I think blogging and real estate agent is the "perfect storm!"  Good post and I am pleased with the educational aspect of blogging.  I love to see what the rest of the country is doing.

I like it as a creative outlet.... it just feels good to craft a well balanced post... sort of like making a patchwork quilt, but a lot quicker and easier!

I find that blogging is a way of relaxing for me, to share my voice. Plus I love to talk to others in my trade, share ideas, inspire others, network, even educate. Excellent post! - Carla

What a timely post Jeff, I have been wrestling with many questions you raised. I have never been a quitter but sometimes I really wonder if I shouldn't. Then I write something that touches someone and I am supercharged again. The highs and lows I suppose also reveal who I am, that I care that much and what my own needs are. Which then suggests that I may be doing this for other reasons beyond trying to keep my head above water in business ( eventually when I learn that it is all in the tags and being consistent - or being very lucky, which some have also proved they are). I have a lot to offer with a lot of experiences that most haven't had. The irony is that I can only write about that here on AR and it doesn't fit well for the public community on my own blog. What's in it for them if its about me? Nothing. It becomes a challenge but one that can be overcome with effort and knowledge of the consumers wants and needs.

I blog specifically for business. I try to keep everything else out.  But I have issues that I care deeply about and my strong feelings come through loud and clear....you can like them or hate them - but you know if you read me where I stand. So a contradiction.....

I enjoy blogging for the exchange of knowledge and experiences with others who do this for a living.  It is also a great way for potential clients to check us out.

Jeff, it's a great morning to be philosophical as it is cloudy and dreary outside drawing me to be introspective rather than feeling guilty for not being outside.  I'm sure everyone will have a unique response to these thoughts and questions yet there are definitely some common threads that you describe beautifully.  For me, blogging started out as a business and then grew into a full-blown passion and even an obsession at times.  On AR it is definitely about the relationships and mutual support.  On my own blog it is about SEO Ranking.  But, it has also awakened a part of me that has been dormant since college...writing, researching and THINKING more deeply.  Does that make sense?  Thanks for this thoughtful post.

Thanks for weighing in, Leslie. The educational piece is a big part of it for me.

Jeff 

Georgina - the creative side of many, I suspect, comes out in their blogging, perhaps when they did not even realize they had it in them.

Jeff 

Carla - relaxing. Hmm, interesting thought. I think that is often true, although I sometimes find blogging to NOT be relaxing when I am really busy, or struggling to put words on the screen.

Jeff 

Thanks for your thoughtful comments, William. As always you bring a perspective born of experience and sensitivity. I have the same struggles at times.

Jeff 

Ruthmarie - I suspect that no matter how focused one is on blogging for business you cannot keep out that which is you. And that's what draws in the reader, IMO.

Jeff 

Randy - and you do that so well.

Jeff 

Diane - thank you for your thoughts and compliment. You've said, very eloquently, what I imagine is true for many here. Too bad your day is gloomy - I won't say anything about my day here. :)

Jeff 

Great post to make you think exactly why it is we do what we do, whether it be blogging or something else...maybe it is the opportunity to connect with others that share a similar interest and excitment about the same thing as we do...what ever it is I am glad that I have found the art.

Blogging  is such a creative way to talk about and share what we do. I like to relate everyday life with my real estate experience whether it is about an actual listing, how I got a listing, how I market a listing or whether it is about feeding the birds and relating that to advertising. Seems like personal stories generate the most interest. Here on AR I do love the instant gratification of comments from people like you, Jeff.

 Keep having fun and thanks for sharing.

I'll take the positive side of soul blogging any day. You mean I have a ego??? lol!

I love reading "farm" marketing ideas in blogs. I also love bragging about the city I live in, San Bruno! Ego? Tee hee hee!

Misty - it actually took me forever to formulate my thinking on this. I agree - no matter your motivation, life is good here in the blogging world.

Jeff 

Thank you Margaret. So well put, as always. I agree there are many aspects of blogging that appeal to both those who blog and those bloggers who read and comment on blogs. The soul emerges in many ways, doesn't it?

Jeff 

Sally - well of course! LOL. Ego can be a good thing and a bad one, depending on how it reveals itself. But I won't stray into the psychological aspects of our ego, despite that being a part of my former life.

Jeff 

Karin - bragging about San Bruno (or Carlsbad for that matter) is cool. Bragging about oneself is not.

Jeff 

Though I am still new to the rain I'm trying to figure out my identity here as a blogger 

Wow, excellent musings on why we blog. As a person who journaled all through high school and college, quite frankly I love to write. 

Great post,  it is interesting different people blog for different reasons.

It is really interesting to me that the personal stories, motivators and non-business related stories seem to get more interest and comments.

All the Best!

Sometimes blogging feels like a cold beer in the shade on a blistering hot day.

Cheers! 

Jeff, as always you are eloquent, insightful, deeply thoughtful and well written. I often wonder just where my true intent and motivation is coming from. I look deep inside and question if my time, energy and efforts are being well spent.

Will I be on my death bed looking to heaven saying, "I wish I had spent more time on Active Rain," or will I wish for more time with my family?

Should I actually place so much importance on that "next blog" or should I go sell a house?

All I know is that I like it here. And, you must look at my latest masterpiece of dancing cows...yes, really. It is the perfect example of "time well spent".

I enjoyed it as always, Later in the rain~Deb

Jeff, as always you are eloquent, insightful, deeply thoughtful and well written. I often wonder just where my true intent and motivation is coming from. I look deep inside and question if my time, energy and efforts are being well spent.

Will I be on my death bed looking to heaven saying, "I wish I had spent more time on Active Rain," or will I wish for more time with my family?

Should I actually place so much importance on that "next blog" or should I go sell a house?

All I know is that I like it here. And, you must look at my latest masterpiece of dancing cows...yes, really. It is the perfect example of "time well spent".

I enjoyed it as always, Later in the rain~Deb

Wow, I was wondering why it took soooooooo long to load! I even exed out early and gave up! Must be a busy time. I'll delete.

Five Gold Stars!!!

Alan - don't fret about it. Your identity will emerge of it;s own accord. Don't try to force it, just let it happen (sounds like a song, doesn't it?!).

Jeff 

Missy - and your love of writing shows in what you do so well!

Jeff 

Kevin - I think many are here for a variety of reasons, and take much pleasure in the sharing that comes from others when it is not directly related to business. It's all part of the human side of us that allows us to be successful with others in this business.

Jeff 

Roberta - short, sweet, to the point and a great analogy. Cheers to you too! Bottoms up.

Jeff 

That is what I like so much about blogging - it is that the customer feels like they know a little something about you BEFORE they call!  And if they are attracted by the personality that I show them through my blog, then I feel I can truly be myself!

I've been told that I write so it is easy enough for people to understand.  I think consumers are bombarded and overwhelmed by media.  I put my fingers to the keyboard for consumers, now.

Jeff, I was thinking about this very thing today! The why's of blogging and the fact that we each get "something" from blogging both from new business and on an emotional level. Blogging puts us out there for all to see. I have met some nice clients because they had already read about me on my blogs. It's a nice feeling.

I am amused about how addicting it can be!  I just started blogging a few weeks ago, and now I LOVE it!  It's a great place to spill those questions that never seem to get the right answer or write about that one thing that excites you.  My ultimate goal in life is to positively impact one million lives...this is a great way to help a little at a time.

Barb

Jeff, I've already logged off for the evening, but I saw your post and couldn't resist taking a peek.  WOW, my friend, you have outdone yourself with this insightful treastice.  Blogging at it's best...It's soulful...and egoless. :)

I've been reading RE blogs for many months, but only started writing my own blog in January.  What I've found through both reading and writing is that the personality of the writer is so evident that after awhile you really come to know (like? dislike?) that person.  It's a fascinating experience and if there is such a thing as a soul, it definitely comes out through the blogs.

Jeff - I'm still intimidated when I write because I read your posts and I think your localism pieces just rock, then I read Lenn's and she's a walking encyclopedia on real estate and then, there's little old me who is all over the place when I write.

I just know that I love the writing and sharing back and forth and getting to know wonderful people like you and others here in the Rain..and it sure helps my soul out a lot! It's not about the points for me...it's about friendships and sharing.

ARDELL - why thank you! I'm honored.

Jeff 

Emily - that, I think is the real value to oue readers. If we cannot be ourselves, then we should not be here.

Jeff 

Chris - and you are an expert at it. not matter what you write. I can't imagine you being anything other than how you are on-line. Don;t tell me that's NOT true...

Jeff 

Karen - that is so true. The relationship begins before we are even aware of it.

Jeff 

Barb - welcome to the crowd. So glad to hear you are joining the ranks of the "addicted." What a nice sentiment - your personality shows through even in the thoughts you shared.

Jeff 

Jeff - great stuff as usual my friend.  I think the heart is a key part of blogging, it must join in with the soul to reveal our greatest and most valuable blogging.

I think its a soul searching for a soul connection....Aloha bruddah

Lola - well thank you for jumping back in to comment. I very much appreciate the fine compliment. This actually was a tough article to write.

Jeff 

Gretchen - what a thoughtful comment! I think what you say is true for many, those of us who write blogs as well as consumers who are reading them.

Jeff 

Linda - well, I can understand that feeling, becuase there are so many here who I admire, and who I feel are better writers than I am. What is important is that you write because you enjoy it, because it brings you pleasure, and it has meaning for YOU. And the sharing of yourself, our soul, in your writing is what it is all about. Thank you for the compliment. :)

Jeff 

Kehaulani - You've captured the essence of blogging perfectly.

Jeff 

Blogging is moreabout connections. Active Rain is a great place to connect to other professionals in real estate related fields to learn, to share, and to become friends. We do the same with consumers and other professionals as well.    

What I hope is that through my blogging, people can get to know me. Who I am, how I work, what type of person I am...I hope to be able to "reach out and touch someone" through my words.

Jeff, you were kind enough to chat with me for a few minutes about blogging before I started, so thanks.

Writing can be a superior form of communication than conversation because you can take the time to form your thoughts into an organized, coherent form.  Writing something, then having someone actually read it and comment, well, it wasn't that easy to do before blogging.  I could write something, but I might have trouble getting someone to read it! LOL  Blogging is very gratifying and a great way to share thoughts with people.

Emailing, and texting are rapid, incomplete modes of communication, typical of our hectic, stressed out lifestyles.  Blogging brings us back a little to letter writing, taking the time to say our thoughts more eloquently.

Christy - connections is a great way to think about it. You never know where the connection will come from or how it will happen.

Jeff 

Kelly - and I think you accomplish that well.

Jeff 

Peter - it was a pleasure, What a well thought out commentary you have shared with us.

Jeff 

As a reluctant blogger, I found your questions and answers to be interesting.  My first thought when told that I had to blog to get points to...you know...was Why would I want to do that, what would I say, and who would care.  A few months later I find that although still a bit unsure about the effectiveness of blogging, I find it most rewarding when there is a connection, despite the anonymity.  My enjoyment in posting a reading has nothing to do with business and a lot to do with personal connection.  Go figure.

Bob ( or is it Annie?):

Thanks for your thoughts. Clearly blogging means different things to different people, and some have more success from a business standpoint than others. And some focus more on business while others are interested in the social networking. I think you will find that your perspective will evolve over time, and will your blogging.

Jeff