NEW MEMBERS - Start Here

Home : Blogs : Brad Andersohn : ActiveBrad "Z" Blog

NEW MEMBERS - Start Here

Welcome Active Rain New Members & Invited Guests - If you are looking to Active Rain as a place to get rich quick, or just score points, you're in the wrong spot. However, if you're looking to surround yourself with incredible knowledge, experienced professionals, worthy relationships, industry support, and marketing ideas to grow your business and better your Blogging skills, you've landed in the BEST spot on planet earth.

For months now, I have been welcoming "New Members" by adding links in your comments, and a welcome message to your "Very First Post" here on Active Rain. Now, I still welcome you, and just include a link to this post. :-)

As a new member to Active Rain, I'm inviting you to join me on a journey which will hopefully guide you through our Active Rain "Land and Community."
I have spent numerous hours creating posts for other friends, members, and invited guests to help them speed up the "learning & success" process here. My advice, take your time, get yourself set-up properly, and then enjoy the many benefits and privileges of being an Active Rain Member.

Please understand that there are a ton of helpful posts by many members here on AR, and this is no substitute for all the great stuff you will find here. The intent of this post is to guide you through the set-up process, take you on a guided tour of some helpful and "Value-Added" posts and sites, simplify your learning curve, and minimize the time it takes to get you up and running with your Blog on Active Rain. Let's begin step by step....

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

The first step is to make sure your Profile Page is setup properly. Your profile page on Active Rain is your personal web page within the community. This is the place members and visitors will go to find out more about you, your business, services, products offered, and your experience. #1 How To Set-up Your Active Rain Profile, #2 How To Complete Your Active Rain Profile - Part II and #3 Your Active Rain Profile - Your Masterpiece (also see Active Rain New Members - Getting Started )

NOW START HERE:

You'll want to be sure that all your "settings" in Active Rain are set to your specifications, and getting you the maximum results for your time and efforts here. This post covers all the settings options available on your personal settings page. How To Use Your "My Settings" Page & Active Rain Settings & SEO Benefits

THE NEXT STEP:

This next post is a compilation, which will give you some great links, ideas, and resources to really kick-off your Blog, and possibly answer some of the many questions you may have at this point. The Bloggers Start-Up Kit is FREE for you to use and refer to when needed. You will find many of these links and this information posted there. Blogger Startup Kit

ADDING ASSOCIATES and SUBSCRIBING:

Adding associates and subscribing to their Blog is what keeps Active Rain alive and thriving. It's another big part of the relationship building process here. There are a couple things to know about when doing this.
So You've Added Me as an Associate

BEING THE FEATURED AGENT ON ACTIVE RAIN:

You are now ready to go to the next level with your Active Rain Blogging experience! Many new members want to know how to get to the coveted "Featured Member" status in their geographic areas. There is an easy explanation of how to do this, and yes, it can be you. You will get out of this community as much, and even more than you put into it. Here's how.
Do You Want to be the "Featured Member" in your Area

OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE HERE ON ACTIVE RAIN:

How do I know if anyone is reading my Blog and why should I care?
Who's Reading Your Blog - 3 Ways To Find Out

We all have to learn by our mistakes, but sometimes, can we learn by others? 7 Mistakes to Avoid on Active Rain

What makes a good post on my Blog? Is there a formula?
5 Principles to Creating an Effective Post

What do I need to know to keep from getting frustrated here?
Warning ALL Active Rain Members - You Can't Go Back

MARKETING AND FARMING YOUR BLOG:

All of us started here just as you have, learning as we go, advancing by trial and error, and gathering data from others to try and be more successful in our attempt to grow business, build referrals, and establish relationships. Here's a post that will help you market your Blog more effectively, instead of just waiting for someone to hopefully find it by a Google "Keyword" search, or through osmosis and luck. Marketing and Farming Your Blog

TOOLS FOR YOU TO USE:

Is there something I should know before I begin my Blog?
Successful Blogging in the Real Estate Industry

Why would I want to use or include Video on my Blog or in my posts?
Video and Your Blog - See Future Technology

What does Google have to offer me, my Blog, and my business for FREE?
20 Google Tools for Your Business

Where do I find cool photos, graphic, clip-art, and stuff for my Blog?
FREE Photos and Graphics and Clip-Art

What is a widget, and how do I add them to my Blog or sidebar?
Widgets: How to Add Them to Your Blog

How do I keep up with the stuff I want to know more about?
Staying "Alerted"

How do I use my Statistics Page on Active Rain and why?
Using your Active Rain Statistics Page to Improve Your Blog

How can I create custom maps for my website or Blog?
New Tools for Your BLOG - Customized Mapping

I'm a REALTOR®, can I add my Listings to Active Rain? If so, where and how?
Activerain MLS On-line

JOINING ACTIVE RAIN GROUPS:

There are over 3000 Groups here on Active Rain. This area is entirely up to you as far as which ones to join. I suggest you take an hour, look through them all, and determine which ones will benefit you most. As you create posts on Active Rain, you'll want to add them to "Topic Related" groups, so choose wisely. Please DO NOT add your posts to groups if they are not ON TOPIC for that group.

Here's a couple groups I recommend if you're new here, and looking for some places to hang out and learn while starting your adventure here. You can search ALL GROUPS, just click here. You can also create your own GROUP by CLICKING HERE, but please do a thorough SEARCH first, chances are, that group may already exist!

Active Rain Newbies, Blogging Etiquette 101, The Art Of Marketing You, Practice Here!, Blogging & SEO

SEARCHING ACTIVE RAIN:

You may want to search for others you know here, maybe some specific topics, keywords, or even a particular Blog or post that may have the answers you're looking for. There are a few ways to do this more efficiently and more affectively. Finding What You Need - The Ultimate Search!

QUESTIONS YOU MAY STILL HAVE:

What is all the Fuss about Blogging, I have a website already.
Should You Have A Blog or a Website

My Blog is great for the Cyber World, how does in benefit me in the Real World? Your Blog in the REAL World

Which program is the best to build my database of clients?
How Important is your Database? Think Inside the Box

Is there a tool that allows visitors to search just my Website or Blog?
Do You Want Visitors Searching Your Blog

WHAT DOES "PAYING IT FORWARD" MEAN ON ACTIVE RAIN?

Paying it forward is a term you will see used frequently here on AR. It simply means to "Pay Forward" a kind deed or gesture to another member or person as you see fit. It's like paying the toll bridge fee for the person in the car behind you. They in turn pay for the person behind them, and so on, and so on. It's a great way to give back to a community that gives so much to you. It's OK to take from the "rain", but you must also be willing to give back, or "Pay it Forward" from time to time. Paying It Forward, Active Rain Style

LASTLY, OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT FIND USEFUL:

FLOCK - The "New" Social Web Browser

Open Houses - The Controversy

REALTOR® - The Way It Should Be

Active Rain | A Referral Network & Business Goldmine

FINALLY - You are ready to be cut loose and set FREE to roam around the Active Rain Country, but before you go, I've started an AR Birthday Calendar, so can you please click on the link below and enter your birthday?

ENTER YOUR BIRTHDAY HERE

It's not that we need to know how old you are, it's that when your birthday comes, we want to do something special for you. Members are important, and sharing that special day is just my way of having an excuse and good reason for "PARTY TIME" with you!! :-)

Good luck to you in all your endeavors here, I hope that you'll get as much out of this place as the rest of us members have. This truly is the one and only place that you'll find yourself coming back to, time and time again. To find other informative posts here, just search the keywords, "Active Rain Community Support", or just CLICK HERE!

Don't be overwhelmed, give yourself 2 weeks to get through this post, and all the links and information here! It took an entire year in the making! :-)

Content Copyright Protected © 2008

Tutorials | Training | Mobile | Widgets

"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!"

Posted by Brad Andersohn on 02/26/2008 12:26 PM

Comments (263)

Help / FAQ in the ActiveRain Channel

activerain community support, new members, startup kit, manual, help, start here

Originally posted at: Real Estate 2.0 Technology : NEW MEMBERS - Start Here

Generate short URL

Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
Post is included in group: Blogging Etiquette 101
Post is included in group: Blogging & SEO
Post is included in group: HELP/FAQ (Read 'Purpose Statement' Carefully!)
Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You

263 Comments on NEW MEMBERS - Start Here

FEB

2008

Holy cow Brad what an informative post. It must have took you all day to make this one - GREAT JOB!

Brad, thanks for posting this, with your permission, I'd like to forward the post to the new agents I've invited. It will be a true leg up for them. Thanks.

Wow Brad, one word... Masterpiece!!! I hope the newbies(or anyone) reading this appreciates the wealth of info and guidance you've gathered together here in one place. Totally excellent.

Brad - You are always giving so much back to the ActiveRain community. I actually just referenced (and linked to) your ActiveRain Profile Masterpiece post to the Windermere Group about what they should be doing with their Windermere profiles. No matter what Social Networking website, your profile should always look the best.

Brad - the time you spend in with your posts is amazing. Overwhelming just knowing the time you spend. Fantastic post for both new and old 'rainers'.... Great job as always. Greetings from Arizona. Candace

Brad........ Cudos to you ! This is a POWERFUL post. You have freated a Great EAD START package here. I have saved this to help in my AR growth too.

You always deliver a great blog !

THANK YOU !

Come on star.... roll in here!!!

I bet its on its way.... good post, Brad! I'll bookmark for newbies!

Hey Brad.. Nice job.. Candace is right.. Not only is this good for "newbies" but "old timer's" as well. (and anyone in between!)

Thanks for the email today..

Rock on.. :-)

WoW Brad...fantastic ....and you've been flagged!

BTW my Birthday is 7/12/??

What great timing....I've been trying to muddle through a few things I have questions about, and I think you answered them all in one post! Looks like I've got some reading to do! Thanks for the help!

So much helpful information in this one post- thank you!

Kathy

This is amazing! I've bookmarked it and I'm not a newbie. I also flagged you for a feature. Thanks for your efforts!

Excellent job! This is priceless for newblies and oldbies too.

Brad: I e-mailed this to a couple of newbies... and being a relatively new member myself, reviewed all your links myself. Thanks for the reminders. P.S. Is there an easy way to print a blog post?

Brad, Wow! A well done job and surely a lot of work comprising it. What a great tool for AR'ers old and new.

Howdy Brad

Very fine written post with lots of very helpful info for anyone needing to know how to do things.

You a fine man to take the time to do this for folks.

Have a good one

Dale

Wow Brad! This is like a veritable buffet of information! I'm going to be forced to make another pot of coffee and take notes! :)) Thanks for sharing! Hope all is going well for you and yours!

Hi Brad,
This could be titled "The AR Bible". Very thorough and well put together,

Brad - I love how helpful and clear you are - I try to do something like this and it is a convoluted road map that no one understands - thank you

Brad: Great compilation for both new and old members alike. I always come away with something that I can use from your posts.

Ok, so I am not new Brad, but this one is so good I am bookmarking it anyway.

I love your opening statements. But now that I've been distracted by the little fellow on the right, why does he seem to fall on his butt before opening the door?

I am not new anymore but I still come back and check out the group and your posts especially. Always something to learn. How's the new job and the family? Just wanted to learn a little bit today and say hello to you. Great post - as usual.

Brad... Your stuff is always so helpful & way to "suck us in" to your other articles! You very sneaky fellow! Thanks!

Brad---This is the most informative post I have ever seen. The time you put into this just shows the type of people we have here at Active Rain. Thanks a lot Brad

Hi Brad - WOW, this is THE compilation for all new members and some of us that have been around quite awhile, too, as a great resource reminder of all that's here and all the cool things we can do, too.

You ROCK!
Ann

Dear Encyclopedia Bradtannica. Thank you for the 27 volume series on being awesome on Active Rain. :0

Bookmarked. I'm going to re-read this, too. Since there are too many ideas and articles to digest all at once.

Just curious, did you catch my post on how I use the Associate feature? I think that's a good one for beginners, too...but I won't link to it on your blog (that's the etiquette, right?)

Brad, it's worth repeating this is a great compilation. I've only touched on a few of the resources you have listed. Thanks for putting them in one place.

Brad, this is another Masterpiece!!! We are not worthy!!! That's great for everyone in AR.

Brad, excellent advice, as usual. I have bookmarked to email to new people here so they can get started right. Thanks so much!

What a great list of links. It will take me awhile to get through them all. Thanks.

Even though I am not completely new...I have a lot to learn. Thank you for this post. It is by far, the best post I have read! Lots of information that will help me!

Brad, what an excellent resource for newbies - this is incredible!!!!! The AR guys should just email a copy of this post to every person when they sign up!

This is a great post for those just beginning here. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

Brad - this is great, I'll try to use this advise to improve my blogging style. I really could have used this a few months ago before I hacked my way around.

Brad,

You always have the best techie stuff on your posts. The birthday alarm is cool.

Brad,

It's going to take me all week to sift through this! GREAT job, and congrats on the feature!!!

Mike in Tucson

Thanks, Brad, for the homework, I need it. So nice of you to write this for those of us still muddling.

Good advice, as usual.I've book marked many of your posts, this one not being an exception. Thank you.

Brad, what a comprehensive post. I do want to know how you did that side bar! Anyway, I've been added to your birthday list. :>)

So why didn't you do this when we first started? But we're glad you're helping others with it now.

Hope the new place is working out much better for you than those bums ;-)

best

FEB

2008

Brad- This is not just for newbies! The is a great post packed full of major info and a well deserved gold star to top it off with! I love this post! I am bookmarking it.

Bill - actually, this one took all year...literally! :-)

Brad,

I am a newbie! And I have been attempting to navigate and learn the ins and out of Active Rain. This is very informative and as a Newbie, I appreciate your assistance.

Debbie - feel free to send this to anyone you feel will benefit. I still refer to many of these posts myself, and send them to different individuals when needed. It's great to finally have them all in one post...finally! :-)

Marti - thanks man! I think Masterpiece might be a bit over the top though, haha... Glad I get your approval on this one. I'm on an inviting spree this month, hopefully this will help new members. :-)

Ryan - I totally agree. Your profile on any Social Network should be your masterpiece! This will hopefully help new members on many levels of their AR experience. Darn thing took forever to finish....still not sure if I even did a spellcheck on it...ooops! LOL!~

You truly are amazing! Not sure that 2 weeks is sufficient time for a slowpoke like me. haha But I will muddle thru this and in the end, my blog will thrive. Thanks for being here, Brad.

Candace - I don't post as much as I used to, so I have to make sure each post is worthy. This one should help save many friends and members a ton of time here. I'm willing to sacrifice some of mine if it saves them some too. :-)

Greetings back at ya, hope you're doing well and keeping busy with your RE sales! Wish you were closer, I'd love to be your Title and Escrow Company! (Big Smile)

Roland - thanks for the kudos, makes a guy feel pretty good to hear all that! :-) Really appreciate it!

Brad - I'm constantly overwhelmed by your generous, loving spirit. May God richly bless you and your family.

Kim - that was just too cute...see what you went and did? LOL!~ Feel free to send to any new members that you feel appropriate. Maybe not the other title companies though.........just kidding!! :-)

Nick - thanks for responding today, and sending me the date. Birthdays are a blast, a great time to celebrate and know that others are celebrating too. Yours will be no different!! Thanks for the comment, you're the BOMB!! Have a great week! :-)

Joan - I've been flagged...thanks...I think?!?! LOL!~ Thanks for the B-day info, I am putting something together that I think will be unique and very cool! It's a surprise so shhhhhhh......

Barbara - if you can't find what you need here in this post, feel free to comment here anytime with any questions or answers that you may need.

This could end up being my official "Support Post" for Active Rain.

If I don't have the answers for you, I do know where to find them here. ( I sound like a pusher in prison don't I? ) LOL

Seriously though, if you have any questions, feel free to ask me anytime.

Kathy - thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the read! :-)

Krista - so you're the one who got this featured! Thanks! :-) My efforts here are rewarded greatly by comments like yours. They are always welcomed and very much appreciated! Thank you again.

Georgina - I bet I could put a price on it!! LOL!~ .....it would never sell at that price! (BIG SMILE) :-)

Jan - thank you, I hope the folks you sent this to will benefit and enjoy it. As far as printing, the best way I have found is to just highlight all the text in the post with your mouse, then copy and paste it into a word or publisher document. It prints much better that way. I have found that printing with most browsers cuts of the pages and does weird stuff with the graphics. There are other ways around printing here, but that's the easiest I know for now. Let me know if you need help with it, be glad to do it! :-)

Marc - time consuming yes, time saving for others, hopefully yes! Thanks my friend, glad you appreciate the efforts here. I know you know how it is! :-) Glad it's worthy to be referred to as a "Tool", thanks Marc. :-)

Brad - This is a phenomenal list of links! I've been here for about a year and a half, and I'm even going to take a look at most of these. You definitely have a talent for building effective systems.

Dale Baker

Love Your Style

Your Comment Really stood out to me, it gave you a kind of signature!

It also gave me this idea....

I think I'll comment this way from now on.

Establish a new "Sig" of my own.

Might make the dialogs on my post easier to read and follow..Hmmm

Love it, thanks for the comment, the compliment, and the unique Idea!

:-)

Brad, Are you looking for job with Active Rain? (LOL). Man, you are THE resource for all things AR. Thanks for your great contribution.

My goodness, what a GREAT resource for anyone joining ActiveRain - not to mention a few who have been around a while. I'll be reviewing this throughout the week, to make sure I haven't missed any of those previous articles. Congrats on another GREAT post.

JANICE KUTT- GRAB YOUR UMBRELLA & COME ON DOWN!- YOU ARE THE NEXT NEWBEE TO BE FEATURED ON THE ACTIVE RAIN NETWORK!

BRAD: I included a link to this post in my welcome post to a new agent in my team. Thanks for always posting such wonderful information

Hope life is better for you now than it was in early January

Don

I teach a class for Realtors monthly this will be a site that I recommend.VERY good info!

Brad, I don't think any unique adjectives are left so I will just say this is just awesome. I sure wish I had something like this when I joined AR. This should be a must read for all! I know a lot of work went in to this post...thanks so much from all of us!

Carol - did you say buffet? Makes me want to run to Sizzler, forget about the coffee! LOL! Thanks for being the coolest!! By the way, the family is doing great, hope yours is too! Thanks! :-)

Cynthia - thanks! I think that if we combined this post with many of the other AWESOME posts on AR, we really would and could have an "AR Bible". That was my attempt with the "Bloggers Start-up Kit" there's just too much great stuff out here...from Genesis to Revelations!

Brad - I love how helpful and clear you are - I try to do something like this and it is a convoluted road map that no one understands - thank you

Thesa - don't cut yourself short...I have seen your work here, your features, and your contributions to the rain. You are awesome, and we all appreciate you and your work here too!

Jill - if you come away from my posts with anything you can use to help your Blog or your business, that's what they were intended to do. I'm glad to see that they are going to some good use here. Thanks! :-)

Steve - thanks, I think you know most of this stuff already, but feel free to stop by or send it out anytime. Thanks my friend! :-)

Good post - I wish I had found this one when I started. Maybe AR could set it up to be emailed to new members when they sign up?

Thanks for the breakdown Brad, I have been on for a couple months and still have yet to discover everything AR has to offer.

Brad:

Glad to see that you are back in the game. I know that I have a ton of questions, of which I have been without a doubt searching for answer, I will perusing your blogs for the solution.

Thanks.

Brad- Thanks for this post. Whether you're new to AR or not, this post is an excellent source for information. I've bookmarked it because I know I'll need to come back to it often. Thanks for sharing.

Brad,

I appreciate you helping newbies. I know you have helped me a lot.

I'm not new but there was some great information in there, so I bookmarked this. You can always benefit from a refresher course, right?

Brad - {Bob here} As usual you are "the man". Fantastic job for newbies as well as oldies like us. I will definately bookmark this for people I have invited as well as a great reference back for ourselves. They should hire you at A/R. lol.

Brad-

Thanks for all of the useful info! Greatly appreciated!

Live good. Be Happy.

-Mimi

Mimi Osterdahl / The Muljat Group Realtors / Bellingham, Washington / www.LiveGoodBeHappy.com

2008 President, Northwest Washington Women's Council of Realtors

Brad,

i'd bookmarked and I think this is invaluable info you put it all together.

Thanks so much

Youre awesome Brad- always making it easy for others.... great post... when I invite someone I will send them here! (I need to email you....I am on my way)

I wish I had seen something so thorough when I started. This should be sent as an automatic email to any new subscribers!

Thanks for the guide, I wish I knew this when I started months ago.

very useful blog it goes on an on with info

Another boomark for me. Thanks Brad, it's so wonderful to have such a great library of resources to use and share with others. I'm still working up to adding those widgets and can now use this when I finally get ready. LOL

I love your opening statements. But now that I've been distracted by the little fellow on the right, why does he seem to fall on his butt before opening the door?

Lisa - he falls on his butt because he's so busy waving and showing off, he can't see the invisible door. He comes out of an invisible door, then leaves through the invisible door. This always happens to members commenting this far down the post! LOL!! He's really only suppose to be there to draw attention to the "links".

Did it work? Did you click? NO. You just want to know why he falls on his butt!! Swell.... :-) Thanks for the laugh!!

Rosemary - we are good, hope all is well with you too. Thanks for stopping in to say hi! Always great to see you.

Don - did you get sucked into my other posts? Not sneaky...well maybe a little, I was thinking more along the lines of clever! :-) These posts took me a year to write, thought this would be an ironic yet worthy post for my one year anniversary! This is the best of the best of Brad on AR! Sneaky is the one who reads, clicks like crazy, runs with the ideas, but never leaves a comment...now that's sneaky!! :-)

Brad---This is the most informative post I have ever seen. The time you put into this just shows the type of people we have here at Active Rain. Thanks a lot Brad.

Thomas - that is one heck of a compliment...thank you. I hope this isn't the first post you've read here. LOL

The type of people you will find here, well let me just say, you will find them no where else... ever!! :-)

You ROCK!

Ann - there is a ton to learn here, and it takes so much time, I hope this will really help new members with a jump start that some of us old timers never had. After a year here, this is all I've figured out, and now someone can learn it all in a week. Now that's the power of the rain!! and not to argue with you, but YOU ROCK!! :-)

Dear Encyclopedia Bradtannica. Thank you for the 27 volume series on being awesome on Active Rain. :0

Bookmarked. I'm going to re-read this, too. Since there are too many ideas and articles to digest all at once.

Just curious, did you catch my post on how I use the Associate feature? I think that's a good one for beginners, too...but I won't link to it on your blog (that's the etiquette, right?)

Joey - I think you have created a new nick name for me and I kinda like it! "Encyclopedia Bradtannica" as far as your post, I'll have to check it out when I get the chance. Thanks for checking out my other Blogs too, nice to have visitors over there once in a while too! Thanks!! :-)

Brad, it's worth repeating this is a great compilation. I've only touched on a few of the resources you have listed. Thanks for putting them in one place

Craig - it does seem more convenient to have them all in one location. Makes it more like a table of contents or a help manual. Thanks for your gratitude!! I appreciate your comments and support. B-)

Great list, thanks for doing the legwork for a newbie like me!

Ray - you are soooo worthy! Buy or Sell Um, Call Ray Nellum! Anyone who comes up with a line like that is more than worthy! (Huge Smile) :-)

Hi Missy - thanks, I hope it will be useful to the new members. Maybe more new people will dive in and post instead of joining and leaving this behind with never a single post! I really despise this photo! LOL!~

Wayne - give yourself a week or two at least, remember, it took a whole year to create all these posts and links. Trying to do it all in a day could make you really ill.... maybe this post needs a disclaimer! haha! :-)

Dorothy - I am so happy that this will help your Active Rain experience! It's all about "Quality" time and not quantity. Thanks for your wonderful comment here! :-)

Brad, what an excellent resource for newbies - this is incredible!!!!! The AR guys should just email a copy of this post to every person when they sign up!

Lisa - I normally welcome new members to AR with a link to a post like this, but we can only welcome those who have written their first post. (that's about 10% if that) AR should send out a welcome with some links. It doesn't have to be mine, or this one, but I do agree, that's a great idea! Thanks!! :-)

Bob and Carolin - thanks for your blessings and approval!

How many more ways can a guy think of to say "thanks!" :-)

Larry - many of us had to Hack our way around to learn what we know here. I have chosen to, and declare "Save The Hacker Day" as a new Holiday on the rain! I also want to incorporate the "Bring A Buddy" day or "Tell A Friend" week to promote AR. If they'd only hire me, I have so many great ideas for this community!! LOL!! :-)

I want to run for "Mayor" of Active Rain. I'm working on my stimulus package now.... :-)

Fran - the AR Birthday alarm is very cool, I already have almost 100 signed up! Thanks! :-)

Mike - it better take you longer than a week..... That's like chuggin down a bottle of wine in 10 minutes. I want you to sip it, savor it, enjoy it, take your time and then feel really good when you're done!! :-) LOL!~

Virginia - I really do hope this helps you. I hope you'll muddle no more! :-)

Maria - thanks for the bookmark, just don't leave the book on the shelf! :-) Thanks, you're the best!

FEB

2008

HI Braf,

thanks fo the the concise post :) I will keep it for friends that join

Anne

Natalie, the side bar was created from a photo I took of a trail in the woods. I cropped it using Paint Shop Pro, then went into Picnik.com to resize, create a border, add the shadow box, and overlay the "Follow Me" text. It's not magic, you just need to know how....and now you know. It's really easy. Thanks for adding you birthday and joining the party! :-)

Gary - I would have done it sooner, but it took all this time to write all these and then compile them. One year exactly. I started here in Feb. just a month before you guys, and look at ya now! I think you have moved into the #6 position in CA., and you've written over 400 posts! That's almost triple what I've written. WOW! You should be the ones creating the "hot to" here on AR! Congrats on ALL your successes, it's been great watching you and your Blog grow here! :-)

BTW - The new job is great, the market is picking up, just wish it were more and faster!!

Katerina - this post is really for anyone who wants it. I just thought that I would put it out there for those I invite, and welcome on a regular basis. I'm glad you enjoyed it too. Thanks!!

Tina - you are the perfect candidate for this post! This was created just for you. Let me know if it helps you get around, and what you'd possibly like to see added to it. I tried to cover most of the things you'll need to know here excluding the advertising module on AR. Would love to get your comments and feedback. I can always add more to this if I missed something. Thanks for your comment, let me know if you need any assistance here at all. :-)

You truly are amazing! Not sure that 2 weeks is sufficient time for a slowpoke like me. haha But I will muddle thru this and in the end, my blog will thrive. Thanks for being here, Brad.

Hi Nancy - 2 weeks is the crash course! Remember, it took me a year to write all these posts and compile them into this one. No pressure, take your time, and most of this stuff, I think you already know. Let me know if you think there is anything I need to add to this post for our new members. Thanks Nancy, you're the BEST!! :-)

Brad - I'm constantly overwhelmed by your generous, loving spirit. May God richly bless you and your family.

Marlene - I am constantly overwhelmed by how many wonderful, loving, and caring people I have met here on AR like YOU! That is the Richly Blessed Life that I enjoy, having friends just like you! I hope you are blessed as much as you bless others. Life is beautiful, but people are what make it that way! :-)

Brad - This is a phenomenal list of links! I've been here for about a year and a half, and I'm even going to take a look at most of these. You definitely have a talent for building effective systems.

John - thanks for that fine compliment. I remember yours was one of the first Blogs I read here. It's great to get a comment from someone you look up to and consider a silent mentor. I have learned so much from so many here, you included. Thanks for being here, all your efforts an contributions, and for taking the time to comment and go through this post. Let me know if there's anything you think I should add for our new members. Thanks my friend, have a great week! :-)

Brad, Are you looking for job with Active Rain? (LOL). Man, you are THE resource for all things AR. Thanks for your great contribution.

Dan - you never know....LOL! I do love this place, but more than that, I love what I learn and get to share. I love the freedom, the ability to grow, and most of all, I love helping others. It's a passion of mine that just won't go away. I've tried. So thanks for the compliment, maybe one day, I'll be more than just a Blogger here.. :-)

What a great post. I am still trying to get to know the site. Thanks for all the great information. Jessica Cordell

FEB

2008

Margaret - I think you have probably seen most of these posts, but feel free to browse through and see if there are any you might have missed. I think you have commented on every single post of mine. Thank you! :-)

Don - thanks, I'll check it out! Life is definately much better than in was in January. Not waiting on the market anymore...I'm pushing and pulling it!! Make it happen is my motto this month!! :-)

I teach a class for Realtors monthly this will be a site that I recommend.VERY good info!

Karel - feel free to use this post for your class or to direct new members. I know it can be frustrating when you first sign up and don't know where to go. :-)

Diane - you don't need any adjectives, just having your comment and appreciation is plenty good for me! Thank you for that, it really does mean a lot to me! :-)

Good post - I wish I had found this one when I started. Maybe AR could set it up to be emailed to new members when they sign up?

Kevin - thanks! I was just discussing that with AR last night over dinner, I think they have some great plans coming ahead! Thanks for that vote of confidence for my post! I'm just here to help those I can, when I can.

I haven't gone through all of the fantastic information you have put together for us yet. Wow, you are just awesome. I have a feeling that when I get through this information, so many of the questions I've been wondering about will be answered.

From what I have read of you, it sounds like you are such a great person. I am so glad things are going in a positive direction for you. You are so appreciated here on Active Rain.

FEB

2008

Brad,

Thanks for writing this post......I have it bookmarked for my use and for members I invite to join....

FEB

2008

Josh - it takes time, just be patient, stay focused, and have some fun too!

Brad:

Glad to see that you are back in the game. I know that I have a ton of questions, of which I have been without a doubt searching for answer, I will perusing your blogs for the solution.

Thanks.

Lorraine and Loretta, feel free to use this post to ask any questions that you may have. This will be kinda like a tech support post for anyone who reads my Blog. I will always comment back, and if I don't know the answer to your question, I will find it for you. So ask away..... :-)

Matt - you're welcome back anytime, and if you see another new member or even veteran that may be struggling, please feel free to forward when necessary. Thank YOU for sharing my friend!! :-)

Mike - I'm glad that I have been able to help you out in the past, hope to do the same in the future! Thanks!

I'm not new but there was some great information in there, so I bookmarked this. You can always benefit from a refresher course, right?

Christy - refresher is like riding a bike, feels funny when you don't do it for a while, but it only takes a second to get right back into the swing of things. Some of the stuff here I forget, but when someone comments, it forces me to goback and read my own post. I actually learn some stuff from myself! LOL!~ :-)

Brad,

This is my first week as a blogger, and I want to thank you for the wealth of information that you have provided in such a condensed manner. Bloggin is strangely far more difficult yet far more enjoyable than I thought it would be. Your advice will help greatly. Thank you again.

Truly fantastic tips and information. Thanks!

What a wonderful, useful blog for everyone

Steven - great to have you on board! This IS the best Network to start your blogging experience! Enjoy my friend, and feel free to come back anytime if you have any questions. I'd love to help you out if you need! :-)

Bob - Thanks! It will be fantastic if you can use it, it helps you, and your business grows because of it. Good luck to you always, and happy writing! :-)

Renee - I sure appreciate that comment. Thanks!

FEB

2008

Brad,

Thank you so much for the great information. It is really great to have someone willing to share tips.
I really appreciate your helpfulness!

You are very welcome. Not sure who left this comment, be sure to login to AR before you comment, it's worth 25 points if you do. I appreciate you taking the time to comment! :-)

FEB

2008

Brad,

Great advice.. I am going to try to log on and blog more often. Just I seem to lose focus and start surfing. I guess I will check blogs for time management next. lol

FEB

2008

Brian - time is of the essence, it's key to spend it wisely. I have a system I use that seems to work well for me. Each of us are unique and what works for one, may not work for another. Explore my friend and discover what works best for Brian! :-)

FEB

2008

Brad - OMG..this has only been up an hour and you've already gotten this many comments??? I am bookmarking this one for sure. What great information for ANYBODY not just the newbies. My only question is...why is this not featured already???

My goodness Brad! You've just written the most thorough new member orientation I've ever seen in any business or blog ever.

Brad you getting better and better. This is one of the most informative blogs i have ever seen. I sent the link to this to some of the people I have gotten to join and will save it to sent to the rest. Thanks

Gee, 140 comments and no feature? Why? or why not? Great information and I am saving the link to welcome new folks.

Geez. Are you the new unofficial welcoming committee? I hope the newbies appreciate all this information. If they take it to heart, it can help them enjoy blogging experience much more, as it will be much more profitable.

Linda - this one I can't explain. The Rain Men must have done something I can't quite understand! I wrote this a few days ago, and it nows shows as my most recent post! It's all good, but just for the record, all these comments did not come in the last hour. Not sure what happen, but I am sure happy to get your comments....always!! :-)

Chuck - and that is the finest compliment I think I've ever received!!!! Thanks my friend! Really...Thank you!!

Thomas - thank you, getting better and better means getting older and older! LOL!~ Right? I hope the members you send this to will get some value and save some time by using the information here. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your endorsement!! Thank you! :-)

Missy - my dear and special friend, do you remember the TV series called "Creature Feature?" I have no explanation for this post or the actions that have taken place here! LOL!~ Not sure what else to say!

Brad, thanks for all the great advice. I have a lot of work to do.

Lisa - I am the unofficial whatever you want me to be! LOL!~ Just trying to do my part in this wonderful community....shoot, I could have been the janitor! Imagine all the trash that needs to be emptied from time to time here! (laughing out loud really hard) Thanks!!

Dustin - you're welcome, take your time and have fun! That is always the most important thing! You will learn more by doing here, this is just a place to start! Thanks for the comment, let me know if you need help anytime.

Brad - You are such a giver and great contributor to this community. I had to flag this one for a well-deserved feature.

FEB

2008

Marlene - aren't you just one of the sweetest people I know....thanks! :-)

Brad, you are a very wonderful welcome wagon! I was commenting that this would be great to have on the post about how to improve AR and here it is in B&W. It will surely be at the top of the Newbie list as well as high on the bookmark for many of us who love AR. Thanks for putting it all together. Ask and you shall receive here on AR. Thanks for writing it!!

Karen - putting this together for the appreciative members like yourself makes it all worth while! :-)

FEB

2008

thanks for the kind advice, I look forward to contributing to this fantastic community of resources and information

MAR

2008

Brad,

Thanks. I bookmarked this post and will come back later to read all the links. Great stuff. I've been with AR for exactly 1 month today or one month and 1 day as it is almost 1 AM and I have learned a lot. I tried to contribute as much as I can. Thank you for all you wonderful people for sharing your knowledge with us newbies.

Michael - and we look forward to your contributions and successes here! Thanks and best of luck to you and all your endeavors here and outside Active Rain! :-)

Rosalinda - congrats on your I month and I day celebration. Just wait till you've been here a year or even 2. We'll have to come back to this post then and have a real celebration. Welcome, it's great to have you as a member here and it's even nicer getting your comment, thank you! :-)

Brad,

Please tell me it took you days to assemble this tremendous post...only a brother title guy would have this much patience!!! I personally thank you and admire your thoughtfulness!!! Thanks, Fran

MAR

2008

Fran - this post took longer than I care to admit! LOL!~ But as you know in "Title" we must press on until we complete our mission and goal! Thanks my friend for the kind words! Now go close those PIQ's.. :-)

This is one of the most helpful posts I have read. Thanks so much...I actually feel like I know how to do some things on here now!

Nichole - that is fantastic, that's why I posted this, not to just get comments like yours, but to also get the results that you left in your comment! Thanks for letting me know this post is working! :-)

Thanks so much. GREAT INFO!!

MAR

2008

This is truly the best blog- as you know when I was a beginner you helped me so much- but now you put it in one blog. A must read for new bloggers and old too.

Hi, it is great that you took the time to help us newbies learn the ropes a bit. I have changed the name of my blog and am looking through Google to understand how to register my blog. I did register my Keller Williams website with them, just not sure how to do a 2nd domain name. But, I'm working on it.

I'd love to subscribe to more blogs, but I think it will take me weeks to get through reading all of your helpful hints and understanding them. My real estate skills are far better than my technical skills!

I think the biggest problem I have is knowing what to read first; the home page has so many choices. I did find your posts though, so that's progress.

Brad - You are AWESOME. Thank you so much for such an informative post.

Brad you inspire me in the Active Rain Community Keep up the great work

Thanks Brad for all the great info. all in one place. I am definitely book marking this for future reference.

Thanks for taking the time to help all the 'Newbies' out there. It is much appreciated...

MAR

2008

I AGREE ! HOLY COW BRAD! Wow What a great job and it must have took you all day to do this blog! I think their is plenty of info on here for all of us! THANK YOU!

Diana - you're very welcome!

Judy - I do remember, and I wouldn't hve it any other way! Thanks.. :-)

Cindy - it seems a lot at first, but then it all comes clear. Let me know if I can help you out in any way.

Bob - thanks for that comment, you're the awesome one!

Greg - inspiration they say is all we need, thanks my friend. X 2. LOL!~ :-)

Lori - it took a year to write and gather all this into one post! Glad you can use it.

Linda - We all started as newbies, remembering those days is why I create these posts. We had no manuals.

Tom - THANK YOU! I love when I get comments of members who are clearly excited and appreciative.
Yes, this post to all day to write and a year to create.

This is great! Thank you.

MAR

2008

Thanks,,,I need this information...graat bit of advice...

GOD BLESS YOU!! This is awesome. Kelli

Jon - totally welcome, thank you! :-)

Pamela - glad you found this info to be of value to you. If you need any help, let me know...glad to help!

Kelli - The blessing is you! Thanks for that and for commenting. Be blessed! :-)

MAR

2008

Thanks for the post. Man, I have alot to do!

thanx for this post, I find myself looking at it repeatedly...

Rick - take your time my friend, just go with it, and have fun! :-)

Patrice - nice to have you back repeatedly, thanks for taking the time to comment! :-)

MAR

2008

The title drew me in... being here for just a week, I had to read it. And I'm glad I did! This blog is a true wealth of information and one that I will surely come back to time & time again. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this... and please let me know when you visit SLO!

MAR

2008

Candis - thank you for such a kind and supportive comment. We hope to be down in SLO next month sometime. My son has a pretty hectic school schedule so we have to work around it. Stop by my Blog anytime to just say hi or see what I'm up to, I'll try and do the same on yours. Have a great week! :-)

Would totally invite your (polite and appropriate) comments to my recent (contoversial) blog; Realtors + Home Stagers = $$$$$$

Best regards:

Thom Scanlon ASP/IAHSP/RESA

Houston Home Staging

Thom - well that peaked my interest! You know I can't resist an opportunity to see a controversial post!! LOL!~

MAR

2008

Brad, I am a newbie. A year after signing up I decided to come back and see what A/R is all about. I am learning alot,and I know I have alot more to go. My question is how can I change my username? I can't find it on my profile page to edit it. I will work on my official introduction for this weekend so A/R people will know I exist.

Thank you

Windy

Windy - you might need to contact Active Rain support for that one. I can't change it for you but maybe they can! Welcome back, it's great to have you here. Looking forward to your posts!

Contact ActiveRain

Windy - you might need to contact Active Rain support for that one. I can't change it for you but maybe they can! Welcome back, it's great to have you here. Looking forward to your posts!

Contact ActiveRain

BRAD, You are totally awesome ! You answered me superman fast. I will contact support.

Thank you

Great Info! Now I have to learn how to save this info to refer back to it.

MAR

2008

Windy - let me know if there is anything else I can do to help! :-)))

Laurie - there are a couple ways to save this post for future reference, the easiest way is to use the bookmark tool at the bottom of the post. Every post on Active Rain has this option.

You can use the email icon to send to a friend, or the "Bookmark" to save to your Active Rain bookmarks folder.

Brad

You be the man! You pack so much information into your blogs, we don't have to go anywhere else.

Gary - heart and soul my friend, heart and soul! Thanks, that was very kind! :-)

MAR

2008

Brad, Thanks for your post. Here it is months later and it is still helping. It helped me.

MAR

2008

Thanks so much. This is great!

MAR

2008

Robert - that's great to hear, I refer to it at times and email it to others pretty often. Glad it's one of those that may last a while here. Thanks! :-)

Debby - you are so welcome, thank you. :-)

APR

2008

Wow, I can't believe how long it took me to see this. What a great tool.

APR

2008

Cole - Welcome to the party! Better late than never right? Enjoy my friend, have a great week!! :-)

MAY

2008

Hi Brad,

This is great information, thanks for taking the time especially for Newbies like me - Active Rain is definitely a great place to network, especially in this market!

Janet - I have used this post to welcome many new members to ActiveRain. I'm glad you were able to find it and I'm happy it is useful for you. AR is an awesome place to network in ANY market. There are so many success stories here, imagine how many there will be when the market really picks up nationally. All the efforts here will really pay off in that market as well. :-))

MAY

2008

My page is too wide. How do I customize it to make it fit less wide on the center of my screen?

Arthur - you can use the activeraincustomizer.com site to adjust or modify your blog. Here's a link to a tutorial post. ActiveRain Customizer

WOW! I am a newbie as of 3 weeks ago, this will save me a lot of valuable time searching and making mistakes!

Thank you!

MAY

2008

JoLynn - thank you, but there is no real way to help you keep from making mistakes. It's ok to make them here, that's how we learn to grow and help each other. I'm glad this post will help you, there are hundreds of members with thousands of helpful posts on AR just like this one. You WILL love this place and all the information that is available to you 24/7, and right at your fingertips.

Welcome to the "Rain" JoLynn, we're happy you're here. :-)

MAY

2008

OK, I give up. Where do I go to put my header and background pcis on AR.

Thanks in advance.

Great Post! Very Informative.

Gerald - you have to use the AR Customizer, here's a link to the video instructions.

John - glad you liked it. I see you're selling restaurants, we should talk. :-)

MAY

2008

WOW, this is huge

MAY

2008

Randy - This is really 3 posts in one, I just get too excited sometimes, and don't know when to hit the "Submit Post" button. lol~ Thanks. :-)

MAY

2008

Hi Brad,

I read your great post and still cannot figure out how to change my professional title on the search engine. For example "real estate - other" to "real estate agent." ANy feedback would be great. Thanks again!

MAY

2008

Imma - I took care of that for you, and sent you an email. Contact me anytime you need any help here. Have a great weekend. :-))

JUN

2008

Wow! Great post. I should have started here, but I didn't and some of the stuff I learned has been by trial and error and frankly was getting a little overwhelmed and thinking maybe this was not for me. Glad I found your post. I will have to go back and re-read it and follow the advice.

Question:

Is there a way to save the post so I could come back to it? I found a great post the other day and just could not find it

Also, is there a way that I could "auto pop" the pass word to submit my comment? some of the passwords are lenghty and confusing and for one miss letter it rejects my comment.

Thank you!

Brad: I am glad I found your post. I have been on ar for a couple of months but I still keep learning new things.

Aida - DON'T GIVE UP! I know what you are experiencing, I've been there, done that! :-)

1) You can bookmark posts to come back later and review. Look for the icon (BookMark) at the bottom of every post. Just click on it, that adds it to your "BookMark List" on your "My Home" page.

2) If you use FireFox as your browser, it remembers what you've typed into the password box. You only have to type it the first time, from then on, it will automatically pop up for you to select. I don't think IE Browsers offer that option.

Let me know if you need any assistance with either of these, I'm happy to help you out when you need. Thx.

FYI - if you do mis-spell a word, you won't lose your comment, you'll just get another password to enter.

Greg - there's quite a bit you can learn here, the key is to take one day and one post at a time. If you are committing any significant amount of time here, you will learn more on this network than you ever thought possible. I've been here just over a year, and I still learn new stuff every single day. The relationships you build are the greatest asset here, but the knowledge and information available is very powerful too.

JUN

2008

I use Sharper Agent for my flyer creations. I am trying to use the HTML code in the ActiveRain Blog Post, but for some reason it is not creating the flyer, but merely showing the code when I post. What could cause this problem? Any ideas? Thanks

Ben - you need to click on the HTML tab at the top of your "New" post. It defaults to the "WYSIWYG" tab. Just click on the HTML tab, then paste your code in the body of the post and save. That should work. If not, let m know and we'll figure it out for you. :-)

JUN

2008

Can anyone tell me how to change my "category". I guess there was an error when I started my profile and I am not showing up as a "home stager" as I should. Thanks for your help.

JUN

2008

I will change you to home stager. You'll also want to login to ActiveRain before trying to create blog posts, make comments, setup your profile etc. When you login next time, you will officially be a "Home Stager!" Let me know if you have any additional questions or need any more help. ;-)

This is all provided that your profile and setup is under "All American"

All American - I will need more info from you to make your requested changes. We have no profile with that name here on AR. Send me an email with your personal information and how you setup your account here on AR, and I'll take care of the rest. Thanks! :-)

JUN

2008

Yikes!! The custom design that I had added to my blog and some custom links have disappeared from my site. Do you have any clues for me? I did contact the help desk except the they didn't seem to recognize my login. So I'm not sure it went through. Can you help? Thanks, Judy

Sorry, thought I was logged in :-( Judy

JUN

2008

Judy - if you weren't logged in, I wonder if that made a difference with your customized blog? If not, what browser are you using? IE has been giving other members some issues. Feel free to call or email me anytime and I will try and walk you through it over the phone ok? :-)

JUN

2008

Wow, so much to digest all at one time. I hope I can get as proficient at this as you are.

Thanks for all of the tips, I am sure I will be back often for more information. Before I start asking all sorts of questions that are probably already answered here, I will do some searching first.

JUN

2008

Eugene and Fred - feel free to come back and ask away anytime. If you click on my name below this comment, you will find all the other tutorial posts I have written for ActiveRain members. There is also a link at the bottom of every AR page that will take you the the HELP/FAQ group where you will find tons of helpful posts and information. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to login to AR before commenting or doing anything, that way, members will have a link to your profile and blog here. :-)

JUL

2008

Great article - thank you for all the links to getting started up, too! Your help is greatly appreciated!

Greetings Brad - This article took a year to develop and 6mos later it is still bearing fruit. I'm a newbie and the resources in this one post look like a wealth of information. I will bookmark it and see if I can get through all of it in 2 weeks (I have my doubts). Thanks for your contribution to the community.

Michael Scher - www.WhoInspects.com

I am new on active rain, and new to blogging. I had already bookmarked another one of your posts. this one is definitely a good start for me to start to read and learn more. congratulations.

I am down in Mexico, and wanting to meet many more people in the industry, share my knowledge and expertise of buying real estate and investing in real estate down here in Mexico, referrals, bank trusts, condo investments etc.. I think Active Rain is a great community to do so. My goal was to share my experiences and knowledge, but find myself being the student here in Active Rain. Thats good!

Thanks Brad... I have you at the top of my favorites list

- Thomas

Hi Brad...What a wonderful piece of work this is.

Just yesterday I gave a brief demo on AR to other agents in my office. I will now pass this along to them. Perhaps they will be more inclined to give it a try.

Kathleen

Wow!! Thank you for sharing all of this information!! It is wonderful and I will be passing it on as well!! I am really going to like all this information sharing!!

Hi Again...Meant to tell you this will be a great tutorial for me also. I still do not know it all (and I'm not a know it all either).

Kathleen

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been trying to figure all this out, going from post to post. Well, I've made some mistakes. I have been adding people as associates first of all. I did not know about BOOKMARK LOL!!! And.........I did not leave any comments. It never occured to me I am so sorry. This is a big help. Thank you.

THANK YOU!!!!

Wow, great directions!!!!! I see you already have 234 posts saying pretty much the same thing. But in my brief stay here, I have been actively! absorbing great info from members posts, like yourself, and my policy is to say thank you when I read valuable content.

Thank you.

This is really great....I see where I have made a mistake by reading your "how to post on Active Rain MLS" section. Going to go your route and sure that will help. You know though....I am "fairly new" and I may stand to be corrected...do not remember getting a "welcome aboard" from you....????

greetings--brad,

great helpful info. all in one place!!, as a relative newbie--this and the other information you have posted really helps, to understand the community. keep it up.--thanks

JUL

2008

Mike - glad you found some stuff here helpful.

Michael - it did take a year and it's hard to believe it's still going. Some posts live and some die, happy that this one is still bearing fruits! :-)

Thomas - you're too kind. Thank you. I look forward to the knowledge you'll be sharing. We are all students and teachers in one form or another. Welcome to AR, you'll get much more from here than you could ever imagine. Paying it forward is how ActiveRain thrives.

Kathleen - thank you for sharing this with others. I hope it will be a useful post they can benefit from.

Karen - you have no idea...you could spend a month here and learn more than most people learn their entire careers. The best of the best are scattered all through out the country, just like they are on AR. The information and wealth of experience here is un-comprehend-able.

Kathleen - that was cute, thanks! :-)

Novella - I have posted some other useful posts for new members on my profile page. They are sorted by category. Just click on my name in the bottom of this comment if you're needing any more info.

Maya - :-)

Margaret - I feel compelled to thank you too. Many people sometimes apply the "read & run" policy and never comment, so I sincerely appreciate that you took the time to read and comment both. Your voice is always welcomed here. Thanks.

Alicia - I'm sorry, you didn't get a welcome from me so I'll welcome you now. I use to welcome every new member every day with a link to posts like this, then just ran out of time to do it each day. My plate may be full, but that doesn't make new members any less important to me. Welcome to ActiveRain, the best place on earth to Network, Blog and do business.

Andrea - glad this helps you out. This is just one post in thousands you are going to find here that will help you with ALL aspects of the industry. Anything you want to learn about, it's here. My favorite line is, "ActiveRain is like trying to drink out of a Firehose!" :-)

AUG

2008

Brad,

I am still unclear how to add an associate. I have tried adding several and none of them show up, including you! I really appreciate all your information about how to help us get started and am really enjoying being part of the A/R community.

Hi Gail, when you click on the "add associate" button over another members photo, you're adding them to your associates, be sure to leave them a comment. When someone clicks on your button over your photo, they are adding you to their list. There are 2 lists you can access now. You'll find both links on the "My Home" page. The top link to associates are those you'v added, the bottom link at the bottom of the page is all those members who have added you. Hope this helps, go check it out, you'll see what I mean. Let me know if you need more help. :-)

Hi Brad,

Did you do some magic? I had tried this before and it didn't work. However after reading your answer to me, it does now. Thanks so much for your help.

Gail - Not MagicBrad... ActiveBrad!! lol~ Glad it makes more sense now and is working for you. :-)

AUG

2008

Brad-You never cease to amaze me on the quality of your blogs. It must be a gift. Thanks once a again for such great info

SEP

2008

Pat - thanks for that compliment, you made my "Labor Day!" Blogs can be Labor intensive, but always worth the effort and reward. Thanks again. :-)

SEP

2008

Brad,

I have just joined Active Rain and it looks like I have alot of reading and studying to do but I have a question and think you could answer it best. I have subsribed to at least 10 groups (or at least I thought I did). When I go to my profile it says I have subscribed to 0 blogs. When I subscribe it takes me to a page where it shows what groups I have subscribed to but for the life of me I can't find how to get to that page from "My Home".

I'm feeling pretty technically challenged at the moment but I'm a fast learner. I feel like I'm learning how to walk and talk all over again. I love a challenge though so I won't give up. I could use a little "basic info"

I also can't figure out how to answer blog comments.

By the way.....you are so inspiring!! Thanks for all you do on this site.

Anice - Welcome! Here is the link you need to start at: Getting Started on ActiveRain. This will answer many of your questions, save you tons of time and frustration, and give you the tools and navigation capability to get around the community in a fun and productive way. I know it will help. Thanks.

SEP

2008

Brad,

I didn't receive this when I joined. I wish I had received it. There is a lot of info here.

Thanks,

Chastity

SEP

2008

Chastity - you should have received a link to the "Getting Started" post when you joined (if recently). It has a link to this post in it. Thanks for stopping by, checking it out, and leaving your comment, I appreciate it. :-)

PS. The getting started link is on the AR Main page, just under channels in the "More Information" box.

OCT

2008

THANK YOU! Totally helped!

OCT

2008

Marianne - it's a good place to start, glad this helped. I appreciate the comment, now go have some fun and best of luck to you here. :-)

Thank you for responding...YOU are the source of all things Active Rain!

Marianne - consider me your resource for anything you need here, but keep in mind, there are sooo many other members here that are just as valuable and resourceful to you as well. AR is the GREATEST online resource for information and experienced friendly members. It's Truly a ONE-STOP-SHOP here.

Thanks for such a nice follow-up comment.

Brad, I actually met Ricardo Bueno at a conference last week. He's the one that clued me into AR. He's been very helpful as well. Oh, and another extremely helpful fellow is Jay Thompson, The Phoenix Real Estate Guy.

Anyone interested in these very helpful guys, should check them out at:

Ricardo Bueno: http://activerain.com/buenofinance

Jay Thompson: http://activerain.com/jaygt

Marianne - Both good guys, I'd list about 500 others, but maybe I'll save that for my next post! LOL~ Glad you decided to join, Thanks to Ricardo for bringing you on board. You're gonna owe him big time for that one. :-))

OCT

2008

Brad,

I bookmaked this one, still go back to it, and send it to new members I invite. Once of the best overall summaries on how to get started!

Ann - thank you, what a nice comment you left. I'm glad you are finding this to be helpful for those members you invite and send this to. Thanks again. :-)

NOV

2008

This is the best of all...I could read this blog every day and still learn something new!

DEC

2008

Hi Brad, So glad that I followed your 'year in review' link. This is just what I needed! I've done the first few steps, now on to the others... I've posted 3 (w/ one featured!!!) , haven't found my voice yet. I suppose it will come. I'll look more.

Hi again, I forgot to mention. I'll plan to give a link to this post to those that I've invited to AR.

DEC

2008

Marian - I have a better one called "Getting Started", there's a link to it on the main AR page. You can also find more like this on my profile page. Hopefully this will help anyone you invite get started. Thanks. :-)

JAN

2009

Incredibly informative... thanks Brad.

APR

2009

Still a lot of information, But I am trying.

OCT

2009

Took me months to discover this, but what a find! Thanks Brad for this very informative post.

This blog does not allow anonymous comments

Brad Andersohn

Fairfield, CA

More about me…

Zillow - Outreach Manager

Address: I am always Mobile, but right now I'm in, Fairfield, CA, 94534

Office Phone: Zillow.com

Cell Phone: (707) 646-1876

Email Me

_________________________

Subscribe To Blog
Get Email Updates

Created By:Brad Andersohn
"Your Online RE Tech Concierge"

_________________________

Top 10 Bloggers

_________________________

Visit Real Estate 411

THIS WEEK'S FREE TRAINING

_________________________

"Living The American Dream"

_________________________

TOOLS FOR YOUR BLOGS

Advanced Mortgage Calculator

Mortgage Calculator

Home Mortgage rates

Helping Clients Move

Creating Contact Opportunity

Listings

Links

Archives

Find CA real estate agents and Fairfield real estate on ActiveRain.

Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.