Project Blogger

The goal is simple: We will be selecting 10-15 blogging coaches to each train a real estate blogging apprentice of their choice. Over the course of about 4 months, the blogging coaches will aim to develop the most successful real estate blogger they can.

The coaches and apprentices will be chronicling their Project Blogger experiences on their own blogs and the Project Blogger group on ActiveRain.

 Here are the details:

 
Pre-Season: March 12th - April 8th

      Getting the 'kinks' worked out.
      Developing the blogsite
      Hand calisthenics

Competition Begins: April 9th

       No more excuses, the race is on.

Competition Ends: July 15th (14 weeks later) - winners will be announced at Inman's Blogger's Connect

 
Judging:

Each week a new guest judge is rotated in.
Guest judge evaluation weighs 85% of weekly point scores
ActiveRain community weighs 15% of weekly point scores
Examples of confirmed guest judges we plan to invite:
* Brad Inman, president of Inman News
* Matt Heaton, CEO ActiveRain
We will be inviting some really exciting guest judges from the non-real estate blogging world as well! 

 
Scoring:

Points will be distributed to the top teams on a weekly basis. 
The team with the most points at the end of the competition will win the competition.
Each week our judges will select their top 5 teams in order of performance for the week. 
Each judges will allocate:
100 points for 1st place
80 points for 2nd place
65 points for 3rd place
50 points for 4th place
35 points for 5th place.
ActiveRain members will also be able to vote for their favorite team of the week.
ActiveRain member point allocation will conform with the above distribution.

 
Judging Criteria:

Judges and ActiveRain members will be instructed to judge the Project Blogger groups using the following criteria:

a. Degree of innovation in approach
b. Consistency
c. Quality of postings
d. The Apprentice's community involvement
e. Traffic or reach of apprentice's blog(s)
f. Documentation of experience and participation in ActiveRain's Project Blogger's group
g. Cost effectiveness of campaign
h. Improvement/progress of the apprentice
h. Business viability of approach

 
Prizes:

ActiveRain will be donating $5,000 to the winning team's charities of choice. 
The blogging coach and apprentice will each be allowed to direct $2,500 of the $5,000.
Superstardom.

Selecting An Apprentice:

Each coach will be allowed to pick their own apprentice. 
The only criteria regarding experience of apprentice is that they have not generated any business or leads from blogging before the start of the competition.


Budget: 

Each apprentice will bear the costs of their own blogging efforts.
No budget restrictions
Budgets must be published in the Project Blogger blog on ActiveRain.


The Competitors:

This is not the final list of coaches.  Some may not be able to formally commit to the competition and we may add a few more.

1. Dustin Luther, RainCityGuide
2. Jeff Turner, RealEstateShows
3. Greg Swan, BloodhoundBlog
4. Jim Cronin, RealEstateTomato
5. Teresa Boardman, StPaulRealEstateBlog
6. Joe Ferrara & Rudy Bachraty, SellsiusBlog
7. Ardell DellaLoggia, SearchingSeattleBlog
8. Pat Kitano, TransparentRealEstate 
9. Joel Burslem, FutureOfRealEstateMarketing
10. Jonathan Washburn, ActiveRain
11. Frances Flynn Thorsen, theRealtyGram
12. Drew Meyers, Zillow

P.S. THANK YOU Jim Cronin for designing the Project Blogger logo and helping to draft this post!! 

 

107 Comments on Project Blogger

This sounds GREAT!!

I would love to see the improvement! Plus I am sure it will help those of us who are looking to turn this into a referral generation tool to vastly increase our scope of influence online

03/12/2007 07:28 PM by Boca Raton Florida & Boynton Beach Florida Mortgage Loans


Ok...so the coaches pick their apprentices. How does that work?  PICK ME! PICK ME! PICK ME!

03/12/2007 07:34 PM by Kelly Kilpatrick, Broker-Associate (Gold Coast Realty)


Kelly,

Later today I will be uploading a post that briefly profiles each coach.  Then I will follow that post with another post that profiles each apprentice and lists who their coach is.  

Each coach can choose their own apprentice; only 2-3 apprentices have been picked so far.  What I would do if I wanted to be an apprentice is write a blog post about why I would make a good one, and then link to that post from a comment in this post.  That probably is the easiest way to get the coaches attention. 

03/12/2007 07:39 PM by Jonathan Washburn (ActiveRain Corp)


Not sure if I qualify, although we have not had any business related to my blogging.  If I do qualify, I would love to be an apprentice.

03/12/2007 07:40 PM by Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes - Come Live The Life Style - Christina Ethridge (David Swarat's North Idaho Dream Team (GMAC))


The only criteria regarding experience of apprentice is that they have not generated any business or leads from blogging before the start of the competition.

Oh my....guess that leaves me out.  I nominate Rich Pieropan as an apprentice!

03/12/2007 07:42 PM by Tony Marriott, Associate Broker, CRP, CLHMS, CRB, CRS ~~ Phoenix Arizona (Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners)


Wow this is exciting!   Jonathan sounds like you are going to be very busy....     

03/12/2007 07:45 PM by Western New York Home Sales | Colleen Kulikowski (Hunt Real Estate ERA)


Jonathan, what criteria are you applying to the coaches? I'm fascinated with this idea.

03/12/2007 07:48 PM by Mark Flanders (Olympic Northwest Mortgage)


Pick Me Pick Me...    Please Ignore that I was away for the past week and certainly lacking in my blogging.   But rest assured while i was lying on the top deck of the Royal Caribbean sippin' pretty cocktails my every waking thoughts were about "how could i be a better blogger".

PICK ME!!!!!!

Desiree   http://www.tricountyhomes4sale.com/

 

03/12/2007 07:50 PM by Desiree Daniels, Mercer County, NJ, Real Estate (RE/MAX Tri County)


Initially I just picked 10 coaches from a variety of backgrounds. All I believe are pretty universally recognized as real estate blogging experts.  At least as much as there is such a thing.  

If anyone would like to be considered for a coaching position please email me.  We are still open to accepting a couple more coaches.  

03/12/2007 07:52 PM by Jonathan Washburn (ActiveRain Corp)


Jonathan, sounds like an intriguing idea. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help out!

03/12/2007 08:04 PM by Rich Jacobson ~ ActiveRain Community Builder (ActiveRain Corporation)


Oh boy.  Is this exciting.  I created my post in a hurry on my way out the door, but would love to be part of this project.  Here is my post.  Pick Fran Gatti

Thanks,

Fran

03/12/2007 08:04 PM by Fran Gatti - Crescent City CA Real Estate (RE/MAX Coastal Redwoods)


Cool idea, Jonathan. It will be interesting to watch these coaches adn their apprentices.

Jeff

03/12/2007 08:05 PM by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)


I would like to nominate ME as an apprentice.  I will beg if I have to!

 

 

03/12/2007 08:08 PM by Randal Keberlein (Weichert Realtors Unum Properties)


Well, I'm gonna write in (post) to nominate me!  So any coaches out there in blogland (OK the Blogosphere)....I'm on fire (get it Burns?) to do this!   Be on the lookout for my post....it's coming!

Doing the "hand calisthenics" ...now!

03/12/2007 08:32 PM by Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent (BRIO Realty)


Hopefully the great thing about this competition will be that ALL potential and beginning real estate bloggers will be able to learn from the coaches and apprentices experiences.  We will be able to follow their progress every step of the way at the Project Blogger group here on ActiveRain, and the coaches and apprentices outside blogs as well.

03/12/2007 08:38 PM by Jonathan Washburn (ActiveRain Corp)


I'm looking forward to reading these! And could someone please pick Desiree so she'll stop jumping up and down on the coffee table? Some of my coffee spilled... LOL

03/12/2007 09:27 PM by Sharon Leigh (Graphic Reality) Got PhotoLogo? CandelLife@Gmail.com (Sharon's Graphic Reality)


WHAT a great idea! I am still new to Active Rain, have many ideas, could use a couch! I will work my *** off, I promise! :) PICK ME!

03/12/2007 09:42 PM by Edite Liepina - Lawrence (ERA Tradewind Real Estate)


What a great way to raise awareness and promote EXCELLENCE in Blogging! Can't wait to follow the action!

    Hugs & Smiles,
Joeann Fossland e-PRO,GRI, PMN MRE Society, Certified e-PRO Trainer, Master Certified Coach Founder http://www.webwomengivingcircle.com/   RELAXED Real Estate for MAGNIFICENT Agents!   Visit my blog: http://blog.joeann.com/
************************************************
Advantage Solutions Group
(520)744-8731         744-8732 Fax
PO Box 133, Cortaro, AZ 85652   
http://www.joeann.com/  mailto:joeann@joeann.com   Supercharge Your Business:www.joeann.com/realestategame.htm or The FSBO Game http://www.fsboqueens.com/     "Life is too short to perfect your weaknesses" Joeann Fossland  

03/12/2007 09:43 PM by Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group)


Well.. i dont have an apprentice, or a trainer. but i'm throwing down the challenge to go up against the best. let the games begin!!  bring it baby... let's rumble!!

hey, is anyone reading this under all that spam!! haha! :^O

 

03/12/2007 09:46 PM by Nick M -Realtor®-Appraiser in West Palm- South Florida Real Estate Appraiser (Certified Residential Appraiser- West Palm Beach Real Estate)


Jonathon, I'm digging the Project Blogger logo. And raring to go.

03/12/2007 09:51 PM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


I'm looking forward to all the great posts this will generate.  There's no better place to learn than here at Active Rain.  Please pick Desiree!!!

03/12/2007 09:58 PM by Kay Van Kampen, Broker, Springfield Missouri Real Estate (RE/MAX Solutions)


:( 

I want to play - I'm a horrible blogger.  I even said so as much on my real estate blog.   But, I don't qualify per your only criteria.    

03/12/2007 10:01 PM by Ben Kakimoto - Seattle Condo Specialist (John L. Scott - Seattle | Belltown)


Jonathan.... I read this about 4 hours ago and then got side tracked... lol  This is extremely interesting. I love the idea. Kind of like one of those reality tv shows. Could we get ABC to do a show on this?  The daily lives of a blogger within  Active Rain.... A blogging & Real Estate Community.

As Rich said, if you need any help, don't hesitate....    

 

                                                                                                       jeff belonger

03/12/2007 10:13 PM by Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages -- Mortgages (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc)


Hi Jonathan,

 

I would love to take advantage of this!! After implementing a very cool website 3 weeks ago I am researching ways to make it happen,optimize site, attract more consumers. I am very interested in learning how to blog. Someone reccomended trying the google blog space.?..hmm what do you think?

 

I believe I meet the criteria 100%

www.tinaabraham.com 

03/12/2007 10:14 PM by Tina Abraham Broker, SRS, Realtor Wilmington North Carolina Real Estate (Keller WilliamsWrightsville Beach Wilmington, North Carolina)


Hi Jonathon! Just checking back in.  I did a did post outlining why I am THE BEST BLOGGING APPRENTICE. A wee bit of instruction from someone "in the know," and I am good to go!  Check it out!  http://activerain.com/blogsview/56649/Look-no-further-The  And please...feel free to comment...and to let me know how I create a hyperlink to your name and Project Blogger.  I guess I don't need to explain that I am truly a blogging newbie!

03/12/2007 10:19 PM by Kelly Kilpatrick, Broker-Associate (Gold Coast Realty)


Wow - I'm impressed...very innovative thinking....how am I not surprised?  I will have to read this in detail in the morning when I am rested.

03/12/2007 10:31 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Well...

it's done...

I think it sums up some of the reasons I want to be an apprentice...

The thing I know is that as well as it is going in my world these days - a 14 month old so n, a great wife who is a chef, a crazy but sweet Lhasa Apso, a hilarious Bulldog... and a rapidly growing mortgage practice... I know that my missing link is THIS... passing my words onto the world and answering my muse.

sounds corny... but I try not to take myself too seriously - I have more fun rolling around on the floor with my bulldog and my son when I'm more lighthearted. ---------------> best friends from the beginning

 

 

03/12/2007 10:48 PM by Boca Raton Florida & Boynton Beach Florida Mortgage Loans


WOW, it should be really hard to pick, in only one month I have had 3 e-mails and 1 Referral...

 

03/12/2007 10:49 PM by Mitchell Jamel e-PRO Realtor (Brite Realty - Saint Augustine Florida)


Jonathan,

Thanks for the post. Yet another great challenge. A learning tool for all Rainers!

03/12/2007 11:17 PM by William Collins, Broker Associate (ERA Queen City Realty)


Jonathan,

This will be an exciting way for everyone to learn about blogging and how to compose great posts. I would love to be an apprentice. I have put a post in my blog asking to be selected as an apprentice. Please pick ME seems to be the only thing left to say. My post is I WILL MAKE A GREAT APPRENTICE 

I hope I do get PICKED!!!

Lisa Wopschall

03/13/2007 12:32 AM by Lisa Wopschall (Blue Pacific Realty)


I received a phone call during my Open House last week from a fellow in FLorida who asked for help with starting a blog and picked him since he had no experience at all at blogging.  I guess those of us who have apprentices need to start announcing that.  I'll try to get a post up.

My first task for him was to set up an AR blog and post his profile.  The profile needs some work, but the photo looks great

Picture of Real Estate Agent: Kevin Tomlinson (EWM/Christie's Great Estates)

Everyone say Hi! to Kevin Tomlinson of Miami Beach, Florida.

 

03/13/2007 01:12 AM by ARDELL DellaLoggia (Sound Realty)


Could someone give OaklandAPN a look?  I would love to be coached!  Thanks.

03/13/2007 01:32 AM by Gary Tsang (Coldwell Banker)


What a wonderful opportunity for the lucky group chosen to be mentored.  I wish you all the very best of luck and cannot wait to see the work produced. 


03/13/2007 02:27 AM by Downtown Long Beach Condos Long Beach Real Estate, Laurie Manny (Prudential California Realty)


Well, I don't qualify as an apprentice and I don't think I'm quite qualified enough to coach, but I think this is an awesome idea!  I'll be reading -- and hopefully learning!

03/13/2007 04:05 AM by Sarah Cooper (Real Estate Shows)


I am amazed by the number of new ways you can come up with to make Active Rain more fun and interesting.

03/13/2007 04:51 AM by Randy L. Prothero - Hawaii REALTOR® (Century 21 Liberty Homes)


Are you going to make the coaches put the apprentice through any initiation?

Like cleaning the floors with a toothbrush! Or paddle them or make them dress up funny? LoL!

Sounds like a good way to promote A/R.

03/13/2007 06:05 AM by Neal Bloom-Realtor ® Assoc.-CRS-Weston FL (RE/MAX Premier Associates)


Even though I have been blogging since December, I am still so new, and need help finding my voice.

I am willing to learn and commit to the time and Jonathan, what a awesome idea.

03/13/2007 06:09 AM by Missy Caulk


If I wanted to really kinky ..Laurie , i would have mentioned the panty raids, but I didn't want to offend anyone!

03/13/2007 06:41 AM by Neal Bloom-Realtor ® Assoc.-CRS-Weston FL (RE/MAX Premier Associates)


This is a great idea- I nominate Coach Murtiff  who is not only brand new..he is blogging challenged! 

03/13/2007 07:09 AM by Allison Stewart REALTOR ®St. Cloud Florida (Florida Pines Realty, Inc)


This is a great idea. I can't wait to see the posts and who wins.....

Really though, everyone involved will come out WINNERS....so CONGRATS to all those involved. 

03/13/2007 11:31 AM by Christy Powers - Pooler, Savannah Real Estate Agent (Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners)


Just found this blog and sounds fabulous. Wish we had, had that opportunity. Can't wait to see how the mentored member's blogs look and hopefully we will get to see a before and after so as to compare the mentorship. Sounds great.

03/13/2007 01:45 PM by Sacramento Real Estate and Luxury Homes, Assoc. Real Estate Broker,Gena Riede (Remax Gold, Assoc Broker)


Thanks Rich! I just fixed it--not the way I wanted (sniff!) but it does go to the blog page.

03/13/2007 02:03 PM by Irene Potter (John L. Scott)


Great idea...I'm going to forward this post to all of my agents. I hope this will show them what kind of business can be generated from blogging.

03/13/2007 02:36 PM by Ryan Allie (Brio Realty Tacoma)


Very interesting idea.  I know I'll be watching this as it develops.

03/13/2007 02:42 PM by Nick Ondatje - San Bernardino REO Specialist (Park Place GMAC Real Estate)


Dang, one rule and I have already broken it!!!!!  Man am I jealous!!!!!  Oh well, good luck to all.

03/13/2007 03:13 PM by Shannon Sims (Judy Burkett Realtors)


OH MY GOODNESS, i have just recently become active as a "blogger" (actually i'm not even sure i am qualified to use that word in the same sentence as my name!)  As you can plainly see, i do not even know how to put any fancy pictures or my signature on a blog. 

I WOULD BE A GREAT CANDIDATE!  I am not computer illiterate, but i could use some direction on blogging (making it  visually interesting AND informative).  I am a first year Realtor in the Northern  Colorado area,  if a blogging coach PICKED ME, i WOULD DEFINITELY INVITE THEM OUT TO COLORADO to celebrate our victory!  (hee hee)  I am competitive (just a tad) and know of lots of hiking trails and fun stuff to do in Colorado. 

Thanks for your consideration!  Kelly Malama

www.simplysold.com/kellymalama

03/13/2007 04:27 PM by Kelly Malama (Schwind Realty & Development)


I'll bet I'm the oldest member here.  Anyone want to take on a "Seasoned Citizen" to coach?

 

 

Ozarks Joan 

03/13/2007 04:50 PM by Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS)


Jonathan - what a wonderful idea you've implemented. I hope we can all learn from the coaching.

If you decide to do a followup contest that apprentices Good Bloggers to become Great Bloggers, I want to be the first to apply (as an apprentice, not a coach). I'm good, but want to be great, and there are some really GREAT bloggers here that I'd love to be mentored by.

I've just started my outside blog but won't let that detract from my blogging here.

03/13/2007 06:25 PM by Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS (RE/MAX Metro)


Jon-

You are welcome on the logo and post.  My pleasure.

03/13/2007 06:39 PM by Real Estate Tomato (Real Estate Tomato)


Hi Jonathan 

All the coaches appear to be very qualified and experienced, which is brilliant!  But for the team to succeed they also need to have an apprentice with a mind that is ready, cutting edge and open to all measures (hmm... become a sponge and soak up everything the coach offers) 

Here is a candidate who will put in 200%,...please give me a thought I have marketing experience... but no blogging experience and need it to "survive". 

Where is my team captain!

03/13/2007 07:24 PM by Tina Abraham Broker, SRS, Realtor Wilmington North Carolina Real Estate (Keller WilliamsWrightsville Beach Wilmington, North Carolina)


You know...

I think I want to add on to/update my apprentice nomination comment etc...

I want to make a shout out for a particular coach...

JEFF TURNER click here... this is what I want to continue with...

oh yeah... and I'm a HOOSIER ALUM... IU BA '95

03/13/2007 10:55 PM by Boca Raton Florida & Boynton Beach Florida Mortgage Loans


Okay, I have been a member less than a week and NEVER blogged before!  I jumped in and started posting beacuse I hated seeing Athens, GA empty on Localism  (wheee - I just learned how to do that today!) and now I have to  re-edit my blog everytime I read the great information located here on Active Rain!  I am in desparate need of a great coach and would would love the opportunity! 

 

 

03/14/2007 10:56 AM by Michelle DeRepentigny, *Real Estate Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty)


Michelle - a GREAT way to start off Athens is with a picture of UGA and REM's official induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame!

03/14/2007 11:06 AM by Boca Raton Florida & Boynton Beach Florida Mortgage Loans


Thanks, David!   I am working on photos and on an Athens, GA Music post, don't forget the B52s & Widespread Panic also started here in Athens, GA.  

03/14/2007 11:53 AM by Michelle DeRepentigny, *Real Estate Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty)


This is a great idea! I would love to participate as I am in need of this type of coaching! I would love to work with Dustin - if he hasn't already picked someone to coach! Please provide more clarification as to how the contestants are ultimately choosen. Thanks!

03/14/2007 03:57 PM by Rebecca


I have a WordPress blog already set up but am having difficulty generating leads from it - or f even finding regular readers!

Here's why I need help!

Marcus.

03/14/2007 06:17 PM by Marcus Burke (Condo Metropolis)


I would love a shot at this! If it's not too late, selecting me would be a good choice...why? Simply stated, "Because I want to learn, and because I can!

A     -      Available
P     -      Personable
P     -      Professional
R     -      Ready
E     -       Eager
N     -       Never Negative
T     -       Totally Committed
I      -      Idealist
C     -      Creative
E     -       Efficient

03/15/2007 01:18 AM by Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain)


I was just about to log on to my database - Top Producer, and I noticed, headlined on Top Producer's Home Page ...

'Project Blogger' kicks off in April
Competition connects newbie bloggers with polished veterans

This contest will rock. Congrats on a great idea!

03/15/2007 12:52 PM by Mariana


So how do I apply?

03/15/2007 06:59 PM by aeriol


Good lord, I'm only scared to death!  Here's my application...http://blog.carimcgee.com/project-blogger-vs-project-runway/

So many ways I could have gone with this...Project Blogger vs. American Idol or Project Blogger vs. The Apprentice...but there is only so much time in a day.

Wow!  Should be a fantatsic competition to see play out.

 

03/15/2007 11:31 PM by Cari McGee


Okay, link didn't work.  See how much help I need?  Let me do something else and see if I can make this work!

03/15/2007 11:33 PM by Cari McGee


Thanks, Rich!  I'm not really a moron, I just play one in this community!

Let's try this!

 

03/16/2007 12:10 AM by Cari McGee


Cari - What a great blog. The link worked wonderfully.

Lisa Wopschall

Brookings Oregon

03/16/2007 11:49 AM by Lisa Wopschall (Blue Pacific Realty)


The beauty of the Project, as I think someone might have mentioned, is that WE ALL learn from the experience, coaches included. Those not apprenticed may have it the best because they can watch each team and decide for themselves what ideas they can use or which coach they may want to contact afterwards. There are no losers in this Project.

03/16/2007 02:33 PM by jf.sellsius


I may be too new to participate this time, but I definately wanted to put my name out.

I am a "green pea" in all aspects.  This is my first time to the site and I have never blogged (not counting My Space) I do know that if done correctly could be a great marketing tool.  If someone wants an apprentice who will follow all the directions and soak up information like a sponge I am that person.  I am a full time professional agent who only commits at 110%.  (I am a fast learner).

I would be honored to be selected. Think of it as a blank canvas...

 

03/16/2007 06:19 PM by Dione Beilgard Plano Tx Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)


I want to be the next APPRENTICE!!! No, not for the Donald....but for PROJECT BLOGGER!

Check out my San Francisco Real Estate BLOG and the SFHOTLIST!

03/16/2007 06:42 PM by Danielle Lazier (Zephyr Real Estate)


Jonathan and Jim,

StevenGroves HeadshotWhat a great idea!  Mentoring up the RE industry in a very positive and wonderful way - I predict that this will go a long way to helping RE blogging as a venue to customers and clients.  I will be keeping an eye on the effort and encouraging others to examine, particpate and promote it. 

Way to go and let me know if there is any other way I can help.

Best Wishes,
Steve

www.StevenGroves.com

03/20/2007 10:31 AM by Steven Groves


WOW! My first day surfing for help on how to build a blog and I landed here on active rain!

 HI! I'm Matt Fetick a real estate agent with Keller Williams Real Estate in West Chester PA. I'm just starting my 3rd year in real estate sales.

In 2 short years I've risen to Top Agent in my office in sales volume and have created a team with a full-time Admin Assistant and 2 Buyers Agents.

How did I get there, I USED A COACH. I followed proven systems and models and hired a coach to take me through the process. I absolutely see the value in having a coach and believe it is very important. Currently I am coaching 3 new agents on how to jump start their careers as a way to give back what I have learned.

My 2007 Business Plan called for the start up of a Real Estate blog. I do not currently have one, so I'm the PERFECT CANDIDATE FOR A COACH, you can help me get started right from the beginning. No breaking bad habits, no resistance, just good old coaching and helping me to become a great blogger.

So, I'm looking for a coach so I can enter this competition and more importantly learn how blogs work and how I can better serve the real estate community and my clients by using a blog.

MY PROMISE TO MY COACH:

I will work hard and follow your direction. After I have learned the art of blogging from you I promise to PASS IT ON and to teach other how to get started. So, your investment in me will in turn have a great trickle down affect and others will be impacted too!

I hope to hear from someone soon. Let's get started AND let's learn AND LET'S WIN!

 

THANKS!

Matt 

 

03/20/2007 05:54 PM by Matthew Fetick (Keller Williams Real Estate)


Jonathan, I humbly suggest you add another judging category: How much $$$ your apprentice bloggers make during the course of the contest as a result of their blogs. After all, a good blog should result in new contacts that translate into closed transactions, don't you think?

Diane Cohn, Realtor
www.renorealtyblog.com

 

03/20/2007 06:07 PM by Diane Cohn


Jonathan,

That "money thing" is a topic on RCG as Dustin thinks it has to be an agent who can have closed transactions and some do not.  Can you clarify?

03/21/2007 03:14 PM by ARDELL DellaLoggia (Sound Realty)


Hey Everyone,

Sorry I have been out of the loop for the past few week.  Been on a pretty heavy travel schedule. Got back this morning and will hopefully get things rolling again.

Ardell, The apprentice cannot have a history of generating business from their real estate blog before the start of preseason of this competition. No leads, phone calls, or contacts originating from their blog.

Diane,  Eventhough I agree that probably the overall definer of success of a real estate blog would be how much money an agent makes from it, I don't think adding money earned as a category is a good idea for this competition because the competition is so short.  I believe that the ramp time for a successful blog could be the length of this competition.  

 

03/21/2007 05:37 PM by Jonathan Washburn (ActiveRain Corp)


Darn, that rules me out...I have gotten calls from my blogs...mostly people wanting to sell me on their webservice this or their lead tracking software that...blah blah blah...buy a house from me, then I can afford to consider your widgets, whistles and what-have-yous.

I look forward to reading the quality blogs that will surely follow from the apprentices and coaches alike.  I even set up an associates category so I can keep track of them.

03/22/2007 11:46 AM by Rich Schiffer, REALTOR, e-PRO (Weichert, Realtors)