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You FINALLY Got a FEATURE--Now USE it! by Feng Shui Long Island & New York

By Laura Cerrano

Home Stager with Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island #888

April 14, 2009 11:33 PM

You Finally Got a FEATURE-Now USE It!

You just never see it coming. You write a post, as usual and sign off for the night. Waking up in the morning, every once in a Blue Moon, you see a little yellow star next to it. They're rare, REALLY rare-and exciting! I have long wondered why my Feng Shui posts don't get featured but no matter, you've made the big time!

Activerain Feng Shui New York Consultant

Home page on ActiveRain. I usually sign off and sign back on just to double check (after wiping my reading glasses : ) Now, my question is, do you USE that feature to your best advantage?

Think about it....all these wonderful fellow "Rainers" that you've never seen before are nice enough to come back and comment. I've immediately got a new friend! It can be a daunting task to just answer the replies but consider this: I go back to each and every person who is not already on my subscribed list and leave a comment for THEM. Then I add them to my Associates List.

It might take hours....sometimes a few days. But then the magic begins. You start reading other's posts, they start reading yours-and you LIKE them! They write something that you may otherwise never have seen and it makes a subscriber out of you-and often times, THEM!

Red Ribbon Feng Shui New York Consultant Carole Provenzale

I already know I can't possibly keep up with the almost 250 people I am already subscribed to. I do make it a point to stop by as often as I can, though. And after a while, they KNOW you like them even if you haven't gotten to something they've written in the last few days....and they don't mind a bit.

I've found in my "travels" through adding associates and going to different blogs of people that I DON'T know, many of them are new. What a nice way to welcome them to the Rain AND let them know that you care enough to return the favor. I guarantee you you'll find new friends and possibly new subscribers. Besides, it's Good Feng Shui : )

Activerain New York Feng Shui Consultant Carole Provenzale

You've finally got that elusive FEATURE-now USE it!

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

Feng Shui New York Consultant

**Feng Shui Long Island & New York was established in 1997 by Certified Feng Shui Consultant Carole Provenzale together with Laura Cerrano who provide New York, Queens and Long Island Feng Shui/Design and Color Consultations for Homes, Businesses, Offices, Corporations, Real Estate Agents and new Construction. Distance Consultations also available for those out of the New York-Metro Region.

FengShuiLI@aol.com

http://www.LongIslandFengShui.com

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Terkel Sørensen

Real Estate Places - Temecula, CA

Realtor, 951.805.0773 , Bank owned and Short Sales

This is good stuff. I don't really blog to get featured, but even then, there are some things here that I can see woudl be prudent, even without being featured.

Thanks.

Apr 16, 2009 08:40 AM

Laura Cerrano

Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY

Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Hi Cynthia, I'm still getting back to some of those on the feature....they're going to be thinking "Who IS this"? : )

Kris, I wonder how many wonderful people I'm missing...then I wonder how long I can stay on this site each night!

Marzena, It's so nice when someone you don't know 'stops in to say hello.' I try to return the favor.

Mike, I think many of us have a difficult time....I always hope our friends will understand.

Sharon, It IS a lot of work and time consuming....but can be SO worth it :)

Sally, They sure are--I don't know how they choose them, how can they READ all the posts??

Joni, I am still getting back to the last feature! But thank you for the flag my friend.

Hannah, Thank you so much for stopping by. Now I'm having trouble getting back to my own posts (not a good sign)

Jim, The first time I got featured I had no idea what it was. I saw a little gold star and couldn't figure out what was going on :) Ah, the old days of AR!

Teri, Wow, that's terrific...your first post? I didn't know what they were when I first got them or what to do with them. Now they're so rare, they're a wonderful opportunity!

Craig, It is impossible to keep up with everyone. I do the best I can and have more time some nights then others. But I too think it's nice to try and stop by and say 'hello' back to those newcomers (to you, anyway!)

Sheldon, I stare at that gorgeous baby you have there...and wonder that you are online at ALL these days! I hope all is well and wish you and your family Many Blessings!!

Paula, I am still getting back and will continue to until I get through everyone. It's difficult and I tried to stay up but my comments weren't even making sense :)

Christine, It can...and IS. I am still working on it...but it will get done. I too don't know how Sheldon is posting these days :)

Gary, It's almost impossible....daunting is a kind word. But I'm trying and will soon (?) get back to everyone.

Kate, I remember...and sometimes I miss them! But I have to think it's wonderful that us "old timers" are still around (that's what I FEEL like, anyway :)

Sheldon, Get OFF the computer, that's an order. We all love you and will wait until the kids are grown!!

Terkel, I think with the amount of people, none of us expect to get featured...and every once in a while out of the blue it just comes along.

Apr 16, 2009 12:00 PM

Svetlana Stolyarova

Local-n-Global Realty, Cleveland and International Real Estate Solution - Mayfield Heights, OH

Local-n-Global Realty, Broker 216-548-4663

Carole - what a wonderful post and thank you for commenting on my blog! I really appreciate your time and contribution. That's so nice to know and benefit from being around people whom you would probably never meet in person. That's definitely Feng-Shui:)

Apr 16, 2009 01:06 PM

Kathy Clulow

Uxbridge, ON

Trusted For Experience - Respected For Results

Carole - as Sally says hard to come by and usually very deserving congrats. It is always nice when we connect with someone new. It does not matter if we gain a new friend, a new perspective on a given topic, or learn something --- It pays to reciprocate

Apr 16, 2009 04:22 PM

Sylvie Conde

Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage - Toronto, ON

Broker, Toronto Real Estate

Congratulations on the feature, Carole. You may not have received it for your Feng Shui, but your posts definitely deserve many gold stars.
It is hard to keep up with everyone we like to read, and it's hard to comment on everyone's post sometimes, but I know people understand, because they probably go through the same thing.

Apr 16, 2009 04:58 PM

Laura Cerrano

Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY

Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Svetlana, It was my pleasure. With all these get-togethers Activerain has, you just never know who you might meet :)

Kathy, Most of us never have enough time here to welcome newcomers, a feature is something they will often respond to...and a good time to "meet."

Sylvie, It is impossible to keep up...and I keep subscribing! We can only do the best we can and hope our friends understand.

Apr 17, 2009 01:04 PM

Kate Elim

Dockside Realty - Spotsylvania, VA

Realtor 540-226-1964, Selling Homes & Land a

Hi Carole...You know that you are a featured blogger for many of us time after time.

Kate

Apr 17, 2009 02:04 PM

Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging

Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR

"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Carole ~ Your post is a wonderful reminder about reciprocating comments on other's posts. You are one of the most faithful and loyal commenters, by the way! I don't know how you find the time to be so on top of it. I LOVE those graphics in your post, by the way! Have a wonderful weekend.

Apr 17, 2009 02:05 PM

c m

Colorado Springs, CO

Well, I haven't had my FIRST feature yet, but will certainly take your advice! I also respond,( because I read it was good manners, when I first came into the Rain), and now, I wouldn't think of NOT responding. I understand that someone is up early, or late, perusing the Rain, and found my post interesting enough to stop and comment. I reciprocate! Sometimes reading 3 or more posts to find one I want to comment on, I get to know the person better too! P.S. I am taking my introductory FS class on Monday...WooHoo!

Apr 17, 2009 03:43 PM

Jennifer Fivelsdal

JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY

Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Carol - Being feature gives you the opportunity to discover other members, but you can keep the networking going by visiting their work and leaving a comment. Good reminder

Apr 18, 2009 02:40 PM

Carol Smith

Casmi Photography - Mebane, NC

Carole - I always TRY to respond to each and every person that comments on my blog. Sometimes that just doesn't happen on schedule, so I have to go back. As for the features ... they are wonderful tools for us to be able to 'meet' others that we may have missed. With over 140,000 members it's not possible to read each and every single post. So we do our best ... read a lot ... and revel in the knowledge that we belong to a wonderfully diverse family!

Apr 19, 2009 01:58 AM

Bill Gassett

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA

Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Carol I make an effort to reciprocate on all my comments. Sometimes it can be a lot of work when you have over 100 but I give it my best shot!

Apr 19, 2009 03:49 AM

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD

Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Carole, You do a great job getting back to those who have commented on your blogs. It is time consuming but IMHO as important as returning phone calls and emails.

Apr 19, 2009 08:24 AM

Kim Peasley-Parker

AgentOwned Realty, Heritage Group, Inc. - Sumter, SC

Carole- Great points on how to use a featured post to expand your network.

Apr 19, 2009 10:01 AM

Laura Cerrano

Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY

Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Hi Kate, Thank you my friend. That's one nice compliment and I appreciate it.

Maureen, I am often not "on top" of things, I think we all just do the best we can. But I have "met" new people from that feature and how nice that is!

Cheryl, What WONDERFUL news, you are going to LOVE it!! I am really excited to hear that, please post to tell us about it!

Jennifer, It takes me a while but I do get to it. Time challanged like everyone else these days (which is a GOOD sign :)

Carol, I know it is impossible to keep up. I just do my best and there are some nights I'm not able to visit here at all. But that means we're working or out playing and each of those is necessary.

Bill, I don't know how YOU do it! Get get a lot of very well deserved features and I can't even imagine the time that takes!

Margaret, It is important....I try and do as much as I can on here but like many of you, work has picked up which is good so I just do the best I can.

HI Kim, Thank you for stopping by. I haven't seen you much lately (then again my hours on here have been a bit crazy :) I hope all is well!

Apr 19, 2009 10:55 AM

Cathy Lee

CL Design Services Home Staging - Danville, CA

ASP, IAHSP, RESA Danville, CA

You are truly amazing at commenting and posting. I have not really figured out the featured article thing-so many blogs are so excellent and never get attention and many writers seem to always be featured..but I learn and comment and when time allows. Your graphics are priceless as is your friendship.

Apr 19, 2009 02:24 PM

Lizette Fitzpatrick

Lizette Realty - Richmond KY - Lexington, KY

Lizette Realty, Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes

Well...we've come a long way baby! My features are really hit and miss. My best was 2 features in one day. Now that was wild!

Apr 19, 2009 03:06 PM

Russel Ray, San Diego Business & Marketing Consultant & Photographer

Russel Ray - San Diego State University, CA

I now have over 1,000 ActiveRainers in my Excel database. They are the people with whom I visit as regularly as possible, but there is nothing regular about it. Right now it takes about three weeks for me to visit someone after s/he leaves a comment in my blog.

Apr 19, 2009 08:29 PM

Laura Cerrano

Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY

Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Cathy, Those features come when you least expect them, believe me :) I remember the one on Mt. Misery Road got a Localism Feature and wondering HOW :)

Lizette, That must have been a nightmare just trying to keep up with the comments. Mine came on Easter Eve and I've STILL have about 5 more people to get back to :)

Russel, It gets impossible if you have that many people. I have almost 250 that I am subscribed to and although I've given it my "best shot" I'm often bleary eyed on here. We can only do what we can do.

Apr 21, 2009 03:54 PM

Not a real person

San Diego, CA

See? The last time I was over here camping out in your blog was April 20. So it took me three weeks to get back. After I was over here on April 20, you visited me on April 24.

May 12, 2009 10:42 PM

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