Kelly - I am also pretty good at smiling, but I need to work on blow drying my hair and making chowder.  However, I am a very good agent.  Great post, my friend.

Hmmm, I think this is interesting Kelly. For some, who aren't great agents (either new or just now starting out), I think blogging can make them a better agent. Or maybe I should say Active Rain will make them a better agent. By reading, writing, listening to comments and suggestions in other words. Do you really make potato corn chowder? I don't think I've ever even heard of that!

KELLY - Most agents that are blogging are doing so because they are confident in their ability to do the job as an agent, and think of themselves as experts in their area.  Since this is really still new, the agents that are blogging are aslo some of the most forward-thinking agents.  We also are interested in learning, which cannot be said for all agents.  Great points, Kelly.

Kelly, I like the way you expressed yourself - very good, and you made your point.

Blogging shows you are good at marketing, not necessarily Real Estate.  I know a few that blog wonderfully but have very little knowledge when it comes to dealing with the clients needs and selling homes.  So when are you going to share your potato corn chowder recipe?

Colleen made a very interesting point - this network CAN make us better agents as we learn from those more experienced and take the heart the lessons that can be taught through the struggles of other agents and how problems were resolved.  I know that I certainly consider myself a much better agent than I did 9 months ago when I started blogging - and i think that is reflected in my blogging as well.

JASON: You are very good at smiling! And a very good agent! :)

COLLEEN: You are absolutely correct...being an active AR participant and blogger can make you a better agent...but you must be a good agent to begin with to open yourself up to the advantages and possibilities, in my opinion. Great point! And yes, I make a mean potato, corn & chicken chowder - yum!

ADAM: I agree totally! Thanks, Adam.

STEVE: Thank you. :)

Un-logged in PERSON: I agree. Of course, marketing is a very important part of being a good agent, but there are so many other skills, people skills included, that an agent needs to be successful.

LISA: Right! See my response to Colleen above...

Kelly - Thanks for sharing.  You've certainly hit on so many of the positive aspects of blogging.  The professionalism that you bring to your work shines through in your blog.  I'm sure your clients appreciate the work you do for them.

LYNN: Thank you so much for your comment - I really appreciate it! :)

This is a great illustration as to how you put the horse before the cart instead of the other way around!  Not that you are a horse...you're to sweet and cute to be a horse! :)

Very true, Kelly.  I started blogging almost as a lark, well after I had established a successful career and loyal client base.  To me, the results that blogging may bring in today are great, but it's more about looking around the curve.  I was doing just fine without focusing much on the internet, but at the ripe old age of 33, I can see the direction in which our industry is headed.  I'd like to remain at the front of the pack rather than get left behind.  There will come a day when blogging is not a curiousity, but a prerequisite.  Those that fail to acknowledge that or get too late of a start could start to lose some of the market share that they worked so hard to build. 

Well, Kelly you did it! You have found what I consider the absolute best avenue to Google Juice there is. Other people seem to be worrying about it diminishing but not me. I know we are strong as a Profession and we will provail! I wish you the absolute best of luck and you deserve all the accolades you can get! Keep it up! And, thank you. Later in the rain~Deb

SHANNON: Neigh, neigh...giddyup!

PAUL: I think you are right. Like you, I'd rather lead the pack than follow the pack. I've been blogging for  a year now, and last year 50% of my new business came via the internet. So, for me, blogging definitely works! I've seen first hand how buyers and sellers are using the internet, not just to find a new home, but to find an agent as well.

DEBRA: I believe that blogging is a huge asset and benefits not only me, but my clients as well. More exposure for me equals more exposure for my listings as well! It's a win-win.

It is a challenge to learn and keep up.  I have learned alot fromAR

CAROL: Never stop learning and enjoy the ride! :) Thank you for commenting.

I'm not a good real estate agent because I blog. I blog because I am a good real estate agent -  Love that.  I have not been at it as long as you all have been and I know I have really been missing out.  This is such a great forum.  Not only for camaraderie, but I have learned so much from the folks here!  Blogging does help us improve our business and make us better at real estate!   I am great at folding towels, fitted sheet, not so great!! ;)  Great post!

Kelly:  Couldn't agree more. Blogging is an extension of a great agent, and you can tell that the minute you start looking through their blog. 

AUDREY: Fitted sheets are tough. Not sure why they thought elastic all the way around was such a good idea.

CHRIS ANN: Totally!

I really believe that good agents blog, and good agents share their ideas, and good agents in turn....teach others to be good agents too.  Thanks for your post!

Before I started blogging I was teaching. When you teach you learn also.

It is the same with blogging, you teach and you learn.  You help other people become better agents.

You become a better agent.

Good post.

All the best!

LYNN: You get so much more by giving, don't you think?

KEVIN: Absolutely! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I am good at dog stuff. I can identify a breed at 100 paces!

SARAH: Now that I have Zoey, I'm getting pretty good at dog stuff, too! :)