Special offer

SUCCESS IN THE RAIN!

By
Real Estate Agent with Alain Pinel Realtors CalBRE#00979900

SUCCESS IN THE RAIN!

 

SUCCESS IN THE RAIN!  Here's my story.  January was a slow month for me.  I had been off the grid for 2 months because my husband had heart surgery and I became his caretaker. That is, a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, caretaker. 

nurse with pink uniform, hat with red cross, brown background

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anyway, after cleaning the house from top to bottom, organizing my shelves and cleaning closets I ran out of things to do or things I wanted to do.  So I decided to tackle ActiveRain again.  I became a member in 2008, but was unable to do anything with AR because I was too busy at that time. 

active rain logo in orange and blue

 

 

 

So here I am in January trying to discover how to do this ActiveRain thing.  The first thing I did was to read posts.  No comments yet because everything seemed to be said that I might want to say.  Then I took some AR University classes.  Not participating, just listening.  Finally, in late January I began commenting. At that point I had about 4000 points.  My immediate goal was to learn everything I could about blogging and making my blog site look inviting.  I'm still working on that.

 

 My second goal was to over take my colleagues and become #1 in Alameda.  That was a mighty goal since #1 has 83,000 points and has been blogging forever and I had a paltry 4,000 points.  I decided I should set my sites a little lower.  I picked several Rainers who had 10,000+ points.  By February 13, I had accumulated 10637 and was having fun commenting and even blogging.  My first blog was on February 18.  It was awful, but a beginning and ActiveRainers were very helpful.

 

 After that I found that one could gain more points by participating in challenges.  I found the "Surviving the Serengetichallenge," read the chapters I was required to read, took the quiz and found that I was a cheetah.  Then I blogged about what I had read and that I was a cheetah. This was a good way for me to develop my blogging skills since I had a ready made topic.

 

I found another challenge, preparing a "press release about another ActiveRainer".  I previously commented on a blog in which Karen Kruschka had written about her volunteer work reading to the deaf.   This caught my eye since being deaf by definition means not being able to hear, so how could you read to the deaf?  I interviewed Karen, prepared the press release and posted it to a free press release site.  This was a wonderful challenge because I got to know Karen and her husband Art and I let more people know about her volunteer work for the deaf, a worthy cause.

 

Garrick Werdmuller blue sky fluffy clouds

 

Since I began in January I've been commenting everyday and blogging occasionally.  When I reached 22,663 points on March 6 I had to change my goal.  My goal was to overtake the person in the #2 spot in Alameda. At that time, he had 30,991 points.  I finally overtook Garrick Werdmuller who has been #2 for as long as I can remember.  He is probably blogging and commenting at this very moment in the hopes of flying past me.  But at least for now I am still #2.  Hooray!  And for that accomplishment ActiveRain has"featured" me, whatever that means.

 

 I know being #2 is not what everyone wants, but I am exhilarated that I have come so far in three months.  I am still learning, I need to concentrate on SEO and changes to my website.  But being #2 is very exciting and makes me want to do more, a lot more.

 

 

Comments (36)

Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Evelyn  You are off to a mighty fine start and I am glad we were able to be of assistance - you'll do more than be #1 in Alameda

Mar 29, 2011 06:39 AM
Evelyn Kennedy
Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA
Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Karen:

thanks for your nice comment.  Notice I keep plugging my press release about you.  Have you gotten any calls on it?  Have a nice day.

Mar 29, 2011 06:52 AM
Mary Stewart
HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, Homes for Everyone - Wilsonville, OR
Wilsonville and Surrounding Portland Metro Areas

Hi Evelyn, Good post and I could feel everything you said.  I am relatively new to AR and love everything about it.  My biggest goal on AR is to really be noticed on google when someone is searching my area and I know that continued blogging especially ones about my area will finally pay off.  I do like the points and look to see where I stand in my area, much like you, I have some people I want to catch up with and surpass. Thanks for the post and for being featured.

Mar 29, 2011 10:17 AM
Evelyn Kennedy
Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA
Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Mary:

Thanks for you comments. Your goal is my ultimate goal.  I want to be on page 1 of Google not 103.  But I still have lots of work to get there.  Good luck to you.

Mar 29, 2011 10:29 AM
Constina M. Baylor
REMAX Gold Coast Realtors Oxnard - Oxnard, CA
Broker Associate - Oxnard Homes, Oxnard Beach and Marina

Evelyn, I'm #2 in my City and I'm sneaking up on #1 and she won't even know when I whizz by her.  Like you u I'm working on page 1.  I'll race ya1 :)

Mar 29, 2011 12:29 PM
Evelyn Kennedy
Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA
Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Constina:

I like "I'm sneaking up on #1"  I am going to use it as my mantra.  My #1 is 50,000 points ahead of me.  It will take a while before I catch up to her.   Good luck to you.  Let me know when you pass her.  I'm pulling for you.  Thanks for your comment.

Mar 29, 2011 02:20 PM
Michelle Francis
Tim Francis Realty LLC - Atlanta, GA
Realtor, Buckhead Atlanta Homes for Sale & Lease

Evelyn,

Good story to share.  What's funny, is those first few points seem more difficult and then after awhile you are closing in on 200k.  I am only #5 in Atlanta, but heck, it's a BIG market!  (And I really like the folks up there ahead of me:-)

Keep going, soon even better than rankings you will see folks calling you, buying or selling from you that read your blog posts.  Make sure you write hyperlocal blog posts!!! Very key in getting calls. 

All the best, Michelle

Mar 30, 2011 04:22 AM
Evelyn Kennedy
Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA
Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Michelle:

I'm impressed.  #5 in the huge city of Atlanta.  Congratulations.  My city is about 75,000 so its easier to rank high.  I look forward to the calls.  I actually plan on writing at least one hyperlocal blog a week.  More if I can manage.  Thank you for your kind words.  I appreciate your taking the time to comment on my blog.

Mar 30, 2011 06:52 AM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

My advice is to be persistent and consistent, and I don’t even care what you do, just be persistent and consistent. That’s the only way that long-term success will arrive at your doorstep.

By the way, you have a shout-out in my March 31 Pay It Forward Google juice (part 8) post.

Apr 01, 2011 01:07 PM
Ann Allen Hoover
RE/MAX Advantage South - Hoover, AL
CDPE SRES ASP e-PRO Realtor - Homes for Sale - AL

Hi Evelyn!  I have spent much of this year being my dad's caregiver and know how that can affect your ability to work.  Congratulations on your achievements.....it's exciting isn't it?  Best wishes and I hope your husband continues to do well.

Apr 02, 2011 09:23 AM
Evelyn Kennedy
Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA
Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Russel:  Thanks Russel.  As I have said over and over again people on ActiveRain are so encouraging.  I appreciate it.  Now I will have to look to see what the shout out is.  Thanks again.

 

 

Apr 02, 2011 12:04 PM
Evelyn Kennedy
Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA
Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Ann:  I went through being a full time care giver with my Mom.  It is a hard job.  I hope your Dad is well.  

My Mom had a stroke and seemed to be OK until we noticed that she was falling a lot(she was living by herself at that time).  She actually insisted that she didn't need our help.  We finally convinced her that she need to be with me or my sister.  So, she came to stay with me and my family and gradually began to loose her memory and slide into dementia.  That was much harder than watching my husband, who also insisted he didn't need my help.  My husband is doing remarkably well, thank Heaven.  Unfortunately, my Mom passed away two years ago.

Apr 02, 2011 12:06 PM
Barbara Hensley
RE/MAX Properties - Rockwall, TX
Homes for Sale in Rockwall County, Texas

Evelyn - I enjoyed reading this and want to wish you the best of luck in sticking with ActiveRain and gaining the #1 ranking in your area.  BTW - I love your photo in the red and holding the SOLD sign.  his is a powerful message.  I have also sen your comments on other posts - keep up the good work!

Apr 02, 2011 10:39 PM
Evelyn Kennedy
Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA
Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Barbara:

Thanks so much for your words of encouragement.   #1 seems so far away, maybe by the end of the year if then, but I will keep focused on taking over #1 and blogging as best I can.  I appreciate your comment.

Apr 03, 2011 06:11 AM
Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Evelyn ~ You've done a fantastic job of finding success with Active Rain!  You told your story in a way that made me hang on every word ... I was cheering for you and hoping that you made your goals.  Keep at it and before you know it, you'll be a seasoned blogger, the one helping all the newbies  :-)

Apr 03, 2011 05:57 PM
Evelyn Kennedy
Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA
Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Maureen:

Thank you, I really appreciate your encouraging me to achieve my goals.  WOW! Will I ever achieve the status of helping newbies.  Maybe.  You are very kind and I am happy you enjoyed my blog.  Take care.

Apr 04, 2011 06:24 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Congratulations on your quick success, and hoping the surgery has improved your husband health!

Apr 13, 2011 02:50 AM
Evelyn Kennedy
Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA
Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Joan:

Thank you for your kind comments.  My husband is doing amazingly well.  His doctor told us that he good for another 50 years. 

Apr 13, 2011 07:29 AM
Elisa Uribe Realtor #01427070
Golden Gate Sotheby's International - Berkeley, CA
Opening the Doors to California Homes -East Bay

HI Evelyn, you found me and now I found you:) I just lost my dad last month and it has been such a sad time in my life but I'm picking up the pieces and back on Active Rain feeling connected once again so I can relate to your blog and think your husband is a lucky man to have you in his life. I hope he is recovering and getting stronger every day.

 

You are an amazing person. When we run into each other on tour one day, I hope we recognize each other and can say Hello:)

Until then...

Apr 22, 2011 05:14 PM
Evelyn Kennedy
Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA
Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Elisa:

Yes, I read your blog about your father.  I am so sorry.  It is difficult to lose a parent.  Time will help ease your sadness.  Thanks for asking about my husband.  He is doing very well.  He didn't have a heart attach.  But his doctors told him he would have had one if he hadn't had the heart surgery.  After the surgery his doctor said he's good for another 50 years.  Thank heaven.

Having read your posts, the feeling is mutual.  Hopefully, we will meet on tour sometime.  Take care and hope your Easter is nice.

Apr 22, 2011 06:49 PM