I had an ephiphany today.  If your a novice blogger here on Active Rain, getting featured can really give you the opportunity to build some incredible relationships much faster than any other way.  So if you get the opportunity...run with it.

 

My ah ha moment

I got a flattering phone call today from Bob Stewart, who complimented me on finally finding my groove.  So I wanted to thank Bob personally for reaching out to me.   Well Bob as I said on the phone, I think the scariest part about getting featured is worrying about whether I can keep submitting great content that really gives back to our community here in the rain.  But that won't stop me from blogging, that's for sure.

I learned something about getting featured.  It gives you an opportunity to be seen by a much wider audience who may have not known you existed before.  And the greatest part is that you get an opportunity to really build relationships with people who may one day be able to help support you in your business, and hopefully some will benefit from your support as well.  As we all know, and this goes beyond active rain, building a successful real estate business is about giving and of course receiving too.

Here's what I learned from being featured:

 You can meet many more like-minded real estate professionals and even some potential clients in a shorter period of time when you are featured, than you can just blogging and reaching out to agents individually.  It's almost as if it catapults you into a different level, of course that is if you take advantage of this great gift.  It's kind of like advertising.  When you advertise the right message, you will attract many like-minded clients and professionals to you.

So for the newbies out there my advice is (and I swear this is just an epiphany I had today):

 If you get the opportunity to be featured and you really want to expand your Sphere of Influence in Active Rain, then take advantage of all the great folks who took a moment to stop by and contribute their thoughtful comments to your blog and start reaching out to them beyond just responding to their comment in your post.  Plus you get the opportunity to find amazing bloggers you yourself weren't aware of before.

You will be amazed what a small world we truly live in.  I've met some incredibly great people here in the rain just in the last couple of days.  And I've had the opportunity to learn something new from some of these folks.  I've subscribed to a few AR member's blogs, and reached out personally to many who I had something in common with.  You never know where your generosity will take you.  

Now the challenge for my newbie friends is to continue to stay in touch with those AR members that you would like to build hopefully a lasting business relationship with.

So thank you to all the folks who commented on my recent featured posts.  I appreciate the support and I will strive to continue to support many of you in your blogging and business efforts.  See you all in the rain!

Copyright 2008 Jessica Bigger. *Getting Featured Gives You the Opportunity to Build Incredible Relationships at an Exponential Level*

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Jessica Bigger, Realtor®, Ming Tree GMAC Real Estate at 707-269-4305 to list your home for sale or to purchase your first or next home in Eureka, Cutten, Bayside, Arcata, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad and the rest of Humboldt County California.

To view all Humboldt County CA Historic and Luxury Homes for Sale Click Here, then click on Search Area Listings at the top of the web site.  I know Humboldt County CA well and can help you get your home Sold or help you buy your next Humboldt County California Home. Call today!

 
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51 Comments on Getting Featured Gives You the Opportunity to Build Incredible Relationships at an Exponential Level

OCT
14
2008
271,786 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog

So true...on all points.  Good job on your feature, and this one, as well.

7:47pm • #1
Localism Sponsor

Congratulations on your features and hopefully you will be able to turn all those contacts in to valuable business resources

7:51pm • #2
31 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Hi Jessica congrats on your feature and how nice to get a cal like that.  I also wanted to let you know I have enjoyed your last few posts.  What I really like about this is one is that you said it's not just about getting the feature - but what you do with that honor.  I have truly enjoyed the friends I've made, associates and subscribers that have joined my network.  What I try to do is each week visit my subscribers blog and make comments, drop them a note and find a way to connect with them.  You could quite possibly make a long lasting friendship, share business opportunities and definitely learn something new.  Congrats and I look forward to reading more of your posts. ~ Anne Marie

7:59pm • #3
Localism Sponsor

Jessica,

Thank you for your advice.  I am a "newbie" and I don't ever believe I will reach your level of success.  Although I had to write a column for my Board's Newspaper for three years while I was their President.  I don't believe that I'll ever get to where you are.  I have read alot of blogs since joinging and I have commented to some I just don't believe I am in their league (or yours). You keep up the good work though, because all of us learn from your (and others) advice.  Good Luck and God Bless.

8:00pm • #4
1 Featured Post

Congrats on the gold star! It puts a little wind beneath your wings to keep it up.

8:08pm • #5
118,162 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

I am still trying to figure this all out, how to make the best of it and really connect with others....

8:12pm • #6
Outside Blog Hit Router

Jessica,

Great advise!  I am still waiting for my first featured blog, I guess I still need a little practise in writing more intense blogs.  As they say...Practise makes Perfect!

8:13pm • #7

Great advise! I am very new to this... got to practice more.  Thanks for your contribution in making our experience more pleasant and less scary for us newbies :-)

8:26pm • #8
114,680 Points 1 Featured Post

Thanks for the post. I'm trying to be new "active" member.

8:29pm • #9
206,186 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I had read your feature and subscribed as well.  This is also great content... as you are now expected to put out LOL, keep up the great work.

10:22pm • #10
OCT
15
2008
414,218 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

All too true. Unfortunately I have been actively blogging on Active Rain for a year and have managed only one featured post. Guess I should try harder!

12:13am • #12

Hi Jessica - Nice to "see" you again.  Congrats on the features and that is good advice!

12:14am • #13

How do you get to be featured?  what do they look for, just out of curiousity?

12:15am • #14
360,126 Points 23 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Wow......3 Features in a Row........somebody has your number!  Literally and figuratively!  Bob's right - you definitely have found your groove!  And how wonderful that he phoned you to tell you that in person!

12:29am • #15
393,150 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jessica:  Great post.  Congratulations on all your featured posts.  Isn't it just great when you finally notice the gold star... and that warm smile comes and covers your face.  Thanks for sharing... keep up the great work.

12:31am • #16

Getting Featured is always number one in the Market place.  I also want to thank you for the great advice.  We have a great group of people on the RAIN.

12:34am • #17
347,975 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Good points.  I had the same concern when I was featured, that I couldn't produce good enough content to follow it.  Looks like you've been featured again.  Congrats on finding your voice.

1:08am • #18
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

Jessica, thank you for the great information, hope someday soon I will join the elite group of Featured Agents (posts:))) In the meantime just have to do it the old fashioned way, by hard work. Congrats to you though in the meantime

2:03am • #19
434,019 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Wow Jessica, it looks like your on a roll! How have you been doing? It looks like you have been doing very well well for yourself and I think their are some members including me that really like you.

3:14am • #20
100,917 Points

Congrats Jessica, thanks for the advice.  Writing a great blog can be an art form.

4:59am • #21
302,722 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Jessica, Recognition is nice what you do with it is up to you, this blog show you get it, and you're on your way to bigger and better things. Thanks for your comments on my posts and I'm happy to pass along some of my thoughts to you as well. Have a great day in the RAIN. Steve

5:21am • #22
101,567 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Hit Router

Jessica - Congratulations on being featured twice in the row - Well deserved! Not only being featured helps building relationship, one must also maintain it and reciprocating will help along the way.

5:58am • #23
244,924 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jessica - you've hit the big time!  :-)  Very good advice about reaching out to the people who comment on your posts - I admit that I don't do that often.

 

6:29am • #24
421,788 Points 81 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Three featured posts in a row...  My goodness, you are on a roll.  Cogratulations!  Now the fun begins - commenting on the comments and reciprocating all those comments on the commenters' blogs.  I usually do fine with reciprocation until a featured blog, and then I know some slip between the cracks.

7:28am • #25
106,758 Points 3 Featured Posts

Great advice for newbies Jessica!  In fact, this is how I found your blog because you were featured! 

8:49am • #26
239,295 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Congrats on another feature!  Your advice is dead on - building relationships here is one of the biggest benefits of being involved in the network, and you can't do that without learning a little about each person through their own blog.  I have a feeling you'll be reading a lot this week :)

9:23am • #27
271,786 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jessica: Look at this, a FEATURE about a FEATURE. Who'da thunk. LOL   Congrat's!!!

9:34am • #28

Congrats. I have just really started getting into blogging and still finding my feet. I hope to become featured when I find my groove.

9:45am • #29
2 Featured Posts

Jessica, Having just had my first feature a few weeks ago I have to agree 100%!  I'd also suggest finding a few specific groups and posting to them on a regular basis as you are more apt to build a social dynamic with like minded people more quickly and you will find a lot in common to blog about.

Congratulations and looking forward to your next feature!

10:33am • #30
239,095 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jessica, congratulations on your "feature." You're right it does help to build relationships in the RAIN a lot faster but as you say, only if you "work it." There is nothing like the camaraderie that is established here.

11:49am • #31
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

I am still trying to figure out how to get featured!  I have had a couple of great posts, but alas, no featured posts.  Either I suck, and I don't know it, or the AR Gods just don't like me.

11:50am • #32
341,918 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Excellent points. Stay in touch with your buddies! Featured posts...not too common Rebecca. I would not feel bad and keep up the good work!

12:03pm • #33
9 Featured Posts

I plan to personally thank each and everyone of you who took the time to comment here.  However I have a few things on my local real estate to do list.  But I wanted to at least thank you all for starters here for stopping by and contributing!  See you later on in the rain.

1:36pm • #34
5 Featured Posts

Jessica-  I believe the second post I wrote became featured and I didn't even know what happened.  There was that breif moment- Oh My!  What did I do?  Now they will expect more..  I am grateful to have had a couple more featured and what is funny- is that the posts that are more spur of the moment and/or real life incidents that I don't expect much from- are the ones featured.  Being on this network has given me valuable information that I would not have gotten anywhere else.  I am definately glad I found this great extended family.

3:52pm • #35
Outside Blog

Jessica- Good advice! I found you because you were featured :)

4:26pm • #36
195,145 Points 29 Featured Posts Outside Blog

You are ABSOLUTELY right!! Being featured is NOT about points or recognition...it's about exposure. You are going to do well, my friend. I'm sure of it! GBU!

6:42pm • #37

Fantastic writing Jessica...Its always good to hear when someone is doing well. Kudos to you and keep the good advice comming! David Chamaty

9:12pm • #38

Nice epiphany....I'm still waiting to find my groove.  What does it take??????  :)  Kudo's and congrat's...someday I'll have mine!

Cheron Lange

9:22pm • #39
9 Featured Posts

Kat - Thanks so much and thanks for the support!

James - gosh, thanks!  I'm slowly working on it. Too much to accomplish too little time in a day to do it.  Man if I just didn't have to sleep.

Anne Marie - I really do believe it's what you make of the honor and not the feature - well said!  I hope to gain more friends through this honor and opportunity and keep giving back.  

Carol - The one thing I have learned is you don't have to be a perfect writer to gain readership.  That's the great things about blogs they aren't newspaper articles or press releases where you have to follow this straight lined formula.  Not to say there aren't some helpful tools and tips out there to help us improve.  So don't give up.  Keep writing.  And check out some of the suggestions I made on one of your prior blogs asking about how to get more comments.  Hope these suggestions help.

Trunda - Whew!  Thanks!  Yeah, just waiting for that next thermal to keep me in the air. 

Pat - Just keep blogging, comment a lot, reach out to those you want to build a stronger relationship with ahd if you need some help with ideas - search "blog ideas" or "blogging ideas".  That helped me get started.  Good luck and never underestimate the generosity in the rain.

Michelle - You got the right idea.  Keep blogging and connecting.  And I'll email you a little tip I have for ya on this.

Ally - Yeah, I say keep blogging, keep learning and you'll start to get the hang of it.  As I mentioned to others, there are lots of great resources here to help you improve your blogging effort.  But in my opinion we all grow and learn at a different pace and as long as you are making an effort to write thoughtful content that's your voice, I think you are on your way to greatness!

Integrity Mortgage - It's great to me more active.  Now I think we need a post from some of the great bloggers here on how to manage it all. 

Tammy - Yeah I guess I really have to deliver now huh LOL!  Hey thanks for subscribing.  I'll do my very best to give you something worthwhile to read.  Thanks again.

David-Thank You so much for stopping by and for the congrats on the gold stars.

 

 

 

11:03pm • #40
OCT
16
2008
9 Featured Posts

Vicky - I don't know if it's more about trying harder, but just letting go and going with the flow.  I just got inspired and was able to put my thoughts down and run with it and it finally worked.  Each time I get inspired to write something, which usually happens after reading someone else's post or going through some kind of experience here in Humboldt County Real Estate life, I try to write it down and then make sure what I wrote actually makes sense in the end.  I don't know if that helps, but keep blogging none the less.

Margaret - Thanks for stopping by again.  See you in the rain!

Sue - I'm not sure to be honest.  Read some of what I wrote to Vicky.  It just kind of happened.  I know it's about good content, but how on earth do we judge whose content is deserving of a feature.  All I know is I'm starting to be inspired to write more when I read more and sometimes a good idea pops up and I put it out there hoping others understand the point I am trying to get across.

Liz - Your just awesome by the way!  Ok now I'm going to strive to write some great Localism content just like you that's where I want my groove thang to build next.  Man if I could write half as inspiring Localism posts as you I'd be half way there.

Karen - Thanks so much for the great pat on the back.  And yes I have to admit, when I finally acheived my very first gold star on my own I jumped up and down like a giddy little school girl.

Derenda - I think that's what it really comes down to.  Finding ways to give back to all our great AR members.  And I think we have so much to learn.  The learning never ends.

Thanks Christine - You too have some great content that I have every faith you will keep offering us some great ideas, thoughts and advice.

Endre - I believe those of us who put in the time and the investment here will truly shine.  Keep blogging!

Robert - Yeah, my Las Vegas buddy!  Ok the next time your in Humboldt you, Nu Nu and I are going to focus on recreation and hiking in those great ancient forest - promise.  By the way regarding being likeable...Ditto :)

Carol - Thanks - That's a great way of thinking about it.  And so very true.

Steve - That's a great compliment!  Thank you.  I sure plan on staying in touch with many of the folks I have met here recently and am looking forward to their future blogs - including yours.  Have a fabulous weekend, which is around the corner already.  Boy, time just flies doesn't it?

Petra - Boy it's a huge undertaking, but I think it's well worth the journey.  Thanks again for visiting :)

Karen - I like some of this fame LOL.  I've read lots of blogs out here and I've learned that the best way to catipult yourself in this environment is to give back and reach out to others and of course overtime some relationships just seem to grow.  I'm slowly getting to know you better (thanks to Sell with Soul) and I love your spunk!

Margaret - Yeah I can see how when you get to the point where your subscribership is way up there it amazes me how you guys keep it up and balance the comments.  I've definitely noticed that at that level it's almost impossible to comment, let along reciprocate to everyone.  But even with that being said, many of you absolutely amaze me on how well you respond.  Hail to the Superbloggers.

Patricia - Thank You So Much!

Lisa - It's all about networking.  We lift eachother up by supporting one another in our businesses.  And you're right.  I've got a lot of reading to do.  Whew!  Hope I can keep up.  By the way - I love how you present a market update.  You've actually helped me think about how I want to present reports for Humboldt County.  So thanks for that!

Kat - Thanks again.  Hey, you just got to run with it LOL.

Corinne - Keep reading, keep commenting, keep reaching out and I have every faith in the world my dear...you will find your groove.

Cat - Thanks for that advice.  I actually am starting to tailor my blogs to reach out to different groups and definitely had this in mind.   On that note - that's why I probably post many of my blogs on the Sell with Soul group.  I've actually met a ton of like-minded agents and have formed some great friendships that go beyond this group.  it's pretty cool!

Gena - You are so right.  I know that Katerina Gasset at the beginning spent 4 to 6 hours a day commenting, reaching out and blogging on Active Rain.  All that investment really paid off for her not only businesswise but also on a personal level.  I don't spend that much time online, because I'm still building my business locally, but I do strive for that level of commitment.  It's truly fulfilling being a part of such an incredibly giving group of people.

 

 

 

 

12:04am • #41
9 Featured Posts

Rebecca - Ok, don't get discouraged.  I actually stopped by to check out your blogs (and I do intend to read some of them and comment too), but just from my brief observation...you are doing great!  I didn't get my first feature (and doing the "Week in Review", although helpful doesn't count in terms of earning the feature on my own merit) until now and I have somewhere in the 20 to 30,000 point level I think.  You know you are writing good content if you are inspiring folks to comment on your posts and I definitely see that happening.  So keep blogging.  And if you really want to ramp it up and build some great connections keep commenting and revisiting certain members posts who you want to get to know better.  It really will help build you up.

Andrew - Thanks!  And good point about the featured posts not being to common.  Yep Rebecca - definitely take Andrews advice to heart.

Tina - Funny you mention the fact that the spontaneous moments of inspriation get featured.  That's pretty much what happened here - thrice!  Pretty cool how that works.  Sometimes I guess we're crystal clear on getting our point across.

Wendy - Thanks and hey...I'm glad you found me, because it gives me the opportunity to see your personality through your blogs too and I'm looking forward to checking them out :)

Elizabeth - Ah, thanks!  That's truly some inspiring encouragement!

Thanks David - It's truly inspiring isn't it.  Makes you want to blog some more.

Michael - You'll get it.  Just keep bloggin and giving back.  That's the way to build it and if you get a feature along the way...that's just icing on the cake.

 

12:21am • #42
567,787 Points 95 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

You forgot to say one thing.....................LOL commenting on featured posts can take hours. But, they are still nice to get. Good job in finding your groove.

7:32am • #43
407,203 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Congratulations on being featured. Good luck on AR.

1:52pm • #44
314,490 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

What a great post. Glad you had the epiphany, and welcome to AR!

2:04pm • #45
206,186 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Dang girl you have been busy with all this new found fame just keeping up with meeting new folks, and commenting.  I bet your fingers are tired. 

Thanks for stopping by my "i need my mommie when I'm sick" post.

I wanted to ask if you use your "it would work so well" name in your branding and marketing?

I have some ideas if you don't.   I sometimes can't help myself.  I was in newspaper and radio marketing for 9 years prior to the beginning of my real estate career in 1992.

3:45pm • #46
OCT
17
2008
354,432 Points 38 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jessica, Congratulations on another featured post. Commenting on other's blogs is a wonderful way to learn and connect here on the Rain.

11:00pm • #47
OCT
18
2008
9 Featured Posts

Missy - No kidding.  I'm still trying to catch up. 

Gita - Thanks for stopping by and of course supporting me in my blogging efforts in general.

Erica - I like when those happen.  Wish they happened more often.  Thanks Again Erica!

Tammy - Let's chat, I am always open to receiving help from folks who offer.  Thank You So Much :) - I'm sending you a PM.

Margaret - I really do love this community.  It's very conforting and very supportive.  Thanks for stopping by!

11:10pm • #48
OCT
19
2008
470,770 Points 50 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jessica - I'm not sure how I missed this post. But you are absolutely right. In the past few weeks, I've gained alot more "associates" and I think that's great. I must have been too busy working - instead of blogging.

10:00pm • #49
OCT
22
2008
145,411 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jessica, I'm going to subscribe to your blog.... I love the way you write

7:19pm • #50
JUL
02
102,206 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Jessica - great blog ... fresh ideas!  I enjoyed the comments almost as much as the post.  Thanks!

7:09am • #51

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Jessica Bigger Realtor® California Coast Real Estate

Eureka, CA

More about me…

RE/MAX Humboldt Realty

Address: RE/MAX Humboldt Realty, 2222 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka, CA, 95501

Office Phone: (707) 269-2336

Cell Phone: (707) 496-5770

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