My Most Positive Experience on ActiveRain is really the many friendships that have made me a better writer, a more knowledgeable real estate practitioner using technology and Web 2.0 to become self actualized and a far better professional in the real estate industry. I have grown so much here on ActiveRain and it is just the end on my first year.
We all know ActiveRain is a social real estate network, on that we probably agree. But aren't we also a team? I ask this as I thought about what a team is and what it means to be a team player here on ActiveRain. We have read and enjoyed the great posts as someone else announces that they were just discovered on ActiveRain and now are working with a new client. That lucky member won the first battle for recognition but what about the rest of us? We didn't get a lead or a client should we be excited for them? You bet we should because it is what team players do.
John Maxwell, known as America's expert on leadership, having written more than 25 books says the following, " Ordinary people with commitment can make an extraordinary impact on the world".
As members of ActiveRain, we are individuals but we join our voices together in a chorus of information to empower the consumer and also to enhance our own lives. When one of us has a success, we should indeed celebrate for we are at our best demonstrating that our network system works and we are each and everyone an integral part of the team. In this case then, a team player.
I think it was Brian Brady, who said we need to fully understand, embrace and work our Long-tail with our blogging. 
Brian helped me understand my own Long-Tail and for that I am most grateful. Thank you Brian. Your advise was not wasted.
And while I certainly agree with Brian about our Long-Tail, there is yet another empowering side to all this. What possible benefit could there be in bringing your knowledge and expertise to be shared with your team? I would say there are two benefits. The first being the most obvious in that others on ActiveRain can learn and they in turn becomes stronger just like I have learned and continue to do so. Shared knowledge.
The second reason isn't quite so obvious except to the person who shared the resources or the tips, the guidelines or that wonderful idea. When you bring a lesson forward as the teacher, that might be the time that you actually take full custody of the idea or the lesson. As an example of this, I wrote a post a while back about marketing with your business card.
I can usually take better and faster custody of my own ideas once I share them and learn from others the more practical ways that I might apply them. One of the ideas in that marketing piece was about putting your business card in a presentation envelope. After my envelopes arrived for my business cards I couldn't wait to present my first card to anyone I could find to take it. It wasn't more than a couple weeks that passed and I received a call from someone who said she got my card from a friend and was so impressed that she just knew I was the kind of agent that she wanted to work with. We are still working to find her a new home but the point made is that I would never have ever met this lady on my own. And what impressed her was seeing my professional card beautifully fitted in a card sleeve.
Did I win as a member of the ActiveRain team by being a responsible and a contributing team player. I think so and I believe others think so as well. I also know from responses to that post that others will and have also implemented the idea and maybe will also have the same type of results as I had.
So while being totally focused on our own long tail, I think one our most positive experiences comes when we share our ideas and share those successes with our fellow ActiveRainers. Of course we must stay focused on our goal of helping all of Active Rain help us to achieve our individual successes as being recognized as the "go to person" in our area for expert real estate advice and service.
Remember that we usually get as good as we give. Putting substantive things out there for consumers and your peers alike will eventually cause all of us to become more recognized as the professionals we are. We don't need points to win because having our colleagues there with us in spirit to encourage us, is a winning edge.
Everyone on the team begins to win when the first one gets a lead or a client. As these increase and they repeat their success, it becomes like the result of a Viral Marketing response that ActiveRain has so strongly advocated since day one.
A good analogy for what it takes to get Viral Marketing working effectively is the wheel. Once we have designed our wheel and then ensure it does what 
it is supposed to do ( in other words, that it is round and has some way to affix an axle to hold it up and allow it to function as wheel), all it takes is a small force to move it. And for a while the wheel will continue to move all on its own. When the inertia subsides and the wheel stops and it takes another small force to be applied to move it again and it will continue again all on its own until it stops. Making your posts interesting enough for others to read is the inertia. Continually writing your posts and keeping them interested is the continued force. If you continue this process, soon the world will be moving in sync with you.
Team members always love and admire a player who is able to help them learn or who enlarges them. An Enlarger by John Maxwell's definition is one who adds value by helping others improve their abilities.
Some of the Enlargers here that I have known on ActiveRain are listed here. And they are the real reason for any success that I obtain as a blogger because they taught me , they supported me, they encouraged me and they were even there when I wanted to quite. These are some of the ActiveRain Enlargers and truly for me My Most Positive Experience I could ever have had on ActiveRain. They are some of the brilliant talent that awaits your only your request for help. Please come to know them and like me, you will be well on your way to be the "Best that You Can Be" as both a professional and as a blogger.
My ActiveRain Enlargers, in no particular order.
Sally, Woo Hoo, Celeste Cheeseman- She has a passion for creating beauty in her words and her pictures and encourages in each of us to be involved and to then encourage each other to it give our best. Woo Hoo Sally as she is often referred to, thrives in the framework of a positive attitude in voice and in actions. One of the most loved individuals on ActiveRain. Sally to me represents the Love and Life long friendships that are possible on ActiveRain.
Lenn Harley- A brilliant women who understands the true essence of the profession and shares easily her perspective and always offer you the guidelines that will enhance your passion of the profession. Did I say brilliant, I meant that she is also a beacon of light for anyone that wants to find their way. ( Some don't , you know) I must also remind you of this caveat. In her own words," I am no Expert". To me, Lenn is the Expert on ActiveRain. ( despite her disclaimer otherwise. )
Rich Jacobson- A community leader that knows how to inspire and encourage the best from each of us. He shares praise and almost never criticizes, He inspires with creativity and it all comes so naturally. He is the Community of ActiveRain.
Brian Brady- A brilliant and skilled practitioner of finance, business and throws in his devoted and loyal friendship to help you understand your long tail and accomplish all your dreams and goals. Brian has compassion and a vibrant passion. Brian well represents the Passion on ActiveRain.
Brad Andershon- A highly skilled person with technology with a zest for life and is one of the most giving of all he knows to bring us to our highest level of achieving success in our blogging and technology efforts. If patience was a virtue, Brad is our ActiveRain, Saint.
Jason Sardi- A people's man that is creative, passionate and loving, all in the same breath. A knowledgeable and committed professional that will not only do your loan but will you give the shirt off his back. Jason is the Loyal and Encouraging Friend here on ActiveRain and a great writer.
Missy Caulk- A loving and skilled professional that is so committed to helping others to be their best. She is so self secure in her own person that she delights in others successes and asks for nothing in return. Missy is the REALTORS realtor. A true mentor and a source for much encouragement. Missy is the Mentor here on ActiveRain.
Jeff Turner- A brilliant man that saw in ActiveRain the opportunity to reach out to a community and fell in love in the process. Conversely everyone that knows him, knows he is the most giving, passionate and enabling loving person anyone could ever know. He is the Amazing of ActiveRain here or any where else.
Joan Mirantz- A dear lady with a wonderful and beautiful smile that loves to share all she knows and all she does with her friends, community, the AR members and her clients. She is one of the best examples of a REALTOR with a passion for doing so much for others. If serving a community would make one rich, she would be so wealthy but for that know her, they possess a treasure. Joan is a Treasure of ActiveRain
Neal Bloom- Neal brings to ActiveRain a passion and enthusiasm for celebrating the best efforts in each of us. He instills integrity and dedication in all that he does and inspires others to seek excellence within. Neal is the Real Deal, never could you doubt this for a second.
Paul Slaybaugh- Paul brings one of the most creative voices and focuses a great deal about family life and the profession and highlights those distinguishing that makes such a difference. He is in business with his Dad that tells you two things. His Dad got it right and Paul got it right. I see Paul as the Future of ActiveRain
Julie Neerings- She is always encouraging and her words will capture your imagination as well as your heart. Julie is the Spirit of ActiveRain.
Broker Bryant- An original, not just in the industry with his integrity and sense of fair play but as a role model for any industry professional that wants to succeed. He has a fierce sense of high standards. As a REALTOR , BB is one to emulate and is an example of Commitment on ActiveRain.
Jeff Dowler- Here is the model for any blogger serious about local community to emulate. A dedicated professional, creative in all aspects and he too would will go out of his way to guide and mentor anyone serious about learning. Jeff is equally enjoyed as much for his unaffected smile and his love and dedication to the building of lifelong friendships. Jeff represents the True Friendship aspect of ActiveRain. And a true Blogger's Blogger.
Sharon Simms- A very successful professional that knows that less is more. She can say in 200 words what it takes me a half dozen paragrpahs to say. Her Musings take you to the heart of the action in quick order. Her writing skill is unparralled. With a wonderful and positive perspective, Sharon is the " Queen of Musings "on ActiveRain.
Gary Bolen- A really giving person that shares anything and everything he can with absolutely no fear of competition. He loves to enable anyone with an interest and shares it all. He is kind, professional and resolute that all worthwhile things in life are possible. Gary represents the Possibility of ActiveRain
Roberta Murphy- A mentor and innovator, a leader and one lovely women. She always has time even when she doesn't have any left. She certainly inspired me and all who know here of her sense of fair play and integrity.To me Roberta is the Dedication of Active Rain.
Lynda Eisenmann- As broker and a true professional mentor, she captures your heart with her kindness and empowerment. When she smiles ,she could melt an iceberg and you don't have to be in her presence, even in an e-mail or on the phone, she does it. Lynda is the Empowerment of ActiveRain.
Kathy McGraw- A wonderfully kind and caring individual that brings heart and sensitivity with her words. She sees the sun, the stars , the flowers and the earth as a majestic canvas shaped by your own perception. In her minds eye, the natural beauty that enables her and those she reaches out to, to be alive and aware as perhaps never before. Kathy is the Heart of ActiveRain
Marti Garaughty- A brilliant Marketing expert. With unique style and panache, he certainly knows how to capture your imagination. His weekly report on the best marketing ideas presented here on ActiveRain have been invaluable to all of his many readers, including me. Marti is the Genius of ActiveRain
Teri Eckholm- A lovely professional women who loves to share her skills with others. She can teach in practical and applicable ways, that which most can not put to words. She inspires and is so loyal and encouraging. When I started out, It was she , Jason and Celeste that encouraged me to seek in myself that voice that is now growing strong in clarity and reach. She said it would and it turned out to be just as she said. Teri is the Encouragement of ActiveRain
Jim Cronin ( The Real Estate Tomato)- A brilliant and quick mind and real people person that brings skill, talent , knowledge and is a true enlarger. He is patient ( I know I tried it ) and still he seeks only the best for anyone who wants to attain that level. Jim is the Brilliance of ActiveRain
Marlene Bridges- Though she has been distracted for a while with new found business, this wonderful women will touch your heart and your sensibilities in ways you might never have known. She is the very first person I met in person here from Active Rain and I am now blessed with her friendship for the rest of my life. Loving, caring and involved take on whole new meaning with Marlene. She soon will be President of CRS Southern California Chapter and with that she brings professionalism, balance and kindness. You will love being a part of what she brings to ActiveRain. Is there a word for that? Yes, Marlene is the Wonderful Experience of ActiveRain
For all of you that I might have left out, please know that these people are just a small sampling of the some of the different aspects that are shared here on ActiveRain. They represent some of the best Positive Experiences as I know them to be. There are so many others I have come to know and I am ready and awaiting for yet another unique and wonderful person that will be another Positive Experience here on ActiveRain.
To all my subscribers and friends. Please know that I could not mention everyone here. The post would be just too long.There are hundreds if not thousands of others. The above are just a few I have known a while and that make such a difference here on ActiveRain for me and makes ActiveRain such a Positive Experience for me and countless others that have been so benefited by these wonderful people that have gone that extra mile for the team. 
So I ask you my fellow Rainers, What could be a more Positive Experience in your life than being a part of this team, ActiveRain?
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Courtesy of William Johnson GRI CRS e-PRO author of The Real Estate Text Book and The Voice of San Diego Real Estate
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You sure had a bunch to say about the importance of bonding (connecting...or whatever you want to call it) with peers. It is with this quality of interaction and relationship with others that we bring to our business and lives. Thanks William....you are a wonderful person to know....in and out of the Rain :)
I love Active rain. So many of the blogs are thought provoking. Either in ways to better our business, our blogs, humor, touching life stories. Amazing how much you can learn about someone by reading their blogs.
Hi Carol, that is so true. But for me , so many of the peple I spoke about above, we do converse on the phone as well and sometimes even in person. It is magical.
What a wonderful post, William. So thoughtful on many fronts, and so on target about what some many of us feel about being here, and the community that has been created. And what a glowing tribue to so many friends - now if I can live up to those accolades as so many others do. Jeff
Jeff, there is no doubt, you live up to and far exceed them. Thanks for comming by and making this post so special. You are all the greatest!