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ActiveRain, The Gift

By
Industry Observer with Retired

I wrote a post yesterday, WordPress for Beginners and as I continue on the adventure of learning and sharing the way forward of building out a unique and successful blog site one small step at a time that we can handle in our busy lives, it occured to me this morning that I wanted to add something very important here.

Here is the thought. If I had the most successful blog site that generated so much business that I would have to give away many many leads, would I ever leave ActiveRain and just focus my blogging efforts  on that site. Please let me be very very clear for all of our newer members. NEVER! Here is just a few reasons why.

I learned blogging right here in ActiveRain. I learned about sharing my strenghts with others as they shared theirs. And building many new ones I would have never even dreamed of. I learned about building relationships that have already endured for years with people just like me. I learned about technology and have been afforded opportunities that are so powerful, that I learned how to control my own business. When economic  times get slow, I know how to create eneregy that changes the outcome. I built friendships that will last my entire lifetime of people just like me who want others to prosper. They are the givers. If you don't know what a giver is, look around your own office  and you will likley see  plenty of evidence of what a giver isn't.  I have met those that are genius in creativity and understand the value of empowering others with their talent. I met the best , the brightest and other people just like me. People with the same challenges, people who understand the values of our country, our culture and who can share their love of their family, friends, community. No, ActiveRain is a GIFT. It represents the best not only in our real estate industry but in all the related fields. ActiveRain is so unique it defies words or comparisons. And that is simply because there has never been  nor likley ever will be a network that has touched as many lives in such wondeful, empowering and enduring ways.

Just thought I would clear this up. So if your wondering about ActiveRain and you haven't experienced all these things that I mentioned as yet, stay with it, they will come just as surely as the Sun will come up tomorrow. Lest you forget this, the Sun comes up whether you can see it or not but it is still there, I promise.

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Comments (30)

Terry Kraemer
Exceed Realty - Houston, TX
Houston Realtor

I agree.  It amazes me that some of the best writers I have had the pleasure of reading are right here on Active Rain.  I have laughed, learned, vented and shared. 

Aug 28, 2012 11:44 PM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

William, learning and sharing are two of the most important reasons to participate in Active Rain. Equally important are the friends we meet that help us in our business and the opportunity to share information with clients and potential clients!  Thank you for writing this informative post to educate others on the value of Active Rain.

Aug 28, 2012 11:53 PM
Carolyn Roland- In Delaware and S. Chester County PA
Independent architectural histor'n - Wilmington, DE
Carolyn Roland, GRI, CRS

William--A very good summation of all the reasons AR is worth following, learning from, and contributing to. And I always enjoy your comments on my blog--I'm honored!

Aug 29, 2012 12:23 AM
Hella Mitschke Rothwell
(831) 626-4000 - Honolulu, HI
Hawaii & California Real Estate Broker
William: AR is also a "safe" community to share with because it's members are not in direct competition with you.
Aug 29, 2012 01:16 AM
Edie Czerniak
NextHome Advisors - Cape Coral, FL
My Only Purpose is to Deliver Successful Results

I wish I had paid more attention to Active Rain when I first joined.  Wasted many years not paying attention

Aug 29, 2012 01:56 AM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

William, Active Rain has indeed and continues to be a journey for me ... I've learned so much here in the RAIN and I've cried a lot of tear of joy and sadness... but I here to stay as well.  Great post and well written.

Aug 29, 2012 02:16 AM
Lee Alley
Pro Mobile Photo - Snohomish, WA
DIY Your Own Expert Smartphone Photography

My business goals span more dimensions than simply "volume".  I also have goals for quality, professional relationships, helping others in areas of my strengths, and simply the joy of learning new things.  No amount of excaptional success in any one of those dimensions can displace the need for achievement in the others.  

 

Now, I need to go find your wordpress for beginners post, so I can do some of that "learning new things"!

Aug 29, 2012 02:21 AM
Steven Cook
No Longer Processing Mortgages. - Tacoma, WA

William -- as others have noted, there is so much to learn from the AR community, it would seem to be counter productive to drop out of the rain -- due to business, because, in my view, you would then be falling behind the curve on keeping up on the industry you are in.

Aug 29, 2012 02:45 AM
Suzi Sandore
RealtyONEGroup - San Diego, CA
North County San Diego Homes

Writing does not come easy to me, but I enjoy well written posts (such as this one), and those that are though provoking and humorous. There is always something to be learned here, whether it be the latest technology or SEO, or different ways to handle difficult client situations. Now I just need to work on that writing thing....

Aug 29, 2012 03:44 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Nice sentiment. I know that there have been some nice people that have 'gone away' upon starting their WP site.  Don't know why but I think that each one (AR & WP) can compliment each other & enhance your business at the same time.  It doesn't have to be either or.

Aug 29, 2012 05:21 AM
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear William,

This is definitely a great place to learn from the wisdom of others without having to painfully learn everything by yourself.

Aug 29, 2012 05:21 AM
Debbe Perry
Real Living Carolina Property - Morganton, NC
828.439.3084 Morganton/Lake James NC

So true, this: "They (ActiveRainers) are the givers. If you don't know what a giver is, look around your own office  and you will likley see  plenty of evidence of what a giver isn't. "

I treasure the sense of collegiality and positivity (is that a word? you know what I mean!) I find in ActiveRain, too!

Aug 29, 2012 05:27 AM
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

I couldn't agree with you more, this is a great place to learn and just "be" too.

Aug 29, 2012 06:32 AM
Bob Miller
Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty - Ocala, FL
The Ocala Dream Team

Hi William, great post and we agree.  We learn so much from AR!

Aug 29, 2012 07:05 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

There is much to be learned in the ActiveRain network.  Smart real estate professionals are working with several alternatives as well.

Enjoy the remaining days of summer with your camera in hand.

Aug 29, 2012 09:26 AM
Mona Gersky
MoonDancer Realty, Dillsboro,NC - Sylva, NC
GRI,IMSD-Taking the mystery out of real estate.

William, this is the most generous community and the members are extremely giving...in particular, you.  I'll never forget your kindness in reaching out to give me helpful guidance with photography.

Aug 29, 2012 01:38 PM
Roberta Kayne
Dublin & Central Ohio Homes - Dublin, OH
CRS, ABR, SFR, RRS, Realtor, Re/Max Affiliates

Well said, William.  I enjoy reading and commenting and sharing my photos, listings  and occasional thoughts, although I am not the best blogger, I still get a lot out of AR.  

Aug 30, 2012 12:23 AM
Nan Jester
Exit Real Estate Gallery Jacksonville Beach, FL - Jacksonville Beach, FL
Realtor, Exit Real Estate Gallery

I will have to study the photograph below your blog a little more closely. It is very strange.  Anyway, I am fairly new to blogging and do hope it pays off.

Sep 06, 2012 04:34 AM
Joye Hollis Ridgeway
AgentOwned Realty, Charleston SC - Charleston, SC
- Homes, Land, Investment, Commercial
ActiveRain is definatley a "one of a kind" place, and we are sooooo fortunate to be part of such a unique network of professional network. Great post !
Sep 15, 2012 08:11 AM
Elyse Berman, PA
LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

William,  Agreed.  Active Rain has been the place where I have made friends, learn something new every day and, like you, always meet people willing to help.  It's an amazing forum, and we're lucky to be part of it.

Sep 30, 2012 11:09 AM