEC
01
2010
447,103 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Leaving our comfort zones is when great things can happen.  And that you recognize that, you are on your way.
11:59pm • #43
DEC
02
2010
876,267 Points 10 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Joesph, I attended RainCamp in Boston in July...and since  then, there is a major SHIFT in me, my attitude and my production, of course.

Let me repeat what you said...if you are on fence...just jump on RIGHT side, attend the RainCamp.
12:33am • #44
227,366 Points Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I'm going to RainCamp Houston on Monday.  I was looking forward to it before, but after reading your post and all the comments I am REALLY looking forward to it now.  Hope my brain can retain a good portion of it and hope I can write fast enough to get good notes. 
12:33am • #45

Man, I keep hearing such good things about RainCamp.  2.5 hour drive on the 6th.  Argh!  I guess I have no choice after reading all of the testimonials!
1:14am • #46
227,118 Points 86 Featured Posts

If one ever happens in the Minneapolis / Saint Paul area, I'll be there.
6:35am • #47
971,355 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

The Social Book is also a good heads up on the material covered in the class.
7:45am • #48
690,385 Points 84 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Joseph- Just Do It indeed !  Awesome !  It was great meeting you briefly at Raincamp !  What a great day it was.  A lot of energy and a lot of great ideas.  I think we all left with our heads spinning with a number of ways to build each of our businesses.  Great stuff !  Will look forward to networking with you more, reading your blog posts, and seeing you around here in the Rain and out in the field in Philly !!!  ~ Chris

 
7:46am • #49
814,349 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I thought you were complaining about writer's cramp with all of the NON STOP note taking !!!!*L*

How am I gonna make it Art ? Just DO IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8:08am • #50
Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Great timing for your post John.  I am going to Atlanta next week and it is quite a time commitment for me.  It is a day drive up and back, so three days is a big chunk.  I am looking forward to it.  Thanks.
8:10am • #51
13 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

Sherry - It's a lot to take in, but it really helped sharpen all the fuzziness surrounding how to use social media effectively.  It gave purpose and direction to it all. 

Steve - exactly right.  And believe me, I LOVE my comfort zone....

Praful - it is a pretty cathartic moment when it all comes together for you.  I am now motivated by both the volume of work there is to do, and the challenge to work beyond my self-set boundaries.

Joyce, Alex & Reuben - I hope you take away as much from it as I did.  I think if you have a basic understanding (or at least familiarity) with the kinds of social media and are using them because you know you should but aren't sure why - RainCamp will have the biggest impact.  Even for those who already know most of the tricks, it seems to have a few lessons.

Cheryl - my to do list is already so big, but I have reading "Social" as something to do once I get the ball rolling substantially.

Chris - Great to see you guys, and I appreciate your involvement in the day!  I have a lot to learn, but you clearly have a good handle on it all, and I hope you don't mind if I occassionally use your success as a model.  See you out there in town!!

Michael - But Art, I'm so close I just need one break.....that's super - DO IT! LOL!  As for the writers cramp, next time I am getting one of the seats at a table so I can use the laptop.  Live and learn..
8:20am • #52

This is a good problem to have.  Being made uncomfortable usually always leads to greater results.  Good Luck.
10:06am • #53
628,898 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Joseph.. Sounds like you really excelled at RainCamp !  You learn so much in such a short amount of time !

Helpfulhannah
10:16am • #54
738,077 Points 231 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Joe..  lol.. thanks for the polite compliment... but that was just the beginning... had even more fun as the night went on... and not just drinking fun, but goofy fun and fun stories... you should be receiving a group e-mail from me soon.. thanks

jeff belonger
10:18am • #55

As another fellow RainCamp attendee, I can feel your pain (and excitement). It was a lot to learn and with it only being a few days past us, a lot to dive in to....One day at a time, right?
Annie
12:28pm • #56
835,996 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

It will make you a man, or a mouse or a better agent.....I don't hear any squeaking coming from RainCamps....
2:10pm • #57
DEC
03
2010

Hi there Joseph. Very nicely written! One thing I think is important is to network with agents in other states.  I network with agents that sell Lake Travis real estate, homes in New York City, L.A. and so on to become friends on a more personal level. I think people are more willing to help you out when they've spoken to you on the phone a couple of times versus tweeted with you, but I do completely understand the value in tweeting.  Although, like you I feel a bit uncomfortable with it. 
2:53am • #58
3 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

Thanks for the excel sheet.  It is much better to have the list of the Rain Camp agents in one place.
4:56pm • #59
DEC
04
2010
13 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

James - thanks!  It is a lot of work just to get up to speed, let alone implementing new things from my "to do" list.

Hannah - RainCamp was really a total education that I was underprepared for.  Hope to see you out there in the "field" in and around town!

Jeff - working on making the spreadsheet go.  That's my little contribution.  Now I have to follow all the links....I know what I'll be doing tomorrow evening (sorry, Karen!)

Annie - DO IT!  Thanks for the comment!

Richie - if you leave a RainCamp without at least one solid to-do item, you weren't paying attention.  I have a million of them....

Evette - I love networking and tend to do it by email, but I am getting into this tweet thing.  For those who use it a lot, it's like more effective texting. 

Simone - hope it is useful.  Thanks!
10:23am • #60
1,907,440 Points 383 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Joseph, no matter how many times you go, there's always something new to take away. 
12:23pm • #61
DEC
06
2010
405,386 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

uncomfortable is a GOOD thing, keeps you on your toes.
8:19am • #62

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All


What does the graphic say?
Leave a response…

(optional)
Spam Prevention:
 
Dsc_3606

Joseph Michalski - PA Home Inspector

Souderton, PA

More about me…

Sherlock Homes Inspections

Office Phone: (215) 620-5308

Cell Phone: (215) 620-5308

Email Me

Honest answers and advice to consumers and other Real Esate professionals from the area's top home inspector.


Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog