Well, the first month of 2008 is over and what do you have to show for it?  Apparently quite a lot.

Superbowl Party!The Active Rain Block Party group is filling up with success stories.  So, on the eve of Super Bowl weekend, while you're out stocking up on six-packs, Doritos, and seven layer dip, here are some of the biggest success stories from January 2008 right here on Active Rain.

If you missed any of these, they are all worth a good read.  Reading other people's blogs about their success is a great way to get yourself fired up for the remaining 11 months of the year.  Active Rain works.  It really does.  Read On!

If you haven't yet joined the Active Rain Block Party group, what are you waiting for?

Here's the group's mission statement:

Active Rain Block Party

 

This is a place to celebrate success! More and more members are having success with blogging, getting more clients, more referrals, and becoming better professionals. Share your success stories with the Active Rain community whether they involve your business, your life, or your blogging efforts. We want to hear these positive success stories. It's a party celebration at Active Rain Block Party and you can be sure that nobody will be raining on your parade here! 

 

 

JANUARY SUPER SUCCESS STORIES: 

Margaret Woda - a proud Grandma

 

Two New Grandbabies In One Month!

MARGARET WODA is a proud Grandmother of not one, but two new Grandbabies.  Margaret started off the year with this exciting news.  No, admittedly, Active Rain had nothing to do with this success story, but Margaret kindly shared her personal life success story with all of us in the Rain.

 

 Jeff Kessler

Two new clients from AR in one Day!!!!!!!!!!! 

JEFF KESSLER loves Active Rain and he should.  While many are happy to pick up the occasional client or referral, Jeff actually got 2 NEW CLIENTS IN ONE DAY!  Congratulations Jeff.

 

 

Faina Sechzer

 

Connecting at Bloggers Connect In New York 

FAINA SECHZER, a Princeton New Jersey REALTOR wrote about her experience meeting other Active Rain bloggers at the Inman Connect Conference in NYC during the second week of January.  I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Faina and many others who attended this event.  Finally meeting a large group of the people we interact with almost daily is a big part of Active Rain success.  

 

Fran Gatti

 

Interviewed by Local Newspaper Because of AR Blog 

FRAN GATTI's Active Rain blogging led to a mainstream media crossover when her local newspaper contacted her for an interview for a market forecast.  Our blogs are reaching over to other media outlets.

 

 

Lisa Heindel

 

My Best Blogging Day Ever! 

LISA HEINDEL decided to push her blog out to her e-mail contact list and sphere of influence creating for herself her best blogging day ever.  Read this wonderful post and follow her great and simple advice (like I did) and have yourself a great blogging day.  

(If you don't see Lisa around in the next few days, just remember that after the Super Bowl festivities, this New Orleans REALTOR will be enjoying the Mardi Gras madness!) 

 

Norma Toering

 

75th Active Rain Post Makes My Phone Ring 

NORMA TOERING was so excited by her first business from Active Rain that she awarded herself a shining trophy.  Read about it in this cute post.

 

 

 

Jason Crouch

 

FOUR referrals from My Active Rain Friends? I guess I must be doing something right! 

JASON CROUCH, prolific blogger and all around nice guy, is doing something right.  He's making friends, getting referrals, and cashing checks.  Learn how this Austin, Texas Broker gets it done.

 

 

Rob Blake

 

 

Active Rainer Gets Quoted by Washington Post Today!! 

ROB BLAKE makes it to a major national newspaper.  I'm telling you, the newspaper reporters and editors are scanning the blogs and reading Active Rain.  You might be next.

 

 

 

Sally Cheeseman

 

2008 First Hawaii ActiveRain Gathering a HUGE Success!

SALLY CHEESEMAN writes excitedly about this Active Rain get-together.  Living on an island can get lonely sometimes, but the Active Rain network affords for some online socializing.  Sally & Randy Prothero host a big Active Rain shindig for lots of Active Rain bloggers.  See details and pictures in Sally's heartfelt post.

 

  Dan Forbes

 

 

I Am Taking Two Listings Today Because of Active Rain 

DAN FORBES writes a self-explanatory post.  Business success is where it's at.  Real Rainers are having REAL success here on Active Rain.

 

 

 

Active Rain Touchdown!

 

ENJOY THE SUPER BOWL!

 

SCORE YOUR OWN ACTIVE RAIN TOUCHDOWN: 

GET OUT THERE AND SELL SOME HOMES! 

MAKE SOME LOANS!

CLOSE SOME DEALS! 

And come back to the Active Rain Block Party and let everyone know about it. 

 

 
Post is included in group: Active Rain Block Party

77 Comments on 1st Down, 11 Months to Go: January Success Stories -- An Active Rain Super Bowl Block Party

No doubt the media are reading out blogs.  I've just become so leery of them, I don't talk much any more.  They have the articles outlined and are looking for confirmation of their preconceived opinions.  I don't find the reporters receptive to differing views or, dare I say facts.

02/01/2008 01:20 PM by Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Real Estate


Congratulations to all!

I have just entered week two as a rainer and can't wait until I start sharing some stories.

Happy Selling Everyone!

Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Broker 

02/01/2008 01:31 PM by Tony Grego with AmeriSave


LENN:  Thanks for your comment.  While I'm leery of the media as well since many have an agenda, there are some reporters out there that listen and we can hopefully get the positive real message out there.

02/01/2008 01:38 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


TONY:  Welcome to Active Rain!  I hope you enjoyed your first week in this great network.  I look forward to seeing your upcoming success stories which you will no doubt have if you stick to it here in the Rain!

02/01/2008 01:40 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


Brian, I love sharing success stories. Thanks for putting together the highlights.

02/01/2008 02:12 PM by Gary Woltal - REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty)


Brian - I have seen most of these, but I saw a couple that I missed.  Nice job on the summary.  Thanks for including my post here!

02/01/2008 02:43 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


This is fantastic stuff Brian!  Active-Rain & its contributors are definitely making an impact!

02/01/2008 02:44 PM by Jason Sardi, Pennsylvania Mortgage Broker (First Choice Equity Group Inc.)


Lenn - Is that why that Washington Post reporter never got back to me?!?  Didn't like what I had to say!

02/01/2008 03:06 PM by Matthew Rosov, Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist (Envision Lending Group)


Sounds like a great item. It will keep momentum going and help us stay positive. I'm IN!

02/01/2008 03:32 PM by Tina Maraj Shah Fullerton Realtor (RE/MAX North Orange County)


Brian, how nice of you to include me - thank you very much.  Looks like I'm in some VERY good company too!  Thanks too for moderating this group and helping get the success stories out to more people in the Rain.

02/01/2008 06:29 PM by Lisa Heindel, New Orleans West Bank Real Estate (Latter & Blum Inc. Realtors)


Great post,and it is great to share and celebrate their success!  ActiveRain.Com has soem great benefits!

02/01/2008 06:42 PM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


You're doing a wonderful job with your group and keeping on top of things. You have a wonderful line up here. Thanks.

02/01/2008 09:42 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), e-PRO HAWAII Real Estate & HAWAII Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Success stories are great. Everyone keep posting them. I am tired of seeing how bad everything is when it's not.

02/01/2008 11:41 PM by Flagstar Bank


Brian... just a six pack?  Come on man, after NYC?  lol   I agree with Kurt.... there is a lot of good going on out there and not this negative crap.  But negativity sells within the media a lot.....

jeff belonger

02/02/2008 12:15 AM by Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages -- Mortgages (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc)


Brian -- I love it and you know...I think I'll take you up on your invitation to the block party!  Thanks!

02/02/2008 05:14 AM by Julie Escobar (ProspectsPLUS!)


Hi Brian,
I wish the media would report our success stories!  The consumer needs to hear about good things that are happening.  

02/02/2008 05:22 AM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


There are a lot of great things happening to people that use AR effectively. AR is a source of Knowledge, Inspiration and Results.

02/02/2008 05:38 AM by Scott Guay Ocean City and Ocean Pines Maryland (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)


Brian~What a very inspirational list of posts to be celebrated. Our time here is valued very much by our readers and that proves itself well by all the many success stories. I received my 3rd phone call yesterday because of ActiveRain. 

02/02/2008 07:33 AM by Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~Utah REALTOR® (Keller Williams Salt Lake City)


Brain- thanks for the invite and congrats to everyone and keep up the good work.  It is so great to hear good things than dwell on the negatives.  P.S. GO PATS! i am from massachusetts.

Barbara Auclair-Keller Williams Realty

02/02/2008 09:10 AM by BARBARA AUCLAIR (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY)


I have read several of the success stories. AR seems to be working out for many.

Good luck to all

02/02/2008 09:24 AM by Richard Lecinski (Long Realty Company)


Love to hear all of the success stories!!  I am just waiting for my next one to write about!

02/02/2008 09:38 AM by James Downing - REALTOR® - Washington DC Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)


Brian, I am not sure if I knew about this group. I think I will point some newer members to it for some inspiration.

02/02/2008 10:02 AM by Steve Scheer - Denver Real Estate - Highlands Ranch Real Estate (RE/MAX Masters, Inc.)


great success stories. I love to see the positive actions of hard working (and Blogging) Realtors! We are all on the right track!

02/02/2008 12:07 PM by Team DiMuria, Katy Texas Realtors (Prudential Gary Greene Realtors)


Thanks for the inspiration. I love to hear success stories. I have joined Active Rain Block Party. My selection of groups is getting stale and I need to mix it up some..

02/02/2008 12:09 PM by Tigard Oregon Real Estate >> Wayne B. Pruner, GRI (Oregon First)


Brian - you've probably already considered this, but your Active Rain Block Party group can be a wonderful source of Mojo for people on their down days, whether they are looking for post juice or business. Just like testimonials, keep them around and refer to them when needed.

02/02/2008 12:58 PM by Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS (RE/MAX Metro)


Nice to share in their success. Maybe one day(soon) i will be there. I've met some great people here also.

02/02/2008 01:01 PM by Robert L. Brown~Grand Rapids Real Estate Flexit Realty, West Michigan (www.mrbrownsellsgr.com)


Thanks for gathering all these in one place, Brian. I'm going to take the time to read these and learn from the best. Take care!

02/02/2008 01:50 PM by Hemet Home Loan Guy, Joey Aszterbaum (Patrion Mortgage)


Brian - You do such a fine job with recognizing those here within your group! I have some catching up to do! It's a good thing I don't have any distractions at home ie; significant other, babies..it gives me time to read and sift through success stories...but I have been busy with work and ready to dig in today. I am calling today my AR day...everyone else stay away!! Great job! Bookmarked here!

02/02/2008 02:35 PM by Gilbert Arizona Real Estate - Candace Robinson (HomeSmart )


I loved all those. I ironically read them all. What are the chances? I don't think that has ever happened before!

02/02/2008 03:27 PM by Christy Powers - Pooler, Savannah Real Estate Agent (Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners)


Success breeds success! Let's hope it's contagious :)

02/02/2008 05:05 PM by Meyer Leibovitch, REALTOR Boyds, MD Realtor (RE/MAX Realty Group)


Brian,

Nice post...We too had an excellent January as title insurers...hope we've seen the bottom and are climbing out!!! Thanks,   Fran

02/02/2008 05:07 PM by Fran 'The Title Man' Gaspari Title Insurance-PA & NJ (Patriot Land Transfer, Inc.)


Hey, this is the best BLOG ever and no other one that I need to suscribe too. I believe I will be contacted soon by the Spanish media or broadcast. Oh yeah!!

02/02/2008 07:41 PM by Maria Borci ABR-TRC-ASP Doral Kendall FL Real Estate (The Keyes Realtors Doral Office)


That is an impressive list. Our fellow members are not only seeing the benefit of this wonderful forum, but others are noticing them.

02/03/2008 02:57 AM by Randy L. Prothero - Hawaii REALTOR® (Century 21 Liberty Homes)


Congrats to all listed...  can't wait to come back and see the February stories.  AR does come with benefits.

02/03/2008 02:35 PM by Kim Carpenter-Lake Winnipesaukee REALTOR -Lake Winnipesaukee Real Estate, NH (Coldwell Banker)


Since it's a Super Bowl theme.. so 18-1 .. PRICELESS.  Why to go Giants for bringing the trophy back to NFC East. GO SKINS!!

02/03/2008 09:33 PM by Scott Wall (StoneHouse Realty, Inc)


Great Super Bowl Game, and yes the ActiveRain block party rocks, one of the best groups there, in fact, it maybe the best, so, great call on your part. Lance

02/04/2008 02:02 AM by Lance Winslow (The Car Wash Guy)


Brian,

These are an excellent bunch of AR success stories....so wonderful to read and such a wonderful group of members.

Great job with this group and at highlighting those  posts that give hope to everyone who is blogging here at AR!

Jo 

02/04/2008 06:54 AM by Jo-Anne Smith-Belleville, Quinte and Prince Edward Region Real Estate, Ont. (Royal Lepage Proalliance Realty, Brokerage)


GARY:  I love seeing all of the success stories on Active Rain.  In my opinion, nothing else is a greater motivator!

02/04/2008 10:10 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


JASON:  Thanks for your comment and congratulations on having a post featured in the summary of success.

02/04/2008 10:11 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


JASON S.:  There's no doubt that the impact of Active Rain is being felt beyond the walls of the network.  It's exciting to read about everyone's success.

02/04/2008 10:12 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


TINA:  Thanks for your comments and for joining the Active Rain Block Party.  We promise not to disappoint.

02/04/2008 10:13 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


LISA:  You are indeed in good company and the rest of the crew is in good company for having you join them.  Have fun with your Mardi Gras festivities this week.

02/04/2008 10:14 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


JIM:  Thanks for your comments.  Business and closed sales as well as increased mainstream publicity are certainly some of the biggest benefits of participation on Active Rain.

02/04/2008 10:15 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


SALLY:  Thanks for your comment.  I appreciate your continued support of the Active Rain Block Party.

02/04/2008 10:16 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


KURT:  I agree.  Seeing more and more success stories is uplifting.  No use to write downer posts complaining about the market.  If I wanted to hear that, I could hang out at the water cooler.

02/04/2008 10:20 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


JEFF:  Hey, a six-pack is more than enough for me!  I agree, I don't need to see the negative stuff.  The mainstream media has plenty of that.

02/04/2008 10:21 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


JULIE:  Thanks for your comment and for accepting the invitation to the party.

02/04/2008 10:21 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


CYNTHIA:  Perhaps they will.  I'm sure someone in the media will report something like "A ray of sunshine in the cloudy market..."  We should be proactive in sending some articles and ideas to the media.

02/04/2008 10:22 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


SCOTT:  I like your comment.  Knowledge, Inspiration and Results.  There's plenty of that here.

02/04/2008 10:23 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


JULIE:  Congratulations on your success and thanks for your comment.

02/04/2008 10:24 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


BARBARA:  Thanks for your comment.  It is so much better to hear the positive stories of everyone here rather than dwelling on negative news about the market.  I'm sorry about the Patriots loss, but they had a great season.  I also grew up outside of Boston, in Wellesley and Natick.

02/04/2008 04:59 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


RICHARD:  I'm glad to hear that you've been reading some of the success stories.  Good luck to you as well.

02/04/2008 05:10 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


JAMES:  I'm looking forward to reading your next success story and to seeing you this Wednesday.

02/04/2008 05:10 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


STEVE:  I am glad that you know about the group now and please feel free to point anyone you know in the direction of the Block Party!  Thanks!

02/04/2008 05:11 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


WAYNE:  Thanks for joining the group.  I know that you'll continue to find inspiration here.

02/04/2008 05:15 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


SHARON:  Thanks for your comment.  I do think that the group is a great place to go to keep up the blogging and real estate Mojo!

02/04/2008 05:16 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


It is good to see success with AR, I will join the group to read the motivation for continuing the efforts.

02/04/2008 05:16 PM by Joey Remondino Broker, GRI, E-Pro (StoneHouse Realty Inc)


ROBERT:  I'm sure your name will be up in lights in the near future as well.  Keep plugging away.

02/04/2008 05:23 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


JOEY:  Thanks for stopping by.  Some good reading ahead.

02/04/2008 05:23 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


CANDACE:  Thanks for your flattering comments.  I hope you enjoyed your AR day!  Some great success stories, to be sure.

02/04/2008 05:24 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


CHRISTY:  Excellent!  You receive this week's award for superstar reader!

02/04/2008 05:26 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


FRAN:  I hope so too and that's a great attitude!  Thanks for your comment.

02/04/2008 05:31 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


MARIA:  Thanks for your enthusiastic comment.  I hope that you will be contacted soon and that the publicity will help you greatly.

02/04/2008 05:32 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


RANDY:  Thanks for your comment.  Great things are happening all around.

02/04/2008 05:33 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


KIM:  Thanks for your comments.  I'm sure that there will be many more successes this month.

02/04/2008 05:34 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


SCOTT:  Thanks for your comment,  I hope you enjoyed the game.

02/04/2008 05:34 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


LANCE:  Thanks for your complimentary comment.  I'm glad that you like the Active Rain Block Party -- I truly think that reading about everyone's successes will bring everybody here to higher level of success themselves.

02/04/2008 05:36 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


JO:  Thanks for your comments.  I'm sure as people continue to complete the assignments in your new group, it will spur on even more success.  You read it here first.

02/04/2008 05:38 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


JOEY:  Thanks for your comments and for joining the group.

02/04/2008 05:39 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


Brian - I love this simple idea of recognizing everyday achievements that AR made possible.  For my part, I recently got 2 interviews with regional magazines interested in my green-realtor views on the market for energy efficiency.  Each reporter researched my blog and had questions ready.  Neat!  I don't take the time to give AR it's due for making stuff possible.

02/05/2008 11:43 PM by Jeff Geoghan MBA - Lancaster PA Real Estate Expert (Coldwell Banker Select Professionals)


JEFF:  I'm glad to hear that you have been having some great success with Active Rain as well.  Then once you get the interviews and are published, you'll need to leverage those print articles to bring your business even further.  Thanks for your comment.

02/06/2008 06:36 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


 I'm an AR Newbie and it is so motivating to hear all the success stories -- CONGRATS!  I have had a few good leads come in from Localism and traffic to my external website is picking up thanks to some SEO efforts.  I didn't even think about the referral opportunities on AR -- if anyone is looking for a MOTIVATED, ENERGETIC Realtor in Atlanta, please call me at 404.432.1844.  Customer Service is my #1 Priority, so your referrals will not be disappointed!

... Kerry Lucasse, Keller Williams Realty

02/21/2008 08:26 PM by Kerry Lucasse (Keller Williams Peachtree Rd)


KERRY:  Thanks for your comments.  I'm glad that you were able to find this post and read some of these wonderful success stories.  Keep your eyes open in another week for the February success stories.  Active Rain is a great place and I'm sure that you will find it to be such.

02/22/2008 11:14 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


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Real Estate Agent: Brian Block  -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)
Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate
Alexandria, VA
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