Home : Blogs : Bill Roberts - "Baby Boomer" Retirement Planning : Financial Strategies by Bill Roberts

Because of ActiveRain I Decided to "re-invent" Myself

Because of ActiveRain I Decided to "re-invent" Myself by Bill Roberts

I joined ActiveRain just a little over two months ago. I was a complete "newbie" as I had never blogged before. I had heard of it but I was sure that it was only something kids did.

What did I know? I had never blogged or even read a blog. Well, that isn't quite true. When doing a Google search on something or other a link to a Brian Brady post came up. It was his article entitled "I love Dingbats" which immediately made me think of someone near and dear. I read his post. The fact that it was on AR did not register with me at all.

Then I got "invited" to join ActiveRain by William Johnson. It was a day that changed my life.

Because of ActiveRain I have reached down deep inside of myself. I have "examined" who I am, what I am doing, and what I know.

I have written many articles on what I know, so now all of you also know what I know.

I have written about what I am doing. I have "examined" what I am doing.

I decided that a change might be good.

I have been a real estate broker in California since 1975. That's a long time. I've been licensed long enough to be exempt from Continuing Education but I'm not old enough yet to be exempt. How did that happen? Oh well, someday.

But I haven't sold houses in years. I've kept up on everything and I'm a Realtor and a member of our MLS. Writing here (AR) and commenting on other people's posts has re-wakened my interest in retail real estate. Just at a time when the industry is contracting. I'm thinking about opening a couple retail offices. How crazy is that?

The practice of real estate is in for some major changes. I want to be part of the change process. What better way than by having my own offices and leading by example?

If this comes to pass, it is only because of ActiveRain and all the great people that "live" in this community.

You can read what I think needs to change by reading "To Be or Not To Be, legally Speaking."

I am truly interested in what you have to say.

Bill Roberts

Posted by Bill Roberts - "Baby Boomer" Retirement Planning on 09/10/2007 02:21 PM

Comments (44)

bill roberts, bill roberts real estate broker, brian brady, william johnson

44 Comments on Because of ActiveRain I Decided to "re-invent" Myself

SEP

2007

It is always a good time for change. Part of my annual business plan is what changes need to be made.

I don't blog as much on Active Rain as I do on my other blog, but I find the process of blogging to be an excellent way to think through issues. Thinking through issues leads me to become a bit more knowledgeable and better at reflection, which in turns helps me with my clients and out in the community.

It never occurred to me when I started blogging what would happen. I'm really thankful that we have this opportunity with the Internet and these platforms.

The business of real estate is definitely in for a change. It will probably be to your benefit that you have been on the sidelines the last few years. In my area I am sure that there are a few veteran agents that, being stuck in their ways, will no longer be in business within the next two years due to the inability to change with the business.

Bill - Thanks for your entry. I'll be commenting on all of the entries after the contest winner is announced.

Randy, you sound very pro-active. It seems I'm reactive. Oh well.

Bill Roberts

And what a force you've already become just for being yourself!!

Keep the info coming....I find that it helps us improve by sharing with others!

Jefferson, does your other blog get the same results on Google that AR does?

Thanks for commenting.

Bill Roberts

Roy, I hope you are right. Thanks.

Bill Roberts

Adam, thanks I'll be watching.

Bill Roberts

Bill, you sound like the kind of guy I would be happy to work for.....I say go for it!
Wonderful post by the way....I see AR has had a very big impact on your life. Keep us posted ..... ((-:

Bill, I can't be anybody but who I am. Thanks.

Bill Roberts

Jo, thanks. You know I will keep you posted. It seems that is what I do (now).

Bill Roberts

Very good entry Bill. AR is better because of contributors like you.

Jason, thank you. Not mushy, right?

Bill Roberts

Bill,

I liked this.....glad you entered Adams contest. have you mellowed out some, just curious :) :) I would think you would if William invited you......(kidding, just kidding) Somehow you bring out the jokster (is this even a word) in me, but as we both know this doesn't always go over well :)

Let me know if you open those offices, and where will they be?

Hi Kathy, I'm not sure. I'll probably try North San Diego County and SW Riverside County to start. I have a business model in mind that encompasses both in-office agents and work-at-home agents.

As I mentioned to you on one of your posts some of my best deals were brought in by agents that worked for me. I would like to duplicate that experience.

Thanks for coming by,

Bill Roberts

Bill,

Sounds good, oh, and your answer to Indian land is on my post :)

Kathy, thanks I already read it.

Bill Roberts

SEP

2007

Bill- This is a great post for the contest. That is great that you entered. I will be interested to know about your business venture in opening an office or two. Do keep us informed. Katerina

Katerina, It's all your fault. You have been the one on AR that has "challenged" my thinking.

Of course I'll let you know, but don't expect over-night miracles.

Bill Roberts

Bill- Glad to hear it! I just found out my daughter has to work late tonight so I have kitchen duty so I will need to post my success sequel tomorrow night or Friday. Sorry for the delay, want it to be useful for everyone! But come and celebrate my 50,000 points later this evening. Katerina

Katerina, How long have you been on ActiveRain? Fifty thousand points is fantastic. I'll be there, but later. Right now my wife wants to go out to dinner. It's her birthday on Saturday but she wants to get a head start on celebrating. What a brat!

Bill Roberts

Bill- I joined like on June 23rd. Have fun and tell your wife Happy Birthday! Nestor would say the same about me, I wanted to go to Sea World in Orlando for my birthday and spend 3 night there.: ) I had fun. Katerina

SEP

2007

Bill, I am pulling for you to win. It is a wonderful post and I really like that guy that invited you to join. You do make me very proud of you.

A gentleman that I knew from NAR invited an agent from OHIO and she is already at over 200,000 points and climbing. Look out Sharon Simms,LOL.

It is a great group of people as you have learned there are so many that really help. I am still learning and I trust a year from now, I will be as well. there are so many great resources that none of us would probably know if it weren't for ActiveRain.

Congratulation Bill, you have a done a smashing job of embracing this addiction called Blogging.

PS, Bill I have these comments held for 2 days. Thankfully they are going to post tonight, finally!

Bill, you will be a refreshing"returnee" to retail real estate. There are changes coming more rapidly than many agents are able to assimilate. My husband and I are both brokers and have beenl icensed since 1976. We have seen more changes in the last 10 years than we saw in the first 20 years, but we are jumping right in. Good luck, Karen

Katerina, Irene (the brat) says thank you. We went to El Torito and she weedled a free sombrero out of them. I don't know what I'll do with her.

Bill Roberts

William, Glad you made it. I really appreciate your inviting me into the 'rain. As my life changes before my very eyes I remember that workshop where I met you.

Only time will tell exactly what will come of all this, but I'm ready for the ride.

Bill Roberts

Karen, I am one of the one's that are advocating changes to how we do business and how we perceive ourselves. Some of the changes are absolutely necessary if our profession is going to survive at all.

Thank you for your kind words.

Bill Roberts

Bill - my other blog is my favorite and brings in good business. AR is more social with other real estate people like yourself.

As far as reinventing yourself I would say, rather, that you are staying young in mental attitude. Open to change and looking towards what can be instead of constantly telling us the way things were. That's helpful to both you and your clientel. Keep up the good work.

Chris, I'm interested in what you have to say about your other blog. How do you drive traffic to it?

As for looking forward or backward, I've been selling businesses this last few years and all the buyers want to look backwards. I need to re-educate them to look forward before beginning a search for a business.

What happened in the past is behind us. Only the future holds any promise.

Bill Roberts

SEP

2007

I link to my other blog from my websites and it's the primary website address I give out to consumers either by phone, on my business card or through 9-12 mailings a year. I promote, promote, promote. More people find me on activerain. More buyers come from BBQCapital. So I do both.

Chris, thanks for coming back to answer my questions. I appreciate it. I am still in my infancy when it comes to the Internet.

Bill Roberts

For those of us who were in the working world before Al Gore invented the Internet and remember a time when multiple copies required carbon paper, technology has been well, an interesting challenge! Oh, but so much fun and so rewarding! I enjoyed reading your post and I lived in Oceanside myself for 23 years!

Best regards,

Sarah, thank you. You aren't giving away your age by any chance?

Bill Roberts

BILL: I can't tell you how inspiring your entry was. After being around a lot of veteran agents that can barely check their e-mail, you are a testament to what life should be about - the ability to change! I'm sure that your new business is going to be a huge success because you have the years of knowledge combined with the skills to deal with today's market. Thank you for being a part of the future rather than preaching how good things were in the old days. We should learn from the past so that we can be more effective in the future. Great job, Bill!

Adam, thank you very much. I appreciated your contest because it made me "take stock" of my life and career.

Bill Roberts

SEP

2007

Bill: Your posting tone changes more than the winds of a Florida hurricane. Hard to follow the progession Bill. Will be interesting to watch where it all ends up.

Bill - wow- I am glad I found your blog. Those are tremendous challenges and AR was a catalyst - that's great. I'll definitely stay tuned to your successes.