
I know you're out there right now.... In fact as I type away there are 422 lurkers on Activerain right now. I wonder what you are thinking? Are you here as a consumer to learn more about real estate? Perhaps. But I would be willing to bet that there are quite a few of you who are real estate professionals of some sort, checking us out. You've heard of Activerain, and read some posts. Our posts can be very informative, enlightening, creative, and downright CRAZY! Yes, we are a lively bunch aren't we? We are all different and have come here for different reasons, from all parts of the country and world. Why, What's up with that? I mean, it IS hard, and it takes so much investment. It's why we have joined Groups to study blogging!
I came here originally, to plug my business, and expose the idea of real estate virtual assistance to those I like to work with the most, real estate agents. But, what I got I didn't expect. I received alot more. So as you read this wondering if and when you should take the chance at this blogging thing, I say do it! And here are some reasons that you should consider, reasons that don't jump out at you at first:
1. Blogging Makes us Think
It forces us to organize out thoughts and ideas. It helps us to put meaning into our thoughts and "put it out there" to give it validity. I've received more inspiration in my business, my personal goals, and in life by the supportive comments and posts, and more importantly by the people who share them. Strangely though, I sometimes get more joy in learning about others, and what they think about.
2. Blogging Is a Way for people to Get to Know Our Goals, Skills and Dreams
In some ways, if these parts of us are not written, they can be forgotten. Blogging about my ideas and thoughts gives me a sense of accountability. Hey, I mean, its out there. What if someone is waiting for me to act on my ideas..? What if I'm inspired by someone else's skills, and that makes me better? I wouldn't want to miss out on that. I can always grow and learn.
3. You Are Visible, Not Invisible
Just look at how each post makes us more visible. Our great profile photos, smiling faces, and quality content can make a lasting impression. It also gives us a chance to change as we grow. We can compare ourselves to our peers, and seek to improve upon what is visible.
4. Your Voice, Uninterrupted
Yes, I have a personal life. I have a husband, darling children, a dog, and lovely home. But I have something else. A Voice. (no, not a crazy voice) A voice that isn't always expressed in everyday life, in my normal conversations. This is a chance to say something, uninterrupted. If we take the time to think through a thought, we can present it fully and entirely. There is magic in that.
5. Shameless Self-Promotion
Yep, I said it! Want some honest to goodness promotion? Blog with quality content and convert it to audience attention! With audience attention, comes COMMENTS. If we're lucky enough, those comments will make us think. The comments we receive can also show us how our voices can be interpreted in different ways. That can change you, or give you internal validation once again, and can even set thoughts into motion. Some commenters are even destined to be friends for life, I guarantee it.
6. Create Your Legacy
Talking is forgotten. It floats away. Blogging is forever, or at least until tomorrow. Readers will know us long after we can say anything about it. Search engines can help that happen.
So stop what your doing, think about what you want to say, put those thoughts together, and start blogging! We have comments waiting for you! And so much more...
Laura -great post, but how do you know exactly who is lurking and who is bloggin?