HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND ON ACTIVERAIN? A NEW MEMBER WANTS TO KNOW - PART 2.

Nice paintings Lenn.. .a lot of serenity is gained while in front of a blank canvass

Good Morning Lenn,

AR is very definitely an important part of my day. Reading, commenting and writing an occasional blog is great way to network with people from all over North America and learn a bit about their lives, localities and markets. I also believe its part of my job, but the best part is, I'm convinced the time spent of AR is deductible, much like fishing or golf. It can take years off your life!

Lenn~ I couldn't agree with you more! There are so many people not taking advantage of the whole experience here on AR.  I also made this part of my marking, I do believe the time I spend here is well spent...Plus it is fun!

I am not sure how much time I spend here but it is not as much as I would like. Like you said, the information is tremendous! The total time is unknown but I do check in a few times a day as work permits.

Lenn - what I appreciate is no matter how busy you are, how many comments you get, you always take the time to read and respond to all your comments. What's the point of writing a post  never to return to see what others think, or listen to their point of view. After writing a post on referrals, I learned a lot from others experience and based on that information will not refer a contractor in the future because of follow Rainer's invaluable feedback - lesson learned!  

Probably a couple of hours....one in the morning and then periodically throughout the day. I too need to do more hyper-local posts and now that my new website is really ready to move, I'll be doing more of those and more linking posts.

The information that one can get here is amazing.  I don't know where else one can learn so much so quickly.  In a small office of maybe 20 people, how much are you really going to get from the few interactions you have with fellow agents.  Here, you can multiply those interactions enormously.  It's almost information overload. I'm always getting new ideas from other members. 

Lenn,

I did not know that you are a artist. All you need else is playing an instrument, do you?

Lenn - Active Rain is a part of our daily networking experience, however, that does no preclude that it can be an addiction. Since I never log out, I could be accused of being on Active Rain 24 hours a day. Have you been to Arizona and seen the saguaros in person? Some very intersting formations.

Lenn, love your paintings.  To answer the new member's question: I spend hours on ActiveRain, some days more time than others (if I'm busy or have other things I must do).  I wish I were able to publish more posts in a shorter amount of time (maybe with more practice).  I do spend time reading others posts and commenting.  I learn so much from AR, that I wish I could read each and every post!  But not enough time in the day for that. 

I hope to keep ActiveRain in my daily marketing plan.  I've only serious started blogging consistently not even one year yet.  I agree that to see consumer gains will take time over the long term.  I've already gotten about 3 clients and salvaged a deal because of ActiveRain!  Where else could I have done that?

Beautiful paintings Lenn! I am a musician and a Realtor® and as well, and I find that my creativity helps my business tremendously. How much time do I spend on AR? I am a newbie to it (it's just really getting started here in BC Canada), but I think that the motto should be: "as long as it takes". afterall, the benefits to internet presence are huge!

Hyperlocalism you say? With consumers becoming more and more empowered with their own research tools, the future of our industry rests on hyperlocalism. There will always be demand for a local expert/adviser/consultant. We'd better get on this horse fast...

Lenn, as the person sort of responsible for all of the addict stuff around the Rain lately, I gotta say that is was meant to be tongue and cheek.  While I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend here, it is work.  And it's the kind of work that I often get paid for.  Still, I must admit that I might not post quite so much if it were not for the stupid points.  What can I say?  I'm just - oh no, hot addicted!

Lenn, I thought of Mike Jones as soon as I saw your paintings - you captured his photos! Active Rain is part of my marketing plan and prospecting and has been for two years. Like you said, nothing is overnight with marketing, but in time, it builds. I loved the image Ben showed at Rain Camp of the footprint and he explained how all the things you do on the internet create a footprint. AR is a HUGE part of my internet footprint!

Sharon

Your paintings are gorgeous Lenn!

I write a "multitude of hyperlocal posts" not only here but in other places too!  There is value in owning real estate "online" for our businesses.