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Ever had AR indigestion?

I joined active rain about six weeks ago and posted a blog. Nothing happened, nothing fell out of the sky, and I didn't have a big deal fall in my lap. Therefore, I decided last week that I might need to do more. So I logged onto AR and started exploring the site. Now I think I am suffering from information overload or is it AR indigestion?

Have you ever read so much on this site that you don't know what to do next. I have read so much on SEO and REO that I think I am a WEIRDO. How can someone sit and read all this stuff like I have done? Now I have to find a way to digest it. I have tried all day to write an action plan from all the information, but have failed miserably.

I toast anyone that has a suggestion on how to control this overload and not let it overwhelm you to the point of feeling like a WEIRDO?

Posted by Cindy Crutcher Real Estate Broker Exit Realty Crutcher Lawrenceburg Ky on 02/02/2009 09:11 PM

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94 Comments on Ever had AR indigestion?

FEB

2009

Just hang in there it will get easier. Take one lesson at a time and implement it. You're actually a very good writer.

I am learning on AR every day. There is a ton to learn.

Join the newbie group, start posting, and work at getting them to look better and read better...post a few comments on others.... and READ especially the how to's....I don't really understand it all, but know it will pay off!

There is lots of learning to do here

It is hit and miss but just getting your feet in and venturing out is the best suggestion. You can always go to the AR guide for assistance and read on blogs. You can add things and make better as well over time. Best thing is to blog and read others post. Get ideas of what you like and explore. Good luck!

Take it one day at a time. I bookmark things that I think I may need to refer back to in the future for reference. It will all come together...

The newbies group has lots of info.

Blog, make comments on other's posts, create friendships, write, read....I spend an hour or two each night while relaxing.

It can indeed be overwhelming, but just try to digest one good new idea a day. Any more, and your brain starts to get muddled! There is so much good info here.

a gold star in 6 weeks...it took me 5 months...Congrats!

You've only explored SEO and REO posts? Heck, girlfriend, Active Rain also contains information about pets, photography, sports, crafts, politics, fitness, faith, parenthood, technology, art, freebies .... and on and on and on and on ...... :-)

Welcome!

Cindy...

There's no hope for you now, you're hopelessly addicted to AR! Just like the rest of us.

Cindy, first let me say Welcome to AR. Second, being a Broker with two real estate companies is challenging enough.

The best bet for you is to use AR as a break. Relax. Enjoy.

Cindy, just take a little at a time. Take time to read and learn from the blogs each day. It can be overwhelming, but it's worth it!

You are right, there IS a ton of info here. Good luck to you...you will figure it out soon enough. God bless.

Six weeks and a feature? Cindy, you are a natural born blogger!

Indigestion is a good way to put it - it's like starving (for information & support) and falling headfirst into a cruise ship endless buffet (mentoring, ideas and news from every corner of the industry)!!!

Take a breather, walk around and let it settle. Come back later when your appetite is whetted - what do you want to learn/try next? Start there and when you are satisfied, go on to the next course.

The nice thing is...hunger for knowledge is a cycle. You fill up, use what you gather and get hungry again. What's nicer is the table is always set and the food is in ample supply. And it's more like a potluck - everyone can bring something to the table eventually.

Welcome to the AR Banquet!

Cindy,

Cant offer any good advice because I am learning too & am finding it overwhelming. I was consistently on here every day for about a week and then took about 4 days off but am back...its adictive! Im glad I am not the only one!

... I suggest you attend an AA Meeting (ActiveRainers Anonymous !)

You are not alone, the overwhelming factor probably happens to everyone starting out !

Missy, put it well, just focus on one tip a day, and try to implement that.

I bookmark the rest for future check backs !

All the best !

Cheers :o)

Sheldon

I hope you've hit the "bookmark" on some of the blogs you've read. You'll think you can remember it all, but you'll think twice when you try to wrack your brain for the info later. Good luck!

Cindy, Congratulations on your featured post. After reading your profile, there was no way that you could just dabble in AR. Nope, with your personality, it was all or nothing. You will find balance but it may take awhile. You might want to take a look at Type E personality. You can go to my website and take the 10 question quiz. Let me know your score.

Cindy, welcome to the Rain!

It's a great place... relax and enjoy. There's a ton of great people here. Don't be in a hurry. Check it out. You'll find an amazing amount of things going on here.

Rene'

Cindy, my suggestion is just to wander around and read other posts. You'll find as you're reading, an idea for a blog post comes into your head. Heed that and stop and write that post. Then continue on, bookmarking and soaking it in as it comes. You will soon see that there are some things you like on others blogs that you want to incorporate into yours. Rest assured, the info is right at the end of the Search button.

My eyeballs are bleeding and screaming!

My attempt......I read the AR post, keep my email open and when I find something I'm going to do I email it to myself. When I open the email I do it and delete it. Mostly because I surf AR late at night, can't follow through with complex ideas.

That's what I do. There is so much it is easy to overload.

You can't read it all. There are literally thousands of great posts here. It is one of those situations where you have to look forward and not spend much time looking back.

Welcome to Active Rain. Just a little bit each day. You will find that it is better than free, when the phone rings, and it results in a sale

Don

Eat this information up the same way you would an elephant, one bite at a time!

Babies don't run marathons, they start with small steps. It seems daunting at first, then becomes second nature. There are a lot of nice folks willing to hold your hand, too.

Best of luck,

Cathy Sarmento, www.CoolRealEstate.com

P.S.

A very important thing you should do now. I read a post about how important keywords are in your signature. It helps add back links which gives you great google juice. Like i see Crutcher 3x in your signature. I wonder how many people search for that. However, I tend to think most people you want to catch would be searching Lawrenceburg. Give it a try I did.

Cindy, AR is a wonderful buffet where you are free to sample the fare every day. You can decide what articles you want to read and which ones you pass by. No one is standing over you in an effort to push you one way or another. Because our interests, backgrounds, and experiences vary widely, it is entirely appropriate to gravitate toward one blogger over another. The best advice I can give is to "be yourself" and let your natural talents emerge. Use your creative energy to communicate what you are thinking and feeling. Blogging is is an exercise in "thinking out loud" to explore an issue or concern. It is also a way to netwrok with colleagues in the real estate field. By keeping your expectations low and your activity level high, you will be rewarded handsomely....sometimes when you least expect it. Hang in there and keep on blogging!

Baby steps... it amazes me that the more I learn the more there is to learn... such is AR!

I'm sorry, I'm laughing with you, not at you!! There is so much terrific information here, that I guess it can give you indigestion! I have no good advice for you, as I haven't learned when to stop reading either! My motto is usually: fill it till it spills!! If I really like something, but don't have the time, then I bookmark it for later.

I loved your post. Congratulations on the feature!

Welcome to ActiveRain! Yes, there's so much information here that you will never stop learning. It is the best continuing education in our industry, brought to you free by your fellow real estate professionals. Enjoy!

Welcome to the nut house Cindy. Believe it or not it does get easier... you'll still have information overload from time to time but you'll learn what to file away and deal with later. Write, read a few posts a day and comment where you feel like it... Pretty soon you'll be out of overload mode and into full fledged addict mode. :)

Hi Cindy,

I felt the same way in the beginning. Now, I take it in smaller doses:) The info here is great!

It is a little overwhelming when there is so much to learn,but take it a step at a time. Good luck to you.

Cindy, I feel your pain - er- indigestion! I can't remember how many times I would respond to a post with "there you go again, my head is spinning!" And I must admit, I had early carpal tunnel before Christmas from spending so much time on AR. But finally it isn't quite as overhwhelming (and my arm doesn't hurt anymore). Just enjoy the knowledge and camaraderie! And the fact that you're on the cutting edge of real estate 2.0 :)

Hi Cindy:

I think once you compare the time you spent on AR and implementing the plan to use AR; and then to the time you spent on actually doing the business, that's when you really know how to set that limit for yourself.

This is February 2nd already, so get going... We predict a great year for us in our office!

Definitely there is a lot to digest -- it is hard to keep up with it all.

I just take it in one day at a time. I also restrict my time on AR that way I don't get AR indigestion. I think you've got a great catch phrase there by the way. I can see a lot of members starting to use that one.

Cindy, before you reach for your favorite antacid, relax... don't worry too much....SEO, REO? Frankly not too interesting to me. Perhaps one day I'll have that Aha! moment and all that information will make sense.-- But for now I enjoy more the human stories, photos, etc. There are some great bloggers around here!... Welcome to AR!

Don't worry, it will balance itself out....especially when you start getting business because of it. Then you'll have no choice! Be careful though, I've found that when I take long periods away from AR, it gets harder and harder to come back. Maybe because it is so time consuming or compulsive LOL!

Cindy,

I started about two weeks ago and I am having the same problem, so I hired my son. He has a vast knowledge of the internet as he went to school for computer science. It's a big help to have someone lay it out like abc's for a kid in kindergarten class. I would recommend for you to get someone young and have them "dumb" it down for you. It sure has helped me!

-Lisa

It's like any marketing course or group you belong to. You need to take one idea at a time and work it into your marketing program. When you have one completely done you can evaluate it and then add another piece. It like the old saying "How do you eat and elephant? One bite at a time."

Haha Cindy, I love how you call it indigestion. It is soo true there is so much information to learn. But like with anything in life you just have to start at the beginning. Take little steps and just add on to them once your ready to move forward. Don't put too much pressure on yourself because then you won't want to continue. And don't feel guilty either. Just take it all one day at a time.

That's what I'm learning to. There is just so much to learn! But we've got to start somewhere right..

hey would you mind checking my blog out quickly? Thanks

take care!

Cindy,

Don't worry about information overload. At the end of the day, you are ahead if you have learned something new even if it only one thing.

FEB

2009

Cindy, of my goodness, this is absolutely hilarious! Yes, yes I have had AR indigestion, especially when I was trying to figure out what everything was, and didn't even know how to upload a picture!

AR is like a crash course in web2.0... it's easy to mosey along without getting involved in what's happening in technology, so easy, that you get left behind. I've learned gobs of stuff on AR, stuff that maybe in real life I wouldn't have had the nerve to ask someone how they did it. (Well, now I would.. I gained the "ask and share" habit on AR, a much more camaraderie centered approach, and now I do it everywhere...)

congrats on the featured post! take it slow. I try to limit myself to no more than 20 posts per day to avoid overload! good luck

Cindy, Congratulations on the Gold Star. You have received a lot of good advice in earlier comments. Just remember what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger.

Cindy- you can do it! Just start blogging and commenting and learn as you go. Excited to hear your success stories!

Ha Ha, I totally get this and have felt the exact same way. What us even more overwhelming is the huge amount of useful information that is here and what it takes to digest and utilize everything that is available...For FREE! Hand in there, AR is the best real estate resource I have found in years, It just takes time to begin to process it all! And yes, I learn more every day!

So it's 1:45 a.m. here in Oakville and guess what I'm doing? Hmmm. It's coming up a year since I've been on AR and I feel like I must have earned a college degree by now with all the knowledge I have learned. Have fun.

Jenny Kotulak

I find Active Rain to be a treasure trove of valuable information that can be overwhelming if you let it. Just find your subject...and take it slowly. By the way, I have found that just about everyone on Active Rain will respond to specific questions sent by e-mail.

Cindy the simplest answer to your question is...YES!!! Each and every day I seem to be on information overload but can I tell you a secret? I love the info and wouldn't want it any other way. Take care and happy blogging!

Now do you feel overwelmed by the response? I find the Rainers who I enjoy reading or who teach me something and then subscribe to their blog. That is the first place I go to read the latest and who I consider friends on the Rain. Join Groups that you would like to affiliate with. This way, you don't have to read everything.

Cindy, take it one day at a time. It is like taking a drink out of a firehose! Hang in there!

Cindy, I heartily recommend a pitcher of margaritas to go with your laptop. It won't take long till everything runs together and you'll have an epiphany that says "Hey, I can do this!" If that doesn't work, sleep it off, take 3 Advil, and then camp out on Brad Andersohn's site. Good luck, and welcome to AR! ;-)

Randy Hooker

Just say no works too. Read sparingly to avoid that indigestion.

Cindy - It just takes time! We all have that indigestion once in a while. Just walk away and come back with a clear head and be ready to learn and to make friends! Congratulations on the feature!

I work on AR an hour each morning - posting a blog entry and reading and commenting...is a great way to learn and to meet agents in neighboring areas who you can exchange business with in the future - learning should be your key focus in the beginning

Cindy -

Man, look at all the great comments from some of AR's top blog contributors! You're making it, girl!

Read, and learn, and post, and share. That's all we ask of you here!

Welcome aboard!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Make a list of ten things that you have learned from your reading and then implement them. Don't read anymore until you have actually used some of the knowledge. Otherwise you'll get sucked in and become paralyzed from the overload.

Action is much more important than just knowing about something.

Read, burp, read, burp, read, burp! Keep on posting and you will stay happy in the Rain!

Congratulations on the feature!

One day at a time. Like real estate-you won't absorb everything in one day.

And I wish I could see your face when you see all the comments on this post!!! I think it's already amazing that you manage two Brokerages! And yes, you can get information overload. Just bookmark what you may like to read later, then come back. It was easier for the ones who started in the beginning because there wasn't so much to read all at once. Have fun:) And welcome to AR!

Cindy: Congrats on a feature in such a short amount of time! A|R can be extremely overwhelming at times, especially since so many people post such great ideas and content...it's difficult to keep up with it all!! I've learned to not implement everything that I've read all at once because that's hard to do. Also, I've had to limit the amount of time spent on A|R everyday...I was spending too much time reading and not enough time working, LOL!

Have a great day,

Anne Rains

Cindy, Check out activerainguide.com. It has the latest and greatest AR stuff in it...at least for today! Good luck and congrats on the gold star!

Been there, still there.

I'm finding that each day I learn a little something new. If you come across something that you'd like to explore but feel a little ovewhelmed at the moment, flag it and return to it when you have more time.

Cindy, AR reminds me of first entering real estate and the feeling of overwhelm in how do I learn this business. I decided to keep it simple and learn something new each week versus everything right now! Way to go on a Featured post. You deserve it.

Cindy:

AR can be over whelming. I started out just thinking blogging would help my website ranking. Then when I login into AR bloggers were talking about getting business --- getting out of your comfort zone etc. So I decided to break it down into the philosophy of how do you eat an elephant one bit at a time. Congratulations on being a feature post.

Cindy,

I feel your pain!!! I'm so overwhelmed with 'where to start', 'how to blog', 'what's the difference between a BLOG and a POST', 'which groups to join', etc., etc., etc.

But, I remember when I entered my first real estate transaction many years ago AND that, too, was extremely overwhelming in the beginning. So, I feel confident that I will overcome my 'ActiveRain Newbie' status sooner or later as will YOU!!!

Keep blogging!!!

Take care,

Denise Roberts

Pinehurst, NC

Just keep circling the site and bit by bit you will get seasoned and start to with moderation blog more, rely on the site more for yur education on how to rise above the rest that don't.

Cindy,

I totally understand. You just have to keep reading until you find your spot. Clearly you can't do it all but I think there is a niche for everyone.

Cindy,

I totally understand. You just have to keep reading until you find your spot. Clearly you can't do it all but I think there is a niche for everyone.

Congrats on your featurs. Overload happens, it is typical to log on and end up spending hours and hours in the rain.

Way to Go Cindy! I believe your blog this time is a resounding success! I hope to be featured like you soon...Still awaiting for my AR rainy day ;)

Got a kick out of your post! Thanks, I always enjoy a laugh, too. I too have been doing this for six weeks and yes, I agree. It is overload, but one can only take what you can and then keep pluggin along. Keep up the good work.

Don't feel bad I an new to AR and I am also trying to digest everything. There are a lot of things to do and that need to be done, I quess we have to take them 1 step at a time.

Ditto what Sara Washburn said. You could call me tecnology-challenged but now I know a little 'html', definitely know how to export and upload and resize photos, and know lots of cool sites to try out. So I find myself making suggestions to people to help them come into the Web 2.0 world. Cindy, you are already ahead of the game just by being here :)

I do a lot of bookmarking when I am feeling overwhelmed by info. that I want to learn but don't have the time (or brainpower that day). Good luck!

Learn everything you can--we're counting on you to show us the ropes!

Hey Cindy - had to put my congrats on this posting! Well done in terms of asking a question folks are "hot" to answer! SEO is always a great topic!

So much so, I've had to up the dosage on my Prevacid. Been here since Sept. and there is something new everytime I log on. Oh well it will be another all nighter.

AMEN CINDY! I thought I was the only WEIRDO out there! I feel totally overwhelmed some days. I spend so much time trying to figure out my next step, I don't get a thing done and 3 hours have gone by. That's it.........I'm going to try the margaritas! Thanks for the post, I feel better that there is a great group out there willing to lend a hand. I will keep going and just do one thing at a time.

Congrats on the feature. I look forward to reading more of your posts.

Cindy,

I ,too, felt overwhelmed, until I remember Gary Keller's suggestion in hii Real Estate books: time block your workday! I give 1 hour to Active Rain per workday. This hour includes reading, 'riting and no 'rithmetic! And some days I cheat and set the timer for another hour! Today is a cheating day!

Keep plodding or blogging!

Kathy Opatka Re/Max OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

I did the same when I joined. I looked and looked around for hours and hours. It was overwhelming! KM

Hi Cindy -- I felt the same way when I first started. I found that, over time, it slowly sinks in.

Taking a topic, such as SEO, and then reading a bit on that everyday for a week or so, implementing a few of the ideas helps. I also keep a 'to-do' list and log posts in there by topic and refer to them when I have time to further explore it.

Reading the top posts everyday is a true delight as well, as it becomes a wealth of information, that over time, begins to gel.

Happy reading!

Excellent question you pose, Cindy. When I first joined it was a similar scenario. There is A LOT to gain here. I keep a word document on my desktop and plug in new ideas and tips I find here. About once a week I go through and prioritize these tips and ideas by what will make money. The rest is just dressing.

Cindy, when you figure out a way to digest it all that works, you can clue me in. I'm on overload too. Though, you're way ahead of me already in that you're blogging and you're a natural at writing. Keep up the good work!

Excellent post, Cindy! How amazing is THAT to get on the front page of Active Rain in only 6 weeks!! WHOA! Am I green with envy or WHAT!?

I've heard about a terrific company that has some free teleseminars that may help you make sense of it all. Check them out at www.NewMarketLeaders.com

Cindy, Congrats on your featured post! I am knew to AR as well and I have found integrating time on AR into my daily routine has been a great way to absorb all that's offered without creating AR indigestion. Moderation and consistency will help maintain interest, expand your knowledge and build relationships. Keep it up.

Good question... like everything else let it settle... it all comes together in The Rain... can be overwhelming... I just try to learn one thing new each day.

FEB

2009

Dear Cindy,

Just read the first line of your profile--Determination! You certainly have it!

Slow down a bit--learning curves can make you dizzy!

Congrats on your first gold star! I am sure you will have any more!

Cindy,

AR is admittedly so large now that it can easily overwhelm a new member. It actually is overwhelming even oldies, like me. Perhaps the way to go is concentrate on only a certain set of areas and don't even try to cover everything.

Digest to a point at your level of comfort. I would suggest no more than 30 minutes a day. Be patient and and you will learn at your pace. Don't lose your focus of what is currently bringing in your business. i.e. Don't go 100% into AR or you will go bankrupt. This is a means to learn, to increase internet exposure and to gain business. It is merely one tiny piece of the pie. It is not the pie.

FEB

2009

Cindy you are hilarious! I have been suffering the symptoms and it is nice to finally have a diagnosis. :-)

FEB

2009

Cindy: Congratulations on your Featured Post and your Gold Star. What a cool post... very nicely done. I am sure this is just the first of many more to come. With your degree of techie curiosity... I am sure you will know more about Active Rain than most of us in a very short time. Again... Congratulations !

FEB

2009

Cindy,

Welcome to the World of Weirdos, I guess. Maybe I am safe, because I sware I still do not understand half what I read sometimes. Or at least I go back and read twice some of the technical stuff. It does get deep and fast paced sometimes.

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Cindy Crutcher Real Estate Broker Exit Realty Crutcher Lawrenceburg Ky

Lawrenceburg, KY

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Lawrenceburg KY Foreclosures & Government Owned Properties

Address: 502A Saffell Street, Lawrenceburg, KY, 40342

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