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...



 

 

 
Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: Real Estate Virtual Assistants Group
Post is included in group: Blogging & SEO
Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You

72 Comments on So, You're a Lurker...6 Reasons to Become an ActiveRain BLOGGER!

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

MAR
14
2007

Very inspirational. I can't wait to start a fantastic blog!! I should have time tomorrow. Now, what do I want to say...

Thanks for the encouragement! 

12:26pm • #53
MAR
15
2007
I am very encouraged, just not sure how to begin. Just when I figured out the chat room thing, they came up with this. Any suggestions of how to start a blog? How do you get so creative with your content? I know I have commented on one of your other blogs but I will surely have to bookmark your sites. You just really provide great information that is also very entertaining. Please keep up the great work:) 
10:48pm • #54
MAR
16
2007
732,326 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Great Blog.

 I hope more will make comments and blog too, I just joined and I enjoy reading everyone's blog's. Well at least I'm trying to read everyone's blog. There are lots of blogger here with lots to say. You'll soon see we all have a lot in common, and certainly great place to share information, ideas and options too.

Cheers, have an awesome day!

Fred Carver www.fredcarver.com

9:58am • #56
MAR
21
2007

Hey Laura,

This is a little off the topic, but I noticed that you have broken the 20,000 point mark!  Congratulations!  You are definitely an anti-lurker!

You rock!  Keep it up!

Nancy 

4:35pm • #57
Great post, I am guilty of lurking myself. To be honest I have just "lurked" since my last post in January, I have many excuses for not posting since than by the way :). Well a funny thing happened, even though I have not posted since January I have had 2 leads in the last month from AR. I also was inspired to become active in active rain once again by a post Mr. Marriott made re: google placement & AR posts. So . . . thank you for posting about "lurking" it really makes sense to jump in and become part of this awesome community once again!!
6:13pm • #58
177,376 Points

Ditto Kevin,

Just in the last week I got a couple of inquiries. AR is an amazing community, and blogging does make you stop and think.

11:17pm • #59
MAR
22
2007
2 Featured Posts

Kevin,

Make sure you post your listings as well, in addition to inquiries from potential buyers, search engines will pick them up, re: your reference to Mr. Marriott.

2:14am • #60

Phil:

do you mean as mentioned somewhere else: there is a group where you can post listings by address or do you mean in my regular blog? Point 2 has a code that you can take ( I think it's called listings to go) and add your listings that way - will the SE like that as much as hand posting I wonder?

Sorry for momentarily taking over your post Laura.

2:27pm • #61
APR
03
2007
Great Post Laura! You've given me a lot to think about.
4:42pm • #62
Great Post Laura! You've given me a lot to think about.
5:10pm • #63
APR
05
2007

Shameless Self-Promotion

Yep, I said it!-

"Laura, We ALL said it!!"  And guess what: it works (if it's valuable, that is the key...)

Nice site!  Come on over.. and post something~

 

Giorgio Campo

 

 

Giorgio Campo
8:25pm • #64
APR
08
2007
APR
15
2007
Your absolutely right Laura.  Thanks for the great tips.
9:10pm • #66
APR
19
2007
550,593 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Laura...

I am commenting on this post to bring it out of Rain Heaven :)

My comment will pop it up to the front page of the groups it is posted in.

Love this post and love the way you've inspired people to quit lurking :)

TLW...ROAR!

8:15pm • #67
APR
20
2007
550,593 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Bump...  :)

I like your widget. But according to the widget you are not available right now and I'm supposed to leave a message.

Will this comment suffice as a message? :)

TLW...ROAR!

7:23pm • #69
MAY
07
2007
Localism Sponsor

I am really starting to learn the power of blogging.  It really is AMAZING!
In the first few days I had an agent in Florida email me about a comment I made on a camera post.  Marina Del Rey, California all the way to Florida (shameless SEO move), from one Realtor to a real estate agent/appraiser.  He wasn't even asking about a home, loft, condo, investment or anything related to the listing I have in Santa Monica.  Just reaching out for the answer to a real estate related question, possible real estate referral opportunities, and maybe even a new friend who happens to be in real estate in Marina Del Rey, California.

Alright, I will stop.  Really truly though, I have only been on Active Rain for a few weeks and blogging here has not only taught me a lot about real estate, but has opened up a whole new way of looking at the internet, my business, and life.  Sounds weird, but it is true.

I was already someone who thought outside the box, but blogging has truly exercised my want, ability, and need to think about and see things in a very new and different way.

Very exciting!  It's like a mental excercise.

9:54am • #71
APR
13
2008
100,679 Points

Hi Laura

Great Post.  It was put togather very well.  It was very interesting,  I bookmarked it.  That is the first time I have bookmarked a blog.  What does bookmark actually do?  I am not sure.  I enjoyed reading all the comments too.

Thanks

1:06am • #72

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Laura Monroe, Social Media Director

Rocklin, CA

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I learned how to blog on AR. Now I'm back for some more :) Sharing real estate news, technology, blogging, social media, and biz development from my point of view.


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