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My Activerain Blog is Sending Business to Lynchburg Business Owners

Lynchpin Industrial Center, Lynchburg, VA

Small business is the backbone of our economy and small business is hurting. In 2009, I've committed to doing all I can to promote the businesses that make Central Virginia what it is. I've written a lot of posts on local businesses; nothing special, just a profile or an endorsement of their product or service. What is exciting to me:

These businesses are being contacted by the public & have new clients-because of my Activerain blog.

Pioneer Closing Agency, Lynchburg, VA

-A lady decided to buy a co-workers home and googled closing agency, lynchburg. She found my blog on Pioneer Closing Agency, called the owner and set up a closing.

THE LADY READ MY BLOG WHILE WORKING IN IRAQ.

Google closing agency, Lynchburg and these are the first few results:

Pioneer Closing Agency

maps.google.com

1658 Graves Mill Rd
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 316-9000
Get directions

More information »

· Real Estate Blog - Pioneer Closing Agency, Lynchburg, Virginia

Mar 25, 2008 ... I've been using Pioneer Closing Agency in Forest, Virginia for the past two years. Owned by Debbie Ballagh, I've been very pleased with the ...
activerain.com/blogsview/436325/Pioneer-Closing-Agency-Lynchburg-Virginia - 99k - Cached - Similar pages

· Real Estate Blog - Medicare Advantage Questions? Call Hodges ...

Real Estate Agent: Debbie Malone, Realtor (R), Lynchburg, Smith Mountain ..... Find VA real estate agents and Lynchburg real estate on ActiveRain. ...
activerain.com/blogsview/833429/Medicare-Advantage-Questions-Call-Hodges-Insurance-Agency-Lynchburg-VA - 91k - Cached - Similar pages
More results from activerain.com »

· PIONEER CLOSING AGENCY,INC., Lynchburg VA 24502

Get discount coupons for PIONEER CLOSING AGENCY,INC. and other Lynchburg, VA local merchants. Pioneer Closing Agency, Inc. was opened in August, ...
www.merchantcircle.com/business/PIONEER.CLOSING.AGENCY.INC..434-316-9000 - 24k - Cached - Similar pages

If you noticed, the second entry wasn't even about Pioneer, but Tom Hodges Insurance.

Hodges Insurance Agency, Lynchburg, VA

-Tom Hodges was contacted by a family who found him online and he wrote a policy for them. Tom told me that during a radio interview, the host googled him and asked about his website. Tom said I don't have one and the host said, well there you are- it was one of my posts!

Google Tom Hodges, Lynchburg. Three of the first 10 results were from blogging:

Real Estate Blog - Local Businessman: Tom Hodges, Hodges Insurance ...

If you're new to the Lynchburg area or are looking for an insurance agent, I'd like to introduce you to another local businessman, Tom Hodges. ...
activerain.com/blogsview/420015/Local-Businessman-Tom-Hodges-Hodges-Insurance-Agency-Lynchburg-Virginia - 95k - Cached - Similar pages

Real Estate Blog - Medicare Advantage Questions? Call Hodges ...

Tom owns Hodges Insurance Agency and I recently stopped in at his office at 6200 Fort Ave in Lynchburg, across from Crown Sterling Restaurant. ...
activerain.com/blogsview/833429/Medicare-Advantage-Questions-Call-Hodges-Insurance-Agency-Lynchburg-VA - 91k - Cached - Similar pages
More results from activerain.com »

Katherine Moore, Owner of Katherine's Avon Gifts & More

-Katherine Moore is the owner of Katherine's Avon, Gifts and More. A lady googled Avon, Lynchburg not realizing there was a brick and mortar store and Katherine now has a happy new customer. (My daughter sells Mary Kay and had the same experience).

Google Avon, Lynchburg and these are the first 3 results:

· Katherine's Avon Center

maps.google.com

2511 Memorial Ave
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 845-5777
Get directions

More information »

· Real Estate Blog - Spotlight on: Katherine’s Avon Gifts & More ...

I just thought it would be a great way to promote our partners. Within minutes of posting, my blog showed up on google when I typed in Avon Lynchburg. ...
activerain.com/blogsview/265350/Spotlight-on-Katherine-s - 97k - Cached - Similar pages

· Debbie Malone - Lynchburg Virginia Real Estate Blog

Let me suggest stopping in at Katherine's Avon Gifts and More at 2511 Memorial Ave in Lynchburg, Virginia. Owner Katherine Moore has some great products ...
activerain.com/blogs/carpediem - 124k - Cached - Similar pages
More results from activerain.com »

These are just three stories that encourage me- 2009 is going to be a challenging year for all of us, but I am staying positive. While my goal is to continue to find new clients and sell real estate in Central Virginia, the Activerain Real Estate Network has given me the opportunity to do something good for my community. If you are a local business owner and would like to have your business profiled, please contact me and I'll be glad to meet with you.

Debbie Malone, Realtor (R)

RE/MAX 1st Olympic

(434) 546-0369

malone1981@aol.com

Are you new to Forest VA, searching for a home for sale in Greater Lynchburg or at Smith Mountain Lake? Give me a call for information on local events, things to do or Lynchburg MLS real estate listings.

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Posted by Debbie Malone, Realtor Lynchburg, Smith Mountain Lake VA on 01/24/2009 02:04 PM

Comments (112)

Lynchburg Virginia Businesses in the ActiveRain Channel

region 2000, lynchburg, economy, activerain, google, blog, remax, debbie malone

Originally posted at: Things to Do In & Around Lynchburg, VA : My Activerain Blog is Sending Business to Lynchburg Business Owners

This post has been included in Virginia Information Lynchburg City County, VA Information Lynchburg, VA Information
Post is included in group: The Optimist
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: Nothing but the Positive
Post is included in group: Club Chaos
Post is included in group: Blogging & SEO

112 Comments on My Activerain Blog is Sending Business to Lynchburg Business Owners

JAN

Good for you for helping out the local businesses this way! It really is a win-win situation. Every customer that we can send to a local business helps that business stay alive. Every local business adds to the quality of life in our communities, whch helps us sell homes.

What a great idea, Debbie! I live and work in our city's "old-fashioned" downtown area. The vast majority of the businesses here are small, owner-operated, mom-and-pop type places. This would be a great way to get them the exposure they need and, in most cases, can't afford. I love it!

Hi Brenda, it is a win-win. Local business needs our support, they add so much to our communities and in turn does help us sell homes. Thanks so much for commenting.

Hi Jamie, I would love to see AR members doing this in their community. We can make a difference!

Hi Debbie,

Great topic. I've been doing something similar. Merchants seem to appreciate it and may circulate your name. Brick and mortar stores are REALLY hurting around here. So anything that gets them beyond their four walls is appreciated.

Debbie,

How wonderful of you to comment on the businesses of others! That is a very GIVING attitude!

You go, Girl!

Kathy Opatka, Re/Max Premier Properties, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND.

Oh, you are so inspirational! Congrats on what you've managed to do! I see the photo tiled in your blog skin. Is that Lynchburg? Looks like Heaven!

Fantastic!! Good for you and I am sure your loal businesses appreciate you!

Thanks,

Cindy

I have to do that for my friends and local businesss.

That is GREAT! I too highlight locally owned business and restaurants. I have gotten several call from people when I blog about events too! (asking for things like directions!) Oh well, then I KNOW the public is READING!

Hi Debbie, Bravo. Small business is the back bone and they are hurting. I love doing posts supporting local business. They are so talented and deserve the attention but can't always afford the big ticket advertising. I hope the businesses I write about will soon get new customers. Great job.

Good job helping promote the businesses you row the boat with in your neat town! But also do a slew of blogs and videos on the area...library, the 4th of july parade, local sporting teams, recreational options....Good job! (The crowd goes nuts) Let's give it up for Debbie everyone! (Pandamonium erupts!) Great shining example for others to follow or to help get creative about with the ideas you are implementing!

Dear Debbie,

What a great idea! It is such a benefit to the business owners. You have some documented results, but who knows how many other people have used those businesses because of your efforts.

Barbara

What a great idea...you are certainly inovative and inventive. More power and good will to you! Thanks for the great idea....Robin

Debbie, That is great to hear. I had actualy planned on setting up that type of blog for the Sedalia Mo and Pettis County areas. I am glad to know it should work out well. Thanks for the post.

Awesome story, Debbie! This is one of the great things about blogging - you can help others too!

Debbie - What a wonderful thing - I love your creative thinking not to mention the fact that everybody wins. Great to here of your success. Thanks and keep us updated....

Hi Debbie, I'm doing the same thing - trying to promote the small businesses in my community ! It's all about giving back.

I think many of us are experiencing the same thing -- local businesses are being helped through our blogging efforts.

This is sweet and just what I'd be doing in the local market if I was an agent and local community member.

Wow! The true power of blogging! Great to see you helping small businesses.

This is great -- bravo! Hope they recirptocate and send business your way!

Hi Debbie -- Oh...the power of SEO...I own my own small real estate company around Cleveland Ohio and I plan in 2009 to start showcasing local companies as well, and while I didn't need any validation, your post just ramps up my motivation, so thanks Debbie!

Debbie, absolutely fantastic!. I been wanting to do this here in Lewisubrg, but haven't gotten around to taking the first step. This is indeed an inspiration to get me going...thanks!

This is great to hear that people are contacting these local business from your blog

Debbie, this is exactly what I'm going to start doing! I've done a little but you are so right. Where was my head!Thank you for your excellent post.

That is a great idea. Kudos to you for supporting the backbone of America.

That is remarkable Debbie! That is such a smart way to endear yourself to those business owners, who in turn can send you plenty of referrals.

It's a great way to build your business: by building everyone else's around you. Congratulations! I know you do it for all the right reasons (because you care), which makes the good karma coming your way even better.

Great idea and helpful to all. Thanks and Good luck in 09.

BTW: Congratulations on the gold star. You so deserve it!

Wow, thank you everyone for commenting!

Ruthmarie, YOU are one of the people who inspire me, your blogs on the Westchester, NY area have been informative, you care about your community and I feel like I know the area because of you. I love your photography too. Thanks for stopping by my friend.

Hi Kathy, We do business with the members of our community, we know them. I think it's great if we can send others their way. Thank you for commenting.

Hi Natalie, thanks for your support. The photo on my background is from Smith Mountain Lake, about 45 minutes outside of Lynchburg. One of my favorite places in Virginia!

Debbie, that is so cool! what a great contribution to your community, you should be proud.

Hi Cindy, I know the businesses appreciate the extra notice they're receiving. I'm so focused on profiling more of them. Thanks for stopping by!

Hi Russ, yes please do- if we highlight our local business, I'm sure it will make a difference in our community!

What a great feeling to help give your local businesses a much-needed boost! And you know, when the small business owners are ready to purchase a home or a new building, you will be at the top of their minds. Congrats!

Hi BethAnn and Lisa, I'm so glad that you're doing the same. I too get calls asking when an HOA meeting scheduled, what the hours are for a store. IT'S GREAT, the public is reading and we can reach them thanks to Activerain! Thanks for your comments!

I am new to blogging but I have been in the business for 8 years. I also have owned and operated a local small market in a historic area in my hometown for over 20 years. It makes me feel warm that there is an online community that is helping their local communities thrive. Great job and keep up the good work. -Lisa

Debbie

Great job...givers do gain. I am a member of a local business group that meets weekly to assist one another. This is another wonderful idea to assist them in promoting their businesses. So much is word of mouth and testimonials.

Barb Bodnar, Westchester County, NY Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Hi Andrew, thanks for the cheerleading! I agree, there are so many opportunities to promote our community that I keep my flip video and camera with me all the time. I appreciate your support!!!

Hi Barbara, I was thinking the same thing, I wonder how many businesses have been found because of blogging that I don't know about? Instead of just picking someone randomly out of a phone book, there are personal endorsements. Thanks for commenting!

Debbie

Absolutely....why would we want to pick randomly when we can work with people that we know, like and trust to ensure that our clients receive the same care that we give them.

Barb

Debbie, The merchants DO appreciate it once they've spoken to me about it. Some are skeptical until they see the post--and then they're very happy! This is wonderful advice on how to make our area(s) work for us and others--Thank you for sharing it.

Wonderful post on how to help others in the community. Thanks for the good tips.

Debbie, I'm glad to see this is working for you. I had the same idea last week and decided to pick two business a week to blog about. I did my first one Thursday and just posted it last night. I wasn't sure if it would ever be noticed or not, but you've just reinforced my thinking on this. Nice to see someone else has already started doing it and having success. Good luck to you!

Hi Debbie, I've been thinking about doing the same thing...you go girl!

I'd create a team blog, invite local business owners to participate, focus on this type of hyper-local content...and really reap the rewards ;)

Debbie Malone, Realtor (R), Lynchburg, Smith Mountain Lake, VA - Congratulations superstar on your featured Gold star. Feel good story indeed. You reap what you sow and I pray God bless you over a million fold for your kindness,love and support to people you didn't even know. Have a great weekend Debbie. Great post.

Debbie,

What a great way to give back to the community. Keep up the good work.

John Powers

Selling Restaurants

What a great gift to your community, I've been inspired :)

Robin, thank you! I'm sure the businesses appreciate it.

Craig, I'm glad you're going to do the same for your community. Thanks for stopping by.

Jeff, it's a win-win for everyone since we all get more exposure.

Gwenn, Thanks so much for your kind words. What's awesome is we can all do this!

You are so correct in doing so. the community social networking site i own are all about supporting community and local business. thank you for your post.

What a great gift to your community; I've been inspired!

-Karin :)

P.S. I wasn't signed in when I posted the first response ;)

Love the idea and concept. I have been doing this a little bit myself as well. If you scratch their back, they should scratch yours too, right...

Hi Bill, Bob & Carolyn, I'm sure our local community is seeing an increase in business thanks to blogging. I'm glad to be doing my part in promoting local business and glad that you are too!

THANK YOU BRAD! It's all because of the incredible team at Active Rain that this is even possible. I truly appreciate all you do for us- AR is the secret to my success as an agent and I'm so glad to give back to the community I love.

This is great and you are my hero. This is a wonderful idea. I love promoting others businesses too and why not on the social network.

Debbie, this is such a great post! This is definitely part of my business plan for 2009 and the power of the google juice for AR blogs is proven once again in your words. Appreciate your sharing and affirming all of us who endeavor to do the same thing.

JB, thanks for your support!

Joan, thanks for your good wishes, I'm sure it will come back to me. There are some good hardworking people in town.

Chris, I'm so glad to hear it! I think paying it forward has it's own rewards and I'm very excited about getting out there this coming week. Thanks for all of your kind comments.

Debbie, thanks for stopping by my blog. Sounds like you are using some of the AR Google juice for good work in your community.

Hi Rebecca, Definitely do this in Lewisburg, WV, you'll meet some great people and help your community at the same time! Thanks for stopping by!

Hi Roland, the combination of Activerain and google is awesome!

Connie, I'm sure your local businesses will appreciate your efforts too.

Thank YOU Simon!

Debbie - Great job, yes small businesses appreciate blog post about there business. This is something I will continue to do.

Debbie, congrats! I've had similar experience with things I've written about regarding local businesses, residents and events. It's a beautiful thing for everyone involved.

I think that this is great. I always try to patronize local businesses.

Debbie - I lOVE this post! I am in the planning stages of doing something similar. My new office is on the historic downtown square in McKinney, and as part of the effort to revitalize the area, and bring new business to the older part of the city, I am going to spotlight different businesses I frequent. I had the idea of also picking up a business card while I am there and then emailing them a link to the post.

GREAT JOB on the feature though! Have a great 2009...

I think it is great being able to help out others any way we can. I am going to have to do more of this too!

Debbie, Thanks for the post. It shares a good idea and shows tangible results.

JAN

This sounds like a wonderful way to help local businesses while building strong relationships. It's something I need to do more.

Jeff, what a great idea! I just bought a group blog last week and invited only Real Estate related professionals. Perhaps I need to expand my horizons...

great post - I had not thought of doing that and will definitely blog about the businesses of some of my top clients and service providers

This is a great post. A win-win for all parties..you refer them they will refer you! makes sense!

Debbie - that is awesome. I am sure they appreciate your assistance.

It is great when our blogs can benefit not only ourselves but our community as well ! Is a great feeling. Congrats !!

This is what blogging is all about, great job. I have created a "Business of the Week" for my blog and have already gotten amazing results. It's all about networking and supporting our local businesses, especially during these hard times!

Hello Everyone and thank you for all of your comments! I have an open house this afternoon and just can't keep up with replies right now. Wouldn't it be great if we were all promoting our local businesses? Thanks again!

Debbie, we have been doing a similar thing for years. We have a portion of our website dedicated to local business. It's a referral directory of sorts for painters, insurance agents and the like. We get a lot of traffic to our site as a result.

Debbie, you just proved how powerful a well written blog can be for consumers. Well done and well deserved! Take care and happy blogging!

Debbie,

Good for you! Despite living in a major metroplitan area, we have been doing the same thing neighborhood by neighborhood. In fact, one of our most popular posts EVER was on the opening of an "old-fashioned" stand alone butcher shop.

New Butcher Shop in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood Sells Out on Opening Day

And what's really nice, now we have folks asking us to write about them!

Let us know if you ever get up this way.

Great idea! And a great addition to any sort of referral directory you use. Feature someone new each week from your best list. love it.

That is such a fantastic idea... thanks! There are soooo many great businesses that I could highlight locally. I already had done that a couple of times, but I never thought of it in terms of becoming a proponent of small businesses in the area. What a powerful way to network and build up a great fan base!

Mirela! Thank you my friend, you are the woman to go to in Myrtle Beach and I learn so much from you. Thanks for your support!

Great Post. You have a super awesome attitude and can always tell you put time into your post.

For anyone, if you want to check your Google rank, we now have Rank Check Tool on our site.

Way to work it Debbie! This is the perfect angle for networking your local area. Excellent. Thanks,

Later in the rain~Deb

Wow. What a great post. I'm wondering if I found my new career or goal to use with my blog. A great program with mutual benefits to all.

Debbie, congrats on the feature. You have just touched on something that I have been screaming for months. BLOGGING WORKS.

Congrats on a well deserved feature!!

Debbie...This is something you have been doing for quite awhile and I have thought it was wonderful. I wish that I had jumped in and followed suit. I hope you dont mind, I think I will get busy and do some promoting locally as well. After all, we all need to stick together. Your doing awesome work!

Kris, That is excellent! Thanks for sharing your website success.

Jason, Thank you, we're not just selling real estate, we're selling our community. Best wishes to you for a great 2009!

Michael, Thanks for sharing the link to your blog. This is exactly what I want to accomplish. Thanks for commenting!

Alexsandra, I like the idea of a referral directory and I will be highlighting a business every week. Thanks for your input.

Alex, Imagine what this could do for our communities. Every little bit helps. Thanks for stopping by.

Todd, Thank you for the kind words! I checked out the Rank Check Tool and was very happy with the results!

Deb, Thank you, I'm excited to get going again tomorrow!

Mike, This is a great tool- we write about our community and we are found as well. It's a win-win.

Danny, you know how well blogging works- you are one of the blogging KINGS and my hero! Thanks for stopping by.

Thanks Marchel!!!

Great idea. Why didn't I think of it?

JAN

Good Morning Thomas, You'll have endless opportunities to showcase the businesses in Charleston (what a beautiful area!) and consumers will find them - and you- thanks to your blog!

Debbie,

What a great idea! I'm always tlking up good businesses in Ventura but this will takae it a step further.

Debbie: Wow; 96 comments and still going strong! I think you're on to something here.

Debbie: I liked Brad's advice. What did you think of it?

Debbie: I don't know if I had mentioned this before, but you are and have been at the top of our Optimist Board since posting this gem. I typically change the featured posts daily, but I can't seem to bring myself to take this one down yet.

Debbie: You're in the three digits now Baby! Congratulations! Not many AR members have this claim to fame.

Starbucks, here we come!

Good Morning Mirela! I loved Brad's advice and the response from the Activerain community. Knowing that businesses are benefiting, I'm extremely motivated this morning. You are sweet to leave me at the top, thanks for your support!

Debbie, it's not me; it's the blog. It did it; it's just too good to take down!

Lynn, I'm glad you're doing this in your community of Ventura, I'm sure your local businesses appreciate the exposure.

Mirela, you are wonderful!

I know some peole don't believe in advertising for others, but I have found it is advertising for me too.

Hi Cindy, it's true, when we write about another we are getting exposure as well. I'm committed to this- with our national economy struggling we can at least support our local economy.

JAN

Dear Debbie, thanks for leading the way. I keep thinking I should be doing something like this, and didn't. Now is a great time to help the small businesses, as well as promote our community. Kudos to you.

Hi Sherry, thanks very much for your comments. I wish you success in your community!

It's great to see what a difference you are making in your community. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!

FEB

Integrity Mortgage Funding, thanks for stopping by, I'm glad to promote my community and the great businesses in it. If we all do this, it can make a difference in our local economy.

NOV

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