Is ActiveRain "Big Rock" Worthy?

There's always going to be people who won't have time, or the inclination, to keep at it.  I remember when people would have to scrape together money to put an ad in the newspaper.  Some could pony up the dough, others could not.  Same with blogging . . .

Doug, AR will continue to be one of our big rocks.  We WILL post daily barring some catastrophe.  We may comment a bit less than we used to, read fewer blogs than we used to, but ignoring the Rain just isn't in the daily agenda.  That may mean NOT watching a TV show or DVD, but it's too essential to ignore.

Doug,

I agree, since I stopped working at a traditional brokerage I consider Active Rain my "office" this is where I meet and get advice from the Top Producers.  Thanks for reminding me of its importance.

I could give a rat's a$$ if ALL my competition go with the herd, leave the busiess to me. I am getting super busy and I know part of it is my blog pick ups.  Heck another part of it is all the other great tips and tools I pick up from other agents by taking time to read blog posts.  It's HUGE for me.

It comes down to a simple thing like time management...and, yes the all important, motivation.

Good morning Doug - we find the same resistance in our office, and, I confess, we had the same feelings about AR when we first discovered it. And then we delved in a little deeper and discovered the many benefits and are hooked.

My big question is - what's a rain monk?

Doug, I agree with Gary (#5). Its all about time management. These people are just trying to justify why they don't blog anymore.

I too dropped AR a few years ago and then was encouraged by another agent to re-up.  Did it and really enjoy the blogs.  No real business yet but I also know it takes time.  If your agents are successful on their own right, good for them.  To the rest of us who need some real help, thank you to ActiveRain.

I've had agents say things like, "Why would I post information about my area on a site that is only read by real estate professional?" They don't get it. Nor do they understand that Google can be an agent's best friend if they post hyper-local info. And let's not forget referrals.

Like anything you have to measure what you put in and where against any results.  AR provides SEO rankings if you use it properly.  I don't get many active leads but indirectly.

I comment and blog in the morning while I am drinking my coffee.  Active Rain has brought me business.  I'm showing homes tomorrow to a couple that was referred to me by somebody that found me here.  I'm listing a home next week for somebody that has been reading my blog for a year.  Too busy?  Doing what??  

Hi Doug,

I struggle with whether AR is a 'big rock' for us or not. I've done quite a lot of blogging (on my personal profile, before joining forces with my business partner) and was really active for about a year but didn't really see any business from it.  Now I'm just here because I really enjoy what the members have to say and find it useful for my own knowledge.  Here's hoping that we'll see something that helps to justify the time as a part of my day.

-Dee

Dough, very good post, I guess we all have to decide if AR is a big rock or not. However, for anybody who wants AR as a big rock, it can always go into the bucket at a lesser frequency. One could do a "Tues and Thurs I have an appointment for an hour with AR" philosophy instead of quitting altogether!

I go to where I think I have my best chances, I think my clients deserve me to be the very best, I know I must have the highest ethical standards alongside the best practices. AR is the best place I know of to accomplish giving me the best chance in Real-Estate! Great stuff! 

If you consider this a "have to do" item and not part of a "to do" list...then you must make the time. When I was selling, AR was part of my daily lead generation time...and that lead generation time was SCHEDULED EVERY DAY.

Doug, Kudos, for setting your own course and staying the course despite a busy schedule.  You will be around long after the other fall by the wayside.

I just finished teaching a pre-license class about what it takes to be successful in this business.  I wished I had read your post, but I will use it next class.

Go for it!  (And let the rest eat 'crow.'

Doug, AR is one of my to-do tasks everyday.  I make it a point to log-in everyday and read interesting blogs from fellow rainmakers.  I also love to share my ideas in AR.