Active Rain has been an almost daily part of my life since March '07.  I launched my Home Staging business in the Atlanta area, ALR Home Staging and Showcasing LLC, in February '07 with little network, not knowing many local people...nervy, I know.  It was suggested that I check out AR and participate in the blogs. 

BLOGS? 

I'd heard of the word once before, I think it was a CSI Miami episode that they recovered a lead to the case through a blog...didn't know what it was but hey, it helped solve the crime!  Low and behold, I made my Active Rain profile and wrote a blog...and the rest, they say, is history.  I was hooked.  I had no idea WHAT I was doing but learned as I went along.  What got me really hooked was that my AR blogs were showing up on page 1 of Google searches and my site wasn't....go figure, right?   From all the research I've done and money I've spent, my time on AR has proved to be most fruitful...from meeting people, to reading about and learning things that I had no idea about, and sharing my experiences and getting feedback...it's just awesome!

 

So what's the inspiration? 

Being I had little to no network and barely knew anyone, I was on my own.  I was walking into Real Estate offices to introduce myself and drop off marketing.  I was mailing out introductory letters and business cards.  I sent out post cards to homes in the area that were listed for sale and based upon the MLS pictures, needed home staging services.  I got some feedback from those efforts but not the kind I was looking for.  I was looking to start a network!  Well, I approached Kathy Nielsen of Georgia Interior Solutions LLC via her Active Rain profile and eventually began a working relationship with her.  We've hit it off and have become very good friends as a result.  I am a HUGE fan of her work and have had the pleasure of accompanying her on various jobs to 'learn the ropes', both Vacant and Occupied staging.  She's been a huge inspiration to me and I'm forever thankful for Active Rain for allowing us to meet. 

In addition, I'm forever grateful for having met all of the talented and professional people I've meet via the Active Rain groups and posts.  The wide array of personalities shine right through.  This truly is an amazing network of people and worth every minute I sit behind my computer screen to chat with you.  Thank you!!!! 

As a result...

~I've gained a friend for life.  I'm certainly willing to make more.
~I've learned leaps and bounds from all of the AR members' posts.
~I've had some AR contacts thanks to my profile, just haven't secured a client yet...but don't count me out just yet!  =) 
~I've learned so much about the home staging industry itself...the growing pains others are experiencing, the successes others have had that help keep us going, where the industry has been and where it's going in the future, etc.
~I've become part of this HUGE network of people that is just so awesome and always willing to share and help.  It's the lack of selfishness that helps us all grow.
~I've learned how to BLOG and make it successful!  It's one of those really great guerilla marketing tactics that should be taken full advantage of! 

Here's my RES...

This vacant home was a lead that I worked with Kathy and ended up providing the staging for.  The homeowner has been so awesome and even accepted my referral for a new REA to take over their listing...Thanks Active Rain and Thanks Kathy. 

YOU ROCK!

I'm looking forward to wasting spending another year in the Rain with you all!