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HELP HELP PLEASE HELP 2012 BIG Jumpstart Back2Basics Blog Challenge

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside
HELP  HELP  PLEASE  HELP
2012 BIG Jumpstart Back2Basics Blog Challenge

green check mark  Atlanta Real Estate Blog by LynnFirst and foremost, thanks to everyone who participated in the Challenge. I am so delighted that all the work I did to prepare the Challenge provided value to so many people.

Every minute I spent planning was completely worth it to me. The feedback so far has been uniformly focused on the benefit each person received by digging deeper into the core of ActiveRain - the Community Guidelines, the Weltanschauung
and ActiveRain University

The Challenge instruction post got lost at AR! 
BooHoo? No - no problem ...
Just click the link above to see it.

So what about all that great information leads to HELP HELP PLEASE HELP? The reporting and the Tally Sheet required for verification of each person's posts.  Once I verify the entries - YES ---- 100+ people times 21 = 2100+ entries to check ---- Then I send a list to Kerrie and her staff at AR and they award the points. BTW - Probably after Valentine's Day before my list will be sent in to her.

OK- but let's get to the HELP HELP PLEASE HELP! Only three of the first group of fifteen Tally Sheets submitted were complete.  I am sending them back to each person to be done again.  The Challenge includes submission of an accurate Tally Sheet. I need each person to be responsible for her/his Tally Sheet being accurate and I will be responsible for checking each one that is complete. UPDATE - Several of those who finished their Tally Sheets have offered to help with the VERIFICATION - Isn't AR GREAT!!

Bottom line - If you follow the further instructions here in this post and still have trouble, several AR members have offered to assist. Just email with your questions. That's what COMMUNITY is all about, isn't it?

Thanks to my training at ARUniversity, lots of technical details are easier for me now. The first Tally Sheet, available as a link in the Challenge announcement, was a Google document.  Some people stated that they didn't know how to use Google documents and asked for a different format.   Since the internal AR group communication link didn't work, (that's another story ...), I used my new Contact Management software.  I created a group by putting a check mark next to all 100+ names. Then I entered the emails that I could find into my new contact manager system. I sent an email from the amazing Contact Manager program to the entire group with the Revised Tally Sheet I had created in Microsoft Excel. (BTW, I love this Contact Manager program because it is so easy to use, they will enter your data for you and the Support is so pleasant whenever you call.  Write to me if you want to know more about the program.) 

green check mark  Atlanta Real Estate Blog by LynnNot everyone received the email for several reasons. I didn't have emails for about 26 people. I took the time from my Office Manager's schedule to get her to write to each of them via AR.  You know that involves using the dreaded CAPTCHA over and over. She barely spoke to me for a day after that - LOL!  Only six people responded.

So then I made a personal phone call to the remaining 19 to ask for their emails. I got 12 and left messages for the other seven.  I am sure you understand the time this is taking - look up each name and number, call, leave a message or listen to the person explain to me why he/she has so much going on in his/her life that he/she couldn't get around to responding.  OK ... 
everyone who has had the privilege of sponsoring a Challenge has heard all the above before!

So -
HELP HELP PLEASE HELP. Review the info below.  If it isn't clear enough, please call ActiveRain with your questions. My explanations may not be the work-around you would prefer to use.

green check mark  Atlanta Real Estate Blog by LynnSend the Tally Sheet to yourself to see if it still has links after you finish it. If all the links are there and all the information is complete, then send it to the Challenge Group email to be verified for the 2012 Challenge!!! The majority of these first Tally Sheets came without links.

The biggest issue seems to be how to copy links- if so many people cannot get it right the first time, it is the signal that another skill set needs to be shared!  Maybe a brief "LINK CHALLENGE"?

The second issue seems to be how to download an excel document
so it may be completed on one's own computer.
(We'll deal with Google doc's another time ...) 

green check mark  Atlanta Real Estate Blog by LynnThe third issue is just normal carelessness in reading instructions.  We all do that from time to time. We all are too busy and this Challenge was a deeper plunge - each post could be as short as 50 words but each of the topics required your focus and skills - didn't they?   The deal is - for this Challenge - if you don't fill out the personal info part at top - at the least your point delivery will be delayed and you don't get your points because I cannot verify points for a person whose name is not there.

My suggestion is to deal with the third issue first:
Personal Information FIRST!
1.  Your name as you prefer it to be used.
2.  Your telephone number if any questions arise.
3.  Your email address - not via AR - your outside email address.
4.  Your ActiveRain User name or "handle".

NOTE:  Points are awarded by your ActiveRain User Name or "handle"Miss #4 and even if I verify your posts - your points are at risk!

SECOND, download the form before you fill it out and cannot save allyour hard work.
1.  Choose option "Download" at the Attachment link.
2.  Document arrives in "Read Only".
3.  Go to Excel. 
4.  Click on "Save As".
5.  Choose where you want to save it.
6.  Name the document as you choose it.
7.  Click "SAVE".
8.  Now it is your document an you may do whatever you want with it.

THIRD, get the links from the titles/abstracts of your posts from your monthly list on your blog page in the right hand column. Just go and Copy/Paste the month of January - starting with Jan. 9th, of course.  For example- here are two from Rebecca Gaujot's (W.VA) list of her past posts.   -
Still Challenged with SEO - Here's Some Links to Help You! - 01/28/12 07:21 PM 

Do you feel overburden with this SEO?  Still have a lot to learn about SEO Since the 2012 BIG Jumpstart Back to Basics Blog Challenge, there have been some great posts written on SEO.  So, instead of trying to tell you how I have increased … (27 comments)

Do You Know What to do With Spam Comments? - 01/27/12 02:02 AM 

For the 2012 Jumpstart Back to Basics Blog Challenge, I want to briefly discuss the fourth bullet in the Active Rain Community Guidelines:
Do not advertise yourself or your services in … (40 comments)

Once you have copied the list of titles/abstracts you want, from all your posts that were written after January 9th when the Challenge started:
1. Select the link you want from the list of your posts.
2. Highlight and copy the link.
3. Go to
Tally Sheet category where you want to put that link.
4. Click into the cell and paste the link in that cell.
5. Enter the date - in any format you choose.
6. Click SAVE. (I SAVE continuously - I hate doing things over again!!!)

You may practice with Rebecca's titles/links above if you would like.

green check mark  Atlanta Real Estate Blog by LynnAnd that is why I am asking
HELP HELP PLEASE HELP!  I cannot finish the last step --- verifying for the points --- without your focus on your individual Tally Sheet completion.



Again - thanks so much for being in the Challenge. 

Have a happy day -
Lynn
Jo Olson
HOMEFRONT Realty - Kettle Falls, WA
Retired - HOMEFRONT Realty @ LAKE Roosevelt

ATTENTION - HERE IS A NEW ISSUE -

If you made your post MEMBER'S ONLY it will NOT work on the tally sheet.  All of my links that are PUBLIC WORKED and all of those that are MEMBERS ONLY DID NOT WORK.

 

Off to make all of my posts PUBLIC

Feb 03, 2012 05:56 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

RON - Thanks for the kind words!!!

 

JO - Links can be so ANNOYING!!! Thanks for teaching us what you are learning!!!

 

ED - As long as they work and they are live links- Long or Short is fine.

TO ALL THE AMAZING PARTICIPANTS -
We are in the HOME STRETCH now -
I have four posts left to do in five days ---
I think I will make it --
BTW - Gary Coles will check my Tally Sheet to be sure I got it right!!
Have a happy day -
Lynn

Feb 03, 2012 07:14 AM
Deborah Byron Leffler BzyBee Real Estate Lady!
Keller Williams Realty Boise - Nampa, ID

Lynn.....It sounds like that it has been a big challenge....as running a challenge always is!!!    Thank you for stepping up to head this....I knew I couldn't do this challenge but I applaud those of you who did complete it!!!

Take Deep Breaths!

Feb 03, 2012 10:31 AM
Elva Branson-Lee
Solid Source Realty GA - Atlanta, GA
CDPE - Atlanta Real Estate & Short Sale Agent

Lynn, I love you, and I loved the challenge, but I hate the tally sheet. I still don't get it, and I'm a pretty intelligent chick. Just sayin', 

And having said that, let me also say that this challenge has forced me to learn new things and meet new people. And I thank you for it, and for all of your hard work.

Feb 03, 2012 04:10 PM
Captain Wayne - Rowlett Real Estate School
Rowlett Real Estate School - Panama City, FL
Rowlett Real Estate School / Owner and Instructor

Lynn, Can you tell me if I need to do a another tally sheet or not?
Thank you.
~Captain Wayne

Feb 04, 2012 06:18 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Lynn

Thanks for all of the hard work on this - that must have been a major challenge in an of itself!! You have a monumental task ahead of you! I will be doing my last 4 these last 4 days.

Jeff

Feb 04, 2012 10:32 AM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Lynn, this makes me tired just reading it and to imagine all the hours you put in! I created my own Excel spreadsheet when the Google Docs didn't work for me, but I can't find a place to make the links a link - really annoying. Excel wants me to go into My Documents to insert a Hyperlink - really? I'm sure there is a trick to this that I just don't know, but I think I need some help with this so it can be easier for you guys. Any suggestions?

Sharon

Feb 06, 2012 10:31 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Oh my, Lynn!  The participants deserve 2100 points for figuring out the directions!  I'm scratching my head trying to get my list to you - and to figure out what is supposed to be on it!

Feb 06, 2012 03:27 PM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Dear Wonderful Participants -


Every person who commented here for assistance has received a personal email to answer the questions.


I'll be around Tuesday, February 7th if anyone needs help - 2012.Back2BasicsChallenge@gmail.com!


THANKS for all of your AMAZING posts with the HIGH QUALITY CONTENT!!!


Have a happy day -

Lynn

Feb 06, 2012 04:07 PM
Bill & Cyndi Daves
Hiawassee, Young Harris, Blairsville, Hayesville, Murphy and Beyond! - Hiawassee, GA
TeamDAVES - Your REALTORS In the GA/NC Mountains!

Lynn -  Wow, it seems like you did an amazing amount of work on this one.  Although I did not participate thank you for putting it together!  BTW I did get your email and looked over what I had done early in the month and there was no way, with our current schedule, to catch up - but thank you!

Cyndi

Feb 08, 2012 11:22 PM
Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

Lynn - Having done a contest myself and now being familiar with how people don't read the instructions (even Oldies here in AR!) I do know how much work you have AND I REALLY appreciated your email about my spreadsheet being done accurately! THAT MADE MY DAY!

Thanks SO MUCH for all of your work! I know one thing, the next contest I sponsor, I will give myself more time when it is over to get those points in to Kerrie.............it really took control of my life!!!

Thanks again!!!!! And Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Feb 09, 2012 01:31 AM
Ann Hayden 636-399-7544
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties-St. Louis Missouri - Des Peres, MO
SelectAnn.com

Lynn,

I appreciate all your hard work and the follow up.  I think I missed too many to participate due to illness and work issues.

Ann Hayden in Wildwood, MO

Feb 10, 2012 11:18 AM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Lynn, Thank you for your hard work in putting this contest together. Thanks for helping me with the Tally sheet. You deserve lots of bonus points for the contest.

Feb 10, 2012 11:17 PM
Karen Crowson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Rancho Bernardo, CA
Your Agent for Change

Wow, what a lot of work. Sounds like the tallying has become a job in itself!

Feb 11, 2012 12:13 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Dear Wonderful Participants -


Everyone should receive a group email on February 11, 2012 about the verification process. Don't want to forget the points - do we?

If you don't get one - email me at 2012.Back2BasicsChallenge@gmail.com and I'll get it out to you!


abstract figures  Atlanta Metro ODAT Realty CDPE Advanced Buy Lease Sell  Buckhead Atlanta GAThe content of your posts for the Challenge was so great - met or exceeded my goals in every category - even the Tally Sheet! Yes, the Tally Sheet was the "Challenge within the Challenge" - intentionally included for link practice!


Have a happy day -

Lynn

Feb 11, 2012 01:03 AM
Angie Nwanodi
Evergreen Realty & Associates, Inc. - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
The ACG Group, Realtors®|Standard, Short, HUD, REO

Please help all ... I can't find the tally sheet.  I'd like to check it out even though I missed the challenge.

Feb 11, 2012 05:44 PM
MaryBeth Mills Muldowney
TradeWinds Realty Group LLC - Braintree, MA
Massachusetts Broker Owner

Wow you are a dedicated ActiveRain Community member, thank you for your leadership.

Feb 12, 2012 01:28 AM
Cheryl Dickson
Retired Realtor / Retired Home Inspector - Oklahoma City, OK
Retired Realtor, GRI / Retired Home Inspector

Whew! this was quite a CHALLENGE. I learned so much from this challenge, about ActiveRain, the AR Community and about MYSELF!

I want to THANK Lynn for presenting this challenge to us. I don't think I would have such an understanding of the ActiveRain community had it not been so well thought out by Lynn. She really thought long and hard about how to make the challenge a beneficial learning experience for all of us. I was sorta of dreading the challenge, because it APPEARED to be difficult. But in fact, it wasn't difficult at all!!! :)

Once I took each post category and did it as requested, it actually was very easy, and I had a blast doing it! I was looking forward to each post, and could hardly wait to see what thoughts it would provoke! I actually miss the challenge now that it's over. LOL!

I have to say that some of the BEST posts I've read on AR were a result of the challenge. It really lets us get to know each other, and it truly showed how different-yet the same we all are. It was so interesting to see the different spin each of us put on posts about the same subject!!!

I cannot even BEGIN to imagine how much work it will be to check all the entries! Whew! WHAT A TASK!!!

So...I wanted to stop by to give Lynn a GREAT BIG THANK YOU!!!

Side Note: I'm sorry so many people found this so difficult. I really found it APPEARED difficult but was VERY easy to follow, if you just do each item on the list.

I have NEVER even seen an EXCEL Spreadsheet, or done any kind of tally sheet, but it was very easy to just copy/paste my links. so I don't see why everyone is saying this is so difficult. They need to look up the word CHALLENGE before they enter.

I applaud Lynn on how she set this up, in an easy to follow format, with clear instructions, and an easy to use tally sheet. For those that find this difficult, I guess it was a CHALLENGE for them. Thus the title "Challenge"

Feb 12, 2012 01:43 AM
Don Sabinske
Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. - Zimmerman, MN
Sabinske & Associates Inc.

Lynn, I didn't participate this time.  I was just too busy to give it my full attention.  But, Suzanne participated and she said that it was fun and a great time.  And, that you were wonderful in your follow-up. 

Congratulations on a very well-run challenge.

Feb 17, 2012 04:16 AM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Lynn, I've been out of town and didn't realized or people were having so much trouble with the spreadsheet.  I haven't been on AR much lately and stopped by to see any new contests were out and read this post.  Glad you have help with this ...sorry I would have helped but had some things to take care of...however, I am available now if you need me to help with anything.  The best way to fill in the tally sheet is soon as you write the post, grab the link and insert info into the spreadsheet...easy as pie. BTW, Thanks for the mention in this post!

Feb 18, 2012 10:59 AM