I meant to put up a special post for number 100, but I missed the boat. Earlier today I had a great idea for this post. I sat down at my desk, waited anxiously for my pc to boot. I clicked internet explorer, clicked my link to ar and .... couldn't pull the site up. Doh!  I tried again and then got a message that the system was down for maintenance....

A lot of times we use outside events as an excuse or justification.  Well if that hadn't happened, I would/could have done this or that.  We're looking at these minor setbacks in the wrong way. Every challenge you face is an opportunity. One of the best sales training books ever written is Dr. Suess' Green Eggs and Ham. The customer kept raising objection after objection as to why he won't like green eggs and ham.  Instead of getting discouraged, our salesman keeps coming back with another offer until he accepts. Even though its a kid's book, it has a great lesson about never giving up and sticking to your guns. The next time something doesn't go as planned, don't view it as a setback, view it as an opportunity. Keep a positive attitude and don't give up when you know you are right. If a consumer wants to argue with you and not take your advice, don't take it personally, but don't give up either.   Take a different tack and re-explain why they should follow your advice. After all, they sought out a competant professional to help them make the biggest purchase of their life.  They came to you for advice.  Don't let their fear get in the way. Be polite but firm. Eventually the client will see the wisdom of your argument and be thankful.  Later on they'll give you the biggest compliment they can give, a referral of your services to someone else.

The Power of Community

We've been members of Active Rain now for about six months. I've watched the network grow and GROW. Most of the active members that were top dogs are now nowhere to be seen. Social networking sites are all the rage now and a quick google search will show several sites for "real estate networking". There are also several that competing for not only realtors, but for all types of businesses. Will these sites enjoy similar success?  I don't think so. Matt and Caleb have done something extraordinary...they've created something old but new. With so many active members puting up content, links and inviting others to join, the size of the site has quadrupled since I became a member and the number of members has tripled. I've met several great people from all over the US and Canada. Made valuable connections for referrals and advice. In short, accomplished almost everything the site was designed for. Now we have new consumer content coming online, changes to help connect agents with consumers all within six months time. I can't wait to see what it looks like in a year or two.

Connecting 

The thing with this site is that you'll only get out of it what you put in. If you're a "lurker" who reads the posts and blogs but never contributes an opinion, you're missing out.  No one will get to know if you don't put yourself out there. A couple of members have put up some posts on how to start blogging, blogging etiquette and the do's and don'ts. I'm sure they'll be put into some kind of "guide" to make it easier to find them. So the next time you are taking floor time, waiting for the phone to ring. Peruse through some of the older posts and add your comments. Who knows, perhaps it will inspire you to put up a post of your own.  Networking is about making connections.  Several members have made those connections, but not in the way they planned. A few members have joined forces as a result of meeting here.

Great Posts

What makes a great post?  Well that's really up to the individual viewing it. One thing is for certain, everyone has different criteria. Personally I think great posts all have a few common traits. They are either very informative, giving great information in a concise manner.  They cause a lot of debate. Sometimes controversy is a good thing, especially when it leads to a productive conversation. Humor. Sometimes, everyone needs a good laugh. Shakespeare. A very well written post, even when not that full of information or being funny can still be great. Here are a few of my better posts from the past:

Forced Registration: Good or Bad?

Pagerank: The Trust Factor

Understanding Web Traffic 

Co-branding with Lowes

I've made several new friends, and for that I am very, very thankful. I look forward to meeting new people and learning new things. I'm looking forward to my 300th post.  Here comes the rain again.... -Charles