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My 200th Post...........................It is time to get serious!

I started blogging on March 30th, 2007. I suspect that if I had realized then what I know now that I could be a real blogger with a significant voice, I would have started earlier. I am not at all sure what that voice is just yet, but I am told by my fellow bloggers that I have one.

Today I will be in a Webinar class for 5 hours being re-certified as a RELAY (the on-line transaction management platform endorsed by NAR) Certified Trainer. I received my certification in the fall of last year but the RELAY program is evolving so fast with so many new modifications and enhancements, it is highly recommended to be re-certified each year to stay fresh and on the cutting edge.

Class starts in less than an hour and I may not finish this post till late in the day. I will post this tomorrow.

As I mentioned in the title, it is time to get serious. Through the testing of various types of postings, I realize that Localism is where I must begin to focus more of my attention. I did start the OUTLOOK Users group several weeks ago and there is so much there to be accomplished as well.

I would like to provide a weekly tutorial on the many different aspects of OUTLOOK from shortcut keys to expanding the functionality with add-on programs and user interfaces that are available in the market place. We have some great talented members of that group and the contributions thus far have a been wonderful. Stop by and if you have needs or questions about OUTLOOK, post it to the group and someone will help you get that resolved. If you are in a learning mode and would to increase your user skills with OUTLOOK, we invite you to join the group. If you have particular skills with OUTLOOK and would like to share you knowledge, we welcome you as well.

As I reflected on my 200 posts and read some of them over again, I am pleased that I have both learned and shared with equal dedication. In the new journey, I have made many acquaintances and a few friends along the way. I needn't name names or link their posts here, you know who you are.

For me, this new milestone represents both an accomplishment and a challenge. As I look inside myself, I see that anything I have given away, has been replenished and actually grown. My father, who I have spoken of before, gave me the sage advise that in life, the only things you get to keep are the things you are willing to first give away.

As a big part of this journey, I was fortunate enough to have connected up with Jim Cronin, owner of the RealEstateTomato. I learned from Jim about optimizing my blogging style and the core fundamentals of advanced blogging. Jim's genius was reflected in my new Blog Site The Real Estate Text Book which has been touted as the most unusual and creative of real estate blogging sites. We were both very pleased with the attention that was paid to it by the Wall Street Journal.

I have my marching orders clearly before me to continue to learn and then to participate on an equal footing with the best of the blogging world.

So on this day, I see the accomplishment as significant in that it is a solid step in a new direction. A right direction for me. I would complete this post by saying a special thank you to those of you who supported my decision to go in this direction, to those of you who encouraged me when I really wanted to quit, to those of you I have met and smiled at me and said, "hey you, you are nice to know", for the many of you who come and built up my spirit when it needed a boost and especially for the many of you who come to me with regularity as someone you trust. I feel good about this post, I said what I wanted to say. Best I should end this, there is always post 201 and beyond!

Posted by San Diego Real Estate Voice authored by William Johnson GRI CRS e-PRO on 09/28/2007 06:34 PM

Comments (78)

therealestatetextbookcom, therealestatetomatocom, activerainrelay, relay certified trainer, jim cronin, outlook users group, localism

78 Comments on My 200th Post...........................It is time to get serious!

SEP

2007

And here you are with your lovely voice and talent. Congratulations on your 200th post with a "hey you...I am so glad I met you and you are a wonderful inspiration to my soul" Thanks William....for being you.

Congratulations William! I just signed up with the Tomato as well, and saw your blog...AWESOME!!!!

Wow! Congrats on the 200 posts in 6 months. I will have to take a look at your Outlook group. I am not as proficient in Outlook as I would like to be. I upgraded to 2007 and am a little lost. I use it well, but I know I am not using it to it's full potential.

William, and what quality content those 200 posts have proven to be. I think they probably pale in comparison to the comments you leave here and there though =)

Congratulations on the WSJ kudos. I had no idea. Your site is certainly deserving.

I joined your Outlook group with enthusiasm that I had not shown for any other group. Much to be gained there! I look forward to more. Thanks for not abandoning us.

WOW, Holy cow.....200 posts, you must be a talk-a-tive person. I can't imagine writing that many posts but I'm sure I will hit that mark sometime. Congratulations

Sean Allen

Gongrats ole Blogger :-) I'll have to take a look at your Outlook group myself.

Daryn

Congrats my friend...put it in the Bronze if you like.

William--I hit my 200th post today too...We must have started around the same time. I didn't post about it this time...You have come along way and have quite a following. I have learned a lot from you! Keep posting!

That is terriffic William...I am so enjoying getting to know you on here. You are a man of many facets and many kindnesses!

Thank you for being here.... stars

Dear Woo Hoo Sally, Wow, thank you for being who you are and always being there.
Mahalo

PS, You make my heart sing with beautiful music.

Hi Chris, Welcome Fellow Tomato, Thanks for your compliment. Jim did a great Job! You will pleased.

Hi Debbieand Thank You! In the weeks and months ahead, there will be some nice improvements in the group postings. Currently, half is 2003 and the other half 2007. There are so many features that need explored , understood and then implemented. Learning any software program to utilize its potential takes a bit of effort, but with the digest version of everything, hopefully it will come along faster. It will be fun at least!

I love your voice William and I will always remember how I found you...in a comment. While localism is key to many things, I hope that you will continue to share your insight on life....for that is immeasurable. And I consider you a long, lost, and very dear friend. I'll call you next week if that is ok...you are an amazing chap amigo!

Hi Maggie,

Thank you so much for your wonderful comments and know that you will be pleased when we start the weekly tutorials. Thanks you again for your welcoming spirit. I am glad I stayed despite the fact that no matter what I write, non of writings can have any recognition.

Hi Sean and Pilar, :-) I do tend to talk a lot actually. What I always have fear of is not saying anything,lol You will get there, it comes up on you rather suddenly actually. I have slowed down a lot, but I am sure I will get back up to pace in no time. I think I hit a dry well, happens and then you dig another hole and hit paydirt. I am actually looking for that one as we speak! I know its there.

Hi Daryn, Thank you so much for coming by and being part of this. It really is wonderful to have so many wonderful friends.

Hi Neal, Thank you so much. What a wonderful group of people we have here. Every week it gets more awesome. You are such a major reason that AR remains the great site that it is. Thanks for all you do and I so appreciate you dropping over to entend your best wishes

Congratulations to you!! and please keep them coming! I subscribed to your RSS feed and will stay tuned to RE Text Book!

William,

This is certainly an exciting moment, and most worthy of "FEATURED" recognition. You should be so proud of yourself, I know you make proud. You are an inspiration to all of us!

William,

You've come a log way with a very strong voice on the network in a very short time. Congrats on your success now and in the future.

William,

This is certainly an exciting moment, and most worthy of "FEATURED" recognition. You should be so proud of yourself, I know you make proud. You are an inspiration to all of us!

09/28/2007

OOPS - That was me.

Hi Teri, Congratulations to you as well, I will be over there as soon as I return from Dinner. I will bring over your official Star on the Walk of Fame. You are wonderful for being a part of this and I so appreciate you both as a person and as my fellow blogger and friend.

Hey Jason, What would this celebation be without you, a trusted and great friend. You are remarkable and it was you that came to me and encouraged me just to hang in there and keep writing. Never once even knowing that you were way far ahead and had already learned what I was just beginning to understand,did you ever say anything that wasn't inspiring to me. When you had your mishap, I felt really empty inside, thinking that I lost a friend that has meant so much to me. But you returned and AR is all the better for it. Thank you for being here and being you. You are a special person and friend that I so appreciate and that always brightens my day ! You are one in a million!

Hi Rick and Inez, Thanks you so much. The two of you are so wonderful and contribute such wonderful things here on AR. Your comments always show how much you care . I would be honored to call you friends. As Neal, The Real Deal would say, "You are both the Real Deal! "

Congratulations William, great to know you and your little pups. I look forward to more imput on OUTLOOK too.

To the BIG TOMATO, at each of my small milestones, you are there to say" Good Job". I can never thank you enough for bringing me along and teaching, inspiring and getting me to this point. I am really but a beginner but I know I am on the right track, thanks in no small part to you and your great company and staff . How many people really have the one mentor that enables them to be the best they can be. My best and my potential are just being uncovered and one day, I will truly make you proud! Here 's to THE REAL ESTATE TOMATO! May your dreams all come true and may I always be at least a small part of them!

William, congrats on 200 post! I can't tell you how excited I am about the Outlook group! I have learned quite a bit already and we have just started. There is just soooooooooooo much to learn! It is great to have a group to bounce outlook ideas off. I agree about localism also, that is where I have placed my main emphasis.

Hi Tracy, Than you so much for your very nice compliments. I will always try to be worthy of your kind words and encouragement.

Hi Missy, you of course made the Outlook Users happen. Any credit that group gets needs to shared equally with you! Many Thanks for all your support and your feindship. I am looking forward to some great days ahead! Right along with you and the users group. Thanks for adding in your kind expressions of encouragement here. Maybe one day the AR Gods will allow us a feature or two.

Hi Marchel, Missy and I are both pleased that you are a memebr of the group. I have had a couple projects that have prevented me from getting the enhancement done for the group. But I promise they coming! Thanks for adding in your best wishes and THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

William - Congrats on your 200th post and getting re-certified as a Realy trainer. You are a man of soooo many talents!

What a delight it has been meeting you through our affiliation on Active Rain. I have no doubt that we would have met somehow, somewhere. When we actually met in person for the first time, I think we both felt a special connection as though we'd known one another forever.

William, one of the things I admire most about you (aside from your impeccable appearance, genuine smile, and that you are such great company) is your deep desire to share what you know with others. You give whole-heartedly, without reservation to clients and business associates. Your accomplishments in the field of real estate and in life are great and you willingly share all you have, all you know.

Thanks for all you've done to make this world of real estate a better place in the past. Looking forward to learning from you and growing with you in the future.

Your fan in Laguna,

Marlene

Hi Marlene, So many thanks for your sweet note and your kindness and your friendship to me. Within seconds of when I met you, I was enthralled. Your smile captured me and you are stuck with me as your friend for life. I can see whyy your friends and colleagues adore you. You are Kind, Bright, Caring and always involved and doing for others. Yet, with all that , you are and have more fun than a barrel of monkies. You are my kind of friend and a very special lady to boot!

Celebrate!!! The Big 200 for William!

So Cronin gave you your "walking papers"? Now walk on over to Bloodhoundblog and tell Greg Swann he's full of crap! I double dog dare ya! Yes, it is initiation time...WooHoo!

William - Congratulations on this "major"stone!! Love your outside blog and just recently joined the Tomato family - we're under "construction" = Here's to your next 200 posts!!

Ardell, those were marching orders ( As in Graduation from this class ), not walking papers. LMAO. I will go check the bloodhound blog for Mr Swan and if he is, I will graciously tell him so. What do I get if I take the dare,LOL If its a lot of grief, that won't be fun. Many Thanks for the great comment post and the cool 200th, can I have that,lol

WOW, Cyndee, Congratulations! I will be watching for your launch. When you said major stone, so some reason I was flashing in my mindseye a big rock with a rope on it and someone saying, "Now PULL" !

I read today that the guys had been contemplating changing ownership of activerain. Maybe we could get Jim to buy it. Wouldn't that be cool to have Tomatoes being in charge for a while. :-)

SEP

2007

William - didn't mean to throw you with my play with words (LOL) - just wanted you to know it's a major accomplishment!!! Congrats. We're working hard on getting content over and I'll keep you posted -Jim's got some exciting blogging ideas coming that should be fun - he was sharing tonight as we were having a working session. Love your blog site - so totally original!!

I'll write a special post for you on Rain City Guide if you take my double dog dare. Let me know. Send me a link and you have to use the word crap.

Hi Cyndee. You didn't actually. It is funny though how a word will trigger something. Jim and had been talking about what a haul it is sometimes to overcome some obstacles that others might throw your way. The subject was about being featured when you write good stuff as opposed to be being featured because you might be friends of someone that makes those those decisions. So in my minds eye, I visualized a bog rock to be pulled. The problem with my comments back to you was that I typed mins instead of minds eye. I don't know what happened to missing letters ,lol, I was sure I typed them.

I will look into it Ardelle. I have to weigh the consequences of what would normally be out of character for me, LOL

Congratulations William! I hit #100 myself today. Keep up the good work!

Ardelle, I had a good laugh just now as I realized I spelled weigh as way. I guess it is too late for my mind to catch all these things the first time. :-)

great 200th blog! You have some good ideas and I'd be delighted to learn more about outlook. I like to think I'm pretty savvy when it comes to some of these things but I can always learn more about them.

WOW, you are rockin'!!! Congratulations...I'll be posting my 200th sometime during the first week of October!

Wow Jason, Congratulations to you as well. It sesms just a few weeks agi i hit the 100, so watch out the time will pass quickly. My next goal is to get to 100,000. I have a ways to go, I think it will take me about a month or so, but I will get there.

I will be going to your 100th post and leaving you your Official Star on the ActiveRain Walk of Fame. So be looking for it!

Hi Mary, I will be watching. I will subscribe to your site as soon as I finish these remarks back to you. I will send you your Star on the ActiveRain Walk of Fame.

Hi Rick, I welcome you to the Outlook Users group and we will do out best to make it worth your while. Many thanks for your Best wishes. Looking forward to you contributing in Outlook as well. Maybe write a post on who you use and what shortcomings there might be. If you design it in your own fashion what would it look like and what other functions might it have. PS Have looked at the journal feature in Outlook , Do you use it?

William- Congratulations on your 200th post. I feel like I know you because I read all your comments you write on Sally's blog. I am going to join the Outlook group soon. I am not in a position to spread my time any thinner so I hesitate to get into new things like this. However, we have been using ACT for years now after we dumped Top Producer for Contact management and I would like something simpler and not as expensive as ACT. When we have an issue we pay $75 an hour to get it resolved. I am looking for a better way and not sure if Outlook is that way or not but I am willing to find out. I will check out your tomato blog. Katerina

Hi Nester and Katerina,

Thank you so much for best wishes and we would welcome you to stop by and take a look. If you do happen to buy Office, Be sure you get the right version for you. They group applications together in different ways ( bundels) to make the offering specific to your wants and needs. In other words, if you want PowerPoint, best check to see what is in the Office version you are buying. Publisher is great and not included in all editions. Access is good and not in all editions.

Act is a great program, and I had used Top Producer for years. I was one of the original group of CRS users. I knew the young guys that owned it and there never would have been a $75 charge for anything much less tech support. When they sold it, , it is now a huge profit maker but they have leave a lot people very disappointed with their attitude. You know in life , it really is all about attitude. Most companies that give any care at all about us users would bend over backwards. Not so with TP. I won't elaborate but I well understand your frustrations.

In Outlook , it can be customized to the way you work . There are numerous add-ons specific to real estate and other needs , like locating a lost e-mail and not wanting to spend hours looking for it. I use an add on and can find anything within about 60 seconds. That includes the stuff I misfiled, lol.

The tomato blog is awesome, a bit unusual to say the least but everyone seems to be taking to it and complementing me. My clients think it is fun and really like the reading aspect.

William,

Congratulations on your 200th Post. Wow you did that fast. I have been here since end November and am nowhere near it yet.

It has been a pleasure both meeting you and getting to know you.

Hi Lauri, It feels so good to have you come by and leave me this. I am so glad I was up to see it and be able to respond and to thank you so much. When we met, I was so impressed with you and I read your posts , even when I don't comment because of lot of your posts are local. But I am so pleased you came by, you made my night!

Hi William,

Congratulations on your milestone blog! If you are in anyway as dedicated to your work as you are to blogging you must be a force to be reckoned with! Waiting for the next 200!

Hi William - What an exciting time! You have truly found your voice and the admiration of many here on AR, including myself. Congratulations!

I think Ardell is trying to get you in the middle of some competitive rivalry and I too, want to know if you accept the challenge - just be ready to speak Greek or is it Latin. Either way - I love to read Bloodhound and have the highest admiration for Gregg and his entourage. I can see you there!

William: I just subscribed to the Real Estate Tomato. I read through some of the articles and will definitely read more. I haven't been on AR long but I have read several of your blogs. I find them interesting, and very informative. I've only been in RE for 1 1/2 yrs and I'm constantly trying to find ways to become a better agent. I am taking classes, my GRI, and whatever else comes along that I might find valuable. I love reading your posts. They remind me of a great literary mind. Please keep blogging. I still have so much to learn.

William - I read all you posts. I do not comment on all of them but I do read them and respect your expertise. I have learned many things and bookmarked many of your posts. I especially enjoy the Outlook posts and have joined the group. Congrats on your success.

Hello Marlene, What an honor it is to be the recipient of your so very thoughtful and kind expression of friendship. From all that I can gather, on my best day, you would outshine me in every way. I know about all your volunteerism and what you so graciously contribute to this industry and your peers. I should be here heralding your contribution instead of the other way around. It is both my pleasure and my honor to be associated with you and count you as a friend that is very special. Marlene, you not only set the standard , you are the standard!

Hi Paula, I need to go and check this out, because I said I would. As to the double dare from Ardelle, I am just not so sure about that and I think you maybe right. I sure appreciate you looking out for me. I have heard the name and it is just not resonating with me. I will look into this today so I will at least know what Ardelle is suggesting and if I am up to the challenge.

Hello Todd and Danielle, I really don't think of myself as a force exactly. I used to tell my broker that I find it so odd that I get every listing I go out on. His response as you might gather, is "Then you aren't going out on enough listings",:-) And that is true. But my marketing plan is killer. I expect If went out more, but the sheer odds I would lose some. But then I think that would be a waste of time,lol

I am a dedicated professional probably no different than you. I have a passion for excellence and you also know, that it takes longer and does limit ones time when you involve your passion,:-). I start my business day usually at 7:00. The first hour before that though is my time to drink my coffee, and read the newspaper , tend to the flower beds, etc. I do my blogging through out the day, by writing my posts in draft form, editing and adding as the day draws out, when ever I can find time. I think I have 16 drafts at this time. Not done as yet. I usually do my reading and comment posting after 10:00PM in the evenings. Lately the after 10:00 time slot has also attracted a couple networkers and we mastermind our AR posts, blogging resources and the Outlook user group. That necessitates I stay up even longer.

So the answer is I get it done. The nice thing is that I no longer feel the need to do 6 or 7 posts if i have nothing to write about. But we all need to be consistent with our efforts to provide the best to our consumers. Thanks for coming by and expressing your best wishes. Mine go out to you as well!

Hi Bonnie and thank you for you very gracious comments to me. I so appreciate your thoughts and know that If I can ever help you in any way, please let me know. As you proceed with your GRI series, keep an eye out for the GRI Masters Program. I have not done that one yet but am looking foreword to it. After your GRI, give CRS a strong look. This is the single most valuable business tool in the industry. You will get referral business from here as we CRS's stick together , no matter our brokerage affiliation. We refer to each other, A LOT!

Don't burn out. Pace yourself with your continuous studies, blogging, your business etc. You can do it all but be careful you leave enough time to live and enjoy life with family and friends.

Hello Chuck, I feel totally honored by your comments and will strive to always be worthy of your trust and interest in what I try to contribute here. I truly appreciate your commenting on my posts but also you as a valuable resource for the betterment of our industry.

William...congratulations...I'll be back to read all and comment. Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you :) :)

Hi Kat, Thanks so much for coming by. I would definitely want your comments included in this special post because I am reposting the entire post and all the comments in my regular blog, for family, friends and clients. Many thanks again for always being there and supporting my efforts to be the best that I can be.

Wow -200 POSTS!!!! I'm am so, so far behind your status :)

Someday...but in the meantime congrats to you!

Hi Beth,thank you so much for your kind thoughts. But don't short change yourself. The number of points or the number of posts are just a measure. Friendships and professionalism needs no measure. It exists because it is both needed and expected from us. Don't think of this as a race, then feel behind in it. Think of it as a savoring journey and seek out every bump and curve as you meander purposefully forward. We are all on the same journey, if the big bump or detour gets in your way, call on us and we will smooth the way for you. In other words, if you need anything, you have but to ask. Enjoy this and meet as many of these wonderful people as you can. Each has a story as do you. As we share our stories we learn. We will develop our strengths along the way but always be sure to embrace the journey and enjoy it. We will all have our individual experiences but in the end the big experience will be our shared stories of this trip. It will be a better read than any best seller. Wishing you every success as you embark on this great blogging journey.

Congratulations.... you are now twice as prolific as I am... Your posts always make me think and often make me smile...

Dear Kaye,Whoopee! I love the fireworks and really so appreciate your coming by and bringing that special touch to the comments. I love it and really and especially appreciate you and our new friendship.

William - it's been a real treat watching your blogging skills develop here on AR. And I'm so glad you hooked up with Jim. Your site is totally awesome and is a great reflection on what his team is capable of providing! My Best Wishes for your continued growth & success!

Hello Rich, Thanks you so much for coming buy and extending your best wishes. I certainly consider you one the best in blogging and you have a way of expressing things that everyone loves. I watch you very carefully and I learn greatly from your expertize! Many Many thanks for your friendship as well. You are greatly respected and admired.

congrats, I wish you the best

Hi William, Just stopped by to extend my Congratulations! 200 Posts is a lot of writing...particularly when you were never expecting to be a writer! I've enjoyed reading many of your blogs posts and apprecite the clear, thoughtful insights you share with your readers. Best Wishes for the Next 200 Excellent posts!

Hi Rick, Many Thanks and right back at ya!

Dear Lola,that was so wonderful of you to stop by and extend your best wishes. Many thank again for the gracious compliment and just know I will never intentionally disappoint you!

SEP

2007

William,

You are truly one of the best. I have said it before, you have so many talents, and the way in which you share them is so unselfish. I love what your father said, " the only things you get to keep are the things you are willing to first give away." It looks like you will be busy for a long time, and I will have to make much more time to read ALL of your Blogs, inside and outside.....as you give so much of yourself and your knowledge in them.

Thank you, and Congratulations on this 200th Post, on the Re- Certification, and on being such a wonderful guy all in all. Now, since I blocked my time just for you, I am going to go to your link The Real Estate Text Book ..........see ya later :) :)

OCT

2007

WOW Kathy, your comments are pretty awesome. I could read all these and get a big head. NOT! I love how caterpillars become butterflies. The caterpillar stage is OK, except they damage a lot of stuff, eating their way into becoming mature butterflies. You would have to be a botanist to know which caterpillars are which but if you are of the belief that any butterfly is good, then you would be pleased. If on the other hand you wanted only the rarest and most magnificent butterflies, then feeding all your best plants to just any old caterpillar may not be the thing to do. *within these words is a sort of hidden message you will likely understand*

Kathy , thank you for all your support and encouragement and the trust that comes with our friendship. Your comments would brighten any day!

I hope you find the Real Estate Text Book enlightening and an enjoyable read. I just got this e-mail from a friend in my neighborhood. "I sure love this site. One of the things I appreciate most is being able to surf listings and not do a bunch of filling out of forms to do so. Way to go!" . I set the site up so people didn't have to register. If they seek an automatic feed for any new listings, I get the e-mail address anyway. People don't like forms, they want to be anonymous. I can drip on them and not offend.

William- I went to your site....funny but I had been there before, just never commented on it. The layout is great, you were right. Oh and thank you for the comments above :) :) I did get something from the analgy :)

William, I can't imagine writing 200 posts. Congratulations on this milestone. Blogging has been good to you and you have been good to it.

Bill Roberts

Good Morning Bill, And Thanks you so much for your kind words. I realize that the writing and conversing in AR as a REALTOR 2.0, was something that was missing in my REALTOR experience. I am glad I found AR, having been a member for over a year before I received an e-mail from a friend that found AR and said , I need to get involved. I took a look and the rest is history. I wrote my first post on that day March 30th, 2007. I owe you some comments on several of your posts even though I have already read them. I also read you comment post to Jonathan and even though I wrote comment for his post,I saved then and did not post them. Sometimes I write things and have doubts about some comment or other and I learned sometime ago, to give air space if in doubt. Sometimes they never get posted at all, but I save the comments in my notepad , by date ,post and author for later consideration or as is usual, a re-write.

OCT

2007

Congratulations on your 200^th post and I look forward to reading your future blogs and your focus on serious blogging. I love this forum as much as you do and it has gotten me in touch with so many people from around the United States.

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