One year ago today, I was looking for a way to expand my business, I needed a change. I had just got my new website going, business was going good, but I wanted it to be better. I dove head first in to learning new ways to expand my business and I knew that involved educating myself.

I searched the net and came across a little known real estate blogging network that you may have heard of, called Active Rain. At first, I wasn't sure if this was the place for me, but quickly realized in this one place was more information than any other place I had seen. Active Rain was my rock, a place where I could sit down, enjoy the sun, and soak up education while sharing my experiences and maybe educate someone else.

This was the place for me, I read and I read, learning from real estate experts. I gathered this knowledge to build my business. Then, in April, I did what most other inexperienced people do when they start to get busy, they stop doing what got them busy in the first place. I stopped blogging!

This was a huge mistake and one that I paid for in July, when my business started to dry up. I went back through my closed transactions and tracked where that business had come from and quickly realized I stopped blogging at about the time it started working for me.

Ineeded to step things up, get back into blogging full time, even if I didn't have the time to blog. I started writing 10-15 blogs a weekend and setting a time to comment every night. No matter what I couldn't stop! This is what got me the business, and if I stopped again, it could all be gone again like that.

I have had lots of great experiences since joining Active Rain, met many a wonderful agents and some truly great clients. So if you have something that is working for you and you feel you don't have time to continue doing it, remember in a few months when you need the work, you will have the time again and basically have to start over.

If you have an advertising technique that is working, take the time, set the time aside, do what ever it takes, but don't stop doing it or your real estate career may just disappear. I would like to thank everyone that I've had the opportunity to meet this last year, and especially thank the creators of Active Rain for my real estate advertising rock!

 



Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

 

                                                  


Todd Clark (broker w/ Ken's Home Team)
Keller Williams Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)746-9573

 

 

 

 Follow Todd Clark on FacebookVisit my websiteFollow me on Twitter



 I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard. All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.

 

What if there was a way you could search the  MLS for FREE just like Realtors

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you'll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You'll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that's listed in the MLS!

5 Star Professional 2011  5 Star Professional 2012

MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected

 
Post is included in group: The Activerain Gold Star Hall of Fame

20 Comments on One year ago today

JAN
03
2008
970,243 Points 245 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Yup...keep doing what you've been doing and it'll all work out! At least you're able to identify what was working and what wasn't. Glad you're doing well and wow...a year ago today. Happy Birthday!

 

11:16am • #1
112,747 Points 2 Featured Posts
Todd - It is funny how fast a year goes by. I made similar mistake with my websites a few years ago. This business moves too fast to stop moving.
11:21am • #2
183,809 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Todd - Thanks for the great advice on being consistent.
11:27am • #3
Todd, Happy Anniversary!! You are an inspiration to me and I'm glad I met you here in the Rain! Keep blogging!
11:30am • #4
1 Featured Post
Todd- I'd like to truly thank you from the bottom of my heart for introducing me to Active Rain. It has been a huge blessing to my business, and I am so glad that I have the opportunity to work with you!
12:01pm • #5
290,106 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Todd- Very well said....I know I made the mistake of stopping what was working, and have had to go backwards........but in this case it is a good thing.  Thanks for all you do here, and glad it works for you and your business.  One Year....way to go :)
12:25pm • #6
873,468 Points 167 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Todd - Happy anniversary from your "evil twin".  I could not agree more with you - it is important to keep doing those things that work.  Have a great day -
1:00pm • #7
296,166 Points 19 Featured Posts Outside Blog
and we love reading your posts!  I have only had 1 closed transaction from blogging - but hey - its a start! 
1:55pm • #8
256,979 Points Outside Blog
Todd, I am hoping that I start to see some business from spending the time here blogging.  Keep up the good work.
7:38pm • #9
JAN
04
2008
Wow- 10 to 15 posts a week! That sounds like a LOT of posts. Can you share your idea generation? What did you do to come up with ideas?
12:19am • #10
Attended Rain Camp

Todd - It's good to know as a fairly new "Newbie" that continuous blogging is good for the business.  Thank you for taking your time to share this information.

I wish you a prosperous and happy new year!

1:15am • #11
739,608 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Todd how do I do the buttons like you.  Do you have a tech guy that did them for you?  You can email me at info@russravary.com
8:17pm • #12
JAN
05
2008
136,706 Points
Congrats on 1 year Todd.  We are just getting started - 3 mo. - and need the encouragement to keep going. We haven't seen any direct business from AR yet but we know that if we put it out there, it will be seen.
6:02am • #13
JAN
10
2008
138,828 Points
Congrats on 1 year Todd! AR is a great way to build your business! I know if I slow down~ so does my income!
11:13pm • #14
JAN
11
2008
Way to Go, Todd!  I just joined yesterday, and so I'm looking at you as an inspiration!!!!  Thank you.  It encourages me, and motivates me.  Keep it up!
9:33pm • #15
JAN
20
2008
106,475 Points Localism Sponsor
Happy Anniversary. Persistence and Patience pays off again.
4:22pm • #16
JAN
21
2008
1,927,726 Points 155 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Sally - Thanks Sally!

Ryan - Exactly and I won't stop again.

Marlene - It really is that easy!

Linda - Linda you know you are the same, other than being a Mavricks fan you are alright!

Alecia - The feeling is mutual!

Kathy - I can't wait to write my two year post, because I truly believe it will be leaps and bonds above my 1st year anniversary!

Jason - Thanks Evil Twin (Sorry about the Cowboys)

James - I promise you keep it up there will be plenty more to come!

Roberta - It doesn't have to take that much time, if you do it right.

Sarah - When ever someone asks a question it becomes a post!

Meg - Glad to see someone introduced you to the rain and may you get as much out of it as I have if not more!

Russ - Nope, no tech guy for a few years in my life I was a manager at a computer software company and picked up a few things. But, here is a link to how to do it...
http://activerain.com/blogsview/329786/Todd-what-nice-buttons

Bonnie - Once it starts it seems to be like a waterfall and just doesn't stop if you don't.

Chris - Exactly!

Craig - Thanks, that encourages me also and you maybe surprised if you are new here what the rain really has to offer!

Jill - Patience? - LOL (Nope I've enjoyed every minute)



6:35pm • #17
FEB
09
2008
Very inspiring, thanks Todd.
7:44pm • #18
FEB
10
2008
Localism Sponsor
Thanks Todd, sometimes we don't have time, but now I realize that our presnece here is indispensable day after day. Good post- thanks
5:55pm • #19
1,927,726 Points 155 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Libby - I hope to see yours a year from now and look foward to reading it!

Maria - You really have to make the time and maybe even prewrite some of your posts as I do. I have almost 30 posts that are pre-written, but just not posted.
9:42pm • #20

Login or register to leave a comment

 
Helping Families Home is a blog set up to help families find that perfect home for them. I have a family and I understand how hard it can be to find a home that everyone is happy with. Let me help you find that home and help your family home.


Find out why I'm a happy grasshopper




Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog